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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: CoachBGriff on April 17, 2016, 10:23:00 PM

Title: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: CoachBGriff on April 17, 2016, 10:23:00 PM
Well, this process started about 9 months ago.  

I knew I was going to be finishing my masters degree this summer (which was going to mean a raise!), so I pitched the idea of a new bow graduation present to my wife - and she said sounds good!

So the shopping began.  I spent countless hours looking at all kinds of bows online like any good, crazy, obsessed traditional archer should, and I thought I knew what I wanted, until...

My good friend Rodd (goingoldskool on here), mentioned that he liked to touch, smell, and feel stuff before he bought it.  So, we planned a trip to Black Widow, down in Nixa, MO, back in January.

While there, I shot every left-handed bow they had on the rack (or so it seemed).  And I quickly noticed that I kept wanting to grab a certain one again and again.

The only problem is, it wasn't the type of bow I originally thought I wanted (from looking at pictures).  But I couldn't get over how amazing it shot, and how beautiful it was in person.  I realized that it's hard to know what you want until you get to (as Rodd puts it), touch it, smell it, feel it. That was it!  As soon as I got home, I started planning! I had without a doubt decided on the bow.

Finally, tomorrow is the day!  Rodd and I are heading back down to Nixa to pick up my bow!  If you're willing to check back later, I'll have pics and the rest of the story!
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: goingoldskool on April 17, 2016, 10:39:00 PM
It's gonna be a GOOD trip, brother!

   :archer:
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: 4dogs on April 17, 2016, 10:46:00 PM
:coffee:
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: Petrichor on April 18, 2016, 12:14:00 AM
Congrats and I'm waiting on the pics.
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: Hermon on April 18, 2016, 07:54:00 AM
:coffee:
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: Jack Denbow on April 18, 2016, 07:58:00 AM
I can't wait to see what you decided on.
Jack
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: KAZ on April 18, 2016, 08:02:00 AM
Woohoo!  :campfire:
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: Pops on April 18, 2016, 10:10:00 AM
They make a awesome bow. I like
The pch & psa
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: BelegStrongbow on April 18, 2016, 10:35:00 AM
Looking forward to the rest of this story. I am also planning on going down to Nixa here shortly to hopefully pick out a bow.
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: D. Key on April 18, 2016, 11:12:00 AM
Best of luck. I know you will not be disappointed.  They make some good stuff.  Just a guess but I bet it is a PSR.  They are such great shooters, IMHO.
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: Tater on April 18, 2016, 11:54:00 AM
:campfire: ....   :coffee:
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: danbow on April 18, 2016, 12:07:00 PM
I stopped there in September on my way back from Texas. They were shut down that week but I did get a tour of the plant and had a beavertail grip put on my PLG longbow.
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: danbow on April 18, 2016, 12:12:00 PM
I have the PMAX and the PLG, you won't regret your choice!
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: jt85 on April 18, 2016, 04:31:00 PM
I'm tuned in
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: flyflinger on April 18, 2016, 08:34:00 PM
Made the trip there to handle the different models prior to deciding on a bow. It makes a difference. Very cool place and a great bunch of folks to deal with!
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: on April 18, 2016, 08:41:00 PM
Have fun with your new bow!

Bisch
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: CoachBGriff on April 18, 2016, 09:29:00 PM
So after I somehow managed to shut my alarm off without waking up, we arrived at Black Widow around 9:30 a.m. (only a half-hour late)!

  (http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b542/CoachBGriff/Mobile%20Uploads/20160418_093905_zpsxpjjhcje.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/CoachBGriff/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160418_093905_zpsxpjjhcje.jpg.html)

  (http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b542/CoachBGriff/Mobile%20Uploads/20160418_094050_zpsbrh85htv.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/CoachBGriff/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160418_094050_zpsbrh85htv.jpg.html)

Mine is the one with the backwards shelf!

  (http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b542/CoachBGriff/Mobile%20Uploads/20160418_102422_zpsrtbtzkja.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/CoachBGriff/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160418_102422_zpsrtbtzkja.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: CoachBGriff on April 18, 2016, 09:33:00 PM
After shooting pretty much every backwards bow they had, I settled on a 58" PCH X with olive ash limbs and an ironwood riser.  It came out 51 lbs @ 28 inches, and I'm drawing right at 29".  

  (http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b542/CoachBGriff/Mobile%20Uploads/20160418_191907_zpsnacwwpbj.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/CoachBGriff/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160418_191907_zpsnacwwpbj.jpg.html)

  (http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b542/CoachBGriff/Mobile%20Uploads/20160418_163326_zpsemmaindf.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/CoachBGriff/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160418_163326_zpsemmaindf.jpg.html)

  (http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b542/CoachBGriff/Mobile%20Uploads/20160418_191840_zpskvjggy73.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/CoachBGriff/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160418_191840_zpskvjggy73.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: CoachBGriff on April 18, 2016, 09:38:00 PM
And to make things even better, I got help getting it tuned up when I got home!

  (http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b542/CoachBGriff/Mobile%20Uploads/20160418_191254_zpsz2zo0ixc.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/CoachBGriff/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160418_191254_zpsz2zo0ixc.jpg.html)

  (http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b542/CoachBGriff/Mobile%20Uploads/20160418_191726_zpsij2ntevu.jpg) (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/CoachBGriff/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160418_191726_zpsij2ntevu.jpg.html)

I couldn't be happier with my decision!  As always, the guys at Black Widow are top-notch to deal with, and they even finished it ahead of schedule.

Now it's off to the turkey woods!

Thanks for following along    :campfire:  

And thanks to Goingoldskool for helping me along throughout this process.
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: Homebru on April 18, 2016, 09:39:00 PM
What did you "plan on" before you got to touch it, feel it, smell it and see it?
homebru
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: Warden609 on April 18, 2016, 09:40:00 PM
Very nice!! Congrats
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: CoachBGriff on April 18, 2016, 09:42:00 PM
I was originally thinking I wanted another longbow.  I was looking at PL's and Whip's which I know are phenomenal bows as well.

I started off with a Bear Montana which I liked just fine.

However, I just liked the way that PCH shot sooo much better.

I've also been shooting a Hoyt Dorado for the last few years, but I must say (sorry Hoyt fans), in my mind, it doesn't compare with the new bow.  There was nothing wrong with it; this PCH just points so much better for me, draws smoother, and is quieter.
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: KAZ on April 18, 2016, 09:53:00 PM
Sweet Rig   :thumbsup:   Good choice....  :goldtooth:
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: goingoldskool on April 18, 2016, 10:01:00 PM
That is a sharp looking rig!!!!!

Thanks for taking me along!

Good luck, shoot straight and God bless,

Rodd
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: Friend on April 18, 2016, 10:24:00 PM
Extremely rewarding graduation present.

Very nice...congrats!
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: jt85 on April 18, 2016, 10:39:00 PM
That may be the best looking olive ash I have seen.
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: CoachBGriff on April 18, 2016, 10:42:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by jt85:
That may be the best looking olive ash I have seen.
Thanks... I knew I wanted some laminations with more of the darker tone in them.  

Picking those out was one of the coolest parts of the whole process.
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: glass76 on April 18, 2016, 10:58:00 PM
Congrats on completing your masters degree and on your new bow. Great looking bow!
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: SAM E. STEPHENS on April 18, 2016, 11:04:00 PM
Beauty....

,,Sam,,
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: Bill Turner on April 18, 2016, 11:27:00 PM
Every traditional archer needs to make that trip at least once. The folks at Black Widow do a great job. Their bows are outstanding but their marketing is unmatched. Congrats on getting your Masters degree and for being smart enough to marry well.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: motorhead7963 on April 18, 2016, 11:35:00 PM
Congrats on the PCH, they are very nice models. I had a PCH-V ironwood and sold it.......I am still kicking myself in the ass to this day.
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: JakeD on April 19, 2016, 12:47:00 AM
Very nice!  Last week I ordered a PCH V ironwood with almost the same specs as yours.  I still have about 9 weeks to wait and get mine though.  Can't wait to get it!
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: Tater on April 19, 2016, 07:16:00 AM
I have owned a few Black Widows over the years and the PCH in my opinion is the best shooter.

   Congrats on the new bow and completing your masters degree..!
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: Blueridge on April 19, 2016, 07:46:00 AM
Congrats on your new bow, I have been shooting Widows for a long time. Great bows and the BW guys are great to deal with.
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: Russ Clagett on April 19, 2016, 09:38:00 AM
That's a gorgeous bow...after shooting it a while I would love to know your thoughts...both good and bad. I am seriously wanting one of those PCH recurves....

Congrats!
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: Caughtandhobble on April 19, 2016, 09:45:00 AM
Very Nice!!!

That is the 2nd best Olive Ash that I've seen, I'm a little partial to my PLX affectionately known as "OLIVE"

I know you'll enjoy that one for a lifetime, enjoy your new bow my friend.
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: danbow on April 19, 2016, 10:32:00 AM
If I was to order another one I think it would be the Olive Ash. Although I seen a Zebrawood Widow Sunday that was nice! They offer a lot of nice exotics now! That is a nice combo with the Ironwood though, congrats on the new bow!
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: dbd870 on April 19, 2016, 10:43:00 AM
Great pic's. Widows are very fine bows.
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: DennyK on April 19, 2016, 01:42:00 PM
Beautiful bow and awsome people to do business with!

Denny
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: Bernie B. on April 19, 2016, 02:00:00 PM
That's a nice one!  Congratulations on your new purchase, now it's time to hit the turkey woods!      :thumbsup:

Bernie
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: highlow on April 19, 2016, 03:05:00 PM
Congrats on the degree and your new bow. Never shot a Widda but maybe some day. And are you going to get your little one one with the shelf on the correct side?   :laughing:
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: CoachBGriff on April 19, 2016, 07:49:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by highlow:
Congrats on the degree and your new bow. Never shot a Widda but maybe some day. And are you going to get your little one one with the shelf on the correct side?    :laughing:  
Yeah... Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure he's gonna be a righty.

He has a little bow, but he wanted to shoot dad's last night!
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: Jwilliam on April 19, 2016, 08:04:00 PM
Congrats on the new Widow !!! Great looking Olive Ash
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: Want2no on April 19, 2016, 09:55:00 PM
Very nice bow!  You did well.
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: jt85 on April 19, 2016, 11:05:00 PM
While you were there did you try the KB model? If so what did you like better about the pch?
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: CoachBGriff on April 20, 2016, 12:33:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by jt85:
While you were there did you try the KB model? If so what did you like better about the pch?
I shot the KB.  There were two things I liked better about the PCH:

1 - the sight window is slightly larger

2 - it takes down... aside from the obvious benefits of this, I like the idea of being able to replace just the limbs if I have to.
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: CoachBGriff on April 21, 2016, 10:44:00 PM
Just thought I'd bring it back up since I answered a few questions.
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: on April 22, 2016, 02:43:00 PM
Looking at a big rack of Black Widows is enough to make me wish I was a recurve shooter.  Out of that entire rack, or any rack, I would like to see a Black Widow with a flaw in the glue up or tiller and a pic to prove it. Probably have a better chance of winning the lottery.  I have looked at a rack of BW bows and was absolutely stunned by the consistency and perfect workmanship from bow to bow.
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: M60gunner on April 22, 2016, 10:03:00 PM
I took one of their shooting seminars some years back. Helped Ken Beck carry racks of bows out to bales for us to play with. That first day I shot every model, what a blast, enjoyed every second. Now I thought I was going to fall for a recurve but ended up really liking an Osage LB. Just goes to prove the saying about trying before buying.
I'm am sure you will enjoy your new bow, it is a looker. The BW guys are some real good folks to deal with as well.
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: BowArkie on April 23, 2016, 02:04:00 PM
Congrats on your degree and sweet bow!
I want a psr to go with my plv, would love to go up there and try a few out.. Did you have to make an appointment???
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: jt85 on April 23, 2016, 02:07:00 PM
BowArkie, you don't have to make an appointment. I went up there a couple years ago and just showed up the guys told me to make myself at home shoot anything I wanted and went out of there way to help me in every way possible.
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: jt85 on April 23, 2016, 02:09:00 PM
BowArkie, you don't have to make an appointment. I went up there a couple years ago and just showed up the guys told me to make myself at home shoot anything I wanted and went out of there way to help me in every way possible.
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: BowArkie on April 23, 2016, 06:50:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by jt85:
BowArkie, you don't have to make an appointment. I went up there a couple years ago and just showed up the guys told me to make myself at home shoot anything I wanted and went out of there way to help me in every way possible.
That's sounds great!! The wife is planning a trip to Branson next month and I may can sneak away for a couple hours!
Title: Re: Trip to Black Widow - pics added pg. 2
Post by: Russ Clagett on April 25, 2016, 09:57:00 AM
That's exactly what we did...Branson is about an hour or so from Nixa if I remember right...and it was worth the trip!

Really, really nice guys....