Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: IronJohn on January 31, 2011, 09:48:00 AM

Title: Predator Bows
Post by: IronJohn on January 31, 2011, 09:48:00 AM
Considering trying a 58" Hunter's Niche 'Predator' 3 piece recurve. Anyone have some comments on these fine looking bows? Thanks...........IJ
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: The Great Jashu on January 31, 2011, 09:54:00 AM
I have a set of 58" limbs, they function just like the 60", except maybe a little faster. Their limb design is as good as it gets. You wont be sorry.
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: kybownut on January 31, 2011, 10:39:00 AM
Great bow for the price,or any price for that matter.
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: LoweBow on January 31, 2011, 11:16:00 AM
Ron makes a great bow.  Are you looking at a Hunter or a Custom model?  
These bows are great performers!  I'd like to see a little more "custom" look offered on the high end bows...like curved flare, etc. as Ron has some beautiful woods he's building with.
Love the looks of hin new custom limb lams!  The old black glass was just a little plain IMO.
Great Bows!!!
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: ssoden on January 31, 2011, 12:31:00 PM
"I'd like to see a little more "custom" look offered on the high end bows...like curved flare, etc. as Ron has some beautiful woods he's building with."  
LoweBow .. can you get clear glass on both sides of the limbs now? Not that long ago I called to see if I could have a custom built with clear glass on both sides and Ron said they wouldn't do that ... only one side.
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: stagetek on January 31, 2011, 01:10:00 PM
I own 3. Love them all. Smooth, fast, quiet and priced decent. I don't think you'll regret it.
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: LoweBow on January 31, 2011, 01:23:00 PM
SS...not sure as I haven't talked to Ron in a while....I did see on the KZoo pics that he has nice wood lams now, but I really don't know as his site doesn't show it.  May have to call him as he hasn't been down to bowfish in a few years now.
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: hockey7 on January 31, 2011, 02:29:00 PM
I was shooting one at K'zoo over the week-end. It was 55#, 60". Never felt like 55, it was so smooth. And it was the fastest bow I shot there. It consistantly shot about 4" higher than all the others at the bag target. Even heard comments behind me how fast (and accurate) it was. It's on my short list.
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: xtrema312 on January 31, 2011, 03:21:00 PM
I mostly shoot hybrids now.  I dabble with a recurve or two a year, but they don't stay around long.  I used to shoot all recurve 40 years ago when I first started archery and then bow hunting.  I have always had a couple old Pearsons and Indians I shot for fun even when I went mostly to compounds for hunting.  When I got a lot more serious about shooting trad full time a few years ago, my first modern bow was a Predator.  I got it after my first visit to the Kzoo expo three years ago.  I shot all kinds of recurves there, and the Predator was the best shooting for me then.  I shot it a while and then moved on to other bows due to my interest in lighter hybrid type LB's.

This year after shooting about 40 different bows at the expo I picked up a Predator before heading out the door Sunday to wait another year for the expo to come around again.  Like every year at the expo since I first shot one, it shot lights out for me.  So smooth, fast, stable................  And like all past years, I just shook my head and smiled as I walked out the door.  

I saw some nice veneers on the Predators and a real low gloss hunting finish on some.  I didn't pick one up that had clear glass and veneers on the belly of the bow.

I have a half dozen bows I really want to find used so I can play with them more to see how I really like them.  I found one I think I have to order new now.  I know I will have to get another Predator before long and I can't figure why I ever got rid of the one I had other than not knowing how good I had it at the time.
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: SuperK on January 31, 2011, 05:02:00 PM
I have shot many different bows over the years but the Predator Hunter is now my go-to-bow.  I shoot it better than any bow I have ever had my hand on.  Love the grip...smooth drawing...shoots where you are looking.  Can ya' tell, I like mine!   :bigsmyl:
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: KHALVERSON on January 31, 2011, 05:07:00 PM
i have a 58in custom
with the smaller grip shoots like a dream
smooth as budder and fast
i draw just under 30 in and have no issues
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: Bowwild on January 31, 2011, 05:08:00 PM
I've bought three Predator's, 1 Custom Classic and a Custom Anniversary for myself and a Custom Classic for my son.  They are terrific bows! I've never handled one that wasn't a 60" recurve.  They are very smooth drawing--so smooth I've had to weigh mine a couple of times to verify the correct draw length. I love the retro look of these recurves but not "too retro". They take me back to the 69-70 era Super K's.

Sometimes I don't know why I work so hard to shoot some bows that have more "exotic reputations" when the Predator is hanging there ready to show me...again!
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: ripforce56 on January 31, 2011, 05:12:00 PM
Lot of guys at the Tues  nite Trad league I go to shoot Predator takedowns, they swear by them!
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: Bmac on January 31, 2011, 05:15:00 PM
I have 3 sets of limbs for my 2 Classic risers.  2 sets are 60" and 1 58".  I really like the 58" better and am ordering another set soon.  You can't go wrong with Predators.  Their new "Hunter Deluxe" riser (actionwood in a couple of color options) is also pretty cool.  One of those will probably find its way home with me some day.
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: IronJohn on January 31, 2011, 06:07:00 PM
How good is the finish on the Predator? Thanks for all the replies! Sounds like a great bow....IJ
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: Bowwild on January 31, 2011, 06:13:00 PM
I think the finish is very good. The limb fit is very good but maybe not as near seamless as Blacktails and Schafers. I assume the 58" Predator has the same riser but inch shorter limbs on top and bottom?  Can one tell much difference in smoothness of draw with the 58"'s compared to 60"? I didn't even know until recently you could get 58" Predator limbs. My draw is only 26" so 58" bows and I get along quite well.
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: Bonebuster on January 31, 2011, 06:21:00 PM
You will find the finish on a Predator as good as any around.

Along with a world class bow, you get world class service from these guys.

They are built to hunt and will compliment your shooting ability.

Mine will be buried with me...just in case I CAN take it with me.
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: C.W. on January 31, 2011, 07:05:00 PM
I love mine . I have the 58" model and for me it is my most accurate bow. I like the grip and the low cut shelf.
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: ishoot4thrills on January 31, 2011, 07:13:00 PM
Yes, I have a comment on the Predator bows....................they're my favorite, as most people know because I never miss an opportunity to post plenty of pics!!   :rolleyes:    :cool:    :archer:    

 (http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh472/ishoot4thrills/PredatorCustomClassic008.jpg)

 (http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh472/ishoot4thrills/PredatorCustomClassic011.jpg)

 (http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh472/ishoot4thrills/BowPicsatTommysFarm008.jpg)

 (http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh472/ishoot4thrills/BowPicsatTommysFarm011.jpg)

 (http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh472/ishoot4thrills/BowPicsatTommysFarm012.jpg)
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: abbatoys on January 31, 2011, 07:52:00 PM
Sharp looking bow.....I keep telling myself I do not need another one....but maybe.............Scott
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: IronJohn on January 31, 2011, 08:57:00 PM
Keep it coming guys. What I like about the Predator is the low cut shelf and the square edges of the riser. I also like how the riser comes to a knife edge where the limb mounts, quite unique. I would really like to see the limb profile unstrung if anybody has a pic or two? Thanks.......IJ
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: ChetterB on January 31, 2011, 09:42:00 PM
I have a 60" I got on a trade a few weeks ago. Now I am a big fan, Smooth, stable, quite, fast and most importantly very accurate with good form of course.Good luck Jerry.
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: ishoot4thrills on January 31, 2011, 10:07:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by IronJohn:
........I would really like to see the limb profile unstrung if anybody has a pic or two? Thanks.......IJ
Only pic I have of a Predator unstrung....

(http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh472/ishoot4thrills/PredatorClassicRecurve013.jpg)
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: IronJohn on January 31, 2011, 10:53:00 PM
Thanks Doug............IJ
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: limbolt on January 31, 2011, 11:18:00 PM
Fine looking bow Doug.
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: ishoot4thrills on February 01, 2011, 05:22:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by IronJohn:
Thanks Doug............IJ
You're welcome man.

You gotta get yourself one soon. You'll be glad you did.

I've always thought it would be great if Ron made a one piece Predator. That would be awesome.

Thanks for the compliment, limbolt.
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: kibok&ko on February 01, 2011, 06:00:00 AM
the hunter model is just a perfect hunting tool

i wish i can afford to buy an other one
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: Danny J on February 01, 2011, 06:42:00 AM
I know I really like the looks and feel of my Predator Super Classic. Very happy with the speed and as far as looks it has been described at league as " that bow just looks elegant" by others. What I really like is the small radiused shelf sits low. The arrow almost sits right on your hand giving you a great feel and view. For those that want a bow that shoots where you look the low shelf is one of the things about the bow that sold me.
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: buckster on February 01, 2011, 08:44:00 AM
Roy (Bowwild) recently turned me on to these bows, I received a Classic 60" 49@28.  I liked it so well I called Mike & ordered a custom to my specs.  58" 52@28".  I chose African Bubinga for the handle, Tulipwood for the limb veneers.  

I draw 27 & Michael suggested 60", but with all the comments about the performance if the 58" rigs, I called and changed mine this morning.  I think it is like a short 10-week wait time.  

Predators rock & their customer service is impeccable!
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: Rick Butler on February 01, 2011, 09:54:00 AM
I got a pretty sweet deal on a like new Custom Classic back in August. 47#'s @28" and 60" in length. I really like the low shelf,and the bow is a great shooter.
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: boznarras on February 01, 2011, 06:11:00 PM
I will see if I can do this picture posting of my Predator. Keep your fingers crossed.
Mine is cocobolo and shedua, 60", 59#@28.
I got it used here on TradGang, and got the GN quiver that way too. Got the Hushpuppies and Bowhush, and the SBD string from sponsors. So this is a TradGang sourced rig all over, except for the sealskin for the rest & plate (and armguard), which a neighbor gave to me from a locally harvested seal.
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k486/boznarras/DSC00316_edited-2-1.jpg)
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k486/boznarras/DSC00315_edited-1-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: cacciatore on February 01, 2011, 06:13:00 PM
Very nice,for sure with a story behind.
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: Coonbait on February 01, 2011, 06:53:00 PM
(http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz36/coonbait/tradpic.jpg)
Love my Predator!
Glenn
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: Coonbait on February 01, 2011, 07:15:00 PM
(http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz36/coonbait/18175_100413236658313_1000006891081.jpg)

60" 56# @28" Custom Classic
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: Danny J on February 01, 2011, 08:17:00 PM
Here are pics of my Predator Super Classic #3 of 28 made. 60" and 51@28. Black Phenolic, purple heart, Bolivian Rosewood.

(http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx332/dannybcc/Predator4.jpg)

(http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx332/dannybcc/Predator3.jpg)

(http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx332/dannybcc/predator2.jpg)
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: IronJohn on February 01, 2011, 09:01:00 PM
Very nice bows guys   :thumbsup:  I'm leaning towards the plain Hunter model. I've had many fancy bows thru the years and I now want a workhorse. $549 bucks for a new Hunter seems darn reasonable for what you get! I like the black glass too! Probably go with a 58" and around 50#@28". Keep the comments and pics coming   :clapper: .............IJ
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: Bonebuster on February 01, 2011, 09:06:00 PM
Coonbait, that picture of you, your Predator, and that eight point Whitetail is awesome!!!

I wish all you Predator fans were here...right now...at my house.

We would turn on my outdoor spotlight and shoot at my frozen 3-D deer from my elevated deck. Being the polite host, I would let someone else shoot first, and then I would bust your nock with my 750 grain carbon arrow from MY Predator.
It would be BIG fun!  :D
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: Bonebuster on February 01, 2011, 09:08:00 PM
IronJohn...you will NOT be dissappointed!  :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: Coonbait on February 01, 2011, 10:07:00 PM
Thanks Bonebuster, that was my first trad harvest! I love my Predator, wouldn't trade her for any other bow.
GLENN
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: IronJohn on February 03, 2011, 04:23:00 PM
Got one coming.......Predator Hunter, 58" 47#@28" Should be here late next week. I've always wanted to try one of these bows. Really like the looks of them and from all the comments it should be a great bow!.............IJ
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: Bowwild on February 03, 2011, 04:33:00 PM
They sure look good in a hunting pic!
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: DEATHMASTER on February 03, 2011, 06:31:00 PM
I love the looks of the Predator Super Classic
Looking for one just like Danny j has.
Danny I have a Kwyk Styk I will trade you.   :biglaugh:  
The only thing about them is the handles are slightly different on them and when you find the one that fits you will know.
I sold a Limited because of the handle being smaller than the one I LOVE.
The best bows out there.
Tim
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: Red Tailed Hawk on February 03, 2011, 08:59:00 PM
Some real nice looking sticks in those pics
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: Mike Mecredy on February 03, 2011, 09:06:00 PM
I sot one at the expo west when they used to have it, and it was exceptional.  One of the best bows I've shot.
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: Danny J on February 03, 2011, 10:17:00 PM
I have never shot a Kwyk Styk Deathmaster but have heard and read alot of good about them. My Super Classic is a keeper to me so sorry can't help ya. Good luck on your search.
Take Care
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: kibok&ko on February 04, 2011, 11:35:00 AM
hello did somebody have an idea about the Phoenix LOng bow ?
Title: Re: Predator Bows
Post by: Kris on February 04, 2011, 01:41:00 PM
The ones I have shot, I have been very pleased!  Practical, attractive, well made, accurate, a great value,...they leave little to be desired.  They also typically have comfortable (subj.) grips.  Very nice bows, goods folks too!

Couldn't go wrong IMO.

Good Luck!

Kris