On some of my more idle time, I got to looking through the Tradgang Bow Emporium list, and was particularly interested in the static recurve threads that came up lately. I've also been thinking about the possibility of buying a new bow in the next year or two (I know, I think too far ahead!)
So now I have the best problem it's possible to have: I'm spoiled for choice!
I believe I've narrowed it down from the long list of good bowyers to a stalker stealth or a RER Vital. Both are static tip recurves (I think - is the Stalker always a static tip bow?), both are take down bows.
I want your impression of the bows, rather than which one is 'better'. I know from the threads I've read that both are stellar bows, I just want to know what makes each of them so good, and why.
Thanks for any input!
PS: I probably would not be able to shoot one to try it out, given where I live in Ontario.
Call Kevin at RER bows.I own 2 of his bows(Arroyo) and they are great.They are some of the smoothest bows to shoot.The XR is a 3 piece you should cosider and his bows are reasonably priced compared to high dollar bows of which I also own(WIDOW,2TIPS,MORRISON).If I have a new custom made bow it most likely will be a RER.
I've owned three RER recurves - an XR and two of the original takedowns (of which the Vital is more similar). I shot those two takedowns as well, or better, than any bow I've had before or since. As stated above, I've had most of the "best" recurves and I'd put those bows above them all (for me personally). FWIW, if I was buying a new takedown recurve today it would be the Vital - even without having shot one - I know I'd be getting all the fine qualities I had in the others.
Nothing against the Stalker. I haven't shot their static but I'd believe it to be a great bow. I just know and trust RER to be shooters for me.
RER, Kevin has been building Statics for quite a while. His bows are Awesome!
Call South Cox at Stalker Bows..they have a Test driver deal..I just sent one of his Takedowns back..it wasn't the Static but I was impressed with it..I think the static limbs for the Takedown are coming avaialable towards the new year.
I had an original RER that was a sweet shooter for sure. I loved it, but my cousin/hunting partner did too. It is his now, but I have an XR coming in about a week. I'm hoping I like the XR as well or better. I don't know anything about Stalker bows other than they look like nice bows.
I own an XR and see kevin quite frequently at shoots, and have tried out the vital. I have a 28" draw and the XR is perfect for me but the Vital is like the XR and is a great shooting bow with a longer riser and because of that a little bit more riser mass if memory recalls correctly. Having shot the vital i can say it's fast, quite, and great to handle.
Static tip recures I have found are very quiet. I owned RER's and they were quiet and shoot where you looked at least for me. Have not shoot a Stalker
I really like my RER XR! I'm having another set of heavier limbs made for it. I don't want a second bow, just another set for this one.
I own Stalker Static limbs that go on the hybrid riser. EXCELLENT! Smooth, quiet, quick, with superb fit and finish. South now has Static limbs that fit on the original riser, so you have a choice there. I also owned an RER. Nice bows, and great peole to work with. As far as price, I belive they are comparable. You can't go wrong either way. South went above and beyond to "customize" my riser and limbs.
Do a search for Stalker Static limbs :)
I can't speak for the stalker but I have shot see's arroyo and can tell you that it is a very good choice. Real quite and dead in hand
I have two of kevin and sue rer bows 60"@28 @52 xr recurve bow and the 3pice t/d long bow LX 60"@28 52 lbs LOve both of them were on there stock inventory list orderd another long bow t/d custom for me the price ok give kevin and sue a call as for South stalker bows he have a stitic recurve limbs and long bow limbs you can have both limbs useing one handle give south a call about his static bows he will be back a week after thankings I thinking he is hunting in Iowa
opps typo error meant a week after Thanksgiving Day sorry
Thanks for all the feedback guys, keep it coming.
Also feel free to post some bow eye-candy!
Really like my rer. You can't go wrong with one!
I have shot both and I now own an RER static XR. Quietest, smoothest recurve I have shot.
South makes a beautiful bow now doubt and his grip is exceptional, but boy is it hard to beat one of Kevin's statics.
Have not shot his Vital, but doubt you will be dissapointed...I would look at his XR also.
Here is mine...60" 52@28
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/Wapiti1/cc167329272c8a7d42cc47a89c96db0d.jpg) (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/Wapiti1/a95256d641c7657fbea1832821291b08.jpg) (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/Wapiti1/bb161ab117c82204f2c7793c0fb619ad.jpg) (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/Wapiti1/fefb2625d125937c32d5f555b98584e4.jpg) (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e175/Wapiti1/ad27981b06a22703aee3d90d5f415b2e.jpg)
Now that is a great looking bow.
God bless, Steve
Hello OverAndUnder how do you post pics on here?
i can second Jakes opinion. I've only had a couple Static Tip bows, and havea an RER XR.
15"riser, I believe a little lighter than the Vital. Fantastic Limb design, longbow quiet, fit and finish exception. Nice thing is that Kevin and Sue, always have some instock bows ready to to ship. They will point in you in the right direction, based upon your likes/dislikes, and won't sell you anything that doesn't match your criteria.
QuoteOriginally posted by ichibuns:
Hello OverAndUnder how do you post pics on here?
Check out either of these links, they should get ya fixed up :thumbsup:
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=129;t=000004
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=129;t=000087
I have had my eye on the RER "Retro" for a while.
I've been shooting a vital for two years. Great bow really smooth and quiet. i think its the sister bow to the one in the website. Stand up folks and great to deal with. Performance is top notch too. I may order a one piece someday. The Kalamazoo expo is a great place to test drive one.
Like quite a number of posters (see above), I own an RER bow, a 3-piece XR.
I also own several bows from other bowyers,but they're gathering dust because the RER shoots better for me and it's far superior aesthetically. RER bows are as good as trad bows get.
We're not hearing enough, however, about Kevin and Sue TerMaat. THEY are RER and what makes RER special.
What do I look for in a bowyer? I want someone who delivers on promises, whether it's price, delivery time, or any other aspect. A good bowyer will stand behind his product, not just till it's in the mail to the buyer. If he claims to be a "customer bowyer," he should offer some genuine options. Kevin and Sue do all that.
In addition, they don't give the buyer the bum's rush at any point along the way. Example: Prior to commiting to RER, my brother and I spent two hours at their home/shop. We shot a number of bows, looked at in-stock bows, talked about wood combos, examined lam options, considered custom measurements, etc.
No pressure! Absolutely none! Kevin and Sue freely gave of their time with no promise of a sale. They were like old friends from the initial handshake.
At the end of the evening I placed my order. My brother bought an in-stock bow. Neither of us has been disappointed.
When I meet the TerMaats at a shoot, I feel like I'm being reunited with family. That goes for daughter Emily and son Austin, too.
It's the bow, sure. But, it's also who's building the bow.
Mark
ok great thanks over and under :thumbsup: :archer:
QuoteOriginally posted by mmilinovich:
Like quite a number of posters (see above), I own an RER bow, a 3-piece XR.
I also own several bows from other bowyers,but they're gathering dust because the RER shoots better for me and it's far superior aesthetically. RER bows are as good as trad bows get.
We're not hearing enough, however, about Kevin and Sue TerMaat. THEY are RER and what makes RER special.
What do I look for in a bowyer? I want someone who delivers on promises, whether it's price, delivery time, or any other aspect. A good bowyer will stand behind his product, not just till it's in the mail to the buyer. If he claims to be a "customer bowyer," he should offer some genuine options. Kevin and Sue do all that.
In addition, they don't give the buyer the bum's rush at any point along the way. Example: Prior to commiting to RER, my brother and I spent two hours at their home/shop. We shot a number of bows, looked at in-stock bows, talked about wood combos, examined lam options, considered custom measurements, etc.
No pressure! Absolutely none! Kevin and Sue freely gave of their time with no promise of a sale. They were like old friends from the initial handshake.
At the end of the evening I placed my order. My brother bought an in-stock bow. Neither of us has been disappointed.
When I meet the TerMaats at a shoot, I feel like I'm being reunited with family. That goes for daughter Emily and son Austin, too.
It's the bow, sure. But, it's also who's building the bow.
Mark
Agree 100%! One of the things that attracted me to both bowyers was that they were smaller operations. I prefer to support small businesses where I can, especially those who offer such personal service. When they are passionate about what they do, it's even better!
I bought my RER Arroyo 4 years ago, still the best Static Recurve I have ever shot. It was a Stocked Bow, was exactly as described and shipped to me Pronto. Great Folks to deal with and if I ever buy a T/D it would be a RER
regards Jacko
I don't know about the Stalker, but RER bows are really fantastic whether the Vital or the XR...
(http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx225/hybridbowhunter/DSC00645_zpsb057afa9.jpg)
(http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx225/hybridbowhunter/DSC00707_zpseeb637e9.jpg)
(http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx225/hybridbowhunter/DSC00494.jpg)
(http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx225/hybridbowhunter/blesb1-1.jpg)
(http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx225/hybridbowhunter/spingb-1.jpg)
(http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx225/hybridbowhunter/PICT0059.jpg)
Does RER have a site, if so what is it. I couldn't find on here.
rerbows.com
I have the LXR combo,58" static tip recurve and 60" longbow,fantastic performers,give them a call,if they're not there they'll call you back and answer all your questions.
I don't know about the RER, but I have shot several of South's bows. All have excellent craftsmanship and are great shooters. Here is a thread I did on my static tip a week or two ago. It is the quietest recurve I have ever shot!! I am a die hard longbow guy but this bow is growing on me. Oh and there is a rest of the story coming shortly :)
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=122599
I have shot one of souths bows a takedown longbow named "Hope" and can`t imagine any bow shooting BETTER.RC