Carbon Bows

IMO, carbon riser bows were created as a marketing ploy for a lighter weight bow compared to the traditional aluminum or magnesium riser. Back in 1993-1994, Diamond Archery out of Shreveport created one of the first carbon risers and used it for 2 different model bows. The Marquis was 39" ATA, had split limbs, Hatchet cams, and weighed 2.7 lbs. The Widowmaker was 40" ATA, had solid limbs, solo cam, and weighed 2.8 lbs. Most compound bows weighed 3.9~4.3 lbs back then, so the CF riser bow weighed 1 pound less. I owned both models and they were great bows, yet priced 2x's higher than other aluminum riser bows. Diamond sold the manufacturing rights to High Country in the mid 90's and Burley Hall (owner) created the Carbon-4 Runner. Hoyt followed suit with their radical designed carbon fiber riser bows.

I've owned over 50 cmpd bows since the early 80's and never experienced "cold in the hand". My bows either had a wooden grip plates, or tennis wrap for comfort and to deaden the vibration. Regardless of the riser composition, I've always preached buy the bow that feels the best in YOUR hands. Don't buy brand X just because your cousin shoots brand X . Confidence is everything in archery and you have to have 100% confidence in your bow, arrows, release, sight, rest, etc .....

I was dead set on getting a Mach 30. But I went shoot a few different bows and didn’t notice the weight difference. Ended up buying a Lift X 29.5 off of AT that was new with some accessories for cheaper than the Mach 30.

I’d love to shoot the new Prime and see how it feels.