This bow is a bit of a departure from many that come out of this bowyers shop. I do really like the symetrical inlays James does on many of his bows, but I have kind of a theme for all my bows that I tend to stick with. Dark riser woods and black glass back and belly.
This bow is his Taipan model, which has a reverse handle. It is 62" 53@28 and has an African Wenge riser with amber bamboo cores. Notice how James placed wenge fade outs in the cores at the riser, really nice touch. The belly overlays have accents of bloodwood, but nothing to fancy. Tip overlays are buffalo horn with regular style nocks.
Every once in a while you get a bow that really agrees with you and trust me it's been a while for me since this has happen...I want to give thanks to Mr. James Berry for a well executed build, a flawless finish, unbelievable pointability and a tremendous cast. These reverse handle bows have mild reflex at the tips and brace close to "D" shape.
Hats off to you Sir! Guess I will have to send halibut and salmon to Medical Lake, WA...
(http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu47/chromebuck/IMG_0031_zps40bcfd2e.jpg)
(http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu47/chromebuck/IMG_0025_zps6a3f563d.jpg)
(http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu47/chromebuck/IMG_0026_zpsfb343d5a.jpg)
(http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu47/chromebuck/IMG_0028_zps710d8975.jpg)
(http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu47/chromebuck/IMG_0018_zpsafcca3b8.jpg)
(http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu47/chromebuck/IMG_0016_zps02ddc764.jpg)
~CB
Oh, I like that! What a pretty little bow.
That reverse handle has a neat look to it. That braced picture does it for me.
Well done is right.
I have been interested in a Taipan model for over a year now. Thanks for these pics!!
I like the looks of that.
Sweet looking bow! Definitely designed for the hunt. Congrats and hope she serves you well. :thumbsup: :clapper:
Now that is class. I too admire his brighter bows, but would feel more at home with this one as a keeper. Nice!
Thanks guys! James has been building bows for over 30 years and it really shows. This was obviously a simple build for James, and as such, he went the extra mile to really do a flawless job and meet all my requirements.
For what you get these bows are some of the best value on the market. James gave me a slight discount for even going with black glass also.
I have spent more than twice the amount on other bows and not been even close to as pleased as I am with this one.
I have promised that I am done with the search part of this journey as I now have broken the rule of no more than two bows in the stable. This makes number three and none of them are going anywhere.
Thanks to Trad Gang also! For without this site my learning curve would have been exponentially larger.
:thumbsup: :clapper:
~CB
Did you folks notice the small spacers and fade outs James puts between the limb laminations in the grip area? Talk about extra attention to detail!
Arne
The fade outs in the laminations are done with wenge from the riser material. Nice touch and came as a surprise.
~CB
Aye a fine one that is
I have only owned and shot James straightlimbed bows, but his work is always impressive and the shotability and cast if his bows is astonishing.
You have done well with this bow, it looks phenomenal and I could only imagine how well it shoots. I own one of James reverse handle straightlimbed bows and it is beyond amazing.
Now I want to try his duo-flex models!!!
Those extra fades in the riser are really cool! Don't know that I've ever seen that before, but I like it!
Brian,
Yes it's one of his two models of duo-flex...Taipan and Apollo.
Can you explain or possibly James can chime in on what duo-flex means?
Thanks Joe.
Here is a close up with different lighting and location of the wenge fade outs.
(http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu47/chromebuck/IMG_0019_zps864a145a.jpg)
~CB
The way James has said it to me is it was the original name for a r/d -d/r bow. He prefers to call it duo-flex
Nice, very nice!
Brian,your in the bulls eye.
Alright, I got one answer right!!!!!! My high school counselor would be proud! :)
No picture essay is complete without the money shot.
20yds
(http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu47/chromebuck/IMG_0033_zpsec85e0fb.jpg)
Fish shipped today.
Enjoy!
~CB
Love the look, What are the limb laminations?
Bamboo (amber in color).
Beautiful looking bow,I picked up a renaissance awhile back and can't believe how nice it looks and shoots.They don't get any better than a Berry.
Subdued elegance! Nice :thumbsup:
Lots of attention to detail there, looks like a winner.
I have yet to see a bow made by JD's hand that didn't show his craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Congratulations!!
God bless,Mudd
I remember the very first bow he glued together and how proud he was that he could actually even shoot a arrow out of it, lol. From that day on he was to strive to build the perfect bow. I would have to say he has accomplished is mission with one of the most beautiful shooting bows on the market. Way to go James, mission accomplished.
Very nice!!!
Mr. Berry, your a great bowyer. I hope you live to be 125 years old.
I like that alot! Simple and elegant, very nice.
Awesome looking bow!! Congratulations.
awesome looking bow. i like the profile, black glass and wenge, have fun with that one!
Nice bow Keith. I like the wood combo,and the details you had mentioned. Classy tips to. I'm a
sucker for a bow with nice tips. Congrats Chromebuck. rat'
Rat & et.al,
Beyond the reverse handle, which really adds to the pointability, this bow has similar lines as your previous NM Baraga to me.
Thanks all for taking a look. Again JD's bows are some of the best values out there.
JD BERRY HOMEPAGE (http://www.jdberryarchery.com/)
~CB
Just a beautiful looking bow!
Wow! That's a beauty - I love the solid Black with the wenge... real class. Have a great time with the new bow, bet she's a shooter.
JW
Nothing subdued about it, that is simple elegance !!!
Yep typical Berry bow! Really nice!v
Very nice bow Keith.
You guys are driving me crazy. Just when I think I have my life in order, I find this quality bowyer lives in my neck of the woods. Have spent two days searching for everything I can find about his bows. Kinda looking at argos, appollo, and viper with argos by a nose. Then talked to James and up pops a morningstar. Gonna drive over and talk to the gentleman next week and shoot his morningstar. Sounds like any one of his bows would be a real treat.
Your in for it now, no one has ever walked in to his doors and walked away with all their money. MUAHHH MUAHH. ha.
All kidding aside you will be very happy with them.
I have been pondering the idea of a reverse handle bow. The feel of the shot and added stability would be, I would think, noticable over a belly side handle. I would sure like to shoot that bow and find out. Just when you think your happy with the bows you have..............WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! Excellent looking bow, nice call on the build. Congrats :thumbsup:
I guess I will. Have to get on the the list for a morning star.just when I thought I had enough bows.
I just love the wait!!! :banghead: ...not!!
I am so looking forward to getting my Vixen. I am hoping that once I have it in my hands the wait will be a lot easier for the morningstar.
:archer:
Drove over and visited with James yesterday. Shot his morningstar which was a different bow than Iam used to. I was really impressed by the speed and quietness of the bow. I was only able to shoot about 12 yds or so but for a 48# bow, it was really spitting out my 625 gr arrows. Ordered one up and hopefully I'll have it for this late season. Don't think the grip will pose much of a problem to get used to. Mike
James - I didn't even realize my daughter just moved to your home town (Medical Lake, WA) and I was just there..... wish I had put tow and tow together as I would have loved to stop by your shop.
Good choice mike.the thing about James striaght grip, is that it is not like any other I have held from any other bower. The way he does the sides just makes you hand fall into the perfect spot everytime and allows you to stay In alignment,
I
Just googled the address- my daughter lives ONE block from his shop....... I drove past it several times while I was there and didn't even know :-( Probably saved me some money though
It seems that locking your fingers over the front of the riser automatically puts your hand in the correct position.
I really like the looks of chromebuck's bow so went with black glass also.
These bows have completely changed my perception of straight-limbed, D style bows and at an amazing value. Mike
Hey Mike, It was nice to meet you on Tuesday. I think you will really love your new Berry bow. Good luck this hunting season!
Jerry
DaveT1963, you definitely saved yourself a couple $$... I speak from experience. Every time I visit James and lay eyes on a bow that's come out of the spray room I start salivating. If I don't quit my habit, I will be moving out onto the back porch with my two blue heelers - LOL!
Hey Jerry, it was great meeting you also. Really appreciated your insight into the different bows. Would love to shoot your Vixen sometime. I suspect I will be ordering another at some point.
Yea, DaveT probably saved himself some money. I was warned but didn't listen. :)
I tried to help you out, and tell you not to go. LOL
I dont see it mentioned on his sight so thought I would ask here. Does JD do any two piece designs that you know of?
James does not build takedowns. He prefers one piece bows so that's all he will build.
Thanks. I'd love to try one of his bows but I need packable.
You bet Mike. Let me know when you are through town again and we can take the vixen out... mine is 56@28 and will be my whitetail/elk bow (although I am growing very fond of the Morning Star and may put it to work hunting deer). Evergreen Archery is 10 minutes from the house and beats the back yard for shooting.
Good luck up there in the CF Valley!
Jerry
TTT for my pics
Well I'm a traitor, I went and got a duo flex. My new to me JD Berry Taipain. 62" 51@28
http://youtu.be/d4Am7XdcjRs
Oh so quiet
http://youtu.be/Fv8f7CNEizc
(http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q618/brianlocal3/jd%20viper/null_zps64951ae1.jpg)
This bow flat out shoots. Stable, point able, quiet, accurate. What's not to love.... Oh now I want one in 66" 50@26 that's what.
It really shouldn't surprise me how well this bow handles , seeing as how I am a JD berry straightlimbed addict, but this bow has complelty blown me away. It seems to practically shoot itself.
I wish you all would stop posting pix of beautiful bows.... brings to mind one of the 10 commandments. you know, 'thou shalt not covet'...
Sorry Joe :) . Im as guilty as you.
The Taipan's design appears in and of itself to be both a quite solid design and most appealing.
Hopefully one day, my opportunity to loose an arrow thru the Taipan is immanent.
Brian,
There are several of us that are making the list for a build unbearable. I'm calling and I dont even know what I would order different from the one I own!
Friend- I always appreciate your thoughtful insight. You should give these a test drive.
One additional note. I love the elegance of my Berry bow, but the black glass scratches white and all have happen in my vehicle. Not sure I would change a thing, but FYI.
CB
Well, Brian you've done it now... your into the Berry duo-flex world. Won't be long until you got your hands on an Argos and a Renaissance or maybe even an Apollo - LOL
Your Taipan is a beauty! Love the knock ends.
Happy shooting.
Those thin matching wedges in the handle, so classy looking.
So instead of the limbs compressing against the handle its compressing differently, I'm curious as to the advantages and disadvantages of doing that?
I'd like to shoot that Keith! I've regretted selling my jd the minute it left. I need more bows like I need a hole in my head. If it was a takedown it wouldn't be a no brainer! The bow I'm currently shooting is no longer made, thankfully I have 2 brand new ones on standby otherwise I'd be grabbing up one James bows.
Sharing is caring :-)
Beautiful bow. Very nice indeed!
just letting everyone know I have 1st dibbs on Brians Misty Dawn when he fully converts to the duo-flex's.
What a classy looking bow. Something about it just begs to be shot. I really like that one.
I'll be in Jame's shop within three weeks picking out my next JD Berry.... I've been leaning towards a taipan for some time now.
I can't stand it, gonna have to have a twin of that beauty but with a straight grip. Put me on your list JD, I'll be calling you immediately after New Years.
Sorry Tajue, the misty dawn stays. I love my straightlimbed bows
QuoteOriginally posted by DaveT1963:
I'll be in Jame's shop within three weeks picking out my next JD Berry..
that's just not fair to the rest of us.
James, "you got mail"...PM sent your way.
Brain if you temp me any more I'm goingto have james build me one and bill it to you
Lol. Just have James add it to my tab!! :)
You guys are gonna all be responsible for my divorce!! I have a new Thunderstick Mag coming in March and the wife aint real happy about that. Its taking all I have not to be calling JD myself. This Berry Bug is severely contagious, I have to quit reading this thread! :banghead: :banghead:
You guys just remember,NO BUTTING IN LINE. I will be keeping an eye on all of those that jumped in line.
Pavan, where at in Iowa are you. Do you now have one of these on order??
That's how I would order one! Nice!
A Morning Star.
Curious as to the feel of shooting the Taipan with the "reverse handle" compared to say the Apollo or the Renaissence or the Viper....? I can see why some of you have 4 or 5 of James creations. Does anyone have a Viper with the handle that is "slightly flat on the backside"? I like this idea for located the pressure of the meaty part of the thumb against.
All I can say is thanks for this thread being brought back from the depths as I have once again made the call to James and now the 6 month wait begins.
I blame Brian!
Snag, I have not shot any other bow model than the Taipan so I can't help you out (I would PM Mudd or jwhitetail). My preference in bows has been gradually moving toward the mild R/D limb designs, However, I just received a smokin deal on a Super Shrew T/D that is a scary "cold" shooter.
My question to the Berry shooters is about those Medieval looking nocks. I'm considering them on my next bow, but in general I'm a form follows function person and they appear to be purely an ornamental touch. Anyone have any logic to the contrary?
CB
So he is back up to 6 months wait now was 4-5 last month. Business is good for JD or its been cold and less work time.
Keith,
The berry nocks actually serve a purpose. They are for a more secure hold of the string, PLUS its aesthetics, stringing it up is a cinch, and there is no question as to is the string is seated or not. It serves as a posi-lock type system.
This is the first of his I've had this way and it is very nice.
Love'em. functional and purdy.
(http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/b530/jwhitetail/eaaa617a-9124-454d-8376-2213ccc009c4_zps5dac8273.jpg) (http://s1290.photobucket.com/user/jwhitetail/media/eaaa617a-9124-454d-8376-2213ccc009c4_zps5dac8273.jpg.html)
Called James today and he started on my taipan! Gigidy...
TIck Tock, Tick tock
14 days and I am going to be two blocks away for a week.... I'm going to shoot everything I can get my hands on but I already am leaning towards a Taipan.
I started shooting a "Tiapan" in early November. It quickly became my go to bow. Can't say enough good things about JD Berry's craftsmanship. My 66", 51@28" "Tiapan" is a quick pointing, hard hitting, and smooth drawing. Try it, you'll like it. :thumbsup:
Love to see a picture of the Taipan's handle section looking at it from the belly side straight on...