I'm new to the forum and haven't shot a recurve since I was a kid back in the '70s. I've pretty much narrowed my choices down to between these two in the 45lb to 50lb range for whitetails. Any comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,
Ken in Tn
Matt 1:21
I own two Check Mates the atilla and the falcon. and I would say that they are both outstanding bows for the price.
One bow is 52" the other 58", decide if your draw length is okay for the shorter bow, you will feel more finger pressure with it. Both are very good bows. While you are at it, check the Red Stag, it is my favorate of the Samick line. It shoots like a high dollar custom and fits the hand very well, and shoots where you point.
I've hear very good things about the Stingray as well, especially in the shooting quality..performance and shootability. It looks like you want a forward riser as both of the bows you mentioned are that configuration.
ttt
chekmate will look after you with warranty issues for a very long time, something to think about.
Check-mate Falcon or Falcon Deluxe. Great Bows for the bucks!
I love my stingray, it does stack after 28" though.
take a look at the 64" Chek Mate Kings Pawn Deluxe. Smooth drawing, no finger pinch and no stack at all.
Chek Mate has a good reputation for warranty and repair work.
i'd rather spend my dollars on a quality chek-mate that's crafted in north america than a knock off samick of pacific rim origin.
i've owned more than a few examples of both manufacturer's bows - chek-mate is simply better, imho.
I have a golden hawk mag. and a falcon and a hunter II on the way.they are very nice bows for the money.
As previously mentioned the Chek-Mate Raven is 52" and while a nice bow it requires a very steady hand. Go with something longer, if you are looking at Chek-Mate try the Falcon or something used from the classifieds. I would pass on the Stingray.
we just got threw dealing with a mismarked set of limbs on a samick a friend of mine owns. Junk bows 100% Their fita bows are supposidly good stuff..there low end bows are complete junk!
I thought I read some where recently that PSE traditional bows were made by Samick...? Anyone know if this is correct? I have a PSE Blachawk Heritage series recurve I bought almost 20 years ago, and it is a tough, durable bow, great value for the money. Then I heard that Samick made it, and if so, at least with this model it appears to be a winner. Then again, I have a PSE Heritage series longbow, over 15 years old and the cap is delaminating, but the limbs are fine. Did Samick make this as well?
I've had great luck with Samick. These new models are designed in the USA, made of American woods and glass, and sold by American distributors, who pay American employees, who have a more steady job because of these imports. The importing of Samick bows creates an accessory business for US companies that would not be nearly as fruitful were it not for them. Without imports, our economy would be even deeper in the crapper.
Or you could order an American made bow, made with all imported woods....bocote, shedua, rosewood, etc., etc. Good grief, I thought we were past this stuff already. There are a lot of great bows out there, but few at a decent price for those who don't have a boatload of liquid assets.
I have to agree with George D. Stoudt on this one. Basically all our stuff comes from overseas. It's the new reality of 21 Century trade. If we could go back to 1850 yes, buy American! Even the keyboard we type on is made in China.
It would be as easy choice for me.The Samick would be at my house in 3 days and is a longer bow.The Chechmate might take months and is shorter than I like in a bow.Neither are made in the US so that part does not matter.If you want American buy a Quinn or find a used bow in your price range.Best of course would be to shoot them and pick that way but of course that is not always an option for some.jmo
QuoteOriginally posted by James on laptop:
It would be as easy choice for me.The Samick would be at my house in 3 days and is a longer bow.The Chechmate might take months and is shorter than I like in a bow.Neither are made in the US so that part does not matter.If you want American buy a Quinn or find a used bow in your price range.Best of course would be to shoot them and pick that way but of course that is not always an option for some.jmo
nothing like instant gratification! :D
but i do hear ya on the typical looong wait for a custom bow as opposed to a production line bow.
Yeah I have found the older I get the quicker I like getting something I want verses waiting.Only so many days in a year and they go faster and faster each season. ;) I no longer see the need to wait for something if what I need can be bought over the counter or come 3 day delivery.Those months of waiting for a new bow can just as well be months of shooting a new bow. :biglaugh:
I own a 58" Samick/Chiron Volcano and a 60" CM H2 (have had several CM's). The Volcano is a decent bow, particularly for how little it cost, but IMO the CM is a better choice, no question...
Better yet, Bob Lee also makes a great semi-production recurve. Bet you can find something to fit your pistol in stock. I found my 58" Lee Hunter in stock on their website, gave them a call and had it in my hot little hands in a week. I can report it flat out rocks and quickly became my primary bow...
BTW, I've yet to draw a 52" or shorter bow that didn't stack beyond 28". I had a 52" Kodiak Mag that was like hitting a wall at 28", which was an issue as I draw 28.5".
In addition to the K-Mag I had a CM H56" and finally had to accept the shorty's nifty handling was negated by a combination of stacking, small sight windows, and less than desirable shootability. Not that they couldn't be shot well, but they were much more dificult to shoot well than longer recurves.
I think you would be much happier with at least a 58" and probably better, a 60" recurve for a new first bow.
I have two Pinacle ll recurves and two SLB longbows that my wife and I shoot. They shoot very good and are made well.I don't have any Chek-mate bows to compare them with.
Mike Lee
I have found Check-mates to be great bows,often they get a bad rap because of their low price,however they are beautiful and perform great.If you contact a checkmate dealer you won't have to wait as he will have new ones in stock(and possibly used also)one dealer that comes to mind is G&M archery.in MN. run by Greg Sovde.Do a google search on Check-mate and find a dealer-then give them a call.Also if i were you i would start out with a bow less than 50# and around 60" or more. Good luck