Hi guys. Looking for some help. I'm looking for a takedown recurve and I really like the looks of both the Predator Classic and the Bob Lee Signature but I haven't had a chance to shoot either. So I'm looking for feedback from those of you that have experience with both. How do they compare? What is the good and bad of each? Smoothness of draw? (assuming same draw length - I pull 28" and want a 62" bow). Workmanship? Quietness? Speed? Thanks in advance for any and all feedback. I look forward to your responses.
i haven't got any experience with the predator but i can tell you that the bob lees are fine bows. smooth draw, perform well. i'd give 7 out of 10 for workmanship though. every set of limbs i've had the a crack in the finish develops along the end of the limb cap. there must still be some flex there. i have sent limbs to be refinshed and they painted right over the old finish. i would have thought that refinish meant strip back and refinish.
i havent dealt with a bob lee but i have a classic predator. i LOVE IT.. the finish is Amazing. i slept with the riser the night i got it hahahah... VERY smooth, and DAM FAST! i guarantee you wont be disapointed. but dont go by my judgement. listen to bob lee owners as well. ever since getting my predator classic, my form has improved, my draw length is longer, the bow welds with my hand like a matchmade in heaven. this is a video of me shooting mine. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEx0FKTjE3g&feature=youtu.be
I've owned both, predator=very fast. Bob Lee=very smooth. if I recall the grip on the predator was larger than the Bob Lee
Good news is, EITHER of them are absolutely fantastic bows.
Like Fishburglar, my Predator helped me be a better shooter.
I have limited experience with a Bob Lee, having only shot them at the KZOO expo...I was going to buy one, but opted for a Predator, because it was made in my home state. I have no doubt, I would be saying the same thing if I lived in Texas.
Either bow will resale quickly, and chances are you can find a used one of each to try.
Either bow will come with world class customer service.
A WIN WIN situation.
i agree 100percent with bone buster
I have owned both and both are fine bows. The Predator is fast, but if I had to choose between the two it would be a Lee, I liked the grip better on the Lee. It really boils down to personal preference. As mentioned above both have good resale if you can find either used in your specs get it. You can't go wrong with either.
Jeff,I have shot both and would rate them about the same.Both smooth drawing and foregiving, speed about the same, can't go wrong with either one.I think both will let you try one if you pay the shipping.
ive shot both and they are great bows made by reputable bowyers
i just liked the predator a little better and its a michigan made product
but i cannot see how you could go wrong with either
Never shot a Lee but I do love Ron's Predators. I know some feel the grip is a little on the big side but Ron will build one to your liking. His shop is a little over an hour from me and I drove up there and dug through his risers and found one that was perfect for me. Smooth and fast bows with the lines of the Bear Super K's of the 60's.
Listen to Larry above,, I've owned both actually I've had 4 bob lee's and still have my original Pittsley Preditor (Darton) and the Bob Lees are all gone to loving homes.. not sure if they changed the grip style but with the preditor I have it has that tiny shelf and a grip shape that forces your hand right up into the throat to the arrow its pretty cool once you get the hang of it but at first most people that hold mine don't like the grip shape, its super fast and pulls very smooth and that is what people who try mine notice first,, Me personally I would without a 2nd thought take the Preditor over the Bob Lee anyday.
the bob lee though is a nice bow and I won't throw it under the bus, it has a sweet grip too, its built solid as a rock and even though its not as fast it still pulls smooth and shoots in the average pound vs arrow weight dept for speed and its much much faster than the $1350.00 shafer I had, its very stable and easy on the arrow spines so getting good broadhead accuracy even with big treesharks is no problem.
the term fast bow to me means I can shoot a heavier arrow so my 50# Preditor with SBD string shoots a 655 grain arrow as fast as my 50#
Palmer classic with Palmer string shooting a 540 grain arrow and thats why I like the Pittsley because the cast of the arrow stays the same.
Never shot a predator but my Lee is super forgiving and super easy to tune.
Bob Lee's are fantastic! Very smooth, very fast and forgiving. The newer ones workmanship is wonderful! Right up there with the best of bows. You won't be even a bit disappointed with the Bob Lee. And the service is second to none.
QuoteOriginally posted by larry:
I've owned both, predator=very fast. Bob Lee=very smooth. if I recall the grip on the predator was larger than the Bob Lee
X2
My Predator was smokin' fast and accurate. My Lee was very accurate and smooth, no slouch on speed either.
Grip wise, I like the Lee's.
Lee.... Lee.... Lee....
No contest in my opinion.
Predator!! Awesme speed,smooth,and quiet, with great customer service!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
I love my three bob lee's
I owned a Lee and a bunch of other nice bows and the best thing I can tell you is to try before you buy. A super bow for one person may not fit another at all. Make every effort to try different bows before buying. Go to the big box stores and try what they have. Either of the bows you are looking at are great bows but will they be great for you?
I love Bob's bows!
I have two Predators and love them. They shoot fast and well. The lighter one has a narrower handle and it was my go to bow for several years. It went everywhere with me.
I am, unfortunately for me, switching from right handed to left handed due to long standing bouts of target panic that I cannot beat.
I will be selling all my right hand gear soon as I get time to clean it up. I have a Predator Classic 56# at 28 and a Predator Hunter 66# @ 28. I will be posting them soon if interested.
ChuckC
I have a preditor. It shoots like it has eyes.
I just read through all the post above. This should have made your decision much easier........NOT.......if getting your hands on both to try out is not an option you may try flipping a coin.
Seriously, that is why I mentioned watching the classifieds for a used ones. You could buy both and sell the one you like Least.
I just read through all the post above. This should have made your decision much easier........NOT.......if getting your hands on both to try out is not an option you may try flipping a coin.
Seriously, that is why I mentioned watching the classifieds for a used ones. You could buy both and sell the one you like Least.
Wow. Thanks guys for all the great responses. To be honest, I sort of expected to hear that the Bob Lee was a step above the Predator. I am leaning towards the Predator because I love the Bear Super K look and I suspect I might get it a little cheaper than the Bob Lee.
ChuckC - yes I would be interested in talking to you about your 56# classic. Can you send me pics.
MCNSC - not bad advice on the coin or buying both. lol
Thanks all.
I would just buy a Schafer if I were you :D