I have been looking into getting a " hill style" bow lately. I know that neither of these two bows are technically hill style but they are about as close as I am going to feel comfortable with. My question is who has shot both of these and how do they compare. I have shot a baraga but I haven't had the chance to shoot any JD Berrys. Any input on either of these bows would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Josh
Haven't shot either of those ones personally, but if you're wanting something that mimics a Hill style but still is an r/d bow why not also consider a Mohawk or a Toelke Super D? Just thought I'd throw those in for ya.
I have owned about 7 northern mists and currently own 4 JD Berrys. Nothing at all against northern mists but I would choose the jD Berry Taipain no questions asked.
James bows are phenomenal in every aspect. All the good qualities you hear about, shock free, stable, point able , smoothness ....James wraps it all into one and there is just something extra that goes into James bows that's hard to explain.
Not to mention the pure beauty and craftsmanship are just amazing and the closer you look the more the little things he does will start to pop out like his double wedges, riser encasements, fade out etc. JD Berry is hard to beat in my opinion, and then you get into the performance and it is impressive.
Just my 2 cents
I forgot to request pictures as well. Everyone enjoys pictures! I've only seen the pictures that each Boyer has on their website. Thanks
Josh
You win either way I am sure, at least from everything I have heard. I am personally entranced by the Taipan. Something about that bow gives me the warm fuzzies. Get both :)
Wow my friend I would say we have very similar taste in mild R/D bows.
I have a Taipan and it has been my numero uno since receiving. The reverse handle in locater style is simply spot on for me!
I have a brand new B&W ebony Baraga coming next week from Steve so I will truely be able to give a comparison for you.
Steve makes the reverse handle Whisper that is a straight limbed bow and can be done locator style, but he doesn't have the form to make his Baraga reverse handle. I even begged! From everything I've heard about Steve's bows I'm sure it will not disappoint.
One difference you will find about the bows you are comparing is the Taipan is trapped on the belly side and the Baraga on the back side.
Taipan 62" 53@28 Black glass back and belly.
(http://i632.photobucket.com/albums/uu47/chromebuck/IMG_0018_zpsafcca3b8.jpg)
Best,
~CB
CB- that is a dang good looking bow! I love the shape with the forward riser. I would love to try one someday. Are they quiet??
Don,
I don't want to be like Mudd and create all this hype cuz I have a feeling I will own another Berry someday and his build list is growing exponentially...
Extremely quite and I never torque the riser with this forward handle design. I'm 5'10" and draw 28" and this little 62 will send a heavy arrow with extreme prejudice...
:notworthy:
~CB
J D Berry's Taipan gets my vote hands down. I'm lucky enough to see James at work when I stop by is place. James go'es the extra mile to put out the best product he can possibly put out.
Here's some pics as requested
(http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q618/brianlocal3/jd%20viper/null_zps355919c8.jpg)
(http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q618/brianlocal3/jd%20viper/null_zps94c82bf5.jpg)
(http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q618/brianlocal3/jd%20viper/null_zpsa421c4ae.jpg)
And incase you prefer brown handle wrap
(http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q618/brianlocal3/jd%20viper/null_zpsef6ca86e.jpg)
(http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q618/brianlocal3/jd%20viper/null_zps81fe9d03.jpg)
(http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q618/brianlocal3/jd%20viper/null_zps038d6035.jpg)
Thanks for the input and the pictures guys. I really like the red leather he has in the pictures on his website. I'd love to get my hands on a taipan to see how it feels in my hand. Any idea how long his wait is? Thanks
Josh
For what it is worth, Berry's Taipan is the bow of choice. Here is a pic of mine.
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/IMG_2007_zpsd496ff49.jpg) (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/bard9l/media/IMG_2007_zpsd496ff49.jpg.html)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/IMG_2005_zps87ec9004.jpg) (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/bard9l/media/IMG_2005_zps87ec9004.jpg.html)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/IMG_2001_zps9a5f1027.jpg) (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/bard9l/media/IMG_2001_zps9a5f1027.jpg.html)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/IMG_2000_zps2abef350.jpg) (http://s41.photobucket.com/user/bard9l/media/IMG_2000_zps2abef350.jpg.html)
Thanks for the pics Ric. I read your post of how you obtained that bow when I was searching for pictures earlier. Maybe I will give him a call tomorrow to see if by chance he has another around the shop. Thanks
Josh
Chuck
Thanks for the heads up. I'll take a look at the lost creek, Mohawk and super d. I can never commit to a bow. I am always changing my mind on what I want but that's half the fun right? I'll probably see what people have to offer up as a trade because I'm too impatient to wait for one on order. Thanks
Josh
my vote is for the Tai pan. I have had one for almost 9 years. this bow has won more trophies than any other bow I have. my tai pan will always be mine I will never sell it.lol. and that says alot coming from me. i will see if i can get pix up tomorrow for u. the taipan was my first berry bow. now i have had 6 lol so i was very impressed lol. i was banned from using my taipan or vixen for an entire summer on our sunday 3d shoot we used to have. so those are both berry bows. u do the math :)
taipan great bow had one had to sell it when my shoulder quit on me. I would certainly recommend it without reservation.
I have been around a long time, owned and shot a lot of bows. I have never owned a JD Berry.
My Northern Mist Baraga is the highest quality bow I have ever owned. Workmanship is flawless, and it shoots likes a dream.
QuoteOriginally posted by JBridegroom22:
Any idea how long his wait is? Thanks
Josh
His website shows 4 to 12 weeks under the FAQ section.
I've always fancied the Appollo which is made on the same form as the Taipan. Anyone had an Appollo and other than fancier/more woods, what's the difference in handling/shooting.
I picked up a Taipan off the classifieds here a few years ago and it is one of the best decisions I made. Can't compare it with a Northern Mist but I do have Monarchs, Bighorn, Robertson, Black Hawk, Hill and a few others and I rate the Taipan as #1. It is everything that everyone here has said and more.
I have seen the pictures of yours Roger. I agree the craftsmanship looks flawless. Steve sure does build a beautiful bow.
Josh
I agree I really liked the appolo as well. I like the arrow inlay he does. The price was a little much for my liking.
Josh
If you want a R/D type hill, I would get the Northern Mist Superior (slight R/D, strings up as a D-Style) with a straight Hill Grip. There you go. Best of both worlds.
Tom
I have had both. You will not find better work than a Northern Mist. BILL
Currently have NM Superior. Really like this bow from craftsmanship to accuracy so I have another one on order this one with green fiberglass. Great bows.
I have never shot the Northern Mist bow but they sound like a wonderful bows. Having said that I will tell you that the JD Berry Taipan is a hot shooter. Her slim, trapped limbs and reverse handle make her a real accurate and quiet shooter. If you did go with the Taipan, you would not look back - that much I am sure.
Good luck on your decision and have fun!
Sheesh Jerry! Given your signature inventory you think you may be a little biased!
James bows hold a very special place for many people and I am one of them, but my journey is still to short to own all Roll Royces.
An informational note on the Apollo and Taipan.
Yes, they are made from the same form and the Taipan is a non-decorative economic version of the Apollo. The other difference is the Apollo has a longer riser, but upon request James will build a Taipan to the same specification. As he did with mine. No extra charge either...
~CB
I've been shooting a Taipan, 66", 51@28 for the last month thanks to my bud "Ric O'Shay". It is the bow pictured above. Its a great shooter, extremely quiet and I love the point-ability(if that is a word) of the forward handle. I'm convinced. Buy it, you'll like it. :thumbsup: