Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Oscar-eleven on January 24, 2010, 03:11:00 PM

Title: A & H ACS
Post by: Oscar-eleven on January 24, 2010, 03:11:00 PM
I had the opportunity to shoot an A & H ACS last weekend at a 3D Shoot. I was very impressed with the bow. It seemed to have a certain feel to it which I really can't explain other than, WOW. I'd like to hear about some first hand experience with this bow, good or bad. I did use the search function, just looking for a little more info. Thanks.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: A.S. on January 24, 2010, 05:08:00 PM
Steve, I've owned pretty much all or the big name bows out there. The ACS is one of two that I felt were the "best of the best" for me.

Everyone is different, but these bows are awesome!!
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Bjorn on January 24, 2010, 05:21:00 PM
Been my fav bow for the past several years

(http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q291/bjornweb/DSCN1113.jpg)

Great bows and top notch customer service.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Oscar-eleven on January 24, 2010, 06:06:00 PM
Thanks for responding.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Oscar-eleven on January 24, 2010, 06:07:00 PM
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: The Whittler on January 24, 2010, 06:35:00 PM
How is it for hand shock. The reason I ask is I have arthritis bad, and some bows bother me more then others.

I did shoot a BW lb a couple years ago and it only had a very slight thump, and did not bother me. How would the ACS compare  to the BW lb  for hand shock.

Thank you for any input.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: elkken on January 24, 2010, 06:42:00 PM
Whittler.... I have arthritis in my left thumb which is my bow hand and I can shoot my ACS all day with no issues at all in my thumb. I find it softer than my BW PLV but the BW is not bad at all just different. The ACS is a very smooth shooter and as Allen says holds it's own with the best of them and I also have shot many brands of quality bows.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: joevan125 on January 24, 2010, 06:46:00 PM
What everybody else has said.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Bjorn on January 24, 2010, 06:57:00 PM
Handshock is not a problem with these bows.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Tim on January 24, 2010, 07:10:00 PM
Sooooo Quietttt!   :D
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: The Night Stalker on January 24, 2010, 07:35:00 PM
How do you like the difference in risers.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: 8888blk on January 24, 2010, 07:40:00 PM
At one time I was convinced that there was no such thing as a longbow with no handshock. I shot dozens of the top brands and could'nt bring myself to spend $ on any. Then on a whim I went up to see Larry Hanify at his shop in Michigan. After one shot I was sold! Sounds cliche' but true. Everyone who has shot my ACS has agreed how smooth, fast, and quiet it is.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Yellow Dog on January 24, 2010, 07:40:00 PM
I draw 30" and I've had the 62", 64" and 66" limbs. My personal preference for all around shooting is the 64" on a 14" riser. Limb lengths are measured with a 14" riser, add 2" to the overall length of the bow for a 16" riser. A 16" riser with 62" limbs will make a 64" bow. They are fast, quiet and are cut 3/16 past center so they are very easy to tune with a broad range of arrow spines. Had and sold a 16" RC riser, at least with myself I had to grip it hard to shoot it well and it just wasn't for me. Here's a pic of the Standard grip, a "JK" low wrist grip and the grip on a 64" one piece. Fast stable shooting bows.

 (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/Yellowdog3822/P7070204.jpg)
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Oscar-eleven on January 24, 2010, 07:46:00 PM
I'm going to call A&H tomorrow and talk to them. The bow I shot had a unique "feel" to it. I've been shooting sticks since the '70's and have had a bunch of custom bows but for some reason, this one feels special to me. Thanks again.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: macster on January 24, 2010, 08:01:00 PM
You wont regret getting one of these bows, I know I dont.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: thunder1 on January 24, 2010, 08:01:00 PM
I got mine two years ago and couldn't be happier. It is the one that I compare all others too. There is no doubt that just about any bow of the same draw weight will be slower with the same arrows. A friend of mine has 59# at 27" hybrid that shoots 9 fps slower than my 52# at 27" ACS. His arrows over a chrono with several different shooters. You know how it is every one has to try. That is a big part of the fun, seeing peoples reactions. I still shoot and buy other bows but I always find time to shoot my ACS.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Pat B. on January 24, 2010, 08:14:00 PM
I've been shooting the A&H bows since they first became available... At that point they became my go to bow.. They are fast, quiet and to me, shock free. I've been shooting the aluminum risers and love the extra weight in my hand. I've tried many of the high end bows over the last 30+ years and these are as good as it
gets, IMO. Not only that, the guys at A&H are super nice and great to deal with..
       Good luck on your journey !
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Big Sneaky on January 24, 2010, 08:35:00 PM
Yep, I agree with everyone else.  I've had the 14" riser in aluminum and wood.  Now have 2 16" RC risers.  Smoother, faster, and quiter than any of the other bows I have shot.  Only problem now is I got my wife into shooting trad and she has stole one of my ACS CX's that is 46# @ 28".  She only draws 25" and I was surprised when I measured this bow at her draw length it was pulling 41#.  Now that is smooth.  I'm sure you will like it if you decide to buy one.  Plus the guys at A&H are top notch when it comes to service.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: speedwalker on January 24, 2010, 08:36:00 PM
Love mine.  If I ever decide to sell, two of my buddies already called "dibbs."
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: amar911 on January 24, 2010, 08:58:00 PM
I like my ACS CX too. Very nice bow. It is not my absolute favorite bow, but it is still very high on my list, and for many people it is their favorite. I don't think you could go wrong with one. With the experience you described, you really ought to buy one, because it sounds a little like love at first draw. When that happens, you need to pull out your wallet and make the purchase.

As to hand shock, I never noticed any with the ACS CX. But most of my high end bows don't have noticeable hand shock.

John and Larry are very good guys, for sure.

Allan
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Jerry Wald on January 24, 2010, 09:10:00 PM
Check this thread out
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=083772

They are making a all NEW shorter version - I love the feel of the ACS - just need to settle on a riser grip.

Jer bear
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Gary Sorensen on January 24, 2010, 09:22:00 PM
Previously I was a recurve shooter, but about a year and a half ago I got an ACS CX and just love it.  Mine is 66" 60#@31.5" with a 14" riser.  It is extremely smooth, fast, and quiet.  This is now my go to bow.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Arrowhead80 on January 24, 2010, 10:05:00 PM
I had mine for two weeks and finished third in the Traditional World Championship so i won't be letting go of it any time soon.It is plenty fast and sweet to shoot.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Orion on January 24, 2010, 10:32:00 PM
Yep.  What others have said.  I've had a couple for several years.  I don't think there's a better bow out there.  They're solid, stable, smooth and fast, and not too hard to look at.  Can't ask for more than that.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: beekeeper on January 25, 2010, 02:33:00 AM
They are not for every one, i just can't get used to mine. i  
pick up my other Bow and i can drive Tacks. so my ACS will be for sale.62" AMO   44# @ 28"
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Shifting Shadow on January 25, 2010, 07:54:00 AM
Steve, let us know what you find out calling today. Inquiring minds want to know, smile!
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Oscar-eleven on January 25, 2010, 01:21:00 PM
I'll send you a P.M., Bob.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Bonecracker on January 25, 2010, 02:54:00 PM
I love my A & H ACS longbow. I picked it up lightly used and will not be getting rid of that bow! It has the 14" riser with limbs that make a 64" bow. The bow is labeled 53lbs @ 28" and I draw around 29" so it smokes my AD Trad arrows! I am looking for another bow in a lighter weight range! They are fine hybrid long bows!
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: bob galloway on January 25, 2010, 03:21:00 PM
How about some pics with skins on. Thanks Bob
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: JohnV on January 25, 2010, 04:07:00 PM
Before purchasing my ACS takedown, I was shooting another bow that is considered at or near the top by most.  I thought the bow was smooth with no handshock until I shot the ACS.  The ACS was noticeably smoother and less hand shock.  The ACS aluminum riser will have less hand shock than the wood riser and is quieter as well.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: rlc1959 on January 25, 2010, 04:18:00 PM
I had borrowed a Friends ACS and loved it. It was not for sale so I bought a 66" off the classifieds one of (Yellow Dogs) and it shoots great. So Smooth & quite. I was concerned about the length for hunting so I bought another off the Trad Gang classifieds last week 62". Have not recieved it yet. I will let you know once it comes in. Take Care , Randy
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: ishoot4thrills on January 25, 2010, 04:55:00 PM
I really like the looks of the A&H ACS takedowns. I would love to have one in osage(limbs and riser).

I have a rather ignorant question. What does the "A" stand for and what does the "H" stand for in "A&H"? Also, what do the letters "ACS" stand for?

Just something I've always wondered!
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Jerry Wald on January 25, 2010, 05:38:00 PM
Go to their site- it explains everything there, but.

The ACS stands for "Adcock Cross Section", and is the term that O. L. has applied to his extraordinary bow limb design. The CX stands for "Carbon Extreme", because the limbs utilize carbon fiber facing and backing. It is, however, neither the facing and backing material nor the limb's core materials which, in large measure, sets the ACS CX's performance apart from other bows. It is the limb's design; the Adcock Cross Section.

A&H - i believe was for OL Adcock and Larry Hanify co-owners (could be wrong)

just click on their link up above

jer Bear
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: ishoot4thrills on January 25, 2010, 05:56:00 PM
Thanks Jerry! Now I know.    :wavey:    :)    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Orion on January 25, 2010, 06:21:00 PM
Could be wrong, but I think A&H stands for Adcock (O.L.), who developed the ACS limb, and Harvard (John), who patented the design.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: John Havard on January 26, 2010, 01:48:00 PM
A&H originally stood for Adcock and Havard.  After I reincorporated the company in Michigan and took Larry Hanify as my new partner we decided to keep the old name rather than re-name it.  O.L. now owns his own bow business and Larry and I own A&H.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Herdbull on January 26, 2010, 02:09:00 PM
John H. , I realy like your AVATAR. It says, "I'm gonna shoot that bull when he grows up!" Ha! Mike
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: John Havard on January 27, 2010, 09:21:00 AM
Yep Mike, he was probably legal, but just barely.  We were waaaayyy too far back away from our camp to consider taking a barely-legal bull.  I called him in and he wouldn't leave.  Had him at about 8-10 yards.  That photo was taken with a wide-angle lens.  We named him "Charlie" since he wouldn't leave us.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: raideranch on January 27, 2010, 10:42:00 AM
John

Why the departure from O.L. in the bow business?
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: anw0625 on February 26, 2010, 07:31:00 AM
Can you guys post more pics???
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Predator Man on February 26, 2010, 08:16:00 AM
I was in the market for 1 good longbow just to say I had one and I found it with this bow. 66" 47@28. There are 55 pound recurves out there that this bow puts to shame. No had shock and light for carrying through the woods or around the 3d course. Most of all this bow has the best looking lines of any bow I have seen.  Like a beautiful woman... something to stare at.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Bjorn on February 26, 2010, 11:02:00 AM
My fav hunting tools

(http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q291/bjornweb/DSCN1113.jpg)
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Zmonster on February 26, 2010, 11:28:00 AM
A few of my ACS's in my new floor stand by craftwoodracks. The RC is my fav. Looking forward to the new design in a few months as well. Haven't found a better, smoother shooting bow, period. All my others are for sale......except for the mint 56 Kodiak.

(http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/caseycapaz/DSCN0330.jpg)

(http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/caseycapaz/DSCN0331.jpg)

(http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/caseycapaz/DSCN0332.jpg)
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Lost Arra on February 26, 2010, 12:18:00 PM
Zmonster: is the RC on the top row in the first photo?
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Zmonster on February 26, 2010, 12:24:00 PM
Yup. Top bow. The one I grab most.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: jon boy on February 26, 2010, 01:32:00 PM
I have owned a lot of bows and the ACS has been the best I've shot.  I hunted with mine for two days and shot a doe and a nine point and then sold it.  I still regret that move.  Price is the only drawback.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: daveycrockett on February 26, 2010, 02:19:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by jon boy:
I have owned a lot of bows and the ACS has been the best I've shot.  I hunted with mine for two days and shot a doe and a nine point and then sold it.  I still regret that move.  Price is the only drawback.
:bigsmyl:
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: postman on March 24, 2011, 02:14:00 PM
Own two of them, just ordered a set of limbs with dirty bamboo core. There bows are the harley-davidson of longbows.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Roughrider on March 24, 2011, 04:58:00 PM
(http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa328/brockman2/resizedsnakeskinbow-2.jpg)

Here's one with rattlesnake skin.  There are many good bows out there, but I really like my ACS - the only bow I've used for three years.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: n.c.swamp buck on March 24, 2011, 08:04:00 PM
have one ordered.dang i cant wait!great guys to deal with.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: mmisciag on March 24, 2011, 09:04:00 PM
This thread is killing me!!!!!

All I know is that I shot an arrow and a good friend shot an arrow at my arrow and dang if it didn't pass my arrow!!!!! The arrows landed in close to the same spot. I could not believe it.

I can't get it out of my head.

I didn't mention that his bow was 5 or 6 pounds in draw weight less then mine. I think the cast is faster. he said the limbs at thinner then mine, made of a different material and just plain faster. I know his arrow weight is close to mine.

Now, I want one.

Go figure – Now I have "Bow Envy!"

Martin
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Lefty on March 24, 2011, 09:44:00 PM
WOW!  Is a good way to describe the feeling when you shoot one.  At least it was for me!  Of course John and the gang at A&H are also top notch to deal with!!
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: horsehairhunter on March 24, 2011, 10:18:00 PM
Oh yea-A buddy of mine bought his 2nd ACS and offered to sell me his 1st..I jumped on it in a second!! Love that bow!  Only problem now is I have no reason to buy another bow....And my buddy likes ACS so much he bought another in a lighter weight for 3-D.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: gilf on March 25, 2011, 04:31:00 AM
horehairhunter - Yeah I had that problem, but the guys at A&H keep coming up with slightly different bows all the time so I just keep buying those.

I have genuinely lost count on how many I have owned, mainly because I have had so many combinations of risers and limbs. I think the only things they do that I haven't owned are the Carbon and Aluminum risers.

My current go to bow is the newer 12" riser version.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Zenzele on March 25, 2011, 04:56:00 AM
BUY ONE!! You won't regret it!!
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: wisconsin wood butcher on March 26, 2011, 08:49:00 AM
i traded a morrison 13" ilfalum riser and dryad longbow limbs to biglegmike on here for a 64" acs 47@28 alum. riser then i spoke to A&H and decide to change the grip to copy of the JK grip now it needs to be painted. I think this bow is WWWOOOOOW fun to shot. all that happened after the 3D shot at solon springs and i saw "JK"s bow and saw how nice they are the pictures even the good pictures dont do them justice then shot one and its all over
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: mec lineman on March 26, 2011, 09:12:00 AM
I got my A&H in January.This is my first non-recurve in ten years.Strung this bow up, went outside in the cold like a kid at christmas time.The first six arrows I shot, were touching.Sold one of my favorite ASSENHEIMERS.This bow is just as smooth and quiet as they are!The best part is they had what I wanted in stock,ordered on FRIDAY,had bow on thursday!My buddies love this bow also.Play With Brace HEIGHT.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Pat B. on March 26, 2011, 10:53:00 AM
Best of the best !

I've hunted with these bow exclusively for the last 3 years. These bows have taken in the neighborhood of 15 animals a year for me, I love 'em.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Bjorn on March 26, 2011, 11:02:00 AM
Adam and I have other bows

(http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q291/bjornweb/DSCN1512-1.jpg)

but they stay on the rack!
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: George Vernon on March 26, 2011, 11:15:00 AM
Great design, wonderful craftsmanship, top performance.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Pierre Lucas on March 26, 2011, 11:34:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by Bjorn:
Adam and I have other bows
but they stay on the rack!
Bjorn,

Yep, same here with me and Jean-Pierre.

(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg54/PierreLucas/acs1.jpg)

God Bless,   Pierre
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Bjorn on March 26, 2011, 11:42:00 AM
And of course we use SBD bowstrings too. Thanks Pierre.
Title: Re: A & H ACS
Post by: Pierre Lucas on March 26, 2011, 12:14:00 PM
Bjorn,

Ain't that something...us too.  :laughing:  

God Bless,   Pierre and Jean-Pierre