could you all give me some info on how durable these are, and if they are difficult to install on the handle... basically pros and cons of them as grip material..pics are always nice too..thanks.
Check out Abe Penner's site - Caribow he uses them alot on most of his bows. Guys that have them seem to love em.
They make for a very durable grip. The difficult part comes when trying to find one large enough to fit. I bought several dozen tanned and split tails. Out of them I think I found about 6 that would work. Check the Dwyer longbow site. I think they have some pic's, they bought tails from me in the past.
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa277/DUCK_TRAP/57023.jpg)
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa277/DUCK_TRAP/57027.jpg)
I like the way they feel and they are very durable.
Trap
My Widow PLV has the beavertail grip. I like the texture on it and the way it feels.
Do they have to be tanned or will rawhide dried work as well?
I use a beavertail grip, shelf cover, and side plate. It's honestly the most durable and weather resistant material I've used. I purchased the bow from Abe Penner with it already installed so can't help with installation tips.
You can get a beavertail hide at Pine Hollow longbows,he has them listed there.
Abe P (cari-bow)sells them and they are the right size/texture to work with for a grip and you'll have some extra for a shelf plate..
Super durable, and naturally water resistant..
Here's what is looks like on a shelf.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v445/Drewsifer/inscription2.jpg)
Steve,
Are you thinking about one for your Black Swamp?? I had one that I wanted on my Swamp and couldn't get it to work. I had a friend of mine who does alot of leather work try to install it. He said he just couldn't get it to stretch to fit the Swamp grip. So I just went with a piece of black leather instead. You weren't going to cover up the nice piece of Cocobolo were you?? :biglaugh:
Bill
Steve- I have few frozen Beavertails in the freezer if you want to skin and tan one. I was thinking about skinning one and tanning it myself with home tan. Let me know, Jashu
I just finished putting one on my long bow a couple weeks back, used dryed untanned tail for my first attempt!! have two pieces dried and two pieces tanned for backups, but I love the way it feels and looks,not sure about durable yet,but i think it will hold up really well,so far so good!! I'll be using the tanned tails for possiables bag!the other dried tail i'll keep for backup as it was hard to skin those things and flech and tan!! sorry about the pic,i guess i need some pratice!!
(http://i320.photobucket.com/albums/nn339/JDCOWLES69/th_jimmystradstuff00000.jpg) (http://s320.photobucket.com/albums/nn339/JDCOWLES69/?action=view¤t=jimmystradstuff00000.jpg)
I am always looking for tanned beaver tail and can never find any? Does anyone know how much a big piece would cost? Like an entire tails worth of leather??
I got mine from Abe @ caribow shipped for 29.00 I installed it following the directions and it turned out great, the stuff doesn't stretch much but if you follow the directions it was easier than some of the others I've done with leather.
Mike Yancey also sells them at Pine Hollow(sponsor list) I'll try to post a photo here in a bit.
There was enough to do my pronghorn twice(if so desired) and have shelf material for a good long time.
Any beaver tails for sale ?
Big Jim sells beaver tails for grips.
Abe Penner from Cari-Bow sells them in several colors. They come together with a description how to install them.
just had Big Jim put one on my Buffalo longbow while at Denton hill this year.feels and looks great.
I have one on my buffalo bow from BigJim, and love it.
F-Manny
Great grip material. Durable and looks good. Buy from Abe Penner. He puts them on his Cari-bows and has for a long tome. He knows what you need. Give him a call and discuss your needs. It will prove to be money well spent. :deadhorse:
i've got one on my black widow plv.i love the way it feels in my hand.it seems very durable.i get a good grip even when my hand is wet.try one,i think you will like it.steve
I'm asked all the time on how difficult it is to install one. I have done a bunch and don't find it to be that difficult, but I had a little learning curve in the beginning as well.
I've not been asked to do one that I couldn't do as of yet anyway.
I buy my tails for use on the bows I build and also for resale. I too buy from Abe as well(nice guy, just don't tell him I told you that). They are impossible to find in quantity or quality anywhere else. They are also the finest bow grip on the earth and in a pinch, you can use them to pack mudd into a damb.
BigJim
Im looking to make a black grip for my tomahawk bow, im not sure the dimensions, but could sketch it out, if someone could help me find a piece and cut it to the dimensions and put the lacing holes LOL
Answer is still the same...give Abe Penner at Cari-Bow a call...he includes instructions with the tails he sells
DDave
Jim I heard that. LOL
Never tried packing mud with any of mine but will keep it in mind.
The tails that I sell are 4.5" wide or more. That should work for most any size hand, and if you have a XXXlarge hand I have a few that should work.
I seen it on few of my bows from 2000 and I know I been using it longer then that. It wears very well.
It's harder to put on recurves but with patience one can do it.
Abe
I've never packed any mud with mine on purpose, but it can be done.
BigJIm
Congrats on a very nice buck by the way Jim.
Jim dose a great job putting on beaver tail wraps by the way.
All mud is solid over here it doesn't need packing for now.
Abe