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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: batty110 on October 22, 2010, 10:34:00 AM

Title: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: batty110 on October 22, 2010, 10:34:00 AM
I'm looking for my second recurve or longbow.  I want it to be a performer in speed and noise level, but also the lighter the better.  I'd also like it to be 56" or less tip to tip, but that's not set in stone.    

The bows I've seen so far that look appealing are Black widow's PSR Short Recurves, Black Swan's hybrid and longbow (I know they're long, but they're beautiful), and the Striker Xtreme longbow.  I'm open to other manufacturers, but don't want to spend over $1000.  

Also, I currently shoot a LH Hoyt GameMaster I that draws 50# at my 29" DL.
Thank you for the help!
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: bigbadjon on October 22, 2010, 10:43:00 AM
If you want a short recurve I would recommend a Great Northern Ghost. It is very trim and light.
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: MartinD on October 22, 2010, 10:46:00 AM
Check out Jason Kendall's Kanati longbow. Do a search here on this site and you'll get nothing but good words about them.
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: batty110 on October 22, 2010, 10:58:00 AM
I like the looks of these two bows, but don't know what the difference is between shooting a recurve and a longbow.  I'm more than willing to learn to shoot a longbow, but is there less handshock or any other benefits?
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: Wolfie2nd on October 22, 2010, 11:00:00 AM
Get the widow can't really go wrong.
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: DannyBows on October 22, 2010, 11:40:00 AM
I just got an Ambush Bow, a 50" recurve from Chuck at TWO TRACKS. Very impressive short bow. I hear they draw nice at long draws, though I draw 26 1/2" myself. Top-Notch fit and finish, smokes an arrow, very light in hand, quiet, and shock-free. Also, you'll have a lot of that budget left over for arrows and such. Here's a link to my review, which has comments from other Ambush owners. Chuck was a real pleasure to deal with also.

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=095078
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: Over&Under on October 22, 2010, 03:22:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by DannyBows:
I just got an Ambush Bow, a 50" recurve from Chuck at TWO TRACKS. Very impressive short bow. I hear they draw nice at long draws, though I draw 26 1/2" myself. Top-Notch fit and finish, smokes an arrow, very light in hand, quiet, and shock-free. Also, you'll have a lot of that budget left over for arrows and such. Here's a link to my review, which has comments from other Ambush owners. Chuck was a real pleasure to deal with also.
Ditto!  Great bows!
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: Bowmania on October 22, 2010, 08:57:00 PM
Get the BS.  As you said you said it's long.  You'll shoot it better.  56 inches is too short, unless your draw is 25 or shorter.  My girl friend like shooting my longer bows.

Bowmania
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: Bel007 on October 22, 2010, 09:05:00 PM
Don't forget Widow offers the Test Drive program.  Give 'em a call, pay the deposit, and Roger will ship one off to you at your requested specs for you to try at home.  Like it... call him and tell him to build you one, don't like it, you get your deposit back (less shipping) when you ship it back.  

Now that deal is a winner!  Gotta luv those folks in Nixa.  Top notch bows and service.
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: owlbait on October 22, 2010, 09:12:00 PM
Stalker recurves, bowyer South Cox, recently introduced a 56" model. Beautiful bows, great performance. The riser woods you choose will make a difference in the bow weight of any of your choices. John Dill's Addiction recurves are light and great performers also, at 54" & 56".
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: A. C. Nielsen on October 22, 2010, 10:15:00 PM
Call up Mike Treadway.  I have a 60" 54# @ 28" carbon cored Blackswamp R/D Longbow that at my 29" draw and a 10 strand FF shoots a 515grain arrow around 200fps like a dart, and is extremely quiet.
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: OS on October 22, 2010, 10:37:00 PM
You will want to check into St. Joe River bows!!  their new little recurve is amazing and I draw 29.5 inches!!
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: COLongbow on October 22, 2010, 11:12:00 PM
You said "the lighter, the better."
BW may not be your best choice in that category.
Their unsurpassed durability comes with a price.

If you want a light in weight, FAST, bow, try a Lost Creek.
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: batty110 on October 23, 2010, 01:52:00 AM
Thanks for all the input so far!  I like the looks of all of the bows mentioned so far, especially the Ambush, St. Joe River bows, and the Lost Creek's.  I of course still love the bows I initially mentioned, but really want to make sure I've looked all my options over.
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: Sixby on October 23, 2010, 02:01:00 AM
Check out my site. I make the Talon in a 56 three piece and in a 56 in onepiece. God bless you and good luck in your search.
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: carpenter on October 23, 2010, 03:41:00 AM
AS mentioned above,check out the Kanati and Great Northern bows.
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: Bowwild on October 23, 2010, 07:58:00 AM
If I were buying a 56" bow right now I'd buy the brand new Bear TD A riser without limbs. I'd order # limbs from Brandon Stahl at Rose Oak Archery. I have a Supreme in A and B riser (the A is special order and quite rare). I have limbs on order from Brandon, due in December.
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: houseman on October 23, 2010, 08:05:00 AM
For under a grand, I would look at Dryad or RER.  Both make a great bow and leave some change in your pocket.
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: LongStick64 on October 23, 2010, 08:12:00 AM
I have two BW PSR's and they are Bomb Proof, exceptionally made and are very solid performers.
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: LongStick64 on October 23, 2010, 08:15:00 AM
Ooops I forgot to add, check out Dan Toelke at Montana Bows. Lower priced than the Widows but every bit as good. There are a couple here listed in the classified at awesome prices.
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: Cherokee Scout on October 23, 2010, 08:40:00 AM
You can't go wrong with the Widow. It will shoot great and hold its value should you ever decide to re-sale.
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: buckeye_hunter on October 23, 2010, 08:57:00 AM
Black Swan longbow. I don't think Vermonster would argue that choice!  :saywhat:
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: PrarrieDog on October 23, 2010, 09:03:00 AM
I have a 56" one piece Pronghorn that weighs 15 ozs. Fast and quiet. Great shooting bow.
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: Raging Water on October 23, 2010, 09:04:00 AM
Big Jim Thunder Child - it is exactly what you a looking for in a Longbow.
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: sstewa on October 23, 2010, 09:19:00 AM
1 piece Black Swan Hybrid - 62" but is smooth, fast and light in the hand.
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: Margly on October 23, 2010, 02:56:00 PM
Check out Jim Jones Firefly longbows.
I have several and is highly satisfied.

If you like take also a loot at Border Archery`s Hawk Hunter Longbow, extremely fast. I`ve just ordered one of these in 63@31 with buffalo horn finger-grooves   :thumbsup:  

Both bowyers have good services and the longbows mentioned is really good shooters and looks nice to   :archer:  

best of luck at your quest for a new bow.

Margly
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: Breakfast Boy on October 23, 2010, 03:25:00 PM
Be sure to check out  www.stikbowsbydondow.com (http://www.stikbowsbydondow.com)

Don makes a great bow and for $1,000 you can buy three of his bows and still have money left over.  Best shooting bow for the price in my opinion.  Don't let the price fool ya.  I've shot a lot of bows and usually believe you get what you pay for, but Don is the exception.  And his turn around time is FAST!  Two weeks and he had mine to me.

(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h77/TEAMRETRIEVER/012.jpg)
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: luvnlongbow on October 23, 2010, 07:17:00 PM
I would give Ron King a call at Fox. Maybe not as short as you mentioned but my High Sierra shoots very well. 45#@28" 60"
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: oddan on October 24, 2010, 06:07:00 AM
For me it was a Centaur. Sold all my other bows. For you it may be diffrent,but I would try before I buy. Nice 56in Centaur on his web page now.
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: damascusdave on October 24, 2010, 09:09:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by batty110:
I'm looking for my second recurve or longbow.  I want it to be a performer in speed and noise level, but also the lighter the better.  I'd also like it to be 56" or less tip to tip, but that's not set in stone.    

The bows I've seen so far that look appealing are Black widow's PSR Short Recurves, Black Swan's hybrid and longbow (I know they're long, but they're beautiful), and the Striker Xtreme longbow.  I'm open to other manufacturers, but don't want to spend over $1000.  

Google Beaver Creek longbows and see what you think.

Also, I currently shoot a LH Hoyt GameMaster I that draws 50# at my 29" DL.
Thank you for the help!
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: damascusdave on October 24, 2010, 09:10:00 AM
Google Beaver Creek longbows and see what you think.

Too early in the morning on that last post.

DDave
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: cacciatore on October 24, 2010, 04:48:00 PM
If you buy a XXX for sure it will outshoot YYY.
One houndred hunters one houndred bows.
In reality most modern box are really great and well done.Take your time,try as many as possible.
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: batty110 on October 24, 2010, 06:02:00 PM
I really have to find somewhere that I can get out and shoot some of these bows, or somehow to track down owners that would consider letting me try theirs out.  I like all the bows so far, and am very curious about the Stik Bows by Don Dow since they're very inexpensive and still look very nice.  Otherwise I keep coming back to BW, Black Swan, and Lost Creek.  I have also found Fedora bows which seems to have quite a following.  Are they really as quiet and nice to shoot as they're made out to be?  They also leave a lot of extra cash to dress it p and get some snazzy extras for it  :)
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: Bjorn on October 24, 2010, 07:03:00 PM
Fedora makes a really good bow and has a try and buy program that will answer a lot of your questions...............nothing like spending a few days with that candidate to find out whatca' like.

Schafer is also first class and usually will have a bow for you to try.
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: OS on October 27, 2010, 08:30:00 AM
I love the blackwidow bows but if noise is a factor for you they are far from the quietist bows made.  for a 56" bow or shorter I would say you realy need to look more into the St. Joe River bows.  I have a 29.5" draw and have shot there 54" and 56" bows with no problem and both very quiet and stable to shoot even at my long draw!
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: R. W. Mackey on October 27, 2010, 09:41:00 AM
Batty:  There is another thread running on here about a new Cascade Bow.  You should read it, nice pics, and alot of positive response for the bow. And you can't beat the price.  R.W.
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: joekeith on October 27, 2010, 10:32:00 AM
I can't believe noone has suggested Shrew bows.  They have a few different models, are light weight, quiet, fast and good lookin'.

Personally I don't think you oughtta buy a new one untill you really know just what you want.  Try 'em all.  What someone else likes or hates has nothing to do with your feelings.

Good luck on your journey........  :archer2:
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: 30coupe on October 27, 2010, 11:00:00 AM
Kanati! You'll want it 58" though. There is ZERO hand shock, they are FAST and quiet, and since they are cut to center, they are not picky about spine. Also, they will sling heavy arrows with authority. I shoot 500+ grains from my 46# Kanati, and it loves them.

On the recurve side, you might want to look at a 56" Orion by Dryad Bows. I love my Orion longbow and have a set of 56" recurve limbs ordered.

Either of those bows can be had for well under $1000. In fact, you could have an Orion with BOTH longbow and recurve limbs for under $1000!

Both Mike Westvang (Dryad) and Jason Kendall (Kanati) are sponsors here, so you can go up top and pull down to see their websites. Both are great to deal with as well.     :thumbsup:    You are only about two and a half hours away from Jason, so you could pick your bow up and visit with Jason. That's what I do!

If you want to shoot a Kanati and an Orion, come on down. I'm just 9 miles off of I35!
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: Red Tailed Hawk on October 27, 2010, 08:12:00 PM
(http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x438/lead955/New%20Bow/September2010085.jpg)

I think you would be real happy with a widow.
Here's mine in kingwood
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: batty110 on October 29, 2010, 07:23:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by joekeith:
I can't believe noone has suggested Shrew bows.  They have a few different models, are light weight, quiet, fast and good lookin'.

Personally I don't think you oughtta buy a new one untill you really know just what you want.  Try 'em all.  What someone else likes or hates has nothing to do with your feelings.

Good luck on your journey........    :archer2:  
Are shrew's good with longer DL's?  Also, I'd love to try out a bunch of bows, but there really aren't many traditional archers around here that I know of much less left handed ones.  We have a very nice archery range not far from here, but besides my best friend and myself, we've only seen 2 recurves there, and not a single longbow.
Title: Re: Need Opinions on new bow
Post by: Bowwild on October 29, 2010, 07:44:00 PM
Check out "The Stick" by Tim Strickland. It is brand new this year. Its a metal riser bow with a fantastic grip. That's what I'm hunting with and I have many bows that cost $400-600 more. The shortest is 58" which is what I shoot. It comes head to toe in Mathew's "Lost Camo".  I knew the day I received it that I would be hunting with it. Put an arrow through a doe at 21 yards Sept. 11th with a 46# draw at 26". I'm a lefty also.