Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Tatorbones on January 08, 2011, 12:32:00 AM
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I liked the long bow question but I do not shoot long bows so I'll ask it for recurve's.
What in your opinion are the best recurves? I'm looking for something about 50 lbs.
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How much bucks? You can find used Ben Pearsons for $60 to $100 that are wonderful bows. Not as pretty as the modern customs . . . but the deer aren't supposed to see what get's 'em anyhow.
Probably a used Wing (Bob Lee) Red Wing Hunter is the best bow for the buck: $160 to $200.
Of mine, the best $100 I ever spent on a bow was for my 62" Browning Explorer. Still a heck of a bow for that much money.
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I know you will get many opinions on this. Although not cheap i just dont see how you could go wrong with a black widow recurve. Smoothest drawing bow I own, puts arrows where im looking.
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It's just my opinion, but it's hard to go wrong with a good used bow out of the classifieds. If you get something that you can’t live with, it can be resold with hardly any loss of money.
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Best for the buck?
I don't think you can get any better than a good used Bear, Pearson, Wing, or any of those older bows. At swap meets, yard sales, or Craig's List, you can get them at pretty good prices and they've still got decades of good shooting left in them.
Guy
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I have shot many custom bows, but none that I like more than my Bob Lee's both long bows and recurves, the Lee TD longbows have become my favorite of the 2. And you won't find a company better to work with after you purchase a Bob Lee, no matter if you buy it new, or by one used and want it refinished, or the tiller changed, or whatever, they will be happy to work with you.
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A older Bear Grizzly, they are hard to beat for the price that one can be bought for.
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That is a tough question !
If you go to the classifides you can find several good deals on nice bows.
Here is my list of my "best bows"
Red Wing hunter
Black Douglas
Black Widow PMA
Dale Dye
Hummingbird Kingfisher
Habu
DAS with Border ILF limbs
And on and on :)
Some is very expencive other is bought used to a very good price.
Margly
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that is a question that cant be anwsered.
some guys will tell ya its the 100.dollar bow.
some guys will tell ya its the 1500.dollar bow.
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The bow of your choice from the Trad Gang Classifieds.
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I personally feel that is a Predator TD.It has everything a quality TD recurve is supposed to have plus some of the best speed availible.Honorable mention goes to a Jeffery royal mag.Not smoking fast but is great all round.
There are more costly bows,but I feel IN MY OPINION these have the best features and performance for a new/used price.
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look at the mad dog bows it will put a smile on you face :)
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I'm a Pittsley Predator fan myself. Always have been. I've owned two of'em including the one I have now.
I also love Black Widows too. Would love to have a nice BW one piece in 56" or 58" with tulipwood throughout!
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Timberhawk
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The one you like the best will be your best bow for your buck.
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My fav's
Black Widow PSA
Black Widow PSR
Toelke Curlew
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These are some I like:
1. Schafer Silvertip -- $890 Base.
2. Pittsley Predator - $699-1,250
3. The Stick -- $799
4. Bear Custom Kodiak Take Down (new) $799
5. Rose Oak Super Wildcat (1-piece)
6. Black Widow $900+
I saw the Samick's first hand yesterday at the ATA Trade Show. I was pleasantly surprised how nice looking and well made they seemed to be. These bows are extremely well-priced (hundreds less than those above). In fact, I picked up an odd shaped bow, sort of turkish. And it was much nicer than I thought it would be. Felt cool to draw and fit nicely.
As others have said the classified are a great place to get a good deal on a like-new used bow. The fellows selling on classifieds will treat you as well and as quickly as any of the bowyers.
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I was going to say the same thing ctred4d.
The one you like the best.
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Taterbones,
Your question is legit. Until you've tried some bows you won't know what you like best. Also, one of the values of this site is to get opinions from people who have tried many bows. These opinions might help you decide what you should try in your search for what you like best.
For me a bow is a very personal thing. What one person likes I might not like -- in fact, I don't like most bows. I have identified some folks on this site that have very similar tastes as mine and I value their opinions as I contemplate bows.
You'll need to determine:
1. Do you prefer LB or Recurve?
2. What is your draw length as this often has some bearing on the length of your bow.
3. What draw weight is best for you.
4. Are exotic woods important?
5. What is your current price target-$60-$2,000+?
6. Is used ok? Do you mind if it is blemished?
One thing you will find difficult here, is eliminating a bow from possiblity. The folks here, me included, are very reluctant to tell you when they don't like a bow. The ones we don't like are simply left off the lists.
I've found one of your best investments would be to attend a Trad Show where many of the bowyers, some with used equipment show up. If you are a RH shooter your search will be easier as there are at least 10 times as many RH as LH bows out there.
After you've filtered through information, tried several bows, and if you are so inclined, spent money on bows you won't like, you'll know what you like best.
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http://www.whisperstikbows.com/index.html
FAST QUIET AND PRICED RIGHT
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Zipper Bows is going to have a new model that may be just what you are talking about.
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I have a small fortune of custom bows hanging at home. And a couple other small fortunes have passed through my hands buying and selling quite a pile of used bows. (Which is a great way to try out a bow you might be interested in)
So what bow did I carry in the woods this fall? A 1968 Bear Super Kodiak. The old Bears, Damon-Howatts, Wings, Pearsons, etc. shoot great and look good too.
As for the newer recurves, the top of my own list are RER, Rose Oak, Dale Dye. But your list is bound to be different.
Personal preference is the deciding factor, and what is best for someone else won't always be best for you.
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I agree with Whip, you can't go wrong with an older Bear!
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I have a number of custom bows and I love all of them but I really do believe that other than satisfying my desire to own pretty and unique pieces of functioning art, they aren't noticeably one bit better than a Bear Griz or Super K or a Damon Howatt Hunter or other bows in that category.
I've whittled my collection down to 8 recurves. I love my Super ks but my go to bow is my Wes Wallace Partner that I've owned for over 15 years. If it weren't for that Partner I'd stay with an early 70's Super K.
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I started in the 60's with a Bear. Have had several since then. They are likely the best bang for your buck. As has been said, you can find them pretty easy other than the high end collectable models will bring some bucks.
The bow sale area here will give you some opportunity...
Its up to you and your budget....
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Quinn Stallion. Go to their website, they are back up and building bows after David Quinn passed away about 2 months ago. Their bows shoot as fast and smooth as BW's, I know, I sold 2 to buy more Quinns. Riser is alum., bombproof, but easy to transition to coming form wheelie bows. Has one of the best records around on limb quality, and the guy who is making them now, working for the Quinns, is as good or better at limb making that David was, per my last conversation with him before he passed.They also have a wooden riser that is about the same weight, beautiful, with bubinga limbs and clear glasss. A lot of folks buy the Quinns as an entry level bow, $279 for a Stallion, new, but end up sticking with them. PM me back if I can be of any help.
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I picked up an older Bear Polar recurve (1962, but not exactly sure) on Craigslist. No cracks, twists, scratches or dings or holes drilled. Its a very smooth bow, as well. I got it at a great price from somebody who had no interest in archery, who said it had been sitting in their house for 10 years. I plan to shoot it for a while, then either give it away to someone or sell it and make a little money.
You can find deals out there, and that'd be a great way to get ahold of an inexpensive bow that you can shoot until you decide whether you like it or not. If you are unsure when you come across a bow like that, the Tradgangers would be glad to give a good quick opinion on whether it'd be a good choice. Keep your eye on Craigslist, local classifieds, estate sales, etc.
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As far as new,custom bows,the Whisperstik Mojostik is a lot of bang for the buck.I have two and still can't get over how well they shoot and how quiet they are.They are definitely a couple of the best bows I have ever owned and my favorites right now.
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Best new recurve for the money IMHO is a Quinn.
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Shooting trad bows since 1970 and have owned quite a few different brands of recurves. For my money a Black Widow is hard to beat. Smooth, accurate and very well built. I did keep a few old Bears in rememberance of Fred and shoot occasionally .
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Holm-Made, right here on this site, Chad builds a Beauty that'll shoot with the Best of em ...
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I have to add another vote for the pittston predator, I have 2 one is 51#@28(snaked limbs by me), and a classic 43#@28 :notworthy:
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For the "best bow for the buck" I have found that a Bear black bear riser and ILF adapter plate and ILF fitted limbs is the best shooting, most accurate bow I have, or maybe I should say that I shoot this one the best and I can change limbs to suit the day. The old riser was $40 and $30 for the adapter plates and about $150 for a set of limbs(some I bought used and some new low end).
I admit it is not the prettiest bow but it is a shooter.
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My favorites are Ron LaClair's Li'l Favorite and Lone Wolf Kayapo by John Maus. Picking a bow is almost as personal as picking a wife; some just fit, some do nothing but give you nightmares!
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GREYBEARD hit the nail on the head,me personally I like zippers.
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Don't know if it's been mentioned because I was too lazy to read through 3 pages of responses,but for the money Tarbell makes a very good shooting and easy to look at bow and after I bought one (new for 229.00 delivered) off of the big auction site I asked a tuning question about the bow and the response I got was signed N.Tarbell he's been around a long time and the experience is reflected in the quality and performance of his bows,his bows aren't always on there and the weight you want may be hard to get but be patient and keep watching one will turn up,I think I watched for over a year before I found one but it was worth it,these shouldn't be overlooked.
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Quinn or a Warf.
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I want to thank everybody for their advice, I have a lot of great looking bows to check out and well see what I finally choose. I'm hoping to go to the show in feb. in missouri at the hotel, well see though.
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that question is subjective
i quess the one that shoots the best for you
for me its
predator
black widow
bear 76er
quinns
not nessasarilly in any order just what i like to shoot
kevin
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I have a Silvertip, Awesome bow, smooth as butter, everything you want in a bow. BUT... you can get by with a hole lot less. I could have bought 4 or 5 old but good bows for the price I gave for one. I've shot alot of old dandy bows! thats the route I'd take! JMHO!! Jason
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I shoot a couple of bear Kodiak repros....that being said....I recently shot a pair of early 70's, (1971 I think), Bear Kodiak Hunters that two of my friends aquired last year.....GREAT bow for the $125.00 they spent!!! Quiet and plenty fast! However, keep the fast flight skinny strings off these if the tips aren't micarta. One was 50# the other 52#...I was impressed. I also like the Damon Howatt Super Diablo and Hunter. An early 70's S.D. with the factory turned wood stabilizer is just the cats meow. Play your cards right and you'll find one in the $250.00 to $350.00 range...And lastly...do what everyone else said here and peruse the bow classifieds...they are chocked full of bow bargains just waiting for a new home...good luck.....john
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If I was on a tight budget I would go with a Check-Mate Falcon or Attila great shooting bows for the price. A midrange price Bow would be a Great Plains recurve love the grip. High end shew lil favorite.
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forgot to add the whisperstik Mojo might be the best custom bow buy out there. great 50's style bow that will hang with the best of em.
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What is best for my buck and what is best for your buck might be 2 different things.
The best Recurve for my buck would be a Blacktail, Wallace, or Widow.
The best Recurve for at the least expensive cost, I believe would be a Samick Sage, Greatree Goshawk, Samick Deer Master or Red Stag.
I shoot longbows, but I have thought about getting another curve from Blacktail or Wallace.
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I have a Samick Stingray and would have to say it is a best buy for sure.
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Blacktail is right its like Chevy vs Ford some say Chevy and others say Ford.
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I modified a Samick Phantom and liked it. Same for my Trad Tech Pinnacle 2. No Blackwidow, but decent.
Decent enough I'm keeping it, and ordering another BW.
Not a fan of classic Bear Grizzlies or DH 2800/Hunters. Had several- no thanks.
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Everyone has great advice, especially on the used bows and tradgang classifieds.
But..if your looking to buy a brand new bow, you can't go wrong with a Chek-mate. Nice recurves to match any budget.
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I vote again for Timberhawk. It is similar to a Schaffer. Scott was in TBM's latest issue. His base bows are in the $500-$550 range. His "high end" bows are still only $799!
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My sentimental favorites are my first two bows--1966 Howatt's. But today topping my list are Border, Border and Border!
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From the most performings to the dogs there isn't a Huge difference as people sometime immagine.Most bows are as good as you are and the time you spend for fine tune them and to learn how they react.This is true at hunting distances;for the longer shoots on a 3D course you can notice a bigger difference.
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Wes Wallace for any budget. Used for low budget, new for more. I would agree you could find as good, I have a hard time finding better. The performance is superior to the Bear's, Pearson's etc... The extra money is easily justifiable. It may not be necessary, but it is worth it. Dollar for dollar I put my money where my mouth is. Wes Wallace recurves and long bows.
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I saw the Samick's at the ATA show on Friday. For a guy (me) that likes those I listed a couple pages back, I was surprised I liked them. Previously I had seen only the "intro program" target bows and I didn't like those. The hunting line-up is pretty nice looking and they appear to be well made. I would say the Koreans are pretty good at making em since they make so many for their countrymen.
Writing all that, I won't be buying one because I'm an impractical person and I want more than utility in my personal equipment.
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I agree with Ringneck, the Stingray for under $250 is a great bow. Matter of fact might buy my second one this year to have as a spare. I just picked up three bows at a yard sale, Bear Grizzly and a Bear Bearcat and a Browning for under $100. Both the old Bears are good bows.
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timberhawk, assenheimer, and marriah are surprisingly affordable
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Check out Maddog bows. He has a nice custom recurves from $200 to $350. I've heard great feedback on his bows. Or get a used Howatt Hunter. $150 to $275.
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I just bought a used Ben Pearson Cougar 45# @28 64" amo off of ****. Luckily dude lives about 35 minutes away so I'm on my way to pick it up here shortly. I'm all excited, it's like christmas all over.
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If your talking about a "custom" bow and "value", I would vote for the Crow Creek "Copperhead".
A 1 piece 50's style recurve from a guy thats been building them since 1973, for under $500.
He has one in stock now #47 @ 28 that has been tempting me.
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For a custom bow, I think the Whisperstik Mojostiks are tough to beat for the money. I have 2 of them and love both. I think that the old Bear bows are real nice as well for factory bows. They shoot great, just not as appealing to the eye as a custom bow.
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Custom, I think a Toelke Chinook is one of the smoothest shooting recurves around. I have found many a good factory bow in thrift shops, pawn shops, etc. Always keep looking.