Thinking about getting another bow, but I'm torn between a used Widow PSA or TF or an RER Arroyo. I have never shot either. If anyone could compare and give an opinion it would be greatly appreciated.
Both bows are good choices. It comes down to if you like the grip and buying used if you can get the poundage you are looking for. I have a BW maII @51# and a RER t/d that is 44#, I like them both. Both bows are different but excellent in their own way. You can't go to wrong with either!! Good luck in your search.
Im a liitle partial to BW. I have another one on the way in about 6 weeks. I have heard ALOT of great things about RER though.
I've never shot a BW so I can't comment about them but I owned a RER takedown and they are an excellent bow.
Greg
If you want performance and good looks buy the RER. I have owned several of each and still own 3 RERs. The only thing the Widow has the advantage in is the re-sale value(due to the name). The RER will be quicker and quieter and Kevin and Sue will work with you to get any grip ya want with a ton of choices for woods. Shawn
hey Daniel! I love both. BW and RER are GREAT when it comes to customer satisfaction. if you're a guy that likes to shoot one for a while and then swap it, go with the Widow. best resale hands down and it's not just the name but the reputation. as for the RER being quicker or quieter...I own both right now and have had 6 RER's and 5 BW's in the last few years and they're VERY close in either department. I have a chrono and have shot both makes thru many times and there's not enough difference to matter.
bottom line.....buy whichever one appeals best to YOU. it's you and ONLY you that has to be happy.
either way, have a blast shooting.
:archer:
I have 2 of each of the bows you are asking about. PSA's have the most mass weight and being 3 piece are the most packable for road trips. TF's are my current go to hunting bows, RER Arroyos have less mass weight than both TF's and PSA's. I like recurves with brace heights of 7 3/4" or more. Both BW's and RER Arroyos are bows that fit me. Both have great customer service.
I want to clarify my position on these bows. I am in no way bashing Widows, they are great bows in their own right. I have owned at least 10 of them. I just like RER bows better. If ya want a Widow I can say this without a doubt, their TF is their best performer and the bow is pretty much bomb-proof! Shawn
I agree 100% with Shawn! I've put my Widow thru the stuff and it still performs great. even read where a fellow had his Widow run over by his guides pick-up and went on to take a warthog with it an hour later. on another note, I have used my RER for a walking stick with no problem. these are my go to bows. I've had 2 TF's and if a one piece is your cup of tea...it's the performer in the Widow line-up.
hey' I have an idea. BUY BOTH! :thumbsup:
RER makes some great bows, but their Arroyo is in a class by itself. Kevin will tell you it's probably his best shooting bow.
I haven't shot that particular model of Widow, but I can agree with the statements regarding the RER Arroyo series. An incredible level of craftsmen-ship goes into those bows, and even the basic models are suprizingly quick for what you expect. Apples to Apples comparison would be difficult without both present side by side, but after visiting with Kevin and Sue and shooting the bows in their basement I would not hesistate to recommend an RER bow to anyone.
The 54" shoots like a 58" - you are warned. :D
Personally I perfered the Vortex series handle over the Arroyo, but if you're interested in the performance of the Arroyo and the slim pointable grip of the Vortex, look at their new takedown. It offers the best of both worlds.
I have Kevins first 54" Arroyo, this bow is smooth to 31"s. It does not pinch even at that draw and it does not start to stack until than. It is smokin' fast and quiet as a churchmouse. The funny thing is it is very similar to the Widow TF but just a notch up in looks and performance. It is my go to bow and will come to Canada this spring for my first bear hunt, my back-up will be my RER XR just as quick and even prettier! Daniel, ya cannot go wrong with either bow, if I were you I would look for a used one of each, I bet ya could get both for around $900 or so and that is about the cost of a decked out RER and a little cheaper than a new widow!! Now that would be my way of going about it! :bigsmyl: Shawn
I have several of each and last year all I used was the RER TD for hunting- also used it in archery league- just got a real looker widow psa TD extra dark grey no red phenolic real nice. planning to use it 56" off the ground. Widow has more mass weight both are real shooters
To be honest I am not sure what I would do- still kind of partial to the RER. The arroyo will be light in the hand, something to consider.
Bill
I have never shot a BW, so no comment.
The RER t/d that I used to own was an awesome shooter. Pulled very very smooth. Super quiet, even at a 3D shoot a buddy of mine commented multiple time at how quiet that bow was. and it hit targets hard.
Thanks guys for all the great replies. I still haven't made up my mind. I was leaning towards a 58" arroyo, but if the 54" is just as forgiving I might go with that. If any of you have pics of your TF or Arroyo could you post them. Thanks
I have to agree with Shawn L. as far as getting a used bow, 2 RER's can be had for the price of one of the "big name" bows. Buy 2 in different # and lenghts and see what you like.
I would go with the Widow PSA. It is a great all around bow, mobile for hunting and great for target shooting too.
TFTFTFTFTF
I've been shooting the Vortec this past year and recently received my new LXR. It shoots great and the craftsmanship is 2nd to none!! You'll never get to know or deal with a nicer family!!
posting pics of Arroyo and Black Widow TF (http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/tt46/Robertfishes/SANY0190.jpg)
BW TFIII is one of my hunting bows, grip has a tennis raquet wrap on it. Arroyo has a leather "bow saddle" on grip. (http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/tt46/Robertfishes/SANY0191.jpg)
from L TFXbocote,TFIII,Arroyo in Tiger Ebony,PSAX Kingwood, BlackWidow PSR II (http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/tt46/Robertfishes/SANY0198.jpg)
I know the tennis wraps are ugly, but it can be 90 degrees here during bow season and I don't wear gloves when it's hot.
Natuarally I'm partial to the RER's. The Arroyo is an amazing bow that even in the shorter versions handles long draws well. The static recurve tips are fantastic!
But I also must say that the Widow TF is a fine bow too, so you can't go wrong with those choices!
Dang, Robert, What a stack of bows! Bring the RER to Longhammock on Sunday if you will. I am going to make every effort to be there and I'd like to give her a try.
last pic,bocote,graybark,TigerEbony,Kingwood. Hush Puppy silencers on strings (http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/tt46/Robertfishes/SANY0177.jpg)
Gregg, can't make it to Longhammock Sunday
RER, Great bow.
P.
That's right...another time.
You cant go wrong with an LX!!
Ummm..take down RER longbow...
(http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd71/xProRifleManx/S5030580-2-1-1.jpg)
I really like the looks of the TF's.
I really did not want to get into buying, selling, trading bow after bow. I wanted to get a bow, learn to shoot it and when ready to get another one... buy one that fits the same. All that being said I went with BW. I bought a PSA and love it, the grip I choses was the Asbell. Next year I want a PTFX with exactly the same grip. That can only be done by Black Widow.
Thats my 2 cents and it worth just what you paid.
I have more bows than I should but when I leave the house to hunt, my BW PMA seems to find its way into my hand every time. That being said, I am very anxious to try out an RER at the TBOF state shoot. I hear nothing but good things about those bows and well...even though I own more than I should...I may be able to find room for another.
What model would you be most interested in trying out Gregg? I'm headed to Kevin's next week to drop off the in stock inventory that I have on hand and I can make sure he brings along something that might fit ya'! ;) There is a pretty good selection right now :thumbsup:
Whip, I am not a serious buyer right now. I am paying for and taking delivery on a new Black Swamp by Michael Treadway at the shoot. My wife knows about that one...
:readit:
But...since you asked...you might as well have them pack...a take-down recurve or three. Do all their recurve models have the option to come as take-downs? I can't get anyone to say anything bad about the Aroyo and the new LXR looks hot as a $2 pistol.
I have owned both and stuck with the Black Widowsi. I just really like their bows! The RER arroyo that I owned was very quick and the quietest recurve I ever shot. I don't think you will be disappointed with either.
I have owned both in takedown recurve models. I didn't keep either one, for various reasons, but they are both good bows and good people. They are very different bows, however, at least in the 3-piece recurve models, and I'd definitely shoot both before you dropped any money on one. The RER has a much straighter riser than the significantly reflexed Widow, and weighs less. I'm picky about grips, and they have somewhat different feels about them when it comes to the grips. I got an Asbell grip on the Widow, and realized that was the wrong choice for me, one reason I don't have it anymore. With a standard grip, if I had to choose, I'd pick the Widow, but that really means nothing; you have to pick the one that suits you. Either one is a good choice. Paul.
There are three distinctly different recurves. The Arroyo is the one piece, and is a sweet shooting, classic looking bow.
The standard recurve has the straighter riser like Diamond Paul talks about, and the XR is a smaller, sleeker, and lighter riser with more of a handle forward design.
The riser of the XR is the same as that of the LX takedown longbow. Just different limbs, or it can be had as a combo package with a set of each, and then is called the LXR.
I'm sure Kevin and Sue will have a good representation of each along with them in FL!
I have 2 RER bow a T/D and a Arroyo both are great bows. I have owned a Widow some years ago but I think I like the RER bows better.