Trad Gang

Hi,

I know there is a good following here with Mohawk longbows; so I would like to inquire about their performance?

I know they are not a heavy r/d hybrid longbow. But how much.....if you will....slower are they to a fast hydrid?  

Have you experienced a big difference?  

Thanks for your input; ~ joe

Joe ,
Like alot of folks on here ive tried alot of different hybrid longbows and ive owned several Mohawks . The diffrence is very small in performance if any at all and to me it seem to out perform several well known bows PLUS more quiet .

I don't use a chronograph on my bows because i can tell if the arrow is fast enough by simply watching it.  And, because I'm not into speed in any real sense of the word like compound shooters seem to be.

My Mohawk is a 53# at 28" bow and at my 27" length it should be around 51#.   My bow, and I've heard other Mohawk shooters say the same, likes a somewhat heavy arrow.   The bowyer recommends a starting arrow weight of 10 gpp of draw weighti.

Mohawks are a D shaped bow without hand shock and mine, which is made from bocote and bamboo, is very light.   Mine probably weighs around 1 lb, maybe 1.25 lbs and I remember thinking when I first got it that the bow felt almost "dainty", but trust me, it's a good, strong and well made bow that is second to none.

Performance is wonderful and at ranges of 20-25 yards.  Properly tuned it is very quiet and it has more than enough power to drive a heavy arrow with a sharp broadhead through just about anything on this continent.

I have shot quite a few longbows and I enjoy this one far more than any of the others.  I can say positively that I'll never sell it.

I have a momment, I will add my results.  I have 2 Hawks.  My 66 inch 54 at my 30 inch draw has produced the following, like 562 grain arrows were around 173-175 fps.  I have switched to an SPD string 8 strand and I think it is now like 170 or so with my 580 grain woodies.  Not bad speed for being roughly 10.7 grains per inch of draw out of a D style bow.

My 64 inch 40 at 28 inch bow shoots a 488 grain arrow around 168 with a crappy string.  WHen I put a psycho string on it I expect to be in the lower 170's.

No hand shock in either bow. they are inherently very quiet, with the skinny string, they are quieter and faster.

Also I have shot a deer at 35 yards with a 620 grain arrow out of the the 54 pound bow.  (Velocity is like 162 fps I thnk?)  real quiet, accurate and obviously blows clean through!

The Mohawk is comparable to any other bow of similar design out there, if not a bit better.  The one I had was the smoothest drawing bow I've ever shot.  The grip and I just didn't get along when it came to hunting so I sold it.  In hindsight, I should have just sent it back to Vince and had him change the grip.

mohawk bows perform very well.i have owned four of them and they are smooth drawing and very sweet shooters.you cannot go wrong.

I've had EM out perform quite a few Hybrids !! Plus they actually Look & Feel like a True L/B, in which they are ...

I tried one on a possible trade, the trade didn't work out but I thought it was a nice bow. At my draw it was about 54# which is more than I normally shoot. Bow smooth on the draw, grip I found friendly and I would say it launched my 575 GR cedar as well as any bow in the #'age class. Lots of people like them....I do see a few for sale from guys who love them, not sure what that's about. Maybe move'n up or down in poundage?   :dunno:

Shot mine thru a chrono alongside a Widow PL11, both 64" and 50#@28" if I remember right. What I do remember is they shot exactly the same speed.

You won't go wrong with a Mohawk if that is your style bow. Shoot one first if you can to be sure.

220 fps with the right arrow!  :)

When I mentioned the chrony results of my Mohawks I should have made clear that I do have a 30 inch draw.  Also, my limbs are all bamboo.  I think hte boo is very light but tough.  the decrease in mass may give any bow a 1-2 fps improvement?  So, my longer draw and the boo limbs may help to squeeze out a few more FPS in my opinion.

However, I think most D shaped bows will preform similarly.  I like the Mowhawk because I just love that style of bow.  I love the handle and my elbow does not tolerate hand shock.  Even if I do not perceive it, the next day when my elbow aches and my fingers get numb, so no hand shock for me.

The smooth draw in those boo limbs and what ever else goes into the design eliminate any hand shock, and is why I shoot the bows. They are quiet, a bigggie for me, and smooth.  I can even shoot 54 pounds again ... no elbow pain.  They are forgiving of my less than perfect form as well. So, I know the orginal post was what type of speed can one expect.  I guess it is average to good, a bit above average.  That is not the only reason I like mine.

There are lots of real good longbows out there.  I think the bow kinda picks the shooter, so shoot as many as you can.  Marty's Sapelo is one I have always wanted to try as well as Dan Toelke's Super-D.  It may be more about the grip, quiet and smoothness than the speed.

Best of luck in your research Joe.

Bob.

im thinking about getting one.

Aside from my joke above, Mohawks are fine bows.  As has already been stated, most are really close in speed.  For the ones I have built, the mild R/D profile out performs the straight ones by 10-15 fps.  Not earth shattering, but noticeable.

Great shooting longbow; no appreciable speed difference between it an any of my recurves; but noticabley quieter.

Thank you all for your thoughts and comments.

not only a superb performer, but lotsa value for yer dollar - overlays on both sides of the risr AND limb tips, limbs are trapped, great selection of limb and riser materials without an upcharge.  oh yeah, did i mention the 'hawks are great hunting longbows that LOVE heavy arrows?   ;)  

 (http://www.tradgang.com/rob/mohawk/4-1.jpg)


 (http://www.tradgang.com/rob/mohawk/efa53.jpg)

 (http://www.tradgang.com/rob/mohawk/efa52.jpg)

I most certainly second all of the good things that have been said about Vince and his bows.

I will be refreshing my personal memory very soon!

Watch for it!!!!....lol

God bless,Mudd

I've seen Rob's bows 1st hand....and I love the look and the finish....here's a couple more of Rob's bows....

  (http://www.tradgang.com/rob/hog10/tg_rob_hog2.jpg)

(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/robscbow.jpg)

Mohawks have been on my to-try list for quite some time.

Sure hope I will have the opportunity to shoot one at Cloverdale. And then again, I'm afraid I will like it.

Have owned several high-end bows,yet have found by shooting a Monatana LB, that this style is possibly the most enjoyable for me.

The biggest problem I see is that I will have to tell my son to get his own bow rack.

(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/2010Kaylabdayandmoosehunt025.jpg)

64" 62#@29" 680 grain arrow tipped with RFA Pheonix 3 blade. Complete pass through at 30 yards. The hawks love heavy arrows and throw them with authority. Very smooth as well. Won't be selling mine  :)

Great post:::::Can't wait to try one   :cool:

Can someone tell me what the wait time is on a new Mohawk?

QuoteOriginally posted by marshall brown:
Can someone tell me what the wait time is on a new Mohawk?

no one can tell you that but the bowyer - send vince an email off his contact page ...

mohawk bows (http://www.mohawkbows.com/contact.html)

Thanks Rob.

QuoteOriginally posted by marshall brown:
Thanks Rob.

sure thing!  :wavey:

Check with Vince....he may a bow in stock that you may like....hence no wait!!   :thumbsup:

Wait time on a new mohawk is about 8 weeks , i put my order in for a new one yesterday .

Good insight Guys.  There seems to be an agreement that Mohawks like heavy arrows.  How heavy would everyone recommend?  Or, how heavy is heavy.  Rob, what arrows did you shoot out of your 43# Classic that I bought from Terry, if you don't mind me asking?  Thanks - Ron

QuoteOriginally posted by ronp:
Good insight Guys.  There seems to be an agreement that Mohawks like heavy arrows.  How heavy would everyone recommend?  

whatever works best for you.

Or, how heavy is heavy.  

again, whatever works best for you.  you always need to try out different arrow weights and types.  it also depends on what the bow will be used for, what kinda game, what kinda typical hunt distances, etc.  if you want the best the bow can offer you, you really need to do the arrow testing.  this is where arrows with screw-in points/adapters come in mighty handy.

Rob, what arrows did you shoot out of your 43# Classic that I bought from Terry, if you don't mind me asking?  

at my 29" draw length the bow was over 46# and i used 535gr 29.5" beman 500 carbons.

Thanks Rob.  I appreciate the input.

:archer:    :clapper:

QuoteOriginally posted by ronp:
Thanks Rob.  I appreciate the input.

my pleasure, sir!  :wavey:

Joe, if you want to try one let me know. I'll mail you one of mine!   :thumbsup:    :archer:    :biglaugh:

I almost had one of Rob DiStefanos Hawks once,but the dang USPS.    :mad:   I think I'm going to send Vince a email
soon as I add this reply. Oh and the others I shot were great performers.

Mine love the heavy arrows.  Really like seeing my target rock back and forth after that nice "thump"!  Not to mention the SMOOOOOOTH draw.

Eric.

QuoteOriginally posted by wv lungbuster:
I almost had one of Rob DiStefanos Hawks once,but the dang USPS.     :mad:    I think I'm going to send Vince a email
soon as I add this reply. Oh and the others I shot were great performers.

that was fate intervening, big time!  it is my most fave 'hawk and my trusted hog killer!  never letting that bad boy wander again! sorry!   ;)

What does "likes a heavy arrow" mean?

I have been reading about how Rob and others brag on their Mohakw bows for the last year or two and it made me curious. I saw one come up for sale last fall and I jumped on it. Well my impression of it is that now I have to sell a couple bows so I can order another Mohawk.
The grip fits me perfect, the bow is a great shooter, smooth and quiet and it has now become my favorite and I have 15 other custom longbows on my bow rack!  Nuff said !

QuoteOriginally posted by Passthru:
What does "likes a heavy arrow" mean?

spits out arrows in the 11gpp and up range with good speed at hunting distances.

QuoteOriginally posted by Rob DiStefano:
 

QuoteOriginally posted by Passthru:
What does "likes a heavy arrow" mean?

spits out arrows in the 11gpp and up range with good speed at hunting distances. [/b]

Yep.

Also " likes heavy arrows " means the bow shooots better  , more quiet ,  less bow shock , and more accurate than with lighter weight arrows .

tom,

thanks for that generous offer. i just need to pull the trigger on an order.....

I saw that Vince posted a really nice Mohawk Classic in the Sponser section yesterday.

Ready to be shipped. No waiting

Darren

No Problem Joe!   :wavey:   Glad to help out!   :goldtooth:

WOW!!!  Just looked at the "Classic" in the sponsors classifieds and it is a beauty!!

Shoots as well as any bow I have
I love mine
64" 56# @ 28
Larry

i have been thinking about one for quite a while. i might have to sell some thing to make room.

I just put in an order to get back into the tribe.  Gonna try something a little different in the riser.  Stay tuned.  O and by the way they are above average speed for the design and the only bow I have shot that is as quiet is a Toelke Super-D.  Not to mention Vince is a class act and you will not find a better value.  :readit:

I've shot several Mohawks at RMS Gear. They keep several in stock. Do yourself a favor and stop by some time, great guys, great shop.

The Mohawks I've shot there have had the bamboo limbs, and they are very snappy. Can't really explain it, they just seem awesome when you shoot them. You gotta feel it.

What kinda brace heigth you guys run on these bows? Will 64" feel ok at 29.5" draw?

Daveycrockett,

Great question.  Vince recommends 6 3/4 inch brace heigth on his bows.  However, most guys like 7 - 7 1/4 inches.  On my 64 inch bow, 40 @ 28 inches ( I draw 30 ) my bow likes 6 3/4 with a fast flight string.  Shoots well.  My 66 inch Mohawk 54 @ 30 is set at 6 7/8 with an SBD skinny string.  That bow is pretty fast and quiet at that setting.

I draw 30 inches.  A 64 inch Mohawk will serve you well.  Any questions feel free to pm me.

Bob.

David I can't honestly give you a number for the brace height. Mine is my fist against the riser with my thumb stuck out. The thumb almost touches the string (high tech I know  :)  ) As far as the 29.5" draw I shoot 29" with a 64" bow and have no problem at all. I shoot with a clicker so am at full draw for a while, no problems. I can't see an extra half inch causing problems. Go with the bamboo as well, you won't regret it.

I owned two Mohawks..

All I can tell you is....they're zippy!  I moved on (not up) to recurves.  But, the Mohawk was my favorite LB.

QuoteOriginally posted by daveycrockett:
What kinda brace heigth you guys run on these bows? Will 64" feel ok at 29.5" draw?

i have a 29" draw that works well with a 62" 'hawk, but i would recommend 64".  in fact, i have another t/d 'hawk on order, 64".

My draw is 28 in. and I could shoot the 62 in. but the 64 in. feels alot smoother  ( to me  ) . I also like the brace to run around 7 - 7 1/8 , makes for a good quiet bow .

I have a 66" and a 64". One of the smoothest bows I own. I know the turkeys and deer, around here, didn't appreciate when I got my first one. The first thing you will notice about the Mohawk is the finish on it. When Vince makes a hunting bow he knows how to keep it non reflective. I have enjoyed both of mine.

Selfbowyer,

Although the OP requested performance questions and this thread has taken on a life of its own, the finish is worth mentioning ... good point.  Fullerplast has been around for a LONG time.  It is real tough and just plain excellent in my opinion.  The rougher finish vince uses is absolustely non-reflective, yet the beauty of the riser and or limbs is easily seen.  I wish all my bows I ever owned had a fullerplast finish.  In fact, I took my bow and while shooting at night with my head lights on a target, I put the bow in front of my truck ... I could not get any shiney reflections to emit from my headlights on the bow.  No way any bow will reflect sun light from a blind or stand with that finish ... it is marvelous!!

Selfbowyer, good call!

Bob.

Rob DiStefano has graciously sent me his prize Mohawk to give it a run. It should be here tomorrow or by Friday. While I have not shot D-shaped bows that well in the past, they have been at the tops for my personal pure enjoyment. I hope this Mohawk and I click, then I will be pursuing the best of both worlds(Personal accuracy and elite personal pleasure at its best). The D-shaped bow has proven so enjoyable that I may still consider pursuing one even if I am still struggling with accuracy. I will just have to learn and continue to enjoy the journey.

Thank you -  Rob!

What type string comes with a New hawk,strand count, material?

QuoteOriginally posted by daveycrockett:
What type string comes with a New hawk,strand count, material?

fastflight (hmpe), typically 12 strands, flemish twist.

Friend,
Just wondering if you have received Robs bow yet and have had a chance to try it out.  Share with us your thoughts if you don't mind.

Thanks,
Joe

Those of you who already shoot a Mohawk - which grip do you prefer on these bows?  I see he offers a straight grip or a locator grip on his website.  I know it is a personal choice but was wondering if the majority of you are choosing one style over the other.

Thanks,
Joe

as to the handle/grip, vince's locator is just excellent for me - fit's my bow hand just right, locates the pressure point perfectly, narrow throat for a no-torque release.

Thanks Rob!!  I'm about to order one and am just wanting to get all my ducks in a row.  Vince emailed me and said his wait time is now 10 to 12 weeks so want to get it in before his wait time gets any longer  :archer2:  

Joe

i've got 2 more on order ....     :scared:    :thumbsup:    :notworthy:       :campfire:

Rob,
Did you stick with 62 inch or move to the 64 inch?

Joe

QuoteOriginally posted by Joe Subler:
Rob,
Did you stick with 62 inch or move to the 64 inch?

Joe

both - 62" and 64"  :)

Ahh,  best of both worlds  :notworthy:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Joe Subler:
Ahh,  best of both worlds   :thumbsup:    :campfire: