A little while back I decided to make the switch back to longbows, for hunting and competition, from metal riser ILF recurves. It's something I've been thinking about for over a year and I finally made the decision to go ahead. I needed a bow that would serve double duty, give me years of reliability in the field and have the right qualities to hit tacs on the range. I looked at tons of bows and decided to call Ken Rohloff of Whippen Stick bows. I met Ken last year at a shoot here in WI and I was really impressed with him and his bows.
So, when I called Ken to place this order I had some specific criteria the bow needed to meet. The most demanding organization is the IFAA to qualify for the longbow class. Centershot, tip size, window shape, braced profile (must maintain a continous curve or D shape, no reflex can show). Because I'm planning on shooting in IFAA sanctioned events I asked him if he could build me one of his bows to meet the specs needed to participate. His answer, "Absolutely."
Fast forward to Wednesday. The bow was nearly done and Ken invited me up so I could give him my input on final shaping the grip and hang out while he finished the bow. I got up around 10 am and we spent a bit of time going back and forth between shaping the grip and testing it out. Once it was just right, Ken got to work sealing the riser and finishing the bow. In between coats we had a good time hanging out at his shop. He walked me through his shop, explained the buiding process, showed me bows (lots of em') and let me shoot his various models. I met his great family, shot with Ken and his wife, and had a great time enjoying Ken's hospitality. The final coat of finish was dry and I was on my way home by 10 pm.
The bow came out fantastic. It meets all the criteria it needs to and shoots great. I've shot a pile of bows over the years and this bow stands out. Fit and finish is excellent, performance is outstanding, and the shooting qualities are just what I asked for. It's quiet, shock-free, and stable. The balance is excellent and it just sits rock solid at full draw. On my first day shooting at the range I was hitting groups and 3D's as well as my previous 66" ILF recurves.
Sorry if I'm coming off like a commercial. I'm just really impressed with the bow and moreso with Ken. I've dealt with some crummy bowyers and I've gotten screwed around by a couple. I've gotten a bad taste in my mouth with ordering custom bows. So, when I deal with someone as good as Ken I feel I should give praise when it's due. Can't wait for this ones twin to show up :D
Here's the bow. Just click on the pic to see the slide show. It's 66" and 50@28. Cocobolo riser, action boo/hickory limb cores. Carbon back with black glass belly. Classy and attractive without being showy. Just like I asked.
(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v85/str8shooter/WhippenStick/th_100_1549.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v85/str8shooter/WhippenStick/?action=view¤t=b6fe9ead.pbw)
Very nice and happy you are happy. May she bring you many years of enjoyment.
:bigsmyl:
That's a great looking bow, crafted by a fine fellow!
Nice bow..Congrats :thumbsup:
Ken is a great guy to deal with and makes a nice bow, really keeps you informed in the bows progress.
Now that is what you call "custom" built :thumbsup: Nice to have it done close enough to go get the final fit like that. I had a Zipper done that way. I really like the black glass, by the way--classy looking.
i know that smell!!!! i have 2 of kens bows and they just dont get any better than that!!!!
Thanks for the kind words. Ken is great to deal with and this bow is a real custom. His normal longbow profile comes out looking a little different. In order to make sure the bow came out with the D shaped profile he adjusted the tapers, changed the layup, even did a variable trap on the belly to make sure the limb was bending along it's whole length. Add in a personalized grip and it's really a "custom" custom.
The more I shoot it the better it gets. I'm really looking forward to getting it tuned in perfect and getting it out into the field and range.
He's got some really great designs with his other models and I loved shooting all the others. I can see more bows in my future :D