I did a little research on them using Google. The Video-head forums seem to like them to the Sennheiser ME66s. They are waaaay cheaper then the Senns. $240 a piece on eBay, where the Senns are running around $390. Both can be battery or phantom powered. I've never personally used them. But they do look intriguing and worth a rental for shits and giggles. Below is some specs and some web articles. Hope this gives you guys an idea.
Sennheiser ME66
Pick-up pattern: Super-cardioid/lobar
Frequency response: 40 - 20,000 Hz ' 2.5 dB
Sensitivity (free field, no load): (1 kHz) 35 mV/Pa ' 2.5 dB
Nominal impedance: 200 Ohms (with K6)
Min. terminating impedance: 1000 Ohms (with K6)
Equivalent noise level A-weighted (DIN IEC 651): 16 dB CCIR-weighted (CCIR 468-3)27 dB
Max.SPL (1kHz): 125 dB (THD = 1 %)
Dimensions: 22.5mm x 221mm
Weight: approx. 65
AT897
Element Condenser
Phantom Power Requirements 11 - 52V, 2 mA typical
Polar Pattern Line & Gradient
Battery Type 1.5V AA/UM3
Frequency Response 20 - 20,000 Hz
Battery Current/Life 0.4 mA/1200 hours typical
Open Circuit
PHANTOM: -40 dB (10.0 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
BATTERY: -41 dB (8.9 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
Sensitivty Switch Flat/roll-off
Impedance
PHANTOM: 200 ohms
BATTERY: 300 ohms
Low frequency roll off 80 Hz, 12 dB per octave
Maximum Input Sound Level
PHANTOM: 129 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
BATTERY: 115 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
Weight 5.1 oz (145 g)
Signal to Noise Ratio 77 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
Output Connector XLRM-type
Dynamic Range (Typical)
PHANTOM: 112 dB, 1 kHz at Max. SPL
BATTERY: 98 dB, 1 kHz at Max. SPL
Page on AT897 & ME66 comparison
http://www.uemforums.com/2pop/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=50463&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1 Page with a comparison on size w/ Senn AT835B, Senn ME66, & AT897
http://www.equipmentemporium.com/new_at897_shotgun.htm 
Topic: Anyone use Audio-Technica AT897s (Read 1842 times)