Trad Gang

Let me start by saying I might be wrong in my observations, and if so, feel free to correct me!
I am, all in all, new to archery and have only been active a short while, compared to most here on TG!

Many people talk about bows that are "on the hype".
And in hype, I mean popular, praised and wanted, in a good way!
Dan Toelkes bows were "it" a some time back, then Vince Miglioratos Mohawk.
Jim Neaves Centaurs was the bow everybody talked about from last winter 'till this summer.
Neither of them undeservingly, I believe!
Now it seems Big Jims bows have lately gotten the reputation and promo the deserve (according to what I've read  ;) )

My question is, what do you believe will be the next bow/bowyer everyone talks about?

To me it seems like Crow Creek is on the rise.
It sure helps that they are stunning to look at!

It's gonna be fun to see who gets the next spotlight:)

Stalker bows are picking up steam.

John

any ilf bow..imo..dont have one just keep buying limbs for my widows

QuoteOriginally posted by Outwest:
Stalker bows are picking up steam.

John

Oh, I thought Stalkers were the up before my active time, along with A&H, Shrews, Morrison, Thundersticks % Widows and the like!

I am curious to see how long it will take to see an ACS-type limb in an ILF format.  I suspect that would, indeed, be a "big thing".

Don't know if this relates, but with John Mc Collough's bows haveing a 2+ year wait time for a new one, I still think his are very close to if not at the top  :wavey:

Elmer Patton with Crow Creek has been around for awhile.  I think he is getting a little more exposure since he got a website so maybe a little more "hype".  
i would have to agree with Outwest that South Cox with Stalker bows is getting a lot of press and is on the rise....

Let us pause for a moment and give thanks that we are blessed with soooooo many great choices!

 :pray:  

Trad rocks!

QuoteOriginally posted by L. E. Carroll:
Don't know if this relates, but with John Mc Collough's bows haveing a 2+ year wait time for a new one, I still think his are very close to if not at the top    :wavey:  

Kempf does build a sweet bow, and I've heard does McCollough does as well!

QuoteOriginally posted by Andy Cooper:
Let us pause for a moment and give thanks that we are blessed with soooooo many great choices!

  :pray:    

Trad rocks!

Agreed! Kudos to all the unknown master bowyers out theer!

I don't know that Stalker is the "Next Big Thing" but South Cox is an exceptional bowyer to work with and his bows are great shooters. Great lookers too, even the "Plain Jane" model.

The next big thing to me is 'old hat' to some of you. Schafer Silvertip is the bow I am most eagerly awaiting -- April, 2011 -- although I still cruise the classifieds looking for a perfect used one to hold me over. However, I'm not sure I'll ever shoot a recurve better than my "Stick" by Strickland.

I too was impressed w/ the Stalker.
Chris Cox w/ his triple carbon hycurve bow is a remarkable performing bow on a very desirable rear mounted limb platform.They are extremely forgiven and very quick

QuoteOriginally posted by Bowwild:
The next big thing to me is 'old hat' to some of you. Schafer Silvertip is the bow I am most eagerly awaiting -- April, 2011 -- although I still cruise the classifieds looking for a perfect used one to hold me over. However, I'm not sure I'll ever shoot a recurve better than my "Stick" by Strickland.

It will be worth the wait that's for sure...mine has been my go to bow since the day I got it in the mail.  :thumbsup:

QuoteOriginally posted by overbo:
I too was impressed w/ the Stalker.
Chris Cox w/ his triple carbon hycurve bow is a remarkable performing bow on a very desirable rear mounted limb platform.They are extremely forgiven and very quick

I'll find out about that first hand next week. I have a NTM Viperkahn that is only about 5 months old on the way. 50#@28 with longbow limbs.  :archer:

Jason Kendall's bows are getting a lot of attention and with good reason as he makes an AWESOME bow in the Kanati!!!!

It sure would be helpful to have a Trad. Bow "directory" of a sort!!

I heard about some guy named Allen, he built a wheeled contraption with a 50% letoff. I doubt the idea will go anywhere though, it sounds like a gimmick!!!  :banghead:

Hard to beat a Morrison Shawnee or a Centaur!

It is amazing,and confusing,especially for some of the new people coming over to Trad.In 50 years of shooting I have never seen more and Talented Bowyers as we have today,and not just new bowyers.Companys like Black widow,Dickie Robertson and on and on continue to bring out new products of impecable quality.Hats off to the selections and fine people building bows today.

annewakee addiction curves!!

I recently got a hawk bow built by mike beckwith out of colorado.  Another fella had one for sale here and there was just something about it that called my name.  I was to slow and missed it but found one from rocky mountain specialty gear..I had never heard of them before and it is one sweet bow it goes on the keep rack.  I still find it hard to believe not many have heard of them.

Don't overlook, Brandon Stahl's Rose Oak Creations bows.  I couldn't be happier with my Super Wildcat.  Have shot and owned a lot of great bows in the last 46 years of bowhunting, but nothing comes close to Brandon's.  I don't plan on shooting anything but a Rose Oak bow from here on out . . .

I have shot many brands of custom bows, and for me there is just nothing better than any one of my Bob Lees, that being said, I sure would like to get my hands on one of the Rick Welch bows, I have heard nothing but good things about them, and it would be neat to own a bow made by a world class shooter such as Rick Welch. DK.

As long as the bowyer and bow get the hype for the right reasons I have no problem with it. What I do get tired of hearing is that so and so bow is absolutely the best of the best of the best and it shoots 40 fps faster than the closest bow to it stuff.
There are a lot of great quality bows being built and I doubt many of the bowyers will get the credit that they deserve for the bow that they build. Others will get way more credit than they do deserve.  Its kind of like good singers, There are a lot of really great singers,But,  Some get breaks and some get broke.

I don't want to ever be the rage in bowyers or bow building.I couldn't build more bows than I do right now anyway and maintain the quality I want. I just want to be the best I can be, Period.

Tracy Trickett or Brandon Stahl or Duane Jessop would probably get my vote along with another 10 or so bowyers most people never heard of. I would be looking at the guys who are the ones that you never , ever see one of thier bows being sold. To me that is the trick,. To build a bow that the guy that buys it won't part with because it has real value to him.
God Bless you all and good hunting this season, Steve

QuoteOriginally posted by adkmountainken:
Jason Kendall's bows are getting a lot of attention and with good reason as he makes an AWESOME bow in the Kanati!!!!

I gotta agree on this! He has been getting alot of attention, and Kanati's are stunning! I think he only builds part-time. Shame he doesn't ship overseas^^

Jason Kendall markets his bows very well. Great design using top performing material (actionboo limbs and dymondwood risers). No pricey options just a limited number of riser colors and bow lengths. This must keep his overhead down and make a great bow affordable to the average person.

I think Tall Tines is coming on strong.

Out of all the bows I played with at ETAR this year (and thats alot), Lee Hoots/Aneewakee and Big Jim's were my favorite by far. And some of the most reasonable $$$. One of these will be my next.

Another vote for Lee Hoots/Anneewakee Archery recurves.

Well said Sixby,
I look for the bows that are rarely on the classifieds.Some are good but others are great.

I think Dave Beeler will become a well known bowyer once people realize that he produces an excellent longbow. Gary Sentman is also a well known bowyer in the United States even though his name isn't on everyone lips. He may not be on their lips, but there are alot of Sentman bows in alot of peoples' hands.

Should machine my proto 1 next week or so  :)

QuoteOriginally posted by Hit-or-Miss:
I heard about some guy named Allen, he built a wheeled contraption with a 50% letoff. I doubt the idea will go anywhere though, it sounds like a gimmick!!!   :banghead:  

:clapper:    :laughing:

30 month wait........i'd say thats the top. griffins are actually gaining even more notoriety.

Soo many bows soo little time. It's getting so hard to pick a certain bow model. But i guess you can't go wrong with any of em.

Craig,
I have a Super Wildcat due at the end of November. He sent me a loaner back in the spring. It was about 4 pounds hot for me so I ordered one. This will be only my 2nd 1-piece.

I think I should add Cari-Bow here! I own the Peregrine for a month now and this hybrid longbow is amazing! Craftmanship is impeccable, very sweet draw, accurate, no handshock and wicked fast! The best bow I ever shot and Abe is a pleasure to do business with. delivery is 4 to 6 months, which ain't to bad either.

Have two King Panthers from Rose Oak.  Brandon is certainly destined to be one of the best bowyers.  Great craftsmanship and the bows flat preform.

Jerry

yes caribows are a great bow also dutchman.had a couple of them also.miss my tuktu still to this day.

I will put my Jack Kempf Kwyk Styk and my Craig Ekin Howard Hill Black Badger up against any Recurve or Long bow on the market.

If you don't believe me, the door is open, the coffee is hot and the beer is cold. Let's go and shoot 'em!

Holy Smokes! I forgot to mention Nathan Steele's Bama Bows.

Do yourself a favor and buy a freaking wonderful long bow from Nate and only spend $279 for the Hunter and the top of the line Royal is a hair over $400.

My $279 Hunter will smoke an arrow and is super, repeat, super quiet!!!

Anyone try Hitman custom carbon?

What ever the bow, one of my arrows will fly awesome out of everyone of them.

I also forgot Armold Smit of V Archer.

Feast your eyes. Arnold is the MAN!!!!

 (http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac138/hemdell/V%20Archer/ArnoldSmit2.jpg)   (http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac138/hemdell/matts%20v%20archery/Risercombi2.jpg)   (http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac138/hemdell/matts%20v%20archery/R-Dbowcombi.jpg)

Since you asked who do you think, I will have to say I think the next rave will be

Chad Holm or Jason Kendall.  Great bows and affordable.

I have shot their bows and they perform well. From what I hear there is great customer service also.

Personally I dont own either but that's purely because I am happy with my bow.  In fact I want one more bow just like mine but in a take down model and 50 lbs so I can hunt any common North American Big Game animal and have a back up to boot.  

Hope whoever is the next big name bowyer, I hope they deserve it!

Raging Water,

You obviously don't have time to post here...if you're going to keep all those bows happy!   :D

I been shooting a navajo stick for a while and love it but had a chance to shoot a Rick Welch Dakota recurve and fell for it real quick.  Sure hope he get mine to me before hunting season is over this year.  I really like the Rick Welch recurve.

i dunno what else can be done to elevate a stick 'n' string's performance beyond the recurve and longbow offerings out there today.  then again, the nature of stickbows will always be a compromise of sorts between speed (limb and arrow) and "stability".  the latest whiz-bang stick may be breaking 200fps but how critical, how consistent, is it shot after shot in hunting situations?

there so many cool bows out there, such beautious eye candy!  i want 'em all!!!  but there's a huge difference 'tween "want" and "need".  my longbow works quite well for me, i no longer have a "need" list.  :cool:

Rob! You need to want more bows!
  :archer:      :D

QuoteOriginally posted by Andy Cooper:
Rob! You need to want more bows!
   :archer:        :D  

:biglaugh:

Rob, which of the 12 steps was that?

QuoteOriginally posted by Ground Hunter:
Rob, which of the 12 steps was that?

13th step .... and counting.  :)

I think Duane Jessop at THUNDERHORN has stumbled upon a great LB recipe in his "vintage" I put some pics of his first one on here which I got recently.

I chronoed it and it out performed some other bows mentioned here by 6-7% on speed which is a lot for trad bows with heavy arrows. shot 12gpp at the same speed as 11gpp on my other slightly higher poundage bows.

We have a Lost Creek NAT on the way, sounds like a good quick bow for shooting out of tight places.  Different for what I have used, but they look good.

I predict: Big Jim He already gets twice the play of anyone else and his craftsmanship is great. God Bless you all , Steve

I test drove one of South Cox's bows . And the grip just melted into my hand.. It will be the next bow I have on order.

There are so many great bows out there. I don't know how anyone can be familiar with all of them so as to make accurate comparisons. When someone says this bow or that bow is the best, they probably haven't shot or even heard of a bow that someone else thinks is the best. Besides that, most bowyers make a variety of bows. It's inevitable that some will be better than others.

Having said that, I like Hummmingbirds a lot, Morrison bows are nice, Beeler, and Belcher bows are nice too. Right now I'm shooting a Striker longbow and it is sweet. If I were going with a factory bow it would be a Bob Lee, Jeffreys, or a Samick bow like the Red Stag.

You can buy beauty, and you can buy performance, but if the bow doesn't suit you then you have wasted your time and money. I would rather have a used $100 bow that suits me than a $1200 bow that does not.

2 Fletch, I have a policy. If you buy one of my bows and it doesn't suit you and its a legitimate reason. Send it back. Full return of your money. I don't want anyone to own one of my bows and have it hanging on a rack while he shoots a 200. bow. God Bless you all and have a great day. Steve

can you keep a secret?

Hill Country bows.......

QuoteOriginally posted by Sixby:
I predict: Big Jim He already gets twice the play of anyone else and his craftsmanship is great. God Bless you all , Steve

I can't agree more, and BigJim is a pleasure to deal with

F-Manny

ILF + huntable = next big thing

I've recently heard some very good things about South Cox, but I've never shot one of his bows.  I think it's too soon to say that Big Jim has already had his day in the sun.  I think Big Jim's bows are still on the rise.  I haven't shot one of his yet either but I hope to soon!    :archer2:   todd

I think Apex Predator bows will become popular and start to have a following.

Saluki Grandeurs are a very hard longbow to beat. Would like to try a eaglewing.

Suffice it to say, if I had the $$, I'd have several from each bowyer!

I had to respond which is not my style. I try not to say much but have learned a lot from this site, so I offer this.  I first heard of and now the new owner of an Eaglewing TD. I own a Black Widow, a Morrison, and have had others, all famous so to speak. I have been shooting my own selfbows for 20 years but age caused me to drop poundage. I asked Steve to pick the woods for me, I know you never know what you might get right? My request was antler tips and grip with finger notches and I sent Steve the snake skins provided by Charlie Sinclair, eastern diamondback. What I got is the lightest, almost fairy like, I know how gay that sounds, bow that is beyond beautififul and shoots better than I knew one could. Perhaps God smiled or I got lucky, either way this one does to the grave with me. 52@27", 55@28". I would post pics but don't know how, the monitors yell at people about size and selling etc. so I stay out of it. Steve Tallent has proven agood friend, a great christian, and someone I trust. I doubt he will ever be "big shop" famous though. He takes to much time with each customer. Keep it in mind guys, he is a champ, and the bow, it really is as good as it gets. But everyone has a personal favorite so no bad to anybody, but this is art.

ACS ILF longbow limbs.

I'm not sure why the Quinn bows never reached the "chatter" level that many of the other metal riser take-downs did. Maybe it's just that their aesthetic appeal was more along the commando/stealth line than the exotic wood line.

I think any of the new bows that combine attractive design with high performance will do well. Of course there seems to be a growing number of new bows that recall the old time designs. I would go for those every time.

OkKeith

I don't think I have any pics of Ricks bow after I finished it. I do have unfinished pics for sure. I'll see ifI can get some posted. I know he sent me a pic of the first four shots he took with it and three arrows were touching and one about 2 inches below those. He had a cigarette lighter set up there and the lighter would cover the entire group. That man can shoot a bow and definately knows what will shoot and what will not.

Rick, Yolo is right, I wlll never be the blow up bowyer simply because I cannot build and will not build bows that fast. However if you want the best a person can build. I do that. I build the best bow I can build and am learning every day . God Bless you all, Steve

QuoteOriginally posted by OkKeith:
I'm not sure why the Quinn bows never reached the "chatter" level that many of the other metal riser take-downs did.

Actually, they did.  The were all the rage about 4 or 5 years ago, up until the metal ILF stuff started getting popular.

I think it would be interesting to bring this one back to life and see if people's opinions have changed in 2 years.
In my opinion, what should be the next big thing is one that few people really know about. It is Don Dow's Stik Bow. Incredibly smooth, easy on the eyes, and the nicest guy you'll ever talk to.

Could it be that we are fickle and can't pass up a new bow every once in a while. Then, to justify it, we have to convince ourselves it's the latest and greatest.

Personally, I hope I never loose the love (or lust?) for a new one. Every one I own is different and I really hate to part with any of them.

For a great hunting bow that is attractive but not gaudy, I don't think you can beat a Kanati. Jason is great to deal with and his service is second to none. His is a one man operation, so quality control is simple. You can spend a lot more, but I doubt you will have a bow that will do something a Kanati will not.

As far as recurves go, RER bows are both beautiful and great shooters. On top of that, they won't break the bank either.

Lots of good ones out there guys. These are the good old days when it comes to selecting traditional bows. I doubt there has ever been a time when so many excellent bowyers were in business as the present.

Thank you God!

  :pray:

Some one asked about Hitman Customs, I haven't tried the carbon.
My take down with bamboo cores maple and clear glass is super smooth and quiet.

With so many great bow makers at our dispoasal it's hard to say who'll be the next major player,I just picked up a Lone Wolf Banshee by John Maus,great short bow that shorts excellent.I believe if I had the money I would have one from every bower.

2013,,, Tallon Longbows out of Echo Bay Ontario. Awesome bows, potentially the next big thing.

Hmmm, let's see.  What bow has over 11,000 posts on 752 pages and still going strong?   :saywhat:      :archer:

The Stalker line keeps getting better and better.  :thumbsup:

QuoteOriginally posted by David Mitchell:
Hmmm, let's see.  What bow has over 11,000 posts on 752 pages and still going strong?    :saywhat:        :archer:  

Everything old is new again. I love my two Hill style bows!

It is always amazing to me how regional bow markets are.  Due to the internet I am familiar with most of the bows listed in this thread, but there are at least a half dozen or more that I have never seen.

I could see Bigfoot bows turning into a pace-setter, if they are as good as people say, and if Kirk is as knowledgeable as he appears in his posts.  I've never shot nor seen one, but something about Kirk's online conversations tell me that he knows what he's doing, and isn't afraid to push the envelope and be revolutionary.

The "new" '59 Kodiak from Bear may be a big deal, if the quality control is solid.

My prediction about Cari-bow tow years ago turned out to be true.... Abe went from 4 months to 16 months...    :scared:    

Now I see three other candidates: Whippenstick, Bigfoot and Eaglewing. All bowyers proved being able to make magnificent bows.I think when I am done writing my review on the Phoenix, Ken will go up...    :p

I'm still curious? What bow will be the next big Thing??? Recurve,Longbow,Flatbow, ILF,????
There are a lot of Bowyers making great looking, good shooting bows today. I'm seeing very little that is new, there is some. But most is the same old in a new package by whoever. I would like to see what everyone thinks or would like to see in the next big thing in bows?????

I'm not a "next big thing" sort of guy.  That's the reason I still shoot longbows after 50 years.  I realize some of you guys eat this high tech trad archery thing with a big spoon.  More power to you.  I have no complaint about that.  Glad there are so many fine bow makers pushing the envelope for those who dig that.     :thumbsup:

the ones to watch are the ones that weather the STORM and continue to be successful year after year with both high quality offerings and a fair price for their craftsmanship.....

They only bowyer that is fairly new that has caught my eye is Stalker by South Cox.  I would rather he not be the next big thing that I believe has been perpetuated by the internet...but rather grow slowly and steadily increasing his abilities and his following with hard work, eye for detail, and solid performance.

Too many BIG THINGS get overwhelmed and take on more than they can handle and become another closed business due to the stress and pressure...or from taking on too much and then losing orders from poor customer service and then getting flamed on public forums.  The NEXT BIG THING is the curse of death I think as a label for many young bowyers (time professional not age) who are doing this for a love of the sport and desire to build something worthwhile when the business side overwhelms their spirit.

Just stay focused and doing what you love to the best of your ability...and dont take on more orders than you can fill in reasonable amount of time....is that 2 months, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months.  For me it is about 3 months maybe 6 months...but no more if I am buying a new bow.  Stay true and stay strong in your convictions....and be here for the next generation of traditionalists that will be looking for something to trust and love from your creations.

Personally, I think the Old Standby "Howard Hill Bows" will return to Their Righteous Space at the Top of the List!  :thumbsup:    :biglaugh:

The next good think,could be the Black douglas recurve with is HEX- 6 limbs   :eek:

when is it going to happen?? LOL
Bob brought up an interesting thought. Not who but what. I predict that it will be something that a small bowyer developes and some larger bowyer runs with / I have seen that happen several times.

For instance 10 years ago you could count the number of bowyers building static recurves on one hand. Today almost every bowyer is building them in one form or another.
One thing I do see is a constant upgrading on those things already in existance and that is a good thing.

I believe the bow building community has come alive after sitting on its laurals with practicaly 50 years of no advancement/ The garage and small shop builder has caused that along with a large sharing of technical knowledge via the net.


God bless you all, Steve

Y'all need to get your hands on a self bow and see that going back might be what's ahead.

I will continually say that we have some great great bowyers to choose from. I have been happily impressed by many of them. But I have been even more impressed whenever I get my hands on a killer self bow, and when a simple stick kicks b@@ty, watch out !!!

I think LongStick64 makes a good point - going back might be what's ahead.

Look at the popularity that Hill style longbow makers have gained - especially with the "HH bug" thread going since January 2011.  Ron LaClair also now offers his Shrew Hill when a few years ago his Shrew offered a great inovation in what a longbow could be. And Bear Archery is going back to what established them decades ago.

So I kind of see two styles dominating as traditional archery moves forward - the classic time tested old school design and the high tech ultra engineered design that pushes the envelope on new materials.  There's room for both and both will have their followings.

Of course the primitive side continues to grow and more and more hobby bowyers are trying their hand at this craft with all the information available now on the internet.

wow - someone saw Hill Country two yeara ago....good call!

I finally got to try a couple Eagle Wings and i now understand why they are NEVER in the classifieds.

7 pages of posts and I can't believe someone hasn't dug out a pic of the "Ramblin Rambo Redneck Crossgun" poster that Too Short used to offer in the Screamin Eagle catalog! It even featured a supermodel, was it Barry or Gene?  In it's day it was hilarious.  Sadly, in my state it's now a reality!  Maybe I'm just old.  Please, for old times sake, somebody make my day!

Mike, Thanks Bro. Once in a while one gets in there. Sometimes I buy them LOL. I get to thinking how much time I have in that bow and buy it LOL. Only way I could get one myself.  Several bowyers really stand out to me as putting out a very high quality , high performance bow. they are obviously involved in this far beyond making money and I truly appreciate that and wish them all the best. I won't name them as they have already been named. They deserve the recognition and business that some seem to get without deserving it./ Regionality may be a big part of that. I do believe though that these bowyers and their bows will be like cream and eventually rise to the top.

God bless you all, Steve

This thread is not complete without mentioning Bill Dunn and Zippers.  Can't wait for my 60" Zipstick.    :help:    He never stops innovating and tinkering (ILF, now 1 piece Zipstick, and new Nitro long bow).  What's not to like about bows with great grips, fast, quiet, good lookin, with a matte finish that is really great for hunting and holding, sweet matching quivers, and cant forget top notch customer service?    :thumbsup:

Yes there are many, many great bows and yes, a lot is personal, but that's my thoughts.

What new bow I'd like to see?  I'd like to see a 48" recurve that shoots 220 fps (10 gpp), is as quiet as a Hill longbow, as shock free as a metal risered recurve, and is as forgiving as a 70" string follow longbow.  :)

Sandy Biles is developing a following here in eastern oklahoma. His recurves are exceptionally quiet and completely dead in hand, and they have terrific performance. His long bows are the same. Don't know if he will ever become "big" because he isn't trying to... But if the secret ever gets out-look out.....

I don't know the next big thing, I do know it's tough to beat an excellent reputation and a time proven bow.

IMO: Kirk at Bigfoot bows is starting to experiment with his recurve design, I predict that a year from now, those will be one of the most sought after on the market.

Gregg Coffeys line of Javaman bows are absolutely "up and coming"

I think that Thunderchilds and Sasquatches are becoming very popular bows. That said there are still bows that are not the hottest ticket right now but are well known such as Widows, Tomahawks, and A&S bows just to name a few.

Black Widow will come out with a 3pc LB.

QuoteOriginally posted by Apex Predator:
What new bow I'd like to see?  I'd like to see a 48" recurve that shoots 220 fps (10 gpp), is as quiet as a Hill longbow, as shock free as a metal risered recurve, and is as forgiving as a 70" string follow longbow.    :)  

:biglaugh:      :biglaugh:      :biglaugh:  

You don't ask for much, do you Marty?  I got a "Yeti TD RC 48" prototype coming up next month bro.... But I may have a bit of problem hitting 220 at 10 gpp with her....the rest is no problem.    :biglaugh:    

I think it was Badger that told me he calculated at 10 gpp  with 100% efficiency the best we could get is about 212 out of an RC.  I'm not sure how to do the math on that myself   :dunno: