For those that have owned both, which do you prefer and why?
Never shot a bama but love my buff bow smooth great bow
I've never shot either one of them,but I will be able to tell you about a Buffalo bow in about six months. I just got on the waiting list.
Both are "calling me"
I don't much about the Buffalo, but I have 2 Bama Expi Royal and a 3rd in the works! I a 64in with Lacewood veneers 2nd in the pic, and 62in Osage takedown, 3rd in the pic! the first bow is also a Bama Hunter longbow! i can tell you they are fast and smooth, they shoot a lot like a recurve w no shock at all, plus they are very spine friendly as to arrows! Nates wait time is usually around 3 months, plus he is a hoot totalk to! (http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae270/ripforce_photo/IMG_0924.jpg)
I keep hearing great things about both and want to get a takedown longbow to replace my one piece. Big Jim's bows are beautiful bows and reportedly shoot really well but Bama Bows look good too and reportedly shot well also.
You have a very hard decision to make. I have a 58 inch 50@28 expedition royal and love it. Like Ripforce said they shoot alot like a recurve. I am fortunate to live less than 2 hours from Nate and visit him yearly. He is very imformative to talk to. Good luck on your decision.
I may have to get one of each used in the same weight range and shoot them side by side before ordering my own custom. I thought I had it narrowed down to the Buffalo based on a bit prettier options in wood but I still can't keep from wondering about how it shoots compared to the Bama Expi.
I just got to thinking about your delima and Maye you could ask if they do a test drive program that way you can see for your self wich one you like better
QuoteOriginally posted by Jake Fr:
I just got to thinking about your delima and Maye you could ask if they do a test drive program that way you can see for your self wich one you like better
Good idea. I doubt they do because they are both smaller shops but it's sure worth a try.
Had a 58 expi td on order, nate suggested his newChanged tribute, hh style. Changed my oder, waiting for the new tribute...will post pics when I get it.
I should have my expedition by the end of the week maybe, given Thanksgiving and all. Granted it's a bit heavier than most, but it is rumored to be a work of art and according to a fellow archer shoots very fast and smooth...like a recurve.
You will not go wrong with a Buffalo.
I am excited to see the Tribute. Let us know limb width and core thickness. Handle dimension. Thanks
Ah hes let the cat out of the bag with the "new model" We have been chatting about this bow for a while , he is shooting the proto I believe right now! I acutally have one on order all domestic woods! i know guys are gonna love this one, Nate will make it perfect theres no doubt!
Whats the wait time to get a Buff ? Bama ?..That would play a part in my decision.
The buffalo bow is a significantly longer wait typically. I'm not concerned too much with that though.
Bamas are about 6 to 8 weeks normally!
Ripforce56: The prototype is sold. What he is currently testing is Tribute # 2.
I have the pics and specs but I think it's best Nate posts them himself on a new thread.
Brianlocal3: The limb width is 1 1/8". For Tribute # 3, I have requested slightly different specs. He will build the Hill bow to your specs, within reason.
Dodger he emailed me today, starting mine as we speak! Using All American woods and some Black Locust I sent him on the riser!
Look forward to your review and pics when you get it.
I have owned both and still own the Bama. Buffalo was a great bow, but it was a traded bow and the grip was too large for me.
One thing I will say is that Nates limb design is not quite like any other I've seen in my limited exposure to trad. His limbs have deflex, reflex, and slight deflex again at the tips. They almost seem to have let off when reaching anchor. I've shot a few now and this one is still my goto.
Give Nate or Jim a call and discuss their designs, wait times and grip options. Both are awesome bowyers, but this is such a personal thing you need to do your own homework unfortunately.
Keith
QuoteOriginally posted by Chromebuck:
Give Nate or Jim a call and discuss their designs, wait times and grip options. Both are awesome bowyers, but this is such a personal thing you need to do your own homework unfortunately.
Kieth,
Thanks for your input. I've been waiting for the right time and right bow to show up on the classifieds. I'd really like to buy a used Buffalo and Expedition in about the same poundage to shoot side by side.
From there, I'd have a better idea of how they handle and could place an order for a new bow in exactly the woods I like with a bit more confidence.
I think Big Jim's bows are a bit prettier but really like the aesthetics of both. I have a strong preference for a R/D design so that is covered by both. And from pictures alone, both look like they have a grip similar to the bows that I have shot that fit my hand and style of shooting well. Grip fit will be a bit of a gamble on any bow that you can't physically shoot though. I also like the 2-piece concept and want a leather grip, which both offer.
Garrett