What's up with bows such as Brack Drifters? They seem to be reasonably priced when I find one. Got one in my sights right now.
Are they not up to par with other well known bows?
The Drifter used cheaper actionwood in the riser instead of exotic hardwoods. They shoot the same, just not as fancy.
I actually prefer actionwood. When I ding it I don't cry nearly as long as I do with prettier bows.
I had a Drifter and could kick myself for selling it. I haven't found a bow yet that I could shoot as well.
They are a great bow, in my opinion. As good as any out there.
Jim made a great bow and the action wood model is still a great shooter. I have one from his last batch
They are great bows. I own a 68" drifter made by Jim. They are not the prettiest bows around, but they are very nice.
I also prefer a laminate riser. I don't believe that I have ever heard of one breaking.
Below is a pic of mine (and me) shot at 25 yards the day I got it:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v166/BobCo/000_0015.jpg)
Buy it used. It is the same price as the other bows in the line if you buy it new. That being said, it very likely will be cheaper by the time you add options to the other bows in the Brackenbury lineup. I don't believe there are any options, other than color, for the Drifter.
Bill
I have always wanted one at 64 or 66" in the 50#'s if anyone knows of one, I have never heard anything bad about them. You should go for it.
I have been shooting Drifters since Jim Brackenbury made me my first one back in 1984. They are just about as good as it gets and much better than most. Bill Howland, who now owns Brackenbury Bows, now makes the Quest, which is a somewhat improved design, but not by a lot. You will be happy shooting a Drifter for the rest of your days, believe me! I now own 4 and will never sell them. (I also own a bunch of other great bows by other bowyers.)
IMO one of the best bargains in a bow today.
John
I have a Quest Hunter that looks like the old Drifter w/brown actionwood and brown glass. Very nice! I also have a gray Shadow on order that will use actionwood w/purple heart stripe.
Brackenbury has discontinued a few of the actionwood riser models. It seems maple actionwood is no longer available.
I hope that changes down the road. I think actionwood made a very nice looking bow.
Dave
Bill switched to using dymondwood for his generic risers, however he discontinued using it after he had a couple returns that had cracked. He told me it is plenty strong just tends to be brittle. Excellent guy to deal with and bs with. I wish I could afford to order a few more bows from him.