Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: dcolavito on June 25, 2012, 01:22:00 PM

Title: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: dcolavito on June 25, 2012, 01:22:00 PM
Any recommendations on a short recurve?  Looking for something that will hold up with proper care for more than just a few years ... 55 lb draw at 28" (actually, my draw length varies a bit between 28" and close to 29").

I've been using the Bear Super Mag 48, a short bow that works well in the thick stuff I hunt in, but I've had 2 of em fail (one after 6yrs,and the second more recently just after 3yrs) and I'm wondering if a short bow can work for me over the longer haul.

Recommendations appreciated.
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: owlbait on June 25, 2012, 01:29:00 PM
Two Tracks Ambush. Do a search here and you will see great reviews and comments. You can't beat Chuck's prices, craftsmanship, and performance. The total package, and a great guy to work with.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: Orion on June 25, 2012, 01:30:00 PM
A relatively long draw (28-29 inches) on a very short bow like a super mag, stresses the limbs to the limit.  I wouldn't expect them to last very long.  Might consider going to the 52-inch Bear magnum.  There are other 52-inch bows available as well.  However, my recommendation would be to go to something like a 56- or 58-iinch bow.  In truth, I don't think you'll notice the difference in terms of maneuverability in the woods, and the longer bow will be a lot more pleasant to shoot. Lots of old bows in that length, and many current bowyers also offer 56-and 58-inch bows.
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: stagetek on June 25, 2012, 01:50:00 PM
You might want to talk with Mike Stelega of Bruin Bows. A few years back I pulled some of his shorter bows and was amazed at how smooth they were. I don't think he makes any 48"er's. I think the one's I were looking at were 52 and 56".
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: Rick Butler on June 25, 2012, 01:54:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by owlbait:
Two Tracks Ambush. Do a search here and you will see great reviews and comments. You can't beat Chuck's prices, craftsmanship, and performance. The total package, and a great guy to work with.    :thumbsup:  
x2   :thumbsup:   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: awbowman on June 25, 2012, 02:03:00 PM
You might also check out Acadian Woods.  They won't get down as short as the Bear, but a good short recurve none the less.
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: sawtoothscream on June 25, 2012, 02:23:00 PM
two tracks ambush. that is a sweet shooting bow
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: granpa on June 25, 2012, 02:37:00 PM
Give Steve Gorr over at Cascade Archery a call, IMHO he has perfected the short bow. I still shoot a 48" TD Recurve that was made over 15 years...might be even longer than that!
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: SELFBOW19953 on June 25, 2012, 02:49:00 PM
Either Chuck's Ambush or Brent Rudolph's Black Mountain Sheepeater Spirit static tip (47" tip to tip braced).  I have both and both are shooters.  Chuck's bow is easy to pick up and shoot.  Brent's short static tip takes a bit of getting used to, but is easily mastered.  You can't go wrong with either.
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on June 25, 2012, 03:18:00 PM
I also suggest you look at Cascades bow line
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: Ray Lyon on June 25, 2012, 03:28:00 PM
There are a couple of nice Kodiak Magnums in the classifieds right now that are in your spec range. Those are 52" and probably more likely to hold up at your draw.  You should be able to find one of those for under $200.

In addition to that and some of bows mentioned above(Steve Gore's been around a long time and is well respected for his short bows), you could look at the Super Shrew Little Favorite line. They are made in 52",54" and 56" models and are great for tight cover.
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: Real Buckmaster on June 25, 2012, 04:16:00 PM
Tolke has a short recurve. SUPER NICE !!! And Smoking fast. Give Dan a call
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: huntmaster80 on June 25, 2012, 04:42:00 PM
I have shot a short Tolke recurve and like it a lot!!!  I have also owned a Two Tracks Ambush a 50" recurve. In my opinion the Tolke was smoother and faster
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: KOOK68 on June 25, 2012, 05:08:00 PM
Martin Rebels for me.
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: dcolavito on June 25, 2012, 05:14:00 PM
Thanks to all ... as usual, very good advice!
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: Irish on June 25, 2012, 06:16:00 PM
Cascade, Two Tracks or Toelke
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: cch on June 25, 2012, 06:30:00 PM
Cascades 48" or 52" would fit you nicely. Both are very dependable. And are easy to shoot. Give Steve a call, he is great to deal with.
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: TOEJAMMER on June 25, 2012, 06:34:00 PM
X3 for Steve's Magnums at Cascade.
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: braveraven on June 25, 2012, 06:38:00 PM
Checkmate, a canadian bow, has a very well made beautiful 52" bow.  It is called the "RAVEN".  Good worksmanship and very well priced.  I think new ones are just a little over $300.  Check out G and M archery, they usually have one in stock.
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: flyne on June 25, 2012, 06:50:00 PM
Little sucking  kt44 super short only 40" long when strung mine should get hear today some time
The cascades are a very nice bow To shoot and look great
And sulki make some nice ones as Well and i think I will get a turk for my next bow
Jim
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: Hit-or-Miss on June 25, 2012, 06:54:00 PM
Red Wing Hunter from Wing / Bob Lee Archery, old or new, 52"(old), 54"(new), or the 58"(vintage & new).
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: Possum Head on June 25, 2012, 06:57:00 PM
Toelke Kistrel, Two Tracks Ambush, Wright builds a 46"er not sure if it could handle your draw as mentioned the Sheepeater and for a little longer Hoots. A 56" Hoots in the classifieds at a great price. Let us know what you end up with and a good analysis.
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: joe skipp on June 25, 2012, 07:39:00 PM
Check Fedora website, he offers a 52" recurve.
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: Ulysseys on June 25, 2012, 08:27:00 PM
Widow KB, test drive one.  Amazing bow.
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: Michael Pfander on June 25, 2012, 08:36:00 PM
I have a Saluki Scythian that is 47" when strung.  It draws 54# @ 28" and is my go to bow for tight situations.  It will do about anything you can ask a bow to do.  I have even won some 3-d's with it.
MAP
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: Bow man on June 25, 2012, 08:54:00 PM
This Cliff Huntington (Liquid Amber) with a deer taken with one of our 56" recurves we also have a 54".  

 (http://i905.photobucket.com/albums/ac260/Stjoeriverbows/CliffHuntington2011SCbuck-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: tim roberts on June 25, 2012, 08:55:00 PM
Got to second what Orion said, 28-29" is a long draw for that short of bow.
I shoot two short ones, a 58" longbow (an oxymoron) and a 52" recurve, both made by Neil Jacobson, Bear's Paw Bows.  Both are sweet shooting bows, but even with my short 25"draw, archery golf shooting might get me an inch or two longer draw, the 52" recurve is almost too short.  
Really though, if that is what you are comfortable with, then that is all that matters.  But since you are in the hunt for one, Neil makes a fine looking sweet shooting bow.
Thanks
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: Rick Richard on June 25, 2012, 09:31:00 PM
Hoots for a short and sweet bow.
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: el greco on June 25, 2012, 09:56:00 PM
Shrew
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: landman on June 25, 2012, 10:10:00 PM
Tom Kelley - Period.
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: flyne on June 26, 2012, 01:31:00 AM
Just got back from the range with my little suckling I must say its awesome didn't stack at my 29" draw and really spat the arrows out
Jim
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: mahantango on June 26, 2012, 06:50:00 AM
Like others have said, 54" or 56" would probably be better for your draw length. Look at Hoots, Shrew, or Big Jims for new, or Red Wing Hunter, Wing Thunderbird, Howatt HI-Speed, or Bear K-Mag for vintage. All are great shooters.
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: ChuckC on June 26, 2012, 08:10:00 AM
Bruin short bows are very nice and look great too.  Unless you have a very short draw, I think a 48" bow is not the right choice for anybody.  I personally don't see a huge advantage(in the woods, maybe in a tight blind)of a very short bow.  I use a 66" longbow and rarely have issues.  You just learn how to use it.

ChuckC
Title: Re: Short Bow Recommendations
Post by: Roger Norris on June 26, 2012, 08:14:00 AM
Ray Lyon already recomended to you the 56" Little Favorite.....I concur.....an awesome short recurve.