Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Scoobiedooo on December 09, 2011, 07:02:00 PM

Title: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 09, 2011, 07:02:00 PM
I'm stoked! After wanting a 3-pc takedown Predator recurve bow for manny years I FINALLY ordered mine today - the Predator Hunter model and can't wait to receive it and start shooting it! Yay!
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: ChuckC on December 09, 2011, 07:03:00 PM
I am guessing you will like it.  Love mine
ChuckC
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Bowwild on December 09, 2011, 07:04:00 PM
The Predator is a very nice bow. Looks good, draws smooth, and performs well.
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 09, 2011, 07:09:00 PM
Thanks guys! That's what I have heard! They look beautiful! : )
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Bonebuster on December 09, 2011, 07:54:00 PM
Welcome to the "Predator Club".

I have been hunting with the SAME Predator for thirteen years. It has been refinished many times, and has taken more game than I can remember. I have often though of a newer model, but I am sure my old friend would be hard to leave at home.

Congrats on the bow...I am certain you will love it.  :campfire:
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Bonebuster on December 09, 2011, 07:57:00 PM
Welcome to the "Predator Club".

I have been hunting with the SAME Predator for thirteen years. It has been refinished many times, and has taken more game than I can remember. I have often though of a newer model, but I am sure my old friend would be hard to leave at home.

Congrats on the bow...I am certain you will love it.  :campfire:
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Bldtrailer on December 09, 2011, 07:58:00 PM
Smooth and fast
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Bonebuster on December 09, 2011, 07:58:00 PM
oops
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Big Ed on December 09, 2011, 08:04:00 PM
Great bows!!
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 09, 2011, 08:07:00 PM
Thanks! I think that it will be a fine investment to last a lifetime!

: )
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Whitetail Chaser on December 09, 2011, 08:26:00 PM
I just got one. At 65 pounds, it's a beast for me to shoot.  So far I like it a lot.

Brett
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: FarmerMarley on December 09, 2011, 09:55:00 PM
I like mine! Now I got two.
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: SERGIO VENNERI on December 09, 2011, 10:00:00 PM
Fast ,Quiet and Stable! What more could you want.
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: bayhunter on December 09, 2011, 10:26:00 PM
Don't forget to post pics when you get it!
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Duncan on December 09, 2011, 10:57:00 PM
Here's mine with snake skins

(http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/snuffornot/TradBow/IMG_1460.jpg)

(http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/snuffornot/TradBow/IMG_1459.jpg)

(http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/snuffornot/TradBow/IMG_1461.jpg)
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 09, 2011, 11:29:00 PM
Wow! Thanks for the pic! It's gorgeous! Mine is going to be all gray being the Hunter model without the bi-color glue ups in the riser - but still a beauty I think!
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: rraming on December 09, 2011, 11:30:00 PM
I've had on for a few years, ordered another last month and they will be the only bows I shoot through next year.
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 09, 2011, 11:46:00 PM
Yeah that is going to be my only 'workhorse' bow once I receive it! I plan on shooting nothing but that bow!
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 10, 2011, 06:18:00 AM
Bayhunter! I can't figure out for the life of me HOW to attach a pic here - and I am VERY computer literate!

???
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: PeteA on December 10, 2011, 07:23:00 AM
I got one a couple months ago. A hunter as well. Had them make me an old school model in solid bubinga. 46@28 60" I'm shooting 2016 aluminums 29.5 with 125 heads. Drawing 27-27.5. They really zip. String really needs a while to stretch out to get to the recommended brace height. I final have a bow that I can say " shoots were you look".

Enjoy...

PS where in NY are you?
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: PeteA on December 10, 2011, 07:25:00 AM
I got one a couple months ago. A hunter as well. Had them make me an old school model in solid bubinga. 46@28 60" I'm shooting 2016 aluminums 29.5 with 125 heads. Drawing 27-27.5. They really zip. String really needs a while to stretch out to get to the recommended brace height. I final have a bow that I can say " shoots were you look".

Enjoy...

PS where in NY are you?
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: stickytoes on December 10, 2011, 08:07:00 AM
Ron and Mike are great people and predator bows are amazing there isn't a bow out there that produces the same end result any better.
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Owlgrowler on December 10, 2011, 08:59:00 AM
Great design. Good looking. Fast. Durable,(dropped mine about 20 feet once, then, a few days later, lowered it out of the tree in the evening and instead of laying flat on the ground it stood up along the tree's trunk. Pumped down with my Lone Wolf and sunk the teeth of the stand right on the lower limb, then stood there with all my weight on it searching for my bow with a flashlight. I think I screamed when I saw where it was!! Sprung right back though, with just a few blemishes)

I just wish they were sponsers here.
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 10, 2011, 09:03:00 AM
I am in NY - not far from Albany, NY!

Thanks for all the great feedback! I'm REALLY looking forward to getting THIS bow!

WOW! It sounds amazing already!

I have both 2016 and 2018's made, XX75, 5" LW helical feathers I shoot....and I shoot about 48# at my draw length due to a slightly bad shoulder...
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Duncan on December 10, 2011, 06:22:00 PM
Scoob,

You gotta use photobucket or some similar site to host the pic. Resize it no wider than 640 or the powers that be will remove it. Photo bucket has a resize tool and you can secure your pics by using the security settings on the site.

Duncan
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Kid's Pastor on December 10, 2011, 06:37:00 PM
Great bows! I had a Hunter model in bubinga a couple of years ago.
I wish I would have never sold it.
You are going to be happy with her, trust me!
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 11, 2011, 08:44:00 AM
OK Duncan - thanks! I had a Photo Bucket account awhile back that I have used before! I will post some pics when she arrives this coming week!

Thanks!
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 20, 2011, 05:33:00 AM
Well, the new Predator recurve arrive yesterday! She looks great! Won't have any time to shoot her until tomorrow tho - but if she shoots as good as she looks - it's going to be awesome!

Boy that make a beautiful bow for sure!

Pics posted below - hopefully the link works OK!

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/72470075@N02/
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: SERGIO VENNERI on December 20, 2011, 10:12:00 AM
WOW! That is sharp! Just shows that " less is more", simple beauty!!
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: bayhunter on December 20, 2011, 12:08:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by SERGIO VENNERI:
WOW! That is sharp! Just shows that " less is more", simple beauty!!
couldn't agree more, is this a new model? i havent seen this one before
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: SuperK on December 20, 2011, 12:45:00 PM
I love mine!  It's all I shoot now.  I have never shot better.  Killed my 2 best bucks with it this year.  Rock solid performer.  Congrats!
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 20, 2011, 04:33:00 PM
Bayhunter - must be - I just got it and didn't even know that they were making a gray model - until Mike at Hunter's Nitche told me he was going to be getting one in gray in a couple of days. I hadn't seen any pics of a gray version before myself either and was expecting the brown color version Hunter model...
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 20, 2011, 04:37:00 PM
SuperK - I love your quote!

Nicely done!

: )
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: bayhunter on December 21, 2011, 11:12:00 AM
how does it shoot?
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 21, 2011, 04:49:00 PM
Don't know yet - my work commitments this week are such that I won't even GET to shoot it until this weekend! I have it all set up and ready to go though! Nocking point installed, silencers, rest put on! She's ready to rock tho!

I'll post some feedback as soon as I am able to get out shooting it!
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: sbschindler on December 21, 2011, 05:03:00 PM
from one predator owner to another, these are easier to see..

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v508/134sawney/6542871681_d1201838f6_m.jpg)

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v508/134sawney/6542871537_627a4938a4_m.jpg)

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v508/134sawney/6542871461_94125d4492_m.jpg)
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 21, 2011, 05:06:00 PM
Thanks Howler!

Much nicer!

Thanks!
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: KHALVERSON on December 21, 2011, 05:50:00 PM
scoobie
thats a good lookin predator
i hope you enjoy shootin her as much as i do mine
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: RC on December 21, 2011, 08:23:00 PM
Fine bow.RC
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 21, 2011, 09:41:00 PM
KHALVERSON - thanks! They sure ARE as nice in real life as they looked in their ads! Even better tho!

: )
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: hybridbow hunter on December 22, 2011, 11:10:00 AM
here is mine


(http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx225/hybridbowhunter/photo2-8.jpg)
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 26, 2011, 06:21:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by hybridbow hunter:
here is mine


 (http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx225/hybridbowhunter/photo2-8.jpg)
Hybrid - that was the riser color that I was really seeking originally....

FINALLY will have the time today to shoot MY new bow and see how she shoots for me! I'll post the results after I shoot it today on here for all to see!
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: KHALVERSON on December 26, 2011, 06:36:00 AM
scoobie
what shaft are ya gonna shoot?
in my experience predators like em a touch stiff
you will be very pleased with the performance
kevin
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 26, 2011, 06:41:00 AM
I have 2018's made! I think at 45# at my 28/29 inch draw that should be good....I think!
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: KHALVERSON on December 26, 2011, 06:44:00 AM
sounds like a good choice
i draw 30 in and mine likes a 31 in 400 spine shaft with 225 grns up front
dont be afraid to play with point weight to find
what she likes best
kevin
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 26, 2011, 06:46:00 AM
Kevin,
what's the 400 spine come out to be in the 'old' shaft spines/sizes? I have not shot in the last couple of years and I'm not up on these new '400' and '500' shaft spines they are referring to these days!

??
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: KHALVERSON on December 26, 2011, 06:57:00 AM
2018-2020-2117 are 400 spine arrows
the 2018 is around a 450 sipne with the 2117
being very close to 400 on the dot
id say youll be very close
but depends on what length you shaft is cut too
and point weight
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 26, 2011, 07:02:00 AM
Right now I the ones that I have are 30.5" in length with 125 gr field points but I think my Snuffers with the Screw In inserts are prob more like 145 grains?
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 26, 2011, 11:29:00 AM
OK! Just shot my NEW Predator recurve today! WOW is all I can say! Perfect arrow flight with my XX75 2018's at 30-1/2 inches with 5 in LW feathers, fingers, etc.

She shoots hard, fast and smooth with no recoil and feels great in the hand as well!

She's definitely a KEEPER! YAY!
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: KHALVERSON on December 26, 2011, 11:47:00 AM
great news
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 26, 2011, 11:51:00 AM
Thanks!

Yup - she sure IS a beautiful bow!

Thanks all for the info, feedback, advice, etc. on my posting!
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 26, 2011, 11:57:00 AM
Now to shoot some bare shafts and see how they shoot in-relation to my fletched shafts!

Thus far - it seems that a nocking point 1/2" above 0 worked well (I shoot split fingers!).

We'll see next what the bare shaft tests show for spine, nock height, etc.
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Tajue17 on December 26, 2011, 07:50:00 PM
not sure how the hunters niche ones shoot but I have an original Darton Pittsley Predator 2  and this is one bow I will never sell,,this bow has remained on the rack while 4 black widows, 2 shafers, 2 morrisons, 1 bob lee have all come and gone... if you don't have the video and need some eye candy while your waiting get "how to shoot instinctively #1" Dan Bertalan shoots one in the vid,,,, also there may be an archive somewhere with the animals Connie Renfro took with one..

have to admit mines is starting to look pretty beat up with the finish coming off but man-o-man is that bow so easy to shoot,, and its AS fast as any widow and draws AS smooth as my carbon Palmers.  

Also,, I stood next to Ron Pittsley at the practice area in Denton Hill and watched him put 6 arrows in a strutting turkeys head (facing him) that was 45yds away "up the Hill" about 10yrs ago,, it was so quiet and shot so flat I went and bought one right there from him..
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 26, 2011, 07:58:00 PM
Wow! That guy can shoot! Yeah mine is def fast all right! I will see if I can find that video! Thanks!
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 26, 2011, 08:03:00 PM
PS  Is that the name of the video? 'How to shoot instinctively' by Dan Bertalan?

PSS I can't seem to find it anywhere!
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Bullfrog 1 on December 27, 2011, 09:02:00 AM
Wonder if they changed the grip on them. I tried one years ago and liked it but the way the grip was my hand would slid up and push the arrow off the shelf.    BILL
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 27, 2011, 09:14:00 AM
Gee I haven't had any issues such as that with mine thus far....grip seems quite nice honestly.
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: NBK on December 27, 2011, 09:48:00 AM
Bullfrog.  I had the same issue.  I picked one up a couple of years ago and loved everything about the bow, but my hand would slide up into the throat and I felt like I was fighting it.  I would definitely check them out again though based upon cast and smoothness, and just tweak the grip.
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: buckster on December 27, 2011, 11:37:00 AM
I spent some time with Ron on the phone this morning to address a limb issue I had on a USED bow.  

You know that a company is serious about excellent customer service, when they agree to work with you on a product that shouldn't even be covered under their warranty.  Great products & a great bowyer that stands behind his products!!!

Also, Ron reported some EXCITING NEWS on what they are working on at Predator bows; that I would like to share:

First of all, they are introducing a New One Piece 60" longbow; called the LOBO (spanish for Wolf).  Ron advised that it is plenty fast, very easy to switch back and forth between their recurves with ease, and within 5-8 FPS on their recurve.  

Secondly, they are starting to build their own propritary version in-house of FUTURE WOOD risers.  NOW be offered as a standard offerings ($579 Hunter Model or $729 as a Classic Model).  Colors include either Charcoal or Fall Brown.  As you know this material is almost bomb-proof and adds some nice mass weight to the riser.

Lastly, Ron has been working on a new T-6061 Aluminum riser!  It will initially be  offered in a textured black color for $429.  It is designed with a little more reflex than the wood riser.  The stadard limbs made from 1996 will fit seamlessly to this riser, but will gain about 3-4 lbs.

Sounds like Ron and Mike have been working hard and for those of you that are planning to go to Kalamazoo, all of these offerings should be available.
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 27, 2011, 11:46:00 AM
I have one if those new risers now...gray wood impregnated...

Per Hunter's Nitche today concerning the new gray finish model:

"The new DX is made from solid futurewood that is an acrylic resign impregnated hardwood that is superior in stength, weight and resistance to the elements.  The pigment goes completely thru the bow unlike a stain."
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 28, 2011, 10:22:00 PM
Wow Buckster! I bet the new aluminum rise model will be just as nice as the wood risers are! I know my new gray DX model shoots like a dream!

Love this new bow!
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Mike Mecredy on December 28, 2011, 10:34:00 PM
Amazing recurves.  I shot one a few years ago and I didn't want to give it back.  Peerless in preformance
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 29, 2011, 01:43:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by Mike Mecredy:
Amazing recurves.  I shot one a few years ago and I didn't want to give it back.  Peerless in preformance
Indeed it IS!
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: bayhunter on December 29, 2011, 11:10:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by buckster:
I spent some time with Ron on the phone this morning to address a limb issue I had on a USED bow.  

You know that a company is serious about excellent customer service, when they agree to work with you on a product that shouldn't even be covered under their warranty.  Great products & a great bowyer that stands behind his products!!!

Also, Ron reported some EXCITING NEWS on what they are working on at Predator bows; that I would like to share:

First of all, they are introducing a New One Piece 60" longbow; called the LOBO (spanish for Wolf).  Ron advised that it is plenty fast, very easy to switch back and forth between their recurves with ease, and within 5-8 FPS on their recurve.  

Secondly, they are starting to build their own propritary version in-house of FUTURE WOOD risers.  NOW be offered as a standard offerings ($579 Hunter Model or $729 as a Classic Model).  Colors include either Charcoal or Fall Brown.  As you know this material is almost bomb-proof and adds some nice mass weight to the riser.

Lastly, Ron has been working on a new T-6061 Aluminum riser!  It will initially be  offered in a textured black color for $429.  It is designed with a little more reflex than the wood riser.  The stadard limbs made from 1996 will fit seamlessly to this riser, but will gain about 3-4 lbs.

Sounds like Ron and Mike have been working hard and for those of you that are planning to go to Kalamazoo, all of these offerings should be available.
any pics of the aluminum riser, fall brown or new longbow?
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 29, 2011, 11:26:00 AM
I know...I would love to get a sneak peek of this new aluminum riser model!!!! I am curious if this will be a machined or a cast version and if it will gave the same shape and style of the Hunter and Classic recurves??????
Thus far - no updated pics on their web site reflecting such....
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 31, 2011, 09:48:00 AM
Question - this is my first expensive bow that I have ever owned. Should I be thinking about some kind of bowling ally wax or something on it to protect the wood finish, etc toward rain, snow, etc.

??
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: ishoot4thrills on December 31, 2011, 10:34:00 AM
I would really love to see Ron come up with a one piece recurve that's exactly like their take-down but only it's a one piece. Now that would be awesome!
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: ishoot4thrills on December 31, 2011, 11:09:00 AM
Here's the one I used to have:

(http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh472/ishoot4thrills/MattsDillonsandDougsBows004.jpg)

(http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh472/ishoot4thrills/MattsDillonsandDougsBows005.jpg)

(http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh472/ishoot4thrills/BowPicsatTommysFarm009.jpg)

(http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh472/ishoot4thrills/2010RecurveBuck002.jpg)
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Smithhammer on December 31, 2011, 11:10:00 AM
Gorgeous. I think I "need" a take-down.
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 31, 2011, 11:51:00 AM
That's beautiful!

May I ask why you got rid of it?

???
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: Scoobiedooo on December 31, 2011, 11:52:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by ishoot4thrills:
I would really love to see Ron come up with a one piece recurve that's exactly like their take-down but only it's a one piece. Now that would be awesome!
I agree. I REALLY didn't care if my bow was/is a take down  in the least bit and had nothing to do with why I chose that particular bow. For me, it was all about style, looks an reputation....and I liked the small throat grip on it as well...
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: ishoot4thrills on December 31, 2011, 01:20:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Scoobiedooo:
That's beautiful!

May I ask why you got rid of it?

???
For some reason, I have come to love the one piece, light in the hand, shorter bows now. Can't afford to buy what I want to have so I trade what I have for what I want. And, I had wanted to try a Kanati for awhile, so when the opportunity presented itself early this year at a 3D shoot, I went for it. I got some boot with the trade and I have no regrets, except I would prefer to have been able to have both bows, but I'm still a very happy camper anyway.
Title: Re: Predator Recurve
Post by: buckster on January 03, 2012, 07:20:00 PM
Michael,

Ron Pittsley called me today and he is replacing my limbs at NO COST!!!!  Not surprising, but surely not expected either.  These guys WALK THE TALK, when it comes to total customer service.

I am going to pair my limbs with one of the new Metal risers or another phenolic riser, will make my mine up in a week or two.  Anyway, Ron really made my day and I just wanted to share "the rest of the story".

I also suggested that he join our sponsors here at TG and he advised that he planned to look into this future for 2012 after his show schedule slowed down.