I am looking for some feedback (pros or cons) on a Big Jim Thunderchild. They sure are lookers, but how do they perform.
You can send me a message. I am not wanting this thread to turn into a great/bad bow place aired out in public. Just trying to lean on the site's experienced trad bow guys.
In particular I am looking at a 2-piece SHORT Thunderchild so if any of you have experience with the stability of the takedown system your response would be GREATLY appreciated.
You can also e-mail me at ftrahan@madereng.com
Thanks from a somewhat newbie!
I do not own a Big Jim bow nor have I shot one. However, if you do a search on here you'll find a ton of information and all of it will be very positive for Big Jim. He seems to be a great guy that builds an excellent bow. I have spoken to him by PM on here a few times and he has been friendly and answered all of my questions quickly. I don't think you can go wrong with one of his bows. Good luck, Sam
I own two Big jims ,a Thunderchild and a 3 piece Buffalo bow.What I print here ,read it,then go back and read it again LOL.For your hard earned dollars,You will not do better than one of his bows.My TC is everything you would want in a bow Immpecable workmanship,the most beautiful woods you will find,and if thats not enough it actually shoots better than it looks.quiet as a mouse and throws your arrows where ther suppose to go,if you don't want to shoot it hang it on your wall and put a frame around it ,because no matter what you order it will be a work of art !As far as Jim and his wife finer people you won't meet.
Cons ? I would love to order another but the Agony of waiting for one of Jims masterpieces is more than my sole can take.
Jim will go out of his way to make you satisfied with his bows and accessories.
What Steve said X2
F-Manny
What Steve said X3
Can't give you an opinion on the Thunderchild but I can tell you that my 2pc Buffalo Bow is here to stay. It is a shooter and a looker. The finish and craftsmanship in this bow are second to none. I'm actually trying to decide what wood combo to order because I want a 2 pc 56" Thunderchild.
Thanks guys, keep the comments coming. I can't beliive the value I see in these bows, it's awesome!
Just wondering about the performance. I have a 25 1/2" DL and need all the performance out of a bow that I can get. lol
Got a chance to handle one at Denton Hill. You won't be sorry.
I added my name to the waiting list two days ago. Seven month backlog. Get on it, you won't be sorry.
I guess 7 months is not THAT long to wait for a masterpiece.
What Steve said X4! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: The Buffalo bow is my favorite and I shed a tear every day for selling mine. :( I still have my 2pc Thunder Child and love it, it's my 2nd favorite bow. I would think with your draw length that a 54" TC would work great for you. Give Jim a call 229-344-1616 and he'll take care of you.
I have a message to him right now. Looks like he also sells the new Bear T/D. THink I'll get the bear now and wait on the TC.
On the 54". I'd like that for shooting out of my loc-ons, but I'm not that consistent yet in form and shooting. Just started this trad thing a few months ago.
What Steve said X5! You won't find a negative thing about Jim or his bows in any thread you pull-up on this site, and that's not because he curls Volkswagons to warm-up for his real workout, it's because everything about the man, and his bows are 1st Class. :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
His wait time is more like 8 to 9 months. I know I got the call 2/17 for my specs. and wood choice, and I am still waiting
Yes, it is true. Some of my builds have taken longer than I had expected. I have never given exact dates and have disapointed a couple or a few by being late for one reason or another. I do my best to give estimates and strive to shorten my delivery times, but sometimes it doesn't work out that way. I am catching up on my delivery dates however and have never given an estimate that I felt I couldn't resonably deliver on. A lot of things happen over a 6 month period. I have also never refused a refund to anyone who felt they wanted off the list.
I have increased the estimated wait to 7-8 months yet I maintain nearly the same amount of orders as always.
thanks for your patience, BigJim
From what I've seen on here, Big Jim's bows are well worth the wait, however long it is. It's one guy in a shop, all that beauty doesn't happen overnight...
I've had two dealings with Big Jim. The first was buying on of his bow quivers -- the best quiver I own! The second was a pair of bows he film dipped. His prices are very fair, his communication clear and friendly, and he's always been ahead of schedule for me.
I have never seen one of his bows in person.
In all fairness, I've yet to have a bad dealing with any bowyer or trad supplier. Treating people according too the Golden Rule is par for the course it seems in this line of work.
I thank you BigJim for explaining this.
These are all 2pc ... Two Thunderchilds and a Buffalo Bow, all exceptional in every aspect.... anyone who has owned one seems to love them.... The takedown system works flawlessly and there beauty will bring a smile to all who lay eyes on them. The little guy has got it figured out, IMHO....
PS ....I am on the list for another Brother for my Buff :)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/BigJim604528012.jpg)
QuoteOriginally posted by coaster500:
These are all 2pc ... Two Thunderchilds and a Buffalo Bow, all exceptional in every aspect.... anyone who has owned one seems to love them.... The takedown system works flawlessly and there beauty will bring a smile to all who lay eyes on them. The little guy has got it figured out, IMHO....
PS ....I am on the list for another Brother for my Buff :)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/BigJim604528012.jpg)
You're a lucky man Kip! I keep putting it off, but I need to call Jim and get back on the list for a 2pc. Buffalo bow. I keep trying others thinking I'll find one that I don't have to wait for but IMO, none come close. Time to drop a line to the "little guy." ;)
QuoteOriginally posted by coaster500:
These are all 2pc ... Two Thunderchilds and a Buffalo Bow, all exceptional in every aspect.... anyone who has owned one seems to love them.... The takedown system works flawlessly and there beauty will bring a smile to all who lay eyes on them. The little guy has got it figured out, IMHO....
PS ....I am on the list for another Brother for my Buff :)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/BigJim604528012.jpg)
Sure would like to see some more pics of your Buffalo bow. Looks like a real beauty and I'm thinking of ordering one of my own. What kind of woods are in it?
Better get back on the list Kenneth...You'll have plenty of time to save up :)
My Buffalo Bow is striped Ebony with Gemsbok overlays....
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/BigJim604528013.jpg)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/BigJim604528.jpg)
Slideshow
http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/Big%20Jims%20Bows/?albumview=slideshow
Really - Big Jim and his bows have again and again displayed integrity, creativity, craftsmanship,beauty, performance and have continued to meet or exceed customer expectations.
Try before you buy if possible. The greatest reviews mean nothing if you and the bow are not a match. Having said that and having been burnt badly in the past, my confidence in Big Jim is so high that I have one on order w/o a trial run.
I am not the least bit apprehensive.
Beautiful bow coaster500. I don't think I've seen striped ebony except for yours and a few other Big Jim bows.
I have spent many a mesmerized moment going through the slideshow...
I have a buffalo bow, it's a 2 piece 60" 99# @ 28 One Of Jim's personal bows, signed "made by big Jim for himself" This bow is a piece of work, rock soild sweet shooter. This bow will not leave my collection. If I ever get to weak to draw it, I can pull it apart and club the beast and still have a meal. LOL!!
'
sorefingers, can't imagine full draw with that one :scared:
I am one month in on the waiting list for a thunder child... only 6-7 to go !
Looking forward to getting it! If the bow is only half as good as his customer service then I am in for a real treat!
Even taking into account the time shift between the US and Norway he is real quick to answer mails and PMs.
My waiting time is coming to a end as Big Jim is working on my two bows right now. As they say all good things come to those who wait! Both my builds took a couple months longer than Big Jim thought when I ordered but he contacted me both by phone and email let me know of the delay and was very honest.Thats a big plus in my book and I understand things happen from illness,missing bow weight,and unexpected large volume of orders after all it is a one man shop(With a good women helping out LOL). After waiting a year plus for a Shrew and Centaur 7-8 months isn't to bad for great bow.I ordered a 58" Buffalo bow and a 56" take down Thunder Child both around 51@27".I had a good idea of the woods I wanted from day one and Jim helped me out on a change for the better on my Buffalo bow I can't wait to see them!
I'm supposed to be in the next batch for my Thunderchild, woo hoo. :bigsmyl: Would love it if it got here in time for my hog hunt at the end of the month.
Buejeger a treat, to say the least!! You are in for a new hunten buddy
Got a email today from bigjim confirming my order for a TC.Now the wait,8 months out will give me plenty of time to decide on the woods.
Jim's customer service is second to none. I jumped on the list in the end of October and I think I've flip-flopped on my choice of woods at least 5 times by now...but I'm happy to say I've got my decision set in stone (finally) and am anxiously awaiting the big phone call when it's my turn!
gobblegrunter what woods have you decided on.
QuoteOriginally posted by huntingarcher:
gobblegrunter what woods have you decided on.
Walnut and red elm...two of my favorite woods...basic and beautiful!
Yes Big Jim bows are top notch! I still need to order that 150# bow from him! Great bow!
QuoteOriginally posted by marlon:
I still need to order that 150# bow from him!
:scared: :saywhat:
I have been looking at these as my first introduction to a longbow.
Gobblehunter yes the bow came out lighter only hit 129# cheers Marlon
Yep, basically what everyone else has said. First rate bows and first rate service coming all the way from over here in Australia.