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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Doug in MN on July 31, 2009, 05:03:00 PM

Title: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: Doug in MN on July 31, 2009, 05:03:00 PM
I would like to get myself a recurve 52-56". I draw right at 29 1/2".

Looking for suggestions from folks that have owned some of the shorty curves.

Thanks DD
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: moebow on July 31, 2009, 05:09:00 PM
Where are you in MN Doug??  I live in Grand Rapids and have a Black Widow PSR.  It's 58" but you can get them shorter.  My bow is 47 @ 28 but I too draw about 29.5 so the weight will be just above 50# at our draw lengths.  You're welcome to shoot it if you'd like.  I really like the bow and it is smooth.  I don't really know what you're looking for.  The PSR has a hand locator style long bow grip.  Let me know.
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: Kip on July 31, 2009, 05:11:00 PM
I have a K-mag killed my first deer with one and always liked a short bow.I have tried 52",54",56",and 58" bows and feel the 58" is short enough for almost anything and a perfect length for me.It has worked for me since 1976.Kip
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: Schafer on July 31, 2009, 05:13:00 PM
I have seen a PSR that was 56 inches befor.
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: moebow on July 31, 2009, 05:16:00 PM
Right Schafer,  they (PSR's)come in two inch lengths from 54 to 60
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: BowZen on July 31, 2009, 05:19:00 PM
Try the Fedora 52" Stalker. Its super smooth, stable and quick.
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: Jedimaster on July 31, 2009, 06:03:00 PM
Had a K-mag that stacked at (or before) 28".  Shot a Fedora Stalker that was good to 28" but wouldn't have liked further than that.  

I have a Cascade Night Hawk Magnum that I would recommend to anyone looking at short recurves.  Also have a 54" Browning Backpacker that was retro-fitted with reinforced tips for FF string materials.  It is a superbly quick and stable bow and I could also recommend them if you can find one in good shape.  Dryad makes the Orion in a 56" length and it may work at your draw length.

I've some expereince with short RER bows and think they are top notch as well.  Chek Mate has a 56" take-down that would work fine also.  Bob Lee should be able to guide you with something in their short riser line to suit your draw length, and don't forget their one piece bows either.

Then there are the ones I've not personally shot but everyone speaks highly of like: Black Mountain bows & the Shrew Lil' Favorite.  I may think of more but that should give you some food for thought. Like Kip I've found that 58" is pretty much the perfect length for me.  If you go up 2" more you'll have twice as many choices.
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: swp on July 31, 2009, 06:12:00 PM
Have a 56" PSR that is a killer and have a 50" Sheepeater that should be here, yesterday, that I can't wait to shoot.
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: 2treks on July 31, 2009, 06:13:00 PM
(http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt12/twotracks/P1000350.jpg)
 (http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt12/twotracks/chuckwithbow016.jpg)
50 inch Ambush Recurve. It will go to 29.5" I am 6'5" and draw 30" and have not had any problems for over three years of making and shooting them. If you are coming to the Great Lakes Longbow Invitational next weekend, I will have a few for you to try-out. Thanks, Chuck
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: buckracks7 on July 31, 2009, 06:14:00 PM
56" Morrison recurves shoot great.
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: pktm on July 31, 2009, 06:14:00 PM
I have a 54" Saluki Turk and I just picked up a 58" Toelke Chinook. Never had a problem shooting these bows, I love the compact size and the awesome performance. I'm on the short side too so I might be a bit biased.
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: Ian johnson on July 31, 2009, 06:30:00 PM
check out black mountain bows on the sponsors list I have a 54in curve from him that is safe to draw to 30in
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: tippit on July 31, 2009, 06:32:00 PM
I have a couple GN Ghosts in 56" that have been my favorite recurve for some time.  They are hard to find but well worth the effort...Doc
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: Jesse Peltan on July 31, 2009, 06:39:00 PM
Black mountain bows look promising because of the static tip limb design. I suggest you check them out.
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: Stringdancer on July 31, 2009, 06:41:00 PM
If I really had to have a bow that short, it would be a Chek-Mate Raven without a doubt, and the price is right. Here is the website.

 www.recurves.com (http://www.recurves.com)

Mike
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: Doug in MN on July 31, 2009, 06:41:00 PM
Thanks for all the response. I will be at the Great Lakes shoot Chuck we will speak then.

Thanks to all DD
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: Lost Arra on July 31, 2009, 06:41:00 PM
Shrew Little Favorite
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: 2treks on July 31, 2009, 06:58:00 PM
Sounds good, I will be down thursday afternoon. see ya then.
Chuck
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: jesse cales on July 31, 2009, 07:08:00 PM
don't forget a 56" whisperstik.
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: George D. Stout on July 31, 2009, 07:20:00 PM
Shoot a few and find out for yourself.  You will hear guys tell you about stacking when they really don't stack.  The Kodiak Mags start to stack around 29/30 inches.  I've done force/draw charts on many bows that are supposed to stack and find the really don't, it's just the way they draw. A lot of what they are feeling is increased string angle and pressure on the draw fingers.  I'm shooting a 58" Shakespeare that has zero stack to 30".  Shoot a few and you will see what suits your style.
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: amar911 on July 31, 2009, 09:26:00 PM
I agree with those who suggested the Shrew Lil Favorite (54" or 56") and a Morrison ILF Mini-14 riser and C recurve limbs (56"). I also have a 29 1/2" draw length and both those bows work great for me. I know there are other good ones out there, but I don't own any of the others in those short lengths, just the Shrew Lil Favorite and the Morrison ILF. I can say that these are two of the best bows I have ever shot, and I have shot (and own) a lot of very nice bows.

Allan
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: Jedimaster on July 31, 2009, 10:42:00 PM
To clarify, my Kodiak Mag was a newer model.  You should shoot one for yourself and yes, mine felt as though it hit a wall.  I shoot alot and love short bows.  This one was good but only to a point.  Same with the Fedora.  Your title states you want "Thoughts/Ideas" and your post states you want "suggestions" so there you go - that's what I gave.  Your results may vary, but then the bow may vary also.  I do not provide scientific evidence, only an unbiased opinion.  I did, unfortunately, leave out any disclaimers stating as much.  Good luck in your search.
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: xtrema312 on July 31, 2009, 11:05:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by jdc:
don't forget a 56" whisperstik.
I have a new one and pull to 28.5" smooth.  I have pulled it to 29" just to see, and no hint of stacking I can feel.  It is fast and quiet.  I have no need to look any farther for a short curve.
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: smokin feathers on August 01, 2009, 01:36:00 AM
Sarrels wildcat, 56" smooth no stack quick
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: Oliverstacy on August 01, 2009, 02:13:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by xtrema312:
 
Quote
Originally posted by jdc:
don't forget a 56" whisperstik.
I have a new one and pull to 28.5" smooth.  I have pulled it to 29" just to see, and no hint of stacking I can feel.  It is fast and quiet.  I have no need to look any farther for a short curve. [/b]
I just got inside from shooting my 56" Kajika pulled to 29.5" and it is very smooth.  [email protected]"...smooth as butter!

Josh
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: oddan on August 01, 2009, 02:17:00 AM
Shrew Classic Hunter or a PSR Widow with a custom grip. Both are very good short bows.
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: Mike Burch on August 01, 2009, 10:07:00 PM
Lot of good short recurves out there. I have a 30" draw and would suggest a PSA/PTF Widows and the Great Plains SR Swifts. Both are avalible in a 56" models and smooth all the way back 29.5".

Mike
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: Doug in MN on August 01, 2009, 10:34:00 PM
Just finished shooting a 54" 49# Shrew Lil Favorite. Very fine shooting bow.

DD
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: foxbo on August 02, 2009, 07:35:00 AM
Did anyone mention the Fox Breed? I have a 58" model and if there's a bow being crafted which has better fit and finish, I'd like to know about it. I think he builds them as short as 54". Absolutely a fantastic little bow.
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: KentuckyTJ on August 02, 2009, 08:01:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by buckracks7:
56" Morrison recurves shoot great.
"Ditto" Love mine. My draw is only 27" though so I've never really tested it past there. But I bet it would have no issues.
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: KentuckyTJ on August 02, 2009, 08:02:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by jdc:
don't forget a 56" whisperstik.
Had one...very good and stable as well.
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: Scott S. on August 02, 2009, 08:58:00 AM
Of the short recurves I have had, I could shoot the 52" Cascade Golden Hawk Mag better than the Bear Kodiak Mag--I think because of a finger choil on the former that contributed to consistant grip.  I usually shoot short longbows and 56" is plenty short for my needs.  My latest is a 58."  I only draw about 27 1/2 so finger pinch is not usually an issue.
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: BTH on August 02, 2009, 12:34:00 PM
Morrison.
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: Elksong on August 02, 2009, 01:05:00 PM
The Cascade Golden Hawk and Night Hawk Mag's are hard to beat.  I have several and they shoot as good or better than any of the longer bows I have owned (black widow, Robertson, Shafer,bighorn, shrew, kanati, and many more.).
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: illianabowhntr67 on August 02, 2009, 06:31:00 PM
Timberhawk Strike 54".
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: Steel on August 02, 2009, 06:48:00 PM
I am shooting a 54" Morrison Cheyenne carbon/foam core limbs. I am sold on short bows I have a 54" Morrison ILF and 54" longbow limbs for my Cheyenne on order.


 (http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s100/SteelDixon/bow001.jpg)
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: Kevin L. on August 02, 2009, 07:16:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Oliverstacy:
 
Quote
Originally posted by xtrema312:
 
Quote
Originally posted by jdc:
don't forget a 56" whisperstik.
I have a new one and pull to 28.5" smooth.  I have pulled it to 29" just to see, and no hint of stacking I can feel.  It is fast and quiet.  I have no need to look any farther for a short curve. [/b]
I just got inside from shooting my 56" Kajika pulled to 29.5" and it is very smooth.  [email protected]"...smooth as butter!

Josh [/b]
Another vote for the Whisperstik. I love my 56"er, but the Kajika is calling me    ;)
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: Kip on August 02, 2009, 07:22:00 PM
My personal problem with short takedown bows is the short sight window.I need app. at least 4" sight window.Anyone else have this problem.Kip
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: Guru on August 02, 2009, 07:26:00 PM
There's a lot of great short bows out there that have been mentioned......

I would recommend a Jack Kempf Kwyk Styk in 56"...I have two and they are as good as it gets!!
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: Pierre Lucas on September 15, 2009, 08:23:00 PM
I shoot nothing but short bows.  My favorite so far is the Zipper SXT 56".  It's smooth, fast,  quiet and dead in the hand.  Very high quality and excellent craftsmanship.  Most importantly it's easy on the eyes.
  (http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/ZipSXT.jpg)

Enjoy mine and I'm a longbow fan...

God Bless,  Pierre
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: AdamH on September 15, 2009, 08:59:00 PM
Holm-Made by Chad Holm, this recurve is "Fantastic" !!
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: Talondale on September 15, 2009, 09:06:00 PM
My 52" K-mag feels like a wall at my 29" draw.  Stacks hard but it almost acts as a clicker as I know I'm at full draw then.
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: Gator1 on September 15, 2009, 09:11:00 PM
Although I haven't shot one, I've been waiting to get a Static Tip Recurve for quite some time, and ordered a Kwik Styk from Jack Kempf...

  :bigsmyl:
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: Stiks-n-Strings on September 15, 2009, 10:21:00 PM
I don't know if you have considered a bear super mag 48" I shoot one and love it i have a 28 1/2" and pulled it out to 29.5 and it was still smooth, no stacking. great for hunting in tight spots.
Kris
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: Jim's Mom on September 16, 2009, 12:20:00 AM
I have had a Bear 48" Super Mag and a Bear 52" Kodiak Mag. Both stack. Last year I bought a 52" Cascade Golden Hawk Mag. I draw about 27" or slightly less. This bow far surpasses the the 2 Bears. Might want to check the Cascades out. Jim Harris.
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: Whitetail Chaser on September 16, 2009, 01:28:00 AM
I have dabbled with the short bows some...

The Cascade Golden Hawk Mag is a great shooter in the short bow category, but if you jump up to 56 inches, the options are much more numerous.

The kwik styk and the Kajika are both very similar to a Chek-Mate firebird which for me was an awesome shooter at 29+ draw.

Shoot as many as you can, then buy as many as you can LOL!

Brett
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: Lindsay on September 16, 2009, 02:42:00 AM
http://www.beelertraditionalbows.com/index.html
  :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: Mechslasher on September 16, 2009, 06:37:00 AM
james parker is the short bow man.  i have several of his short bows and have four on order.  check him out:   www.huntworthyproductions.com (http://www.huntworthyproductions.com)
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: trashwood on September 16, 2009, 06:29:00 PM
I got a Black Mountian Sheepeater Spirit by Dryad Bows today.  50" static recurve.  I have made, bought and shoot a lot of short bows.  I got to say this one impressed me.

It is sure one to consider.  did not feel like a 50" bow.  I had it back to 29".  

 http://sites.google.com/site/stringwalkerbowhunter/Home/debbie

rusty
Title: Re: Short Recurve Thoughts/Ideas
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on September 16, 2009, 07:06:00 PM
Super Shrew Li'l Favorite is my.....Favorite


 (http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/Various1203-1.jpg)