For a new curve
- Silvertip
-blacktail
-widow
What's your vote?
Three very different bows, all first quality. I'd shoot each one (again) before making a decision. If you're trying to decide on which to purchase, i recommend the same thing. Shoot them. They have different looks and feel. You may like one and not the other. What others like has no bearing on which will be the bet fit for you.
Which models? I like the Blacktail one-piece recuves (especially with rosewood), and the Black Widow PSR. But those only have being recurves in common. Silver-tip makes a one-piece but I've never seen one anywhere.
You need to spend a week with each. Schafer and BW will send you one. Don't know about Blacktail.
D-All of the above.There isn't a wrong answer here
I know that's the problem, they are all great.. I live a couple hours from the Windaurs, so i'll be making a trip over there soon. Don't know anyone with a Widow or blacktail.
Im looking at the T/d recurves of each company. Beth @Schafer has been a huge help with questions,etc. And they are MT folks, plus there bows are stunning so im leaning their way, pending being able to shoot more Tips.
As much as I would like one of each bow, I have too many hobbies/passions to devote that many resources to only one. So I want one that keeps me happy for a while.
I actually thought the Widow T/Ds were ugly at first, but they keep growing on me looks wise, plus they seem to have a huge following.
You really should shoot each one before laying out the cash. All three are top quality bows and I have shot all tree at one time or another. All three have a different "feel". Some bows will just fit your hand and your grip and just hit where you are looking without having to muscle the bow or change your form. If it wont shoot for you, you wont like it. Thats why you see alot of "like new" bows for sale for just that reason.
Be prepared for a bunch of other bows to be suggested other than the three you have narrowed it down to....never fails. ;) :D
One other thing to consider is how quick you "need" the bow. Some bows have a longer wait than others.
If you can shoot the different bows, one might appeal to you more than the others, otherwise it's just looks and other peoples opinions. You might have named the three most popular custom bows, I'd wager they are just different flavors of "superb". I'm very happy with my Blacktail and have one on order but I have never shot the other two. I might like them even better if I gave them a try. Tough choice, but at least you can't really go wrong...
Maybe the classifieds is the place to start. Buy a used bow of the caliber you are looking at and you can probably sell it for what you paid if you want to try one of the others.
BW PAX in all tulipwood!
I have shot all three and currently own a Widow PMA and Blacktail Elite.I ditto the above: each of the bows has a significantly different feel when shot. My own favorite is clearly based on personal preferences - you need to shoot them. Differences in grips, physical weight, intended use etc. will definitely impact your choice.
Ive only shot a BW out of those 3 bows, and I own one now. BW makes a real nice smooth curve.
Three good ones.
I have two of them now and have had the 3rd recently and will again by mid-summer.
Based upon the models I have or have had:
1. Silvertip
2. Widow PAX-Cocobolo (my favorite widow)
3. Blacktail
I imagine by the end of June, when my Snakebit arrives, I'll be adjusting this list.
Thanks guys
Silvertip, I can't imagine one living in Montana not wanting to own one of Dave's bows.
I have shot a Silvertip, but own a BW PSAII. It's all about personal feel. I shot probably 1000 bows before I decided on this BW. I own about 10 trad bows right now, but my BW is MY bow... that's the one I do just about everything with, all the time.
Find you a traditional archery shop, and go to a trad shoot, and shoot some other guys bows. See what you like. They aren't cheap, so you want to know what feels good to you.
Black Widow has a deal where you can try several out. Here... check out this link http://www.blackwidowbows.com/store/Webpage.aspx?WebpageId=3
You can test drive a widow... these are CNC machined now and hand finished, so each model and weight shoots almost identical. My buddy in Colorado has several BW bows, and he has one like mine, same model, materials, and weight, and it feels almost identical to mine. of course, each change to materials, length, DW, will change the feel of the bow.
Give them a test drive.. you can't go wrong either way.
GREAT TRIO,GOOD LUCK,,,WITH YOUR DECISION,,,,
So... what did you go with?? Pictures please... .. .
i decided to go with a longbow, BlackCreek bows is building me one and I should have it soon
thanks
Fin
Same as everyone here said..personal opinion.
For example, tons of guys LOVE Widows. Tons.
I've owned two and shot a bunch, and I'm not really impressed with how they feel or shoot for me. I say this not to knock Widows,they are obviously one of the most popular bows in the world. I don't think its because of the bow by any means, I think its me and how I shoot. Certain bows will fit certain people.
So everybody who says you should really shoot them to know are hitting it on the head. As far as quality, you picked three you cant go wrong with. Personally, I'm a Tip guy myself.
Strong fans of all of them. I've had all three and still have two. The grips are different on each of them but not so different they can't be interchangably shot -- I do it all the time.
However, among THESE three, the Silvertip leaves the house with my wife and I if there is a fire.
Since it's not on your list, I won't mention the one that goes before the Silvertip though.
I didn't realize this thread was from way back? I went through and saw my first response. I'm surprised I've remained consistent since April last!