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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: MikeW on July 20, 2008, 12:15:00 PM

Title: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: MikeW on July 20, 2008, 12:15:00 PM
I know subjective question. I'm going to order an other high end bow soon(Blacktail, Brackenbury or Silvertip) ain't made up my mind yet. All ready have a Blacktail and I'm not sure I really want to spend $1200+ for a Slivertip so it will probably be a Brackenbury or an other Blacktail.

I want a smooth and quite shooting recurve for small game,bow fishing and stumping in the #45-#48 range and have it camo dipped so pretty is not a concern.

All opinions and suggestions welcome.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: James Wrenn on July 20, 2008, 12:18:00 PM
Wow finally an easy queston to answer. :)  Quinn Stallion
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: Shawn Leonard on July 20, 2008, 12:35:00 PM
There are a ton out there, Chek-Mate, Whisperstik,Quinns, tec. but for a real performer go to  www.rerbows.com (http://www.rerbows.com)  they make an Arroyo that is 54"-62"s. They start at $500, but if you are gonna buy high end than they are also the bow. You can buy one of their high end  T/D bows for under $800 decked out and they will outperform the Blacktail and Schafer and will be as good if not better than the Brack. Check my new one out in the thread RER does it again! Shawn
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: Onehair on July 20, 2008, 12:37:00 PM
I'll go with the Widow.Bought mine in 1990 for $650. Worth most of that today. Pretty cheap to own.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: Larry247 on July 20, 2008, 01:00:00 PM
The Samick Stingray is hard to beat at around $220.00.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: Quill Flinger on July 20, 2008, 01:09:00 PM
I'd go with a RoseOak Tomcat, just under $500.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: Kevin L. on July 20, 2008, 01:26:00 PM
Gotta say the best I've tried for that amount is the Whisperstik. Fast, very quiet and a heck of a bargain.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: Shawn Rackley on July 20, 2008, 02:08:00 PM
put another vote up for Quinn Stallions.
these are awesome bows for the money. heck there awesome bows period. the ones i shot were reallll smooth
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: heartshoth on July 20, 2008, 02:21:00 PM
i just picked up a kempf qwyk styk used for 550.00 and it is awesome...like it better than my more expensive black widows...

heartshot
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: SL on July 20, 2008, 02:43:00 PM
There's a ton of good used ones out there for that and a whole lot less. I took an old lemmon wood shakespeare recurve and reworked the tips for the new string material and it shoots lights out. I would put that little 50lber up against anything available today. Ive been shooting that bow for several years now.Probably have about 80 dollars in the bow. Good Luck
SL
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: jesse cales on July 20, 2008, 02:49:00 PM
another vote for the samick stingray.as good a bow as any custom i've owned.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: AMB on July 20, 2008, 02:52:00 PM
You can buy two Quinn Stallions!
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: owlbait on July 20, 2008, 02:52:00 PM
Quinn, Quinn, and Quinn. And made in the U.S.A.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: DeerSpotter on July 20, 2008, 03:16:00 PM
In the search just type in the words " JD Lund,  or Whisperstik and you'll find a lot of people raving about his bows, they are super quiet, really fast, and a great piece of work here is his web site I think they start out at $475, quiet recurve you ever own.


http://www.whisperstikbows.com

I have two whisperstik's

And they are superior, to those high-priced dollar ones.  Really great bows

Carl
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: leatherneck on July 20, 2008, 03:44:00 PM
Another vote for the Whisperstik.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: amar911 on July 20, 2008, 04:04:00 PM
I think your own suggestion of a Brackenbury is a great one. They cannot be beat overall, and you can find used ones in very good condition if you are willing to watch the classifieds here on TradGang. I would suggest the Brack Quest, but all the other Bracks are outstanding too. Bill Howland will be glad to make you a new one to your specifications, but you sure can't buy new for $500 and even a used Quest will probably be more than that. A used Brack Drifter will cost the least and is just as good as any other of the original Brack design (the Quest was developed by Bill Howland, not Jim Brackenbury). Bill doesn't make the Drifter anymore because the riser laminations changed from maple to yellow birch and he is concerned that the birch is not as strong as it should be. An older Drifter is superb and should cost you about $400 or perhaps even less. I have several. I love them and do not plan to sell them. I also have other brands of bows that I like a lot too, but none more than the Brackenburys.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: Pinecone on July 20, 2008, 04:20:00 PM
Lot's of good bows mentioned...and as already said, when you buy used, your money can often go further.
If you are planning on a new recurve under $500, I'll cast another ballot for the Whisperstik.  It's a dandy!

Claudia
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: fatman on July 20, 2008, 06:13:00 PM
haven't seen them mentioned yet, but I was able to handle the new Dryad Orion at MoJam, and saw a number of guys shooting them...these bows are screamers, and REALLY quiet...
Dryad is based in Weatherford, so they would be a short drive for you to go try them out.  Jason and Wingnut are both super guys, and their customer service is as good as any out there.  I've got one of their All-Natural bows, and the buying process and after-purchase communication has been great.
I know that these guys (and Connie) are on their way to Denton Hill, but I think you'd be doing yourself a favor if you can hold off until they get back to try these bows out...

Horne's Archery is based in Boyd, so you could make it a two-for-one daytrip....

Check out both websites on the sponsor's list   :thumbsup:  

fatman
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: WidowEater on July 20, 2008, 06:14:00 PM
quinn stallion
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: amar911 on July 20, 2008, 06:26:00 PM
So, Claudia, which bow are you taking to hunt elk at Doug Campbell's place? I assume that would be one of the brands of bows that you would recommend.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: TradPaul on July 20, 2008, 07:00:00 PM
RER...
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: Bonebuster on July 20, 2008, 07:12:00 PM
Predator Hunter model. $499.00

You want smooth and fast...you got it.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: Jedimaster on July 20, 2008, 08:30:00 PM
My Orion was a little higher than $500 but I believe the base is pretty close to that.  It is THE bow I would buy again if I had that much to spend and wanted a new one.  

There are lots of great bows mentioned (I love the RERs too) and the right used bow is hard to beat.  I hate to say "best" because I can't decide for myself let alone someone else.  :help:
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: Mike Manassa on July 20, 2008, 08:37:00 PM
Another vote for the Quinn Stallion...Mike..
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: LJOHNS on July 20, 2008, 08:58:00 PM
How about a Hoyt Dorado or Gamemaster?  Under $500 and folks seem to really like them.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: Cherokee Scout on July 20, 2008, 09:20:00 PM
Take a look at the BlackCreek Banshees, $375-$475, new with warranty.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: tarponnut on July 20, 2008, 09:44:00 PM
A Bear Grizzly. They are priced around $300.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: Pinecone on July 20, 2008, 09:52:00 PM
amar911...don't want to hijack this thread, so suffic it to say that all of my current bows suitable for elk hunting (poundage-wise)are more than $500 new. As a result, they do not meet the stated selection criteria.
But if some of them were a couple hundred dollars cheaper, I'd have quite a list of additional suggestions!

Claudia
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: bd2cool on July 21, 2008, 01:44:00 AM
Rose Oak TomCat!!
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: Hamish on July 21, 2008, 02:40:00 AM
Predator Hunter then Chek-Mate Hunter2.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: pete p on July 21, 2008, 02:52:00 AM
for under 500 or over 500 whisperstik either way. shoot one and find out for yourself.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: bear1336 on July 21, 2008, 05:03:00 AM
RER Arroyo gets my vote.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: dan ferguson on July 21, 2008, 10:11:00 AM
I don,t shoot recurves, but yesterday I was at a 3D shoot and the fellow that sponsors the shoot had a couple Bob Lees there and insisted I try one, It was the takedown model, It was a good shooting bow and if I was in the recurve market would have to consider it, the bow, new fancy bolt on arrow quiver, one of them leather hooded ones, bow sock extra string etc, 499.00
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: koger on July 21, 2008, 10:27:00 AM
Anothe vote for the Quinns, have a 60" #47@ 28, as smooth and quiet as my BW, you could buy a stallion for around $300, have $200 left to buy a extra set of limbs, or arrows, or deer tags.Sam.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: Big_Al on July 21, 2008, 11:00:00 AM
Lancaster Archery showed up at ATAR with a pair of Samick Stingrays, RH & LH.  Both made quite an impression.  I personally got to shoot the LH model and was VERY impressed.  For 219 bucks it's gonna be really hard to beat.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: swampbuck on July 21, 2008, 11:32:00 AM
Check out the classifed's there are a lot of used bows that will fit your budget and performance needs.

Bow fishing can be hrad on bows I like your camo dip idea but thats the main thing that caught my eye and made me think buy used

Good luck
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: DesertDude on July 21, 2008, 03:01:00 PM
Another vote for RER.  I also Like My GameMaster.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: LJOHNS on July 21, 2008, 08:47:00 PM
I picked up an old Bear Grizzly for $100 earlier this year.  Neat little bow for the money!  You can find them all day under $200.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: JCJ on July 21, 2008, 09:59:00 PM
Used/as new custom recurves show up in the classified section all the time for less than $500. Often these are bows that new sold for $700 or more. That's were I'd go looking for the best value in a recurve.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: HATCHCHASER on July 21, 2008, 10:47:00 PM
Whisperstick, Kohannah Kurve both start under 500.  Dryad Orion starts at 500.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: Widowbender on July 21, 2008, 11:03:00 PM
I got my Black Widow SAG for $500 used. Its the best money I've ever spent for a bow...ever.

David
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: BD on July 21, 2008, 11:49:00 PM
Rose Oak and then Hoyt Gamemaster
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: econnell71 on July 22, 2008, 12:57:00 AM
I say go with the Martin! It is commercial but I have 4 of them, love them all, great years of service!
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: Blue Moose on July 22, 2008, 08:01:00 AM
Get a Quinn Stallion and a can of spray paint;).
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: JSimon on July 22, 2008, 01:10:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Blue Moose:
Get a Quinn Stallion and a can of spray paint;).
That's what I did. I still can't believe I bought that bow brand new for under $200 a couple of years ago.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: Ia Hawkeye on July 24, 2008, 05:28:00 PM
I also say Quinn Stallion ! I've shot almost all the top expensive bows, owned quite a few, but like My Qinns better.

New with full warranty for around $250 ! You caqn
t go wrong !!!
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: Redneck Jihad on July 26, 2008, 01:58:00 PM
I bought a Martin Hatfied TD 65# about 5 years ago, it was a little under $500 then. I love it. Very well made. Martin even put my name on it for me. This is the same Martin Co. that also makes compounds. But they make really good traditional bows also. I bought my through Eders.com.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: Burnsie on July 27, 2008, 02:38:00 PM
Kohannah Kurve, Rose Oak Tom Cat, Mahaska.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: fredbear92 on July 27, 2008, 10:54:00 PM
I'd go with a whisperstik! The most quiet recurve I've ever shot. Really smooth and easy pointing. And starting at $475, it don't git much better than that!
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: 3blades on August 25, 2008, 04:48:00 PM
I picked up a Samick Stingray (58" 50#) at a 3D shoot over the weekend in Lancaster PA. The guys from Trad-Tech were there with a bunch of bows and this one felt the best to me. I have been shooting a Bear cub 60" 45# of my fathers who handed it down to me. Wify gave my her blessings and home came the bow. For the price ($220 new) I don't know how you can find a better shooter but I am a newbie so take that for what it is worth. Loving it so far!!!
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: Jacko on August 25, 2008, 04:58:00 PM
I went through the same process a year ago . I bought a  62" 43# Arroyo and it is fast , accurate and stable . Some mates have Checkmates and they are lovely bows as well .

This year I bought a Tradtech Pinnacle 2 riser and deflex reflex limbs . This outfit shoots better for me than the RER . There is also a recurve limb option .

regards Jacko
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: buckeye_hunter on August 25, 2008, 06:03:00 PM
Timberhawk is right there at $500
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: bentpole on August 25, 2008, 06:07:00 PM
Kohannah , Mahaska, and  Check-Mate
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: TRAP on August 25, 2008, 06:27:00 PM
I'd get an early 70s  60" Kodiak Hunter for around $150.00-$175.00.  

Smooth, quiet, almost bombproof.

Trap
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: Oliverstacy on August 25, 2008, 07:01:00 PM
I'd like to add that it depends on your grip preference.

If you like a 50's style recurve then I'd have to say the Kota Kill-um is a great bow...so nice I have another on order.  But I'd never camo the one I have...the Bocote and Birds-eye would cry to loud for me to stand.

I have shot the Whisperstik and will hopefully own one next spring/summer.

A lot depends on the type of grip you like.

Josh
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: BigJohn on August 25, 2008, 07:35:00 PM
A Martin Hunter is a good economical bow and you won't break the bank. There fast ,smooth shooting and beautiful to look at. Just my opinion.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: Timberghost on August 25, 2008, 07:38:00 PM
Well BIG JOHN,  you aren't alone in your opinion!  I'll second the MARTIN HUNTER every single time and there should be enough money left over for some arrows to boot!
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: Kenny Henderson on August 25, 2008, 09:53:00 PM
My vote goes for the Bear Archery Super Kodiak, My Dad HAs shot the same one since 1984. That old bow shoots great,it has the nickname of "Meatpole". I personally own a Black Widow, but my back-up is a Super Kodiak. GGGGGrrreat Bow. Just my  two-cents worth...Kenny
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: HATCHCHASER on August 26, 2008, 10:06:00 AM
Whisperstick, Kohannah, Dryad.  Depends on grip.  The Whisperstick is super quiet and so is the Dryad.
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: mike g on August 26, 2008, 06:55:00 PM
Hawkeye....
   If you would like a nice 3 piece Recurve made to order for $450 call Mike at Legends Bows.
   He's listed up in the sponsore list....
Great smooth shootin bows....
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: TradPaul on August 26, 2008, 07:05:00 PM
WES WALLACE!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Who makes the best recurve for under $500?
Post by: Redneck Jihad on August 26, 2008, 07:25:00 PM
Martin "Hatfield" takedown...sweet shooter...