I am new to traditional archery, and for the past 7 months have been shooting a Bear Super kodiak. Having recently sold off all of my wheelie stuff, I have been looking into upgrading my set up. My question is will bows like a Horne, Zipper, or Palmer be comparable to my Bear in performance or leave it in the dust. I just want to have the correct expectations when I start to visit shows next month. The bows I listed are just some of the ones I have begun to look into. As I get into this search a little more,I'm sure I'll be back with more questions. Thanks Joe
What year is the Super K? While there are faster bows, the Super K isn't bad bow by any means.
I haven't shot a Super Kodiak in 30 years or so my memory may not be exact,but my Palmer is a faster recurve.I've not shot a Zipper or Horne but,they are well thought of bows.My suggestion is shoot them all at the shows and pick the bow that fits you best and is most accurate for you,not what someone else feels is the top bow.Good luck in your quest and enjoy the ride. Ben
My SK is an 05. Pullin about 53# @ my draw length, 26" is stretchin it probably a little under . I'm not into speed but I do need to max out my performance to make up for such a short draw. In short I worry about penetration. I know accuracy is the key and I will not sacrifice that for poundage. I'm just curious if by movin up a few pounds and maybe a bow with a little less brace height (SK is 8") will I be able to make my arrows hit with a little more authority. Or are my thoughts going to make miniumal differnce. Thanks Joe
A bow designed for your draw with the appropriate preload would be more efficient. The ones you mentioned could do that for you as well as RER, Black Swan and Black Mountain. A short draw really needs a bow set-up for it to be most efficient.
Joe, I don't think you will encounter much difference if your current bow is well tuned with a top quality FF-type string.
You will likely end up with much better penetration by working on your arrows and broadheads.
Just a heads up but dont put FF on an old bow thats not designed for it.
He has a 2005 so FF isn't a problem.
Sorry didnt see where he posted the year of the bow just that he had been shooting one for the past 7 months. Didnt want to see a guy unknowingly ruin a nice bow like alot of others bows I have seen it happen to.
Thanks guys,
I do have a FF string on my bow and currently am shooting about a 542grain arrow with Magnus Stingers on the business end. I front load the front with 100 grain inserts & then a 100 BH. I believe I get pretty good arrow flight, at least that what the paper shows. I'll tinker with different set ups this summer.
David, you mentioned having a bow designed with a appropriate preload would be more efficient. What do you mean by preload and is this something a bowyer will know to address when he see's my specs. Anything I should look for in a bow as far as specs or limb material options. Thanks Joe
Preload will put more of the draw weight at the beginning of the draw and then smooth out. A bow set up for best efficiency at a shorter draw will have a tendency to stack many times an inch or two after the target draw length is reached. ILF type risers are usually adjustable for this and many bowyers design it into there bows, but not all so it is good to ask how they build a bow for a shorter draw. A lot of these bowyers will tell you that when they make a bow for a certain draw it really isn't good for some one with a longer draw to buy that bow down the road.
Thanks David,
That helps me understand. I realize the problem about reselling a bow at my specs thats why i am leaning towards a takedown. I'll be able to shoot different limbs myself, and if ever need to at least be able to sell the riser. Joe
While resale is somthing to think about dont let it decide for you. You would be suprised how many people out there share your specs. Im on the other side. 30" to 30.5" draw it has its draw backs hard to find an arrow in my spine that does not weigh 750 grains :)
Do you want a wood riser or is metal ok?
Would like to stay with a wood riser.
One of the Morrison ILF risers might give you an edge.I don't know of anything else that would give you much more than what you have in wood.There is only about 20-25 fps difference in the fastest to a fairly slow trad bow.Probably not more than 10 fps difference in some of the best.
I know some folks may have different thoughts but that is what I've seen in a fair ammount of different bows.
I would consider a Sovereign Ballistik TD recurve. John has a couple models for short draws.
I would really look at the Zipper, although the Ballistik and the RER T/D are smokers they are a bit finicky shooters, try to ge a T/D with a bit more of a forward handle and a brace round 7.5"s or so. If ya want a one-piece the RER Arroyo is hard to beat as is the Widow PTF. Robertson's T/Ds are also great shooters, as someone said, try and get to a big show somewhere and shoot a bunch and than decide. Shawn
A friend I shoot with has a newer Bear Kodiak- it flings arrows with the best-he draws 27". Except for that new bow smell; you will be unimpressed with the gain in FPS a different bow will deliver, so buy for other reasons too.
Hey guys,
Thanks for all the input, this thread helped me get my expectations set. I think I'm just going to find a bow I really like and add a few pounds of draw weight. Maybe an additional 5-7lbs. I'll take what I have and work with it, like 2 blade heads and accurate shootin. Still workin on that accurate thing!! :D Thanks again Joe
Joe,
Keep in mind that most trad bows are only under warranty at 8 grains per pound, some require more.You will have to use heavier arrows and may not see any speed difference with a heavier bow if speed is what you want.
That is one reason I use the ILF limbs and metal risers at 3D games.I like to use very light fast, flat shooting arrows.The metal risers and ILF limbs will handle it.My DAS Elite with Winex limbs and arrows just over 7 gpp is around 215-220 fps.
It doesn't take speed to hunt and I hunt with a different set up but I thought I would give you something else to think about blowing your money on.
JoeM go down to the Denton Hill Shoot the last weekend in July and try the different bows out alot of the top bowyers will be there.
Clark,
Not really worried about speed just want to up efficiency and energy. My current set up is about 10 grains per pound.
Rico,
I've actually got that one marked on the calendar. Sounds like a good time.
Joe