I don't believe the Martins are using Barnsdale limbs...if they are, it's news to me. As for the S4, I had a few problems with mine initially, but now that I got them sorted out, it's quickly becoming my favorite bow in terms of how it tunes and how it shoots consistently. Mine has the Hunter Black finish, and there are zero imperfections that I can see. The only thing about it is that I really don't like painted risers because they really aren't as durable as something like powdercoat.