Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: JCJ on September 12, 2010, 12:25:00 PM

Title: Bruin Bows by Mike Steliga
Post by: JCJ on September 12, 2010, 12:25:00 PM
I visited Mike Steliga at his shop in Antigo, WI last week and came home with one of his "in stock" bows. Nothing fancy, just a well built, smooth shooting, hard hitting bow. All his in stock bows are on sale for $100 off the regular price. He has a bunch of really fancy bows available including a couple one piece Staghorn/Bill Pyle tributes that were gorgeous!

I have a very long draw and one of the things I like about the Bruins is that for reasons I don't really understand don't stack like some other designs.

This bow is 60", 45# @ 28". Using a test arrow while in Mikes shop I consistently drew 31-3/4"-32" to the front of the bow. It is smooth all the way out to anchor. And, it builds it's draw weight rather gradually over the entire length of the draw. I have a bad draw arm shoulder, and this characteristic makes it really comfortable to shoot.

One hallmark of his design is the overall narrow limb width, and deep hook to the curve in the limb. This one is not built for modern non-stretch strings so the tip overlays are wood and quite thin.

I set up some arrows and tuned it yesterday. At 32" draw my peak draw weight is 55#. I am shooting Carbon Express Maxima 350's with a 100 gr. brass insert that gives me 33.25" arrow length. 200-225 gr. field tips bare shaft and paper tune perfectly for a finished arrow weight of 600-625 gr. Shoots flat out to 20 yards and is hunting quiet with a set of whiskers.
   (http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/Bruintd1.jpg)
   (http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/Bruintd2.jpg)
   (http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/Bruintd4.jpg)
   (http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/Bruintd3.jpg)
Title: Re: Bruin Bows by Mike Steliga
Post by: Red Tailed Hawk on September 12, 2010, 12:31:00 PM
Really like the look of that bow. Sometimes not fancy is just perfect.   :)
Title: Re: Bruin Bows by Mike Steliga
Post by: mrjsl on September 12, 2010, 12:31:00 PM
I have only one bow, and it is a Bruin Huntmaster 59#@28.5. It is a 60" bow.

I really like it and haven't seen one I would trade it for yet. Mike is a super nice guy.
Title: Re: Bruin Bows by Mike Steliga
Post by: doubleo on September 12, 2010, 12:51:00 PM
Mike builds a variety of different bow models, one piece and TD. Beautiful works of art. Maybe i"ll own one some day.
Title: Re: Bruin Bows by Mike Steliga
Post by: Steve Clandinin on September 12, 2010, 02:44:00 PM
I have a one piece MasterHunter 60"and 50# it is my go to Deer bow.It is a tackdriver and the workmanship is flawless.I had been wanting a Bruin for close to 20 years.I wasn't dissapionted.
Title: Re: Bruin Bows by Mike Steliga
Post by: meathead on September 12, 2010, 07:26:00 PM
I had Mike make me a 57" one piece huntmaster this spring.  I couldn't be happier with how it turned out.  I would recommend him to anyone.  Nate
Title: Re: Bruin Bows by Mike Steliga
Post by: D Harris on September 12, 2010, 09:10:00 PM
I talked to Mike on several occasions.......great guy! And makes a good, quality bow on top of it!
Title: Re: Bruin Bows by Mike Steliga
Post by: meathead on September 12, 2010, 09:41:00 PM
(http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp343/nyazel/IMG_1824.jpg)

Here is the one he made me.
Title: Re: Bruin Bows by Mike Steliga
Post by: JCJ on September 12, 2010, 09:59:00 PM
I have owned a Master, Huntmaster, and Deflex Express in the one-piece but his is my first takedown. The Deflex Express is a really sweet shooting bow.

Here are the Master and Huntmaster:
 (http://i525.photobucket.com/albums/cc333/jcj138265/Bruinpair.jpg)
Title: Re: Bruin Bows by Mike Steliga
Post by: Dave Alaxanian on September 13, 2010, 08:48:00 AM
Sweet lookin bow. I shot one at Denton hill and was impressed with how it didn't stack even at my 30 1/2" draw!!
Title: Re: Bruin Bows by Mike Steliga
Post by: Recurve Amigo on May 06, 2015, 06:55:00 PM
I had a deflex express wish I still had it.
Title: Re: Bruin Bows by Mike Steliga
Post by: KyStickbow on May 06, 2015, 07:21:00 PM
I like it...congrats on the new bow!
Title: Re: Bruin Bows by Mike Steliga
Post by: Florida lime on May 06, 2015, 07:32:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by KyStickbow:
I like it...congrats on the new bow!
It can't be too new - the thread is from 2010.   :D
Title: Re: Bruin Bows by Mike Steliga
Post by: Sam McMichael on May 06, 2015, 09:51:00 PM
Sometimes simplicity has an elegance all its own.
Title: Re: Bruin Bows by Mike Steliga
Post by: bruinman on May 07, 2015, 03:04:00 PM
I have a couple. Love them!
Title: Re: Bruin Bows by Mike Steliga
Post by: wisconsin wood butcher on May 09, 2015, 08:24:00 AM
I got a 56HR a few years back . a friend went to get his bow and I got mine after just talking and shooting with Mike . I have a solid 31" draw and the bow is still smooth. my friend sold his not me