im considering ahead of time the thunderchild bow for the following reasons.
-easy takedown with no tools
-short and good for travel(main reason)
-light weight(I use ultralight backpacking gear)
-I like that it looks like a one piece. I don't like the 3 piece look
I will be carrying this bow in a backpack for months at a time while traveling/hiking. I just want to know if there are any other similar bows i need to check out before I pull the trigger on a Thunderchild. Any other "no tool" takedowns? Any 2 piece recurves? Thanks
Check out the short Toelke bows. Or any bow (shrew, Javaman, black widows) with take down sleeves or bow bolts.
I love the TC and toelkes
I have a two piece and love it for travel , you won't go wrong with BigJim
BigJim TC would be my choice.
I have a one-piece Javaman Elkheart that is only 54". I bought it used to see what such a small, short how would be like. I love it!!
I would like the bow bolt system as it would add a little mass and would make a 54" model take up only about 27"! My arrows are longer!
Several good choices out there. Toelke Pika, Big Jim TC, and the Elkheart to name a few.
Good luck!
Haven't owned any of the ones mentioned personally, but I had a chance to shoot a Thunderchild this summer. Fit and finish was as good as any bow I've ever held. And I've held a few $1200-$1700 bows. It shot beautifully as well.
Having said that, what's your draw length? I saw where a bowyer posted some pictures on here once of short recurves vs short longbows where he demonstrated how the recurve of the same length has a better string angle and therefore less finger pinch. A takedown short recurve, like the Java Man Helms Deep might be worth a look if you have a longer DL.
Don't think you could go wrong with a Big Jim bow though.
Treadway Black Swamp needs to be on the list too.
I would very much recommend the TC. You won`t find many guys better to deal with than Big Jim. I am shooting a Buffalo he made and it is very sweet.
The Thunderchild is not only a functioning tool of death but is also a work of art.RC
Thunder child is a fine bow ....
would my 31 inch draw work with the 58 inch TC?
Bagada, I believe it would. I personally own a 58" TC and have never had an issue with my longer draw. I'm currently looking into getting another one at a 56" takedown myself. One of my favorite bows and Big Jim's service is top notch.
I have heard the TC is a dream for long armed archers.
Send BigJim a email or call...he has a 32" draw.
QuoteOriginally posted by RC:
I would very much recommend the TC. You won`t find many guys better to deal with than Big Jim. I am shooting a Buffalo he made and it is very sweet.
The Thunderchild is not only a functioning tool of death but is also a work of art.RC
"Functioning tool of death........work of art."
That's the best description of what a trad bow should be that I've ever heard.
Best is to contact BigJim and ask him which length would best fit your draw.
I would go with what he says.
I have a couple of them TCs
After a few years I still love them as the first day
F-Manny
Bagada : That's what I draw plus and yes it works great
Lots of bows to chose from that are great....won't go wrong with a Big Jim....I have one....1st shot at big game = dead hog.
Owned and shot most of the t/d hybrids and BigJim's T/C is at the top of my list for workmanship, durability and speed. Also a great guy to do business with!
Never shot a thunderchild, I'm sure they are a great bow though. I own Cari-Bow. Same sort of takedown design. I too wanted a tooless takedown for backpack hunting for goats, caribou and sheep.
Abe makes a very nice static recurve called the Tuktu which is worth a look.
Black Widow PLX
(http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm216/ranger500us/DSCN1025_zpskwnwifvh.jpg) (http://s297.photobucket.com/user/ranger500us/media/DSCN1025_zpskwnwifvh.jpg.html)
Thanks for the help guys.. To answer the draw length question. The 58" works well out to 32"s
I have a 32" draw and have ten thousand plus shots out of my new (Feb '16) TC. It has been my go to bow this year because my others found their way in to someone elses' hands :)
I have enjoyed it quite a bit and shoot it as well as any I have ever shot. Took second at Ga state shoot with it this year and first at the fall Florida shoot.
It really doesn't feel like you are shooting a short bow and they come 54", 56" or 58".
I had one of my taked downs spend an entire week soaked in a bow case ( unknowingly) during a float trip moose hunt at the beginning of this month. Wiped it off and assembled it with no dammage.....although I wouldn't suggest this on a regular basis :)
BigJIm
I'm on your list BigJim, and can't wait!
What length would you recommend for someone pulling 29"?
I will agree that Big Jim's TC is hard to beat.
Rooni79, I draw 29 and have a 56 inch bow. To me it seems like a great fit.
Cheers mate!
I would agree with Cylic-Rivers on the 56" TC for a 29" draw. The 56" would work fine out to 30"s and maybe a little more...but I do recommend 58"s for past 30" draw just to be on the safe side.
thanks, BigJim