Ok the first night is over. What a great time. Saw a lot of Trad Gangers. Shot a pile of bows. I can't wait to get back tomorrow. So what did you shoot that you loved?
well i didn't get to shoot any cuz i am fresh off of a hernia surgery, but man there were some beautiful bows, really liked the timberhawk bows and the talltines
O.K...........Todd,
Let's hear about those "NEW" Zipper recurve limbs.
Winterhawk1960
I shot a C-note! LOL Got my Cherokee Slim detachable quiver to match my new Toelke Chinook (the main reason I went), a backup Super Tab and a neat handwarmer bag that you can put on a belt or run on a long leather cord over your neck/shoulder.
I wish I had more time, but a 4 year old, a 3 year old, 4 month old twins and a very tired momma who flew in from a work gig on the 5am redeye from NYC and still worked all day, at home managing the chaos, made me possibly the shortest timed visitor in the entire Expo tonight. LOL I was like the terminator going thru the show.
But on the way out, I almost bought that little toddler combo near the front door that had the bow, arrows and case for $65. But I already have one 12lb'er, so I guess I can wait another year.
The selection of kids bows there is really impressive. Something tells me I'll be buying one of those mini pink recurve(s) for my 3 girls sooner than later.
Don those limbs looked nice, but I like LB mostly. There were some nice looking SXT's. A lot of nice looking ones and snake skins.
Nice to see you again Bob. I have a request for one of those pink bows also. Nice quiver for sure.
I shot a lot of bows last year and this year I tried to hit some favorites and try a lot of new stuff. To save some typing just assume that unless noted it was fast, smooth, hit where I looked, quiet, close to or dead in the hand, great looking............. If it wasn't it wouldn't be on my list. I should say however, that I didn't shoot a bad bow all night. Here is what stood out to me.
This was my first time shooting Morrison bows. I didn't find the perfect weight, length and grip combo for me in the rack, but I found a couple that did nicely. The Shawnee 60" with LB limbs was very nice. I shot it well. I can see why everyone loves them. I like the lower grip. That mini 14" ILF is really sweet!! I had to get out of there fast.
This was also my first time shooting and ACS. The standard riser bows are nice, but for me the grip didn't really feel right, and they liked getting into my bow arm a lot. I would have to spend more time with one. The new short riser was what did it for me. I love it. It is a little beefier grip than I normally like, but it worked well for me. The aluminum riser was real nice as was the wood. I think they will be very popular.
Someone was asking about the Dwyer Endeavor not too long ago. Well that is one really nice shooting little bow. I pulled it to just over 29" and it was a pleasure to shoot. Unfortunately the choices were low 40's and a 60#er. Not quite what I wanted to try, but the 45 I shot was a real arrow stacker. It was probably good that they didn't have a low 50# bow on the rack, or it would have followed me home. The grip was on the thin side, but it fit the hand well and shot well. A little palm swell would be a nice touch for me, but I am not sure I would change anything.
I had to the Shrew table four or five times again this year. There was a 56" classic hunter bow bolt carbon, foam, curly something, and glass, that was a real looker, and shot sooooo smooth it was crazy. It has diamond wood, glass, phenolic, maple, and maybe one other laminate in the riser. It was very nice looking. I don't know that I shot any bow better than that one. There is just something about that grip. I got more than a few comments from the spectators about how well the bow was shooting and questions about what it was. It was screaming buy me!!, but my wallet was screaming now way!! Just too many upgrades on that baby for me right now. I also shot the new Model T. It was very accurate. The grip is similar, but larger then the shrew. It had a noticeable thump for me. I liked it, but the CH was just so good it was hard to compete.
A real surprise was the new St. Joe River short recurve. It is a 54" static tip bow. I pulled it back and there was no finger pinch. It felt like about 52#. I looked and it was 58#@28. I couldn't believe how smooth that little bow was. I normally don't shoot them that heavy, and I was really surprised at how easy it was to pull back to a little over 29" no problem. I didn't shoot it, but should have.
I have only shot a BW PSR up to this year so I had to give the BW bows a go. They are a little heavy for my taste. I didn't care for the long bows. I tried some different TD grips and found I really like the standard grip a lot. The new PCH did catch my eye. I shot several from 54"-60" The 58" was just right for me. It is a hard hitter for sure and very stable with the weight. This small riser is just about right for my taste. I wouldn't mind a hair less weight so maybe less phenoic. I could stack arrows with that bow all day.
I shot the Zipper LB SXT a couple times. I shot 60" bows and they were fine, but for me I would like a 62" a little better I think. The carbon and foam was great in everyway. All very nice looking bows for sure.
I must say my ArrowMaster quiver got a lot of questions. I lost track of how may people asked about it and how I liked it.
Hey Todd, if you get a chance, stop by the Feathered Shaft booth and say Hi. I'm in the first room near the hall. Rick
Todd,
I have the Zipper SXT with 64" longbow limbs. It is one sweeeeeeeeeeeeeet bow. I hope that you are going back tomorrow, because I really wanted to hear a report on the Tall Tines bows.
I haven't ever shot a Morrison either, and he only lives a couple hours from me, to be honest, I'm kind of afraid to shoot one.
If you go back tomorrow, and shoot the Tall Tines, give us a report........PLEASE.
Winterhawk1960
it sure was fun and looking forward to tomorrow
I will stop over Rick. I hope to be there first thing to beat some of the rush and shot just a few more bows.
I would say for a 29" draw the 60" Zipper is right at the bottom of the length for me. It was smooth all the way no problem, but I like a little more finger clearance.
I saw the tall tines bows. There was always about 5 people stuffed in the booth so I never got in there to pick up any bows. I will make a point of it tomorrow. It will be crazy. Good for business, but hard for me to stand in those longer lines to shoot.
Good stuff, can't wait till tomorrow, this is better than opening day!!!!!!!!!!
Yep I had a blast!! Shot a few Shrews, the new 12" riser ACS, and 1pc ACS, a couple of Widows that my wife really want's me to buy the recurve for her, and I shot a couple of Roy Halls bows the "Cherokee", and "Aztec". I liked both bows, but that Aztec points itself and shoots like a dream. I'm gonna have to shoot again tomorrow but I might be bringing a Roy Hall bow home with me.
BW sure had a lot of nice looking bows there. Here is a Curley Narra BW PCH I shot. Not the best phone pic. This was a different wood, and I liked the look. Boy was it heavy. This wood without phenolic would be a real stable shooter. It is a subtle darker wood, but very nice.
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i202/thaner/BWPCH.jpg)
I have shot a couple Roy Hall bow, and they were very nice. I didn't get a chance to shoot any today.
Nothing tonight but I'm going to shoot a bunch tomorrow.
Starting with the "green glass" Great Northern bows I saw tonight!
It was neat to see new bows with green glass!
Josh
Got a chance to shoot the new Zipper Evolution recurve limbs tonight. I didn't think Bill could make the SXT any sweeter, but he did. They flat out smoke an arrow,are smooth as silk,and quiet as a mouse. :thumbsup: Can't wait till my name comes up on his list!! :biglaugh:
Bill
I was there tonight for a few hours.Shot a few bows and got a great string from Oliverstacy(thanks again Josh).I would give the TallTines a go if you have the chance it is worth the wait for sure and shoot that little 54" St.Joe River Bow recurve very nice.I also shot a longbow from St.Joe that i think was Arwins that shot great and a Northern Mist with green glass that was just cool.I think the turn out is going to be crazy this year as i should be it is a great show.
Ah wish i could make this Show sometime!
Take plenty of Pics and post them up.....
:wavey:
If Thunderstick Archery is there would someone please shoot a MOAB for me and report?
Thanks!
God bless,Mudd
Hey guys, when and where is the next big show? I've got to plan a road trip and go to one! Thanks for the reports!! Looking forward to more!
Jr.
I would absolutely love to go to this Expo ,hopefully next year.I thank you people for posting about the show.PS DON"T post anything on a MOAB poor MUDD won't sleep for three weeks!LOL.
QuoteOriginally posted by Steve Clandinin:
I would absolutely love to go to this Expo ,hopefully next year.I thank you people for posting about the show.PS DON"T post anything on a MOAB poor MUDD won't sleep for three weeks!LOL.
Do Not... I repeat... Do Not listen to this man! He doesn't have my best interests in mind... He's also a known "water boarder"....lol
God bless,Mudd
Wish, I could have made it this year as well. My buddy "Fletcher" on here has his booth set-up "The Feathered Shaft" and I called him last night to see how business was. He said tomorrow will be overwhelming as the temp is cold but no snow and that will bring in a swarm of people. Which is a good thing. Flint
Cool I am glad to the see the PCH Curley Narra picture! I have a 54" PCH Curley Narra no phenolic on order right now and not have seen a BW with that wood yet. I would like to hear from shooters of the new short riser ACS I like the looks of that bow alot.
I believe Jim-Thunderstick only does Comptons. I don't recall seeing him last night.
QuoteOriginally posted by Mudd:
If Thunderstick Archery is there would someone please shoot a MOAB for me and report?
Thanks!
God bless,Mudd
Jim is kind of retired and slowing down building bows. He was not there last year or this year. I did just shoot a MOAB of you in the back yard about 10 minutes ago if that helps. :D
QuoteOriginally posted by Steel:
Cool I am glad to the see the PCH Curley Narra picture! I have a 54" PCH Curley Narra no phenolic on order right now and not have seen a BW with that wood yet. I would like to hear from shooters of the new short riser ACS I like the looks of that bow alot.
I like the short ASC a lot. I like short riser bows so I can get some mass and longer limbs without the longer bow. The short riser was only like 40# or something. It has the RC grip. I like that grip a lot. It was my understanding that limbs are special for the short bow/riser combo. It is not just a short riser with the same limbs. There is more to come on this bow. Also maybe a shorter one? All with limbs optimized to have the performance of the longer limb ACS in smaller packages.
I think you will be very happy with you new BW. I shot the PCH even more today. I just fell in love with that bow. It was stacking arrows every time I tried it. The short bows are great, but the 60" PCH with my 29" draw was just so smooth and powerful.
xtrema312,thanks for your review,so we poor guys from far away can dream.
Here is another one for the curley Narra fan. Not a great pic.
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i202/thaner/PCH2.jpg)
Here are a couple shrew bows. The first is a SS 58". The second is a 56" CH. I shot the CH more today. I just love it, but not on my current Michigan economic budget.
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i202/thaner/ch2a.jpg) (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i202/thaner/ss2.jpg)
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i202/thaner/ch1.jpg) (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i202/thaner/ch2.jpg)
I have a few more pic's to fill in. I used my phone camera so I was limited to what I could get. I also left my cord at work so I can only e-mail one at time to myself. Slow going.
I'm back from Kzoo,saw lots of friends
shot a bunch of bow. The Zippers were great
so are the Shrews. I did but a BW PCH.
I shot a Tall Tines recurve and loved it. The grip fit my hand the best, great shooting bow and Brian is one nice guy to talk to. Also shot a BW recurve and Longbow and I am a longbow guy but I liked the curve better. I liked the asbel grip but the Tall Tines grip was better for me, my buddy also liked the Tall Tines better.
Great show.
I also picked up a quiver from Kanati. Great quiver.
Terry
Oh come on now guys, more pics, Someone has to take a pic of the Mini 14, puh lease.
I got to the expo about 8:45. It was 0 deg. when I left the house. 5 on the highway and 3 at the fair grounds. I don't know how accurate the truck temp reading was, but I would say it was cold. There was a good group ready to go. They didn't open the doors one minute early. I got in right off because I had been there the day before and had the weekend stamp. I was able to get around well for the first hour. Then it packed up and stayed that way the rest of the morning. Shooting bows was not all that bad until about noon. Then the lines got a little longer. Not all that bad though for how may people were there.
As requested I got to the Tall Tines booth. I don't normally go of the larger riser bows particularly recurves. However, these are very nice bows. The grip is very different from bows I have shot in the past. It has a wide radius palm swell, a nice throat and a dished area your bottom three fingers wrap into. I thought maybe it wouldn't quite work all that well with my hand. I was wrong about that. It is very solid and repeatable. Unlike the PCH were I could tuck in my bottom finger into the riser if I wanted to when shooting, the TT's wide large radius palm let my hand just sort of comfortably cup the grip in a real relaxed fashion. The bow shot very smooth so I had no tendency to grab the grip. I could let my hand just naturally relax into the grip. The best way I can describe it is if you were to reach out your arm and just let you hand hang there relaxed letting your palm cup and fingers curl naturally you would be on the grip with full contact; at least for me I would. I like the small riser TD bows so I tried the one small riser bow he had, which was 60" and I think 50#. It shot fast and hit hard like the BW PCH. I was real curious to try one in a 62", but there was not one in my weight range. Very nice bow! The closest thing I handled at the show to the TT grip was probably the Sky Hawk wood TD riser. It has a somewhat similar feel to the palm and throat.
Speaking of Sky archery. I shot the 17" and 15" riser bows with curve limbs. The 17 was a real shooter, but with no silencers it was a lot louder than the other bows I was shooting. It was very accurate, but too large and heavy of a riser for me. Too much of a target feel for me. The 15 felt much better in my hand. More compact and not so much weight. However, it just got set-up to shoot off the shelf ,and the plunger was about 1/8" past center. My arrows were coming out with a hard weak tail, and I was shooting 1' right at 8 yd. so I don't shoot more than a couple arrows. I thought I would really be interested in shooting more of the metal ILF bows, but they just didn't do it for me. I guess I am more of a Morrison type ILF riser fan.
A couple more go arounds with the shrew CH and PCH. Those two were very consistent shooters for me. I also shot a selection of other bows I had not tried Friday. I shot Arwin's St Joe River bow of last deer season. To short for me, but it was a hard hitting bow. I couldn't resist shooting the 54" recurve today. At 58@28 it was heavy for met at 29 1/4", but so easy to shoot for that length and weight. That will be a nice bow for the short recurve fans. A 56" could be in the future. I would like to try that one.
I had to take a break to come home to get the kids so the wife could get out for the afternoon. Sunny and 20 deg. when I came back out. Felt like spring compared to the morning. I think I will pack up the kids and head back.
hi all i got shoot lots of bows which is a treat for me cause i am cursed with an uncontrolable case of left handedness..... widows shot great ...tall tines are like butter and beutiful...but the kohannah curve spoke to me in such a way that i now own it .... what a show
QuoteOriginally posted by LongStick64:
Oh come on now guys, more pics, Someone has to take a pic of the Mini 14, puh lease.
I will give it a try when I go back. Are you talking the Morrison? There are some on the web site.
Thanks for the report Todd. I see a Tall Tines in my future!
I finally shot a Great Northern. The Fireball is awsome! So dead in the hand and quiet. I shot the Kohannah fury and I am having a hard time deciding between it and the GN.I will be ordering a new longbow this summer and have narrowed it down to these two or a Robertson, wish they would have came up this year so I could have tried the new Primal Styk.
Shot a few morissons and boy do they smoke an arrow. It's also a bonus to talk with Bob, one of the nicest guys out there. I also had the pleasure of shooting one of the Tall Tines, after I wiggled my way in there, and those grips are awesome. Brian was very nice and had some beautiful pieces of wood. Can't wait to get a bow from him. :bigsmyl: It was also a great pleasure meeting some of the fellow tradgangers from here and the plethora of other wonderful traditionalist.
Man, wish I was there!!
Is there anyone that could possible stop by and see Scott Mitchell of Timberhawk bows?? I would be very interested in hearing your thoughts about his Take-Down recurve. Wondering about the grip and overall shooting characteristics.
Thanking you in advance!!
Timber hawks are a solid shooter. I liked the new 54" one piece. Deadly accurate little bow. Basic bow was $379.
Buckster, I shot one of Scott's bows (a recurve) at Cloverdale a couple of years ago but none more recently. Very smooth drawing bow and pleasant on the realease. The grip was very comfortable but they were just a bit heavy in the riser for me, lots of wood like many recurves--I like smaller risers and that comes from my love of longbows. But they are fine shooters. By the way, I'm really enjoying that Tomahawk I got from you....Dave
Dave,
Glad to hear it buddy, that was one beautiful Tomahawk, glad to hear that it is still a keeper for ya!
Thanks Ravenclaw. Any other comments, especially about the grips on Scott's bow are appreciated!
I shot the Dwyer "Dauntless" today and WOW!! The one I shot was 62" 51.5#@28" it had spalted sycamore limbs over bamboo core, and brown beavertail grip. I was going to bring it home but it is really similar to the bow Big Jim is building me. I shot the Widows again today and my wife begged me to get the new 3pc curve with the short riser. It shot great and I love the Asbell grip but I'm a longbow guy so it stayed on the rack. Out of all the bows I shot yesterday and today the Roy Hall "Aztec" and the Dwyer "Dauntless" were the sweetest shooters for me. I came home with a used Whisperstik "Voodoo" it's 58" and 49#@28. I had a camera in my pocket the whole time and forgot about it so I never took a single picture. Great time for sure!!! I wish I'd have spent more time talking and meeting people but I was on a mission to shoot a lot of bows and get all the items on my shopping list with limited time.
Glad you all had a good time !! I owned 2 Roy Hall "Aztec's" Super nice Hybrid style L/B, Very Easy & Point shoot bow, Great Craftsmanship & Roy is one FINE Gentleman !! And "NO" Barry, you don't "NEED" another Bow !!! Buddy .....
Adam, talking with Roy was like talking to an old friend. A very nice fellow. Yep the "Aztec" 2pc will definitely be my first 2pc bow. I really liked the added weight it seemed to stabilize the bow really well. The draw weight was #10 more than what I usually shoot but it pulled so smooth that I couldn't tell much of a difference between it and my lightweight bows.
Think they are waiting for pics of the Morrison new mini 14 ALUMINUM riser. I know I am waiting for some pics too.
I wish I would have taken some pics; I completely forgot I had a camera until the drive home! Those Morrisons were NICE!!! I wouldn't let myself shoot it though. I started to take it to shoot and I said to myself "if I don't know what I'm missing then I won't miss it."
QuoteOriginally posted by Kenneth:
I shot the Dwyer "Dauntless" today and WOW!! The one I shot was 62" 51.5#@28" it had spalted sycamore limbs over bamboo core, and brown beavertail grip.... I came home with a used Whisperstik "Voodoo" it's 58" and 49#@28.
I shot that also. A very nice bow for sure and real looker. So your the guy that got that Voodoo. If it was 60" I would have grabbed it for that price. I was surprised it lasted Friday and much of the day today.
Yep me too!! I was gonna take the Aztec or Dauntless home but I just couldn't pass up the deal on the Voodoo. I have another 58" Voodoo that I got off here last week so now I have 2 nice shooters with a little different poundage. If he still has that Dauntless after I get my Buffalo bow I may just have to send him a check.
I didn't have much time before they closed up for the day so I didn't get a pic of the 14" Morrison aluminum.
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i202/thaner/acsshort.jpg) (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i202/thaner/morrisonmin2.jpg) (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i202/thaner/morrisonmin1.jpg)
anybody shoot Cascades?
No pics but I was there Fri and Sat. Shot both sets of the new Zipper Evolution limbs and ordered the carbon'foam for my SXT. My favorite bow all weekend. Shot several Anneewakee Addiction recurves and really liked the 54" even with my 29" draw. Very smooth and quick. I ordered one for blind hunting, should have it in time for turkey season. I was impresed with the Sky 17" riser. great mass and fit my hand well. A little noisy with the low brace height but would be easy to correct. Jim also has a brochure to help demystify the ILF riser/limb length combo questions.
I also shot the Tall Tines bows and found them quiet and smooth. Great looking wood combos. I would've liked to see the base model there to see the how the plain jane models looked and performed. I shot a Sky one piece Rogue longbow at only 40# and found it to be a pleasant surprise. Really spit an arrow for the lowest draw weight bow I shot this weekend. Never shot the St. Joe bow but heard good things about it. If they had one my weight... Shot the ACS original design with Aluminum riser and the new desigh shorter riser. Good performers with great possibility, just out of my price range right now. Would've liked to shoot more Sky bows,1 and 3 piece but not enough of my weight selection were ready for the show. Bought three books for my future son-in-law in who is in Iraq from the Wensels and Mike Mitten. Scott Hoffman from Huntmore 360 gave me a t-shirt to send him. He also gave the update kit for the stool I bought from him at last years EXPO. Now that's customer service. Bought a hooded shirt from Theresa Asbell and Mrs. Owlbait spent the day helping her out. Great 2 days.
I didn't really get a chance to shoot. It was always pretty busy the entire time and I had a limited window.
However, I liked Tortorelli Traditionals, the Elk Ridge Pilgrims, and the Dwyers. I really liked the Dwyer Endeavor. Really smooth drawing bow for a 58" even at my 30" draw.
I wish there was more room to shoot there.
Sure looks like a blast.. Wish us good ole boys down south could have a event such as this closer to us... hopefully one year I can make it !!
I shot the breeze with a lot of folks. Did shoot one Northern Mist string follow - managed to escape without buying it.
I shot 3 or 4 of the BW PCH bows.I really liked some of those exotics,expecially the cross grain graybark.I ended up ordering an autumn oak PCH so the waiting has begun.Should probably get mine around the last of March.
Froggy, lots of Southern boys here this year. I almost needed an interpeter :bigsmyl:
Just got back, what a great time! One of the coolest events I've ever been to! Good people everywhere! Pretty crowded early on today, elbow to elbow!
I shot pretty much a longbow from everyone that had one there, I have to say the bows that I really liked were the Norther Mist Baraga, what an awesome shooting bow, no hand shock and quiet as a church mouse! I'll own one soon! I also shot the new Model T Shrew another great bow! The Fox Royal Crown is right up there as well! The ACS one piece longbow, I believe 42# at 28", 62", this bow just smoked my 600 grain arrow!
Then from across the room, I spotted a beauty, a used Big River that was only a few weeks old. After I shot that bow it put a serious smile on my face realizing I want another one! :pray:
Good to hear you liked the Baraga BowHuntingFool! I was waiting for someone to bring up Baraga or Superior. I have a Superior on order and Steve says he's starting it as soon as he gets back from K-Zoo :) Glad to hear the good reports!
Craig
Craig, I really, really liked the Baraga, I mean love the Baraga! Talked with Steve for a while, great guy, us Polacks have to stick together!
Anyway, I tell ya, for me, this was just a joy to shoot, my favorite, then talking with Steve for a while made it that much sweeter!
I went yesterday, and came back home this afternoon.
My favorite bows were some 3pc recurves:
TIMBERHAWK
TALL TINES
FOX High Sierra
Cool time, but there seems to be less and less bowyers for the last few years now......
Awesome. Wish I lived a little closer. Can't wait to get my Tall Tines in a couple months!!
Steve from Northern Mist is a great guy to deal with, and his longbows are pretty awesome too! The Baraga was my first longbow I had ever purchased, and then I had to get the Witbeck just because. You can't go wrong with one of Steve's bows.
I shot a Great Northern Ghost 60 incher with the green glass and what looked like green camo diamondwood riser or actionwood.It was a unique looking bow.I have had 2 of those in the past and the newer ones are a little trimmer in the grip these days.So sleek and yet solid.Also shot the bushbow that was 62 inches and it was very quiet with no string silencers.That was impressive.Smooth drawing and shooting with the wide flatbow limb.
1st chance to try the 56 inch classic hunter.It was a 2 piece and had a phenolic riser with greenish stained limbs.Surprisingly smooth for my longer draw.Very smooth drawing bow in that length.I was impressed with that.Superb short hunting bow.If I ever needed a short longbow I would think hard about one of these.
Shot 3 of Roy Halls longbows.I had a couple Caddos that were nice longbows and had not had a chance to shoot his newer versions as I dont go to Cloverdale much these days.Anyway they were the Apache,Cherokee and Aztec.Really pleasant shooting bows with nice manners and quiet.One had a 2 piece design with micarta handle and bowbolt.It was very solid no doubt.The grips are to my liking
Had to try a widow and shot a one piece TF.The only one I could find in my specs with a lower grip.I wanted to try the PA but thier so similar other than riser aesthetics and they did not have one with a low grip.Very solid shooter.Somehow missed out on shooting the new one with the short riser.Would like to have tried that in a 60 incher.
Shot the A&H with the RC riser.Never tried that one.It was much slimmer in person than what I thought I saw in the pics.It was really attractive in its design and shot very well.Just a cool bow with its own signature look!
Had to try out a Morrison one piece.I have had quite a few TD shawnees and cheyennes as well as one Dakota and couger one piece.Been awhile since I had the one piece and wanted to try one with the newer carbon and foam limbs.It was 59 inches and 62 #s at 28.I draw about 30 and managed to horse it back a few times and it shot great and very quiet.I liked it.Would like to test one a few pounds lighter and longer sometime.
Of course I had to shoot a Tall Tines because I ordered one back in early Nov. and Brian had it at the show.Eat your heart out LOL.
It has a coco bolo diamondwood riser and black phenolic accent stripes with black walnut center stripe and rosewood overlays.The basic riser.Built like a tank,has a muscular look to it.The grip is sculpted out very comfortably.I like the arrow shelf as well.Its got a stoic quality I would say and is built to last and last.
The limbs are rosewood with real coco bolo fadeouts and strong limb butt overlays and tough tips.Limb bases come with cork padding and he even put a little piece of cork in the bottom of the hole where the guide pin goes into.Pretty thorough I would say.Finish looks very nice in satin.
This ones 60 inches and has the 16 inch riser and the limbs make it a 60inch bow.Its marked 46#s at 28.I probably pull about 52 #s on it.Anyway it drew very smooth with not so much as a hiccup.Shot smoothly and quietly and the arrows thumped in thier with authority.Brian is gonna take down the circumfirance of the grip a hair and lower it a bit more so its gonna fit me like a glove.Thats one of the advatages of going to the show I suppose.He had alot of other very gorgous creations on the table to admire.
So many great bowyers and fantastic bows.Its a great time to be a traditional archer and hunter.Wish I could have shot a few more.
Yes, like a kid in a candy store. I was there Saturday and was simply amazed...So many great bows and people...resisted the urge as long as I could but after meeting with Steve of Northern Mist and shooting several of his bows I could not resist anymore...had to have one. Ordered a Baraga that should be ready by Comptons. Sweet shooting, quiet, no hand shock and just fun to shoot...Lot of great people and bows. Other bows that shot well for me. were the Timberhawks and the Dwyer Endeavor. Looking forward to next year already...
Man, sounds like a blast. Always said I was going to go to this sometime. It's just a little too far away. Thanks for sharing all the info on all the bows you guys shot.
This is a terrific thread!! Even though I wasn't able to attend, I can enjoy the show vicariously! Please keep it coming.
Note to ADAM - you calling the kettle black??? : )
I shot the Roy Hall Apache and ordered one. Very smooth. I was extremely disappointed with the workmanship of the Shrew bows. The finish was splotchy. I have a 26" draw length and the 56" classic hunter stacked like crazy. So, I don't get it with the Shrews and the fanaticism they seem to enjoy. The McCullough Griffin workmanship and wood choices are WAY far better than a shrew IMHO. I had ordered a Shrew based on the similarity to the Griffin, and now I'm glad I backed out. Sorry guys, but the wood choices, finish and workmanship are second rate.
hunterken, I also looked at the shrews and the fit and finish was flawless. Gregg's work is top notch. I also shot the 54" CH and at my 29" draw it was very smooth and started to stack the last inch or so. I also like Roy Hall's bows and will have one of them in the future.
I decided it was best if I didn't shoot any while I was there (I'm too weak to resist any wallet related temptations that would have resulted), but I got a chance to talk to the bowyers at nearly every booth.
This was my first time at the expo, and every single one was offering up bows left and right for me to shoot. I was really impressed on how friendly everyone was, and how they took time to answer every question from why they used one lamination over another to finishes to limb design and more, plus just swappin' stories.
It was very informative and a lot of fun, and if a guy was interested buying a new bow this would be THE PLACE to do it.
Hard to beat David Miller's bows.
Hey Barry ,,, Im "COLOR" Blind !!!
I wasn't able to attend this year either. Thanks for the reports form those that went. It's probably best that I didn't go. I'll have to save a few "bucks" for next year! Last year we went my son had about an hour of one on one time with a gentlemen who was with a knapping club. What a generous man, my son came away with an arrowhead and a desire to learn how to do it for himself. Thanks! See you next year!
-Jeremy
A 56" shrew CH stacking at 26"? :biglaugh: Maybe a 54" over 29". but I don't really know. I drew the 56" to 29 1/4" as my standard draw. With a 48@28 I could pull it to 30", and there was no stack I could feel. It was smooth all the way. I shot some 60" LBs that came closer to stacking at over 29" and more than a few with more finger pinch. The CH riser is so short it is like shooting a lot of other boyer's 60" or longer bows. I have never owned a shrew, but would not hesitate to have a 56" CH at my draw length. While the bows there had a riser combo that may not appeal to many, it is different and well done.
Todd, I agree. I thought the stained burl Gregg made looked cool but it wasn't my preference for a bow. And like you I shot a couple of 60" and 62" bows that didn't draw as smooth to 29" as the Shrew CH 54" I shot.
I forgot to add the new Shrew Model T. I really liked the added mass weight of this bow and the look is unique. 64" is my max length for a longbow choice and that feels a little long for me. I talked with Gregg about a 62" for us height impaired fella's and he said he might could do it.
I have to agree with Extrema and Kenneth on the Shrew Classic hunter.I particularly shot it to see if it would be smooth at my draw.I heard it would be a smooth short bow for longer draws from what i read about it.I had to see for myself.It was very smooth with no stack in the 56 incher for me out to 30.That was what I was impressed with about it.I definatly would have noticed it if it did not come back smooth all the way!Yuo get as much working limb as possible out of that bow with the extreemly short riser and I am sure the limb design helps alot as well.
I had the same experience with the 54" forward handle Addiction Recurve that John Dill had there. I think the riser and limb design on these bows have gone a long ways to making shorter bows great shooters for longer draw lengths. Without that 500 pound gorilla called"finger-pinch" looking over your shoulder.
I also got a chance to shoot some of Roy Hall's bows. Really liked the Apache. :thumbsup: Nice shooting bow,and very nice guy.
Bill
I shot a bow from almost every boweyer there , Gregg had one of his Javaman longbows for me to shoot again, this one was only 56" so smooth, and dead in the hand can't wait for mine to be done. Really liked the Konaha kurve as well really shot that bow well. Took Jon with me, he's pretty new to trad, he texted me several times last night about the bows he shot, he's hooked for sure, looks like he'll be ordering a new bow soon. There was another bow that I shot great, can't remember who's it was though[ holm-made?], it was osage and a textured finish on back of bow, and a thumb locator like a Fedora, very nice shooting bow. Shot a couple of bows with the foam and carbon fiber limbs, fast and quite, but felt odd after the shot? First time I've made it to K-zoo but will be back for sure, I may have bought a Asbell hooded vest as well. Wow you could spend a bunch there FAST!
A 56" shrew CH stacking at 26"? Your dreamin'
I draw mine to 30" and its smooth as butter. I've felt a 54" start to bottom out at my draw but thats why they make the 56".
I dont think any of the bows they had were new. Gregg didnt have time to build any bows for the show,(except the Mod-T) trying to get cought up on orders.
Eric
I only shot one bow (and that is more then I planned to), that was the St. Joe River Bow. I have been a avid SJRB guy since I first shot one with the orginal owner 15 years ago.
Sat. I had shot a one of the new ones!
The new owners, have made a few changes to the orginal design, and wow!
I could not believe how they took a very smooth bow, and made it smoother!
I woke up this morning, trying to come up with a way to save money to purchase one!
chris <><
Just wanted to jump in for a second and say Thanks and it was great meeting everyone that stopped by and shot our bows.
And Chris(Onions) We may just need to set up a payment plan for you :biglaugh:
I am with hunterken on the poor quality of the shrew bows. I will get beat around for this one but on the shrew I shot the lower limb tip was squared off while the top one was rounded and a different size. Ron also copped an attitude in front of me while he destrung a dwyer bow that my brother was walkin by to shoot and was rippin on it. The dwyer (IMO) actually looked and shot better.
Dave, thanks again for letting us shoot your bows! That Green Gobblin of Arwins sure was a good shooter, wish I could have shot that short bow you had, every time I came back someone had already grabbed it, nice looking bow though!
I am not trying to defend the shrew bow, but having a squared off bottom limb tip is not unusual. It is done on purpose. That is the end the bow stands on when in a rack or just setting against a tree, fence, truck, barn.............. My MOAB is that way, and I have had others like it. As for the rest, that has nothing to do with the quality of the bow or boyer. Last year Ron was abrupt with me trying to get me out of his way in the Shrew booth. I just had knee surgery, and I couldn't move that fast. He didn't know. No hard feelings here.
A 56" Shrew Classic Hunter stacks at 26" and has second rate workmanship and finish? :eek: Really? :smileystooges: I have a 29 1/2" draw and my 54" Classic Hunters don't stack at all, much less my 56" Classic Hunters. Bob Westfall (BobW) shoots a 56" Classic Hunter and routinely writes that he has no stack at his 32"+ draw length. Here is a recent post by BobW on this same subject.
"Adding a little more information here:
I draw a 56" Classic Hunter past 32".... For the record, IT DOES NOT STACK. The weight gain is a steady 2.5#/in from 27" to 32". Even Gregg was impressed when he did it. Ron and Gregg have teamed up to build one heck of a bow!
BobW"
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=083001;p=1#000011
I don't know of any reputable bow other than a kid's bow that stacks at 26" (that's my daughter's draw length), and the Shrews certainly don't. I wonder if someone with a 26" draw has ever even felt stacking, which may be the reason for the statement about the Classic Hunter purportedly stacking at that draw.
The workmanship and finish of Shrew bows are first class. I have many other great bows besides my Shrews, and I know for a fact that Gregg builds outstanding bows that rank among the best. There is good reason for the "fanaticism they seem to enjoy". I have also heard a couple of people say that Morrison bows are unattractive and poorly made, and I have to laugh when I hear that too.
The bows John McCullough builds are excellent, well made bows, and Ron and Gregg would be the first to say that. Ask John what he thinks of the Shrew bows that Gregg builds, and I am sure he will say that Gregg makes a great bow too. John and Gregg are two first class bowyers.
The bashing of the Shrew bows by a single individual just goes to prove the old maxim that you can't please everyone.
Eric -- Gregg did make some new bows for Kalamazoo, just like he does every year. He is definitely busy, with more than a year's waiting list on the order book, but Ron and Gregg always try to have some bows (mostly new ones) available for people to shoot and buy when those folks take the time and effort to show up at the Shrew booth.
Allan
QuoteOriginally posted by Todweelz:
Dave, thanks again for letting us shoot your bows! That Green Gobblin of Arwins sure was a good shooter, wish I could have shot that short bow you had, every time I came back someone had already grabbed it, nice looking bow though!
Sorry you did not get a chance to shoot it Todd. I will have it at the Bunny Stomp.
I have to add Greg and Ron have some great bows I really love Greg's workmanship.
Daryl,
The Classic Hunters are built with a squared off lower limb tip. That has nothing to do with the quality of the bow -- it is the design. Obviously you don't like that design, but it is not unique to the Shrews. Many other top quality bows, like the Moabs, have a similar design on the lower limb tip. If you wanted to order a Shrew with symmetrical limb tips, I'm sure Ron and Gregg would be happy to accommodate your request. Having a problem with something Ron said also has nothing to do with the quality of the Shrew bows. Ron is a great guy who has done as much for traditional archery as any man living, but in an intense environment like Kalamazoo there are bound to be some moments where tensions are created.
Liking the Dwyer bow better is fine. If everyone liked Shrews the best, then the waiting list on orders would be many years long instead of 14 months like it is now, and those of us who like Shrews would have to wait a lot longer to get one built.
David Balowski -- you make some very pretty bows. I especially like the ones with I-Beam risers showing fiddleback wood in the sight windows. I'm sure they shoot very well too. We are fortunate to have many talented bowyers around these days. Keep up the good work.
Allan
Allan,I have locked all my Shrews up so you don't end up buying them :) . Ron and Gregg are good people but still people so I am sure they can make mistakes like the rest of us do time to time. Never had any issues with any of their bows one of the best 1 piece longbow designs I have owned myself and I have owned alot of bows. There seems to be alot of good bowyers out there nowadays its seems if you make it in this business very long you better offer a good product
I shot Great Northern's Fireball and Bushbow. Fine shooting bows. I will decide by next year which to order! :confused: :) :)
Ravenclaw said,
QuoteRon also copped an attitude in front of me while he destrung a dwyer bow that my brother was walkin by to shoot and was rippin on it. The dwyer (IMO) actually looked and shot better.
Ravenclaw, I'm sorry if you got the wrong opinion on my intent but just to set the record straight I wasn't "ripping" on the bow in question. Anyone that knows me can tell you that I don't "rip" on another bowyers bow. When you fellows were standing in front of my booth I noticed the bow one of you was holding, and thought it was a Shrew. After a closer look I saw that it wasn't and out of curiosity, I ask if I could look at it. Then I ask if I could unstring it to look at the limb design. The fellow that had the bow said, "I don't care it's not my bow" After I unstrung it I commented that it had a good looking limb and that it probably really zipped an arrow. I think I also commented that the design was a lot like our Shrew bows.
One thing that a lot of people maybe don't realize is that most of the bowyers that you saw at the show this weekend are friendly and respectful towards each other. We share information and ideas on how to build a good preforming bow. We look at and sometimes even shoot each others bows and never, I repeat NEVER bad mouth each others work... especially to someone shopping for a bow. There have been bowyers in the past that have violated that unwritten law but they're not around any longer.
Also we've been squaring off the bottom limb tip on our Shrew bows for about 15 years now. Stop by our booth the next time around and I'll tell you why we do that. :archer:
Cody,
I still have the ONE Shrew I bought from you, and love it. We need to get together so you can shoot my latest Classic Hunter with the foam/carbon/uni-weft limbs. It will definitely make you think of your Morrisons, and with good reason. Bob was a big help to Gregg with the new limb materials. I sure can't blame you for liking your Morrisons so much, because they are incredible bows and I shoot them a lot too. I have nothing but great things to say about Bob and his bows. Call me sometime, and let's go shoot.
Allan
Hey Ron, good meeting you at the show! Thanks for letting me shoot a couple of the Shrews, love them, an awesome looking bow and a real sweet shooter. Love the Model T! Thanks buddy!
:confused: :scared:
Shawn...
And Chris(Onions) We may just need to set up a payment plan for you
Bowman/Dave alreayd working these details out in my head. However, first I have to buy my wife and I a new house (980sq. foot with 2 kids is getting VERY small)
Interested in how your two piece bows will be.
Also interested in how the shorter riser would be on a 62" longbow. Probably very smooth bow.
Good meeting you and I am sure I will see you again.
chris <><
Glad you like them Chris!
Short riser on a 62 will give you a bit more working limb and a smoother draw if your a 27 and up.
I recommend the longer riser and short limbs for 27 inch draw and under, but everyone has their own preference. ;) I have a short riser on a 60 inch carbon/boo with a 27 inch draw. Perfect mix of speed and grace.
Between my son and I we shot bows on and off for almost five hours and the one bow that stood out for me was the ACS I shot it was the camo wood riser they had with 62" longbow limbs and it was dead on to the point! My son wants a zipper now so time to start saving . It was a great time we had a lot of fun.
Sorry Ron I apologize for mis interpreting what happened.
I shot Bob Morrison's new mini 14 aluminum riser... a sweet shooter for sure...shot a lot of other bows that were excellent shooters too but that one stood out in my mind...ended up taking a Spinrite crester home though!!
Hey Todd, having had both of my knees totally replaced I know the feeling, I hope yours is doing better.... :)
QuoteOriginally posted by Ron LaClair:
Hey Todd, having had both of my knees totally replaced I know the feeling, I hope yours is doing better.... :)
Thanks for asking Ron. Still pops once in a while, but way better now. It was nice to be able to spend 4 hr. Friday and another 6 on Saturday at the expo standing and walking on the concrete without it swelling up like it used to. My lap times around the expo were significantly improved as were my bow rack to shooting line sprints. :D
i wood like to thank Grage for his bow for Benefit4Kids it help us rase a littel over 900.00
for the kids an the winner was Willis Auxier. and he was there to take it home with him
Andy G
Benefits4Kids
QuoteOriginally posted by hunterken:
I shot the Roy Hall Apache and ordered one. Very smooth. I was extremely disappointed with the workmanship of the Shrew bows. The finish was splotchy. I have a 26" draw length and the 56" classic hunter stacked like crazy. So, I don't get it with the Shrews and the fanaticism they seem to enjoy. The McCullough Griffin workmanship and wood choices are WAY far better than a shrew IMHO. I had ordered a Shrew based on the similarity to the Griffin, and now I'm glad I backed out. Sorry guys, but the wood choices, finish and workmanship are second rate.
Your outa your flippin mind.
"Ron also copped an attitude in front of me while he destrung a dwyer bow that my brother was walkin by to shoot and was rippin on it. The dwyer (IMO) actually looked and shot better. "
I GUARANTEE I spend more time with Ron than most of you, and I have NEVER heard him bad mouth another bowyers work, not even in private. Nonsense.
Everybody loves the bow they are getting or the one they just got so take this for what it is worth. After a year of shooting my Classic Hunter, if anything happened to it, I would be in line to buy another one.
Can't really speak to the other comment, but I have enjoyed a couple of conversations with Ron over the phone as well. I thought he was very curteous and took the time time fully answer my questions.
Gary
I know I was in Ron's way more than once at the Shrew booth and out of him asking me to move about 10 times not once did I get the impression that he was anything but a gentleman. I was standing in front of that Shrew rack like a goalie for a long time and he was kind every time he had to get by me to show someone a bow. Maybe he was just being nice because he thought I was mentally ill the way I just stared at the Shrew with drool on my lower lip. :eek: :p :biglaugh:
I was there Sunday and was impressed with everybodys bows.....something for everyone!
Of the many bows I got to shoot (over 2 doz.), I can tell ya, a Northern Mist Baraga & Whisper are in my future! Shot a few Dwyers and really liked the Endeavor. 1st bow I shot was Ron Fox's breed...it'll probably be my 1st recurve in 20 yrs.....Another one, Gregg Coffey's "Tanjavur" is one slick lookin', great shootin' lil bow!
Shot a bunch of Shrews....gotta get one! And everyone should own at least one Great Northern!
I should have been taking notes.....Hard to remember all the wood choices & options.
Great show with great people as always!
Three letters A-C-S!!!!!!