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Main Boards => Trad History/Collecting => Topic started by: BBK41ND on May 17, 2011, 08:19:00 PM

Title: Root Kadet
Post by: BBK41ND on May 17, 2011, 08:19:00 PM
Can anybody tell me alittle about the Root bows ? Just picked up a Root Kadet 45@28" today.Thanks
Title: Re: Root Kadet
Post by: SlowBowke on May 18, 2011, 06:45:00 AM
Ernie Root was a bowyer whom a lot recall from his bows in the 50s-60s. The Brush Master, Game Master, Target Master, Field Master (I think)were the better known ones.

Ernie sold off his designs to Shakespeare later on and many of the Shakespeares took on this design but were slightly changed.

You can also find "Root by Shakespeare" bows around but then the Root name disappeared but the designs stayed with multiple changes in some of the risers.

Personally, I've found the early leather grip Root bows to be those that no longer get the respect they deserve but Im an old bow freak anyway.

A quick search in google for "Ernie Root" complete with the " " around his name will pop up several discussions on his bows and the bows themselves.

Sorry, Ive no info on the Kadet model itself.

God Bless
Title: Re: Root Kadet
Post by: wadde on May 18, 2011, 09:26:00 PM
In my 1963 catalog the Kadet was offered in 62" from 25 to 52 pounds at a whopping $29.50
Title: Re: Root Kadet
Post by: BBK41ND on May 20, 2011, 09:03:00 AM
Thanks Guys, Way cool info.I will do some more searching on the net.
Title: Re: Root Kadet
Post by: Gila Mike on May 22, 2011, 03:39:00 PM
Is your Kadet one of the older ones made in Ernie's Big Rapids shop? Or one of the "pretty" ones that were made after he hooked up with Shakespeare?

Except for mine, every Kadet I've seen has been a recurve. But I have an old one that I'd class as a hybrid longbow ... reflexed longbow limbs with straight tips and a sight window. I believe it was made in the late-1950s.

Mike
Title: Re: Root Kadet
Post by: BBK41ND on May 22, 2011, 03:47:00 PM
That sounds like mine kinda like mine.Its pretty plain looks like Maple riser with white glass
Title: Re: Root Kadet
Post by: Gila Mike on May 22, 2011, 04:42:00 PM
The later model Kadet recurve bows had red glass, if memory serves me. I can't recall if it was red on both sides, or not. I think those were made in the early-1960s, after Ernie had established himself with Shakespeare. Mine has the old "woven" green fiberglass on both sides.

Mike