Look for opinions on the Stewart Slammer/Lil Slammer. I want to try a one peice r/d longbow and this on caught my eye. How do they perform compared to Cari-bow, MOAB, Thunderchild, Centaur, etc.
Jim,
I can't offer a comparison to any of the bows listed, but will tell you that I am essentially a recurve guy that has tried a number of longbows and never found one I could shoot worth beans. I tried out one of Leon's bows at the Baltimore shoot about 4-5 years ago and now I own both a TD Slammer and a 1 piece Slammer. They are smoother than any of my recurves and pack the same punch in a similar draw weight. The grip is what sold them for me. They don't look that much different than a lot of R/D longbows, but for me they are the only ones that fit. I killed a fat doe with one of my TD Slammers 3 years ago and then sold my backup. I replaced that last year with the one piece. It is much lighter in mass weight, but it shoots just as nice. Fit and finish of Leon's bows is second to none.
I just got a 58" slammer and it's the only bow I've been shooting since it came in the mail. Smooth, quiet, plenty fast and I love the grip. It's also very easy to shoot for being so light. Mine is plain jane with brown glass limbs. It's a perfect hunting bow in my opinion. I've shot and owned Shrews, thunder child, centaurs, griffins, thundersticks, and I prefer the slammer, but that's just my opinion. I have nothing bad to say about the others. The slammer just fit me better.
I own a Habu, Robertson, Dryad, have owned a Zipper, have owned all manner of high end ILF limbs, basically all kinds of exceptional bows...my 3pc Slammer without a doubt is my go-to bow...it would still be on the rack long after I sold all the rest. Reason is it does everything right and not a thing wrong. There is no other bow I've tried, even the Habu, that is so fast and flat yet soo quiet...nearly as quiet as a Hill bow. Leon has something special with the Slammer design. You cannot go wrong. Dealing with Leon is also a joy. Friendly, eager to please his customer and the hallmark of a true master- modest. I originally bought my Slammer used...when I realized how good it was I promptly ordered new custom limbs to my specs and the setup is even better. I'm currently planning my next bow to have him build.
You really can't go wrong with any of the bows you mentioned, all great weapons and respected bowyers. I'm currently on Jim's list for a Centaur myself. All I can say is I just tip my hat to Leon..his bow is my no.1. I don't have to think about it, I just shoot it and it does what I want.
Thank you gentlemen. I will be calling Leon soon. Anyone esle have experience with the one piece slammer?
James
you won't be disappointed!! Just picked mine up at Denton Hill this yr....3 piece takedown. I have shot many and was stricty a Pronghorn guy until two yrs ago....I shot one of Leon's bows at Denton and promptly placed an order. The Pronghorn is collecting dust now. It shoots as good as it looks! If you PM me your cell number I would be happy to send you some pics.
PaLongshank
Hi James, what poundage etc you lookin to shoot?
Good bows. I had one for a bit. I sold it because I was'nt happy with my wood choices.
My to go bow is my one piece Slammer (64" 50@28), smooth, quiet, flat shooting with an excellent shaped grip. Leon is a master bowyer.
I inquired about bacote riser, but wanted a little extra mass. Leon suggested sandwiching a piece of diamondwood between two pieces of bacote. The mass of the riser/bow is as I expected/wanted.
My son (16y/o) also is shooting a one piece Slammer (62" 40@28"). The mass of his bow is feather light, yet no hand shock and surprising flat shooting for the bow poundage.
A few pictures, which DO NOT do the bows justice. I'm not a photographer. lol
(http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/ad84/jonregan10x/f68d1b79-594d-4254-9f23-f1c4d307e07a_zps971519a8.jpg) (http://s924.photobucket.com/user/jonregan10x/media/f68d1b79-594d-4254-9f23-f1c4d307e07a_zps971519a8.jpg.html)
My son's bow is on the left.
(http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/ad84/jonregan10x/46221939-ba88-4502-9594-2673d2225c81_zps8f2dcfd7.jpg) (http://s924.photobucket.com/user/jonregan10x/media/46221939-ba88-4502-9594-2673d2225c81_zps8f2dcfd7.jpg.html)
My bow, you can see the diamondwood in the sight window.
(http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/ad84/jonregan10x/a470987b-1cab-4a1c-87c6-aa224fce759b_zps4e047e66.jpg) (http://s924.photobucket.com/user/jonregan10x/media/a470987b-1cab-4a1c-87c6-aa224fce759b_zps4e047e66.jpg.html)
My bow.
(http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/ad84/jonregan10x/51ac9023-9db7-48ff-9896-c2eac6ff4652_zps6016fcd6.jpg) (http://s924.photobucket.com/user/jonregan10x/media/51ac9023-9db7-48ff-9896-c2eac6ff4652_zps6016fcd6.jpg.html)
My son's bow.
Thinking about a 56" or 58" around #55 to #65 @ 27".
Great Bows from a Great Guy... talk to Leon, he is patient and I have had my slammer for 2 yrs and get excited every time I look at it or pick it up.
Owned a ton of Leon's bows over the years and good friends with him as well. Leon is a true artist and craftsman. He takes time to explain his bows in detail and also takes great pride in his work.
I personally like the bamboo/yew core wood combination...smoothest draw I have ever had. The back, belly and riser are your choice in woods. He has many wood variations to choose from and if you let him build you a bow with his creativity I can assure you it will turn out like none other. I like a little mass weight in the riser and usually go with Ebony or cocabolo in a flared riser configuration.
Send me a PM and I can walk you through everything in more detail or just call Leon directly.
Thanks,
Ron
One of my all time go to bows is a Slammer special 58" 55#@27. I love it as quick as a recurve without the inherent issues of a recurve. Beautiful bows. Leon is a master bowyer (http://i.imgur.com/kq8Qzsd.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/ydrc9aA.jpg)