First of all, I do not own a single IFL bow, however, the ILF bows and limbs are very common. It was 3 to 4 years ago when all the talk and hype was trying to convince us all that the ILF system will heavily dominate archery.
Take the poll and let's see how the ILF is taking over, staying the same, or losing popularity.
I shoot both and each have their own merits but the adjustabilty/tuneability of the ILF is what sells me. I love that I can have a recurve or longbow with exactly the same riser with just a switch of limbs.
I have an ILF, but I will be receiving my new T.D. longbow shortly, and that is what I'll be shooting this season. I probably won't have much to do with the ILF untill I can afford new limbs.
I can't answer the question, as I really don't know. I'll be watching this tho, cause I want a good field archery bow and am thinking that an ILF recurve might be just the ticket.
I like 'em but I also like other types too - but I think you know that.
I don't know about fan, but it really fit the bill for what I needed. Hard to get a riser cut way past center that can handle a heavy draw weight unless it is aluminum and I needed that for the arrows I was using. Until I get limbs from another manufacturer for the bow, it won't meet up to it's potential as ilf versus other takedowns. Problem is Bob Morrisons limbs are so nic.
I have been a recurve shooter all my life, over 35 years
This year I set up two ILF rigs and I am so impressed with them that they are the bows I will be hunting with this year.
I wont be selling my Silvertips and other customs but I am getting better performance at lighter draw weights from my ILF rigs
So what can I say I really like ILF and if I where recommending a bow for performance and versatility that is what I would recommend
I dont know about taking over.I doubt it.But thier very versatile and unique in thier poundage adjustability and tunability.I love the one I have and what I can do with it and love my other non ILF bows as well.
Its a niche thats going to remain popular with many hunters/archers indefinatly.I think its just going to get more versatile with many new limb types to choose from as well as risers and the price is very competitive.The market for second hand limbs is going to get better and better as well as time goes on and more are available.
ILFs are not gonna replace a one piece longbow or 50s style recurve etc.
ILF/DAS is all I shoot now. Rugged, adjustable, can tune like no other, multitude of different limbs, grips that make performance and fit at a high level.
Do recognize that some prefer feel and look of wood. Extreme simplicity, lower heft and weight etc. So they aren't for all.
HUGE fan of them. Absolutly love my titan set up. the weight is great, I love how adjustable and easy to tune they are, love that I can use the same riser and have multiple limbs for it. Is it my nicest looking bow? nope. But it is my best shooter. Also like that I can change grips on my metal riser. Like not being slaved to one companies limbs as well. also like how fast you can take them down and put back together
Ok, I'm gonna sound dumb, but what does "ILF" stand for? I'm not grasping the concecpt of the system.
I think your poll questions might be slightly slanted against ILF bows, but it doesn't matter. I own two, and see them as takedown bows with a little more tunability. I would rather hunt with a one piece longbow, but when it comes to just flat out shooting, ILFs are hard to beat,imo.
I shoot both i must admit my sky samick combo is the best curve iv ever shot
Can't wait to see the John Dill/Bill Dunn ILF!
I love my black widows but, my DAS is the best shooting recurve that I own. Its not widow pretty though!
ILF HAS dominated archery for many many years. It is only newer to trad archery.
International Limb Fitting Stickboy!
Tournament archers have been using this stuff forever, myself included. I used to shoot Olympic style competition.
I think it is incredibly accurate and very easy to tune. I have not found a non ILF that will out perform my ILF setup.
That being said, my favorite hunting bows are NOT ILF!
Go figure!
I'd rather hunt with a snakey home built osage longbow. Too bad I dont know how to build one yet!
QuoteOriginally posted by owlbait:
Can't wait to see the John Dill/Bill Dunn ILF!
What's that going to be all about? Something new they are coming up with? Different than what Bill currently offers?
What's not to like. You can get plenty of wood risers from manufacturers to keep the metal haters happy. Phenolic and wood/phenolic combos too. The limbs selection is huge and there is a good selection of high performance limbs available.
ILF is simply a limb attachment system; nothing more. But the fact that the system is universal makes it incredibly valuable for versatility and convenience. The models that offer lateral limb adjustment are even better yet.
For me, the real appeal is the ability to shoot whatever limbs I want on whichever riser I like. If I want a second set of limbs, I can log onto the internet, choose from several different retailers, and have them at my door the next day. If I simply want wood and glass limbs, I can find them new for a $100 or less. Or for under $500 I can get top end limbs used by the best recurve archers in the world (i.e. Olympic archers) from manufactures that spend five figures and up in R&D every year. In my opinion, that's huge.
Like YORNOC said, ILF has been dominating recurve archery in general for a few decades now. It's only in the last few years that it stopped being taboo in many traditional archery circles. And much of the doom and gloom wives' tales about the supposed dangers of using the ILF attachment system on shorter hunting risers have long since been dispelled.
What's really nice is seeing all the custom bowyers building bows with ILF fittings. If a person wants to go the nice wood / custom route, there are several to choose from. If he/she wants to go off the rack, the selections are even greater. The price range is one that can fill most any budget. For under $300 a person can get a decent riser and wood/glass limbs. Or an archer can spend upwards of a thousand dollars for a more expensive riser and top shelf limbs.
Sounds like a good concept and it would work well for a lot of people. Thanks guys, I always wondered what that stood for and meant.
I'm new to this, but the whole reason I decided to get into traditional archery was to get away from technology. I realize every person will have to draw their own lines as to where they want the technology to stop. You can shoot a wooden self bow, a laminated glass recurve, an ILF with aluminum riser, or a compound with an electronic sighting system. They're all perfectly fine in their own rights. For what I like, I draw the line at laminated, one-piece bows. That's what I like now (after many years with a compound).
I voted the third choice, just got first complete ILF bow and it seems pretty nice, bought the bow as a backup for my wife primarily, at least that's what I told her;). Want to get a heavier and longer set of limbs and see what i think of it then.
QuoteOriginally posted by eminart:
I'm new to this, but the whole reason I decided to get into traditional archery was to get away from technology. I realize every person will have to draw their own lines as to where they want the technology to stop. You can shoot a wooden self bow, a laminated glass recurve, an ILF with aluminum riser, or a compound with an electronic sighting system. They're all perfectly fine in their own rights. For what I like, I draw the line at laminated, one-piece bows. That's what I like now (after many years with a compound).
no cams or sights = trad for me. Metal or wood riser, one piece, take down or ILF. ILF really isnt huge tech its just the way the limbs are set up. like a 3 piece bow except better because you can adjust the draw weight a little, set the tiller right for your style and it makes it easier to tune and you can pick the limbs that feels best to you instead of only having 1 limb option. In the end I want good accuracy when Im shooting at game and im not in a fashion show. I bought my fancy wood bow and I love it, but Im much happier when I shoot better with a ugly bow then shoot worse with a pretty bow. Just my thoughts on it :) Still want to get me a D shaped one piece in the future though.
Sounds like excellent technology for tunability and portability, but for me personally, a little further from the idea that pulled me back to traditional archery/bowhunting. Not to cast aspersions - you still have to find 'em and hit 'em!
QuoteOriginally posted by sawtoothscream:
QuoteOriginally posted by eminart:
[qb] but Im much happier when I shoot better with a ugly bow then shoot worse with a pretty bow. [/b]
Heh, cant argue with that!!
And dont get me wrong....although my preferred hunting bows are not ILF, I still hunt with them and have taken a lot of animals with them.
I also like that many bowyers have this option available.
I have had a bunch of ILF combos in recurve,and longbow form's. Once I got one tuned the way I liked,I did not want to switch it up again. That is what makes ILF nice is the ability to change the bow around. But,I found that I did'nt like having another set of limbs just lying around,so I bought another riser. I fell back into traditional laminated bows,because it is very basic. ILF is easily understood,and works well,but I just enjoy the simplicity of a laminated bow. No bolts,all wood beauty,etc.
They work well,but I got bored with them. rat'
I love pretty wood bows as well and never thought I would ever lay my BW bows down, but I have to say after shooting my Buffalo, I sold all my BW bows and will continue on with the adjustable ILF type bow systems, they are just the thing for me. I love being able to fine tune every aspect of the bow to fit my shooting style and they really perform as well.
I know gadgets and technical stuff is what drew me away from the modern compound bows many years ago, but these new systems are very easy and reliable to adjust and gives me back some of that tickering I still love to do but with more reliability and forgiveness and with the lock down systems for all the adjustments I still only need to check my brace height and nock height and I am good to go!
Some may think the poll questions were slanted to favor a particular outcome, and they could have been since I don't have an ILF system. I owned a Morrison ILF 15" wood riser with Hoyt G-3 limbs a couple years ago, but sold it after it did nothing for me.
It was not too long ago when the predictions were common that the ILF would dominate. The poll so far says it is popular and widely used.
There are 20% who use it exclusively while more than 50% use it part time. The rest of the group (about 30%) are staying away from it for now. Just keep voting and let's see where this leads.
I don't see how an ILF is seen as dreaded technology and the Bear limb attachment is not. You can get wood ILF risers and metal risers have been around for a loooong time.
Concept is genius. Just doesn't turn my crank and I have owned a beautiful moccasin backed foam core longbow version. Limbs were crooked when I first assembled and I had to figure out the set screws for tweeking and adjusting. Had I had a mentor in the ILF world perhaps my experience would have been more favorable.
Hypethetically the weakest link that I saw with ILF was for on the ground spot and stalk hunting. A trip and fall that unbraced the bow could lead to the limbs falling right out of the riser sockets. Unstrung they just kind of wiggle around loosely. Didn't care for that scenario. Take a two piece or one piece laminated bow based on that alone.
That said, I do acknowledge their versatility and application.
~CB
There's probably more hardware on a Bear takedown riser than an ILF. I personally don't see that much difference in athetics between a Bear takedown, ILF and a common takedown bow.
QuoteOriginally posted by Chromebuck:
Concept is genius. Just doesn't turn my crank and I have owned a beautiful moccasin backed foam core longbow version. Limbs were crooked when I first assembled and I had to figure out the set screws for tweeking and adjusting. Had I had a mentor in the ILF world perhaps my experience would have been more favorable.
Hypethetically the weakest link that I saw with ILF was for on the ground spot and stalk hunting. A trip and fall that unbraced the bow could lead to the limbs falling right out of the riser sockets. Unstrung they just kind of wiggle around loosely. Didn't care for that scenario. Take a two piece or one piece laminated bow based on that alone.
That said, I do acknowledge their versatility and application.
~CB
So if you fell and the string came off? my limbs hold pretty good and I think I would really need to smash it hold for a issue. even then if the limbs popped out you can just put them back on and brace it back up like you would a one piece. Maybe I dont understand the situation.
[/QUOTE]So if you fell and the string came off? my limbs hold pretty good and I think I would really need to smash it hold for a issue. even then if the limbs popped out you can just put them back on and brace it back up like you would a one piece. Maybe I dont understand the situation. [/QUOTE]
I have only owned one ILF so maybe the tightness the limbs fit into different risers varies. My point is that an accident in the field with a laminated bow requires one action not the potential of three actions or possibly more.
Please readers, in my short tenure with TG this topic can bring the bowyers out of the woodwork. This is only my oppinion. I simply envision plungers and springs flying through the air and that is really one of the biggest reason I returned to traditional. ~CB
I'll take a 1-piece long bow
BUT, I do think a 2-piece will one day be in my hands. Probably just to have, but all the same there.
QuoteOriginally posted by Chromebuck:
So if you fell and the string came off? my limbs hold pretty good and I think I would really need to smash it hold for a issue. even then if the limbs popped out you can just put them back on and brace it back up like you would a one piece. Maybe I dont understand the situation. [/QUOTE]
I have only owned one ILF so maybe the tightness the limbs fit into different risers varies. My point is that an accident in the field with a laminated bow requires one action not the potential of three actions or possibly more.
Please readers, in my short tenure with TG this topic can bring the bowyers out of the woodwork. This is only my oppinion. I simply envision plungers and springs flying through the air and that is really one of the biggest reason I returned to traditional. ~CB [/b][/QUOTE]
dont need a rest or plunger, I shoot off the shelf with great results. The limbs pop in so fast its really wouldnt be a huge issue, maybe a extra 10 seconds. But anyways use what you have the most confidence in so you have no worries while in the field. Im just glad there are so many options and good bowyers out there today to suite every bodies needs.
QuoteOriginally posted by Bear Heart:
I don't see how an ILF is seen as dreaded technology and the Bear limb attachment is not. You can get wood ILF risers and metal risers have been around for a loooong time.
Who ever said the Bear TD system is NOT dreaded technology? I'm sure it definitely is to some. :bigsmyl:
Perhaps it would be more insightful to add the experience I had where I attempted to get the limbs to fit tighter by opening up(partialy unscrewed)the spring loaded plunger to close the void in the socket. The next time I took the limbs off one of the plungers sprung off and onto my shop floor. As I said perhaps a more veteran ILF users help would have changed all this...
Sawtoothscream,
I'm refering to the spring loaded disc that fits inside the ILF aluminum sockets. Not a plunger rest.
~CB
"Who ever said the Bear TD system is NOT dreaded technology? I'm sure it definitely is to some."
I have always found it interesting/amusing that any innovations introduced by Bear Archery were considered ok and traditional and accepted without reservation but if an innovation came from elsewhere all the sudden it was questionable.
Simply put on a performance level my ILF rigs with BF limbs are performing at a level my other customs are having to be 5 pounds heavier to achieve
I am shooting arrows that spine for bows heavier than my ILF rig would seem to dictate
I'm comparing these rigs to some customs that are known for there performance
(http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa302/jparanee/5f69b018.jpg)
QuoteOriginally posted by JParanee:
Simply put on a performance level my ILF rigs with BF limbs are performing at a level my other customs are having to be 5 pounds heavier to achieve
I am shooting arrows that spine for bows heavier than my ILF rig would seem to dictate
I'm comparing these rigs to some customs that are known for there performance
(http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa302/jparanee/5f69b018.jpg)
Awesome looking setup!
QuoteOriginally posted by JohnV:
"Who ever said the Bear TD system is NOT dreaded technology? I'm sure it definitely is to some."
I have always found it interesting/amusing that any innovations introduced by Bear Archery were considered ok and traditional and accepted without reservation but if an innovation came from elsewhere all the sudden it was questionable.
Me too.
Chromebuck, it is a shame someone familiar to ILF couldn't advise you on the mechanics of the ILF. There are other websites that do have lots of information on them. The limbs aren't supposed to be tight unstung and when you string it they tighten up and don't move. Not many of us carry an unstrung bow in the field anyway.
But your fears of bows becoming unstrung in the field due to falls are unfounded. I've been involved with archery since 1955 and have dropped recurves out of trees, fallen on them and caught them on sticks walking through the woods and never had one come even close to becoming unstrung. A properly assembled ILF will not become unstrung and fly apart, I assure you.
Joe, I never get tired of seeing that shot.
I have had a couple real high end ILF rigs, very unique, great performing bows that can be precisely tuned. I understand the draw for those that love them, just not for me, Im a born again Silvertip man and I just love these bows for their shootability and simplicity.
JParanee, that bow sure looks traditional to me.
Richard,
I appreciate your sentiments on this happening and likely you're right. My thought was the angle of opening inherit to longbows and the density of alders on Kodiak Island only make it improbable but far from impossible. As a transporter for an outfitter for only several years on the island I have seen two wheeled bows derailed from alders. Neither client had brought a bow vice and were hunting handguns the rest of their trip.
There is also a chance that I'm a bit sore about that whole experience as I did reach out for advise on the situation(not on this site)and received nothing useful. For all the greenbacks I laid down for that rig I was very discouraged. Oh well, not complainning it was all part of a glorious journey.
Looking up!
~CB
The whole concept is useless, almost sacrilege so to speak. to take the work of a talented bowyer and disassemble to attach another bowyer's limb or riser.......People that shoot ILF probably voted for Obama.....ooopss. My fingers slipped!!!
Chromebuck, I envy you sir! Not many have the "normal" conditions that you have. Your normal is Kodiak Island, land of giants and merciless nature.
My normal is watching a squirrel sitting on my fence that I cant shoot at cuz my neighbor is looking at me on the other side of the squirrel.
I love Tradgang! :campfire:
QuoteOriginally posted by Bear Heart:
JParanee, that bow sure looks traditional to m
Le.
I think that is the big misconception by some people . They think all ILF rigs are aluminum riser Olympic rigs when in reality they can be as traditional looking as any other 3 piece, fancy wood and all :)
ILF is truly just a limb fitment system that gives you adjustment of tiller and weight.
Every year more and more custom Bowyers are starting to do ILF and while I don't think ILF will ever replace regular bolt don limbs I do believe they will keep getting more popular.
I can't think of a simpler take down system that requires no tools
The one i posted is an all phenolic riser by Bob Morrison
(http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa302/jparanee/0cfa688b.jpg)
Here is the new Titan ILF riser
(http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa302/jparanee/3536b67c.jpg)
I like ILF alright (where I come from that means it's just OK). I've had several risers, from several manufacturers, in different materials and with some of the best limbs. All were quick, most were comfortable, some were attractive, and a few I liked. But when I pick up a forward riser, mild r/d longbow I have the best "hunting bow" I've found. Plenty speed, plenty accurate and supremely quiet. Makes me want to say "ILF-what?" You just can't improve some things. Of course YMMV.
So far there are about 200 who have taken the poll...and you have to vote to see how the results are turning out.
I enjoy the beauty of a wood bow as much as anyone else. I switched for a couple of reasons. because of my almost 31" draw, i don't enjoy a bow shorter than 66", too much finger pinch for my taste. the research i did only showed a few bowyers that make 66"+ recurves. I honestly can't afford, nor could i justify to myself (let alone the boss) spending $600 or more for a custom rig, and be stuck with only that one manufacturer for a set of limbs. with ILF, I was able to get a 66" for under $300, much easier to justify to myself and the boss. If I don't like the limbs I'm using now, I can choose which manufacturer i want to go with, and have a price range of $90 to $600, depending on what I can afford and what I want. And then there's the fact that I use the same arrows i was using for my 65# Oneida compound in a 53@31 recurve, with both being set to centershot. :)
I just recently started shooting an ILF rig, that I built/warfed for myself. I've shot adjustable rigs before, and to be honest I love them.
Why do I love them? Well, because I'm gonna make a bow shoot, and feel the way I want it to, and the ILF, and other adjustable systems keep me from having to take a rasp & sand paper to the bow to achieve my goal.
I love one piece bows, but prefer a take down for the convienience in transpot, especially since my primary means of transportation is my scooter.
Rick
OOOPs -that would be transport, not transpot. LOL
Rick
Up once again for a last chance to vote or view results.
I don't have one. I have shot one and don't have any issue with them though. Shoot what YOU like!
I have had several......finally found one that I can say I really like. I got a Zipper Standard ILF riser and have several sets of limbs for it. I have settled into a set of Dryad Static tip Recurve limbs that make a fantastic combo. I also have a Morrison 17" metal riser that is kind of an on going project. I really like the whole ILF thing....but I still shoot my regular bows all the time. From 20 feet you can't tell my ILF Zipper from my regular Zipper.
Nope, they're just like Helicopters, a complete and total abomination. :pray:
Hey, but if that's what floats your boat....go for it.
LD
Great to have alternatives-as long as they are made by American bowyers who hunt our woods I'm all for it!
Nope ,
I'm more of a one piece fan and like some takedowns but the less mechanical it is the better I like it but to each his own....
I just recently had the opportunity to handle an ILF Recurve and i honestly have to say AWESOME! I don't own one nor see one in my near future, however ,what a great system, far superior to the Bear takedown system IMHO.
I have a few ILF rigs and like them very well. When I shoot recurve I grab my Morrison wood ILF most of the time. I ordered a set of Bob's Max 1, ILF limbs and they should be here any day. I'm hoping to get them in time to use em on this Sundays 3D shoot.
I've been shooting 550 grn woodies through the 45# Morrison and it's as quick and quiet as any bow I own.
QuoteOriginally posted by Caddo:
[QB] Nope, they're just like Helicopters, a complete and total abomination. :pray:
Hey, but if that's what floats your boat....go for it.
LD [/
I love my ILF bows, they are all I shoot now.
Does that make me The Abomidable Bowman?
I don't have a true IFL riser. But I do use my dorado riser for IFL limbs just by switching out the bushings. I love it and the fact I can have a recurve and a longbow with one riser to which I love the grip.
will say it again I love my ILF set up. Have a sweet smooth 3d rig and a hard hitting hunting using the same riser. The dryads really are great limbs for this bow and shoot 500gr arrows fast and pretty flat at 30yds. I cant be more happy with it. Really considering selling off my longbows would love to buy some samick BF extremes to replace the TT carbon/woods