I picked this bow up last fall, but haven't shot it much til now (was already dialed in w/another bow for hunting season). It's 64" 53#@28". First, and most importantly, anyone know the proper brace height? When I got it, it was set around 6 5/8". Seemed awfully noisy and had more hand shock than I expected, so I started experimenting, I've gotten to about 7 1/8". Hand shock is definitely improved, but still noisier than I expected. I will say here that the beaver silencers (I think that's what they are) appear pretty worn and thin, but I've got a new string on the way (thanks steadman/St. Jude's auction) and was going to put new silencers on when the string gets here. I had some arrows which spined out close, but were a tad on the light side, so I invested in a new half dozen Axis traditional 400's which are about 9.7 gpp as currently configured. The arrows are just a hair underspined at this point (I think), but I will be adding wraps (which should get me pretty darn close to 10 gpp) and then bareshaft tuning begins in earnest. Just want to make sure I'm within limits on BH. Any experience on what nock height it might perfer (@about 1/4" now) would also be greatly appreciated (I shoot split finger). And any thoughts on quieting it down also appreciated. I'm still fairly inexperienced compared to most here, so all thoughts and ideas definitely considered :) I really want to make this bow my primary hunter this year, as it is about 8-10 pounds heavier than anything else I have. The areas I hunt have a fairly decent hog population and I wanted something a little heavier just in case a decent size hog comes by. I tried Google, but it seems Roy's website is no longer up.
I had a Caddo in the same specs. as yours. Roy does nice work but the bow seemed a bit harsh at release. I ran a brace ht. at 7 3/4 before it finally quieted down somewhat. I never could get rid of the hand shock, which was a shame because it was one of the prettiest bows I ever owned.
David
Through my experience with the Arkansas Stick Caddos (original design from Terry Hughes) I like somewhere between 7-1/4 to 7-3/4" .... possibly even 8"
I've shot a 62" Caddo as my primary and "goto" bow for the last 10+ years. Mine is 54# @ 28" and I draw it to 29". I run my brace height at about 7 1/8-7 1/4 and shoot arrows that are a little under 10gpp. I have many, many hours around other bows made by Roy and I can tell you with 100% confidence that if the bow is making any noise, something is out of tune! Your arrow in flight should make more sound than your Caddo. Feel free to PM me or I'll give you my cell # if needed to get it tuned right.
To address your other concern, I don't know that I consider it "shocky"; but, the Caddo will have a little more jump than a recurve or some of the other forward handled longbows/hybrids made today.
Again, please feel free to contact me. I'll be glad to help you out.
The hand shock isn't a big issue, it's definitely better now, and it sounds like I can increase the BH a bit more. I've shot other bows which had as much or more. I know the arrows need to be tuned better as well, just got them close enough that I felt safe shooting them, but with enough length left on to bareshaft once I get all the components together. The bow I've been shooting the most for the last year or so (Omega hybrid)is just so quiet and dead in the hand I guess I got spoiled (it is only 43#'s though). I definitely won't give up on the Caddo, just wanted affirmation that I was on the right path I suppose. I'm still trying to learn this patience thing that seems to be needed for traditional archery, but when it all comes together, there's nothing better. Thanks for the replies everyone.
I just took my 64" and 55#@28" Caddo off the rack to check it out. I felt that it is a well mannered bow with the BH set at 6 1/4". Not shocky like a Hill style bow and not any nosier than any of my other three LBs. However, I do have four small silencers on the string. Never felt the need to change any thing about it, but now thanks to this thread I might have to play with it a little more.
I was a dealer for Roy's bows, sold quite a few but I can't remember the brace. No one ever complained about noise...
I would call Roy up and talk to him. He is a super guy to deal with.
Contact Roy Hall direct. He lives and works out of east Texas. He'll be happy to answer any questions you might have. A great guy, who builds a very nice bow. :archer2:
I emailed Roy once to find out the shelf cut on the Caddo. He responded right away that it was cut to center.
Roy Hall's email address
NavajoBows@aol.com
Roy makes some nice bows. You shouldn't be having any problems. His Apache is awesome.