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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: lan91 on January 30, 2014, 08:55:00 PM

Title: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: lan91 on January 30, 2014, 08:55:00 PM
I'm thinking of buying a recurve. I'm not sure if I should buy a grizzly or predator classic. any suggestions?
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: Bowwild on January 30, 2014, 08:59:00 PM
I'd order the Predator. I've owned both. Very different bows.

I owned the grizzly in 1971 and the Predator (Anniversary Edition) currently.
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: lan91 on January 30, 2014, 09:09:00 PM
I'm hoping I find a used one, kind of hard to find in Australia though. New predators here are 900 and grizzlys 460-550. only been shooting 3 months but I've bought 4 brand new bows.
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: EHK on January 30, 2014, 09:13:00 PM
Had a Predator and sold it.  Big mistake.  One of the smoothest, fastest and most forgiving bows I've ever had.  If comparing it to a modern day Grizzly, I would take the Predator hands down.
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: lan91 on January 30, 2014, 09:15:00 PM
If two or more people recommend the predator I'll buy one asap. Putting all my money towards buying a house soon so gotta spoil myself now!
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: Harleysboss on January 30, 2014, 09:22:00 PM
Heres one more vote for the predator no contest...everything all the others have said.
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: Gentle-Savage on January 30, 2014, 09:30:00 PM
who makes the predator? interested  in checking it out  :)
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: dhermon85 on January 30, 2014, 09:31:00 PM
I'll vote Grizzly. My '69 shot great this afternoon. But I've never shot a predator. I know lots of others would give the grizz the nod.
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: Duncan on January 30, 2014, 09:40:00 PM
I've owned both. They were both 50# @ 28" The Predator is heavier in weight but is very smooth and steady. The Predator points well and is very accurate. In my opinion the Grizzly is a good bow but I have to shoot it a lot to be accurate with it. It may be because it is so light in weight. I like shooting it with a bow quiver, seems to give it a bit of stability. I tend to shoot the Predator more without the bow quiver.
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: dhermon85 on January 30, 2014, 09:44:00 PM
I re-read your post...4 brand new bows in 3 months!
Stop buying, start shooting!   :archer2:
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: lan91 on January 30, 2014, 09:57:00 PM
I change bows everyday lol. I've only got 3 at the moment though, gave a 55# samick sage to my friend. right now I got a bear Montana, hoyt buffalo and a Howard hill big five. I can shoot the longbows all day because they only weight a pound or so but I shoot the hoyt better. archery is really addictive! I can afford both bows but don't have enough room for 2.
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: dhermon85 on January 30, 2014, 10:01:00 PM
Just giving you a hard time!   :goldtooth:
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: lan91 on January 30, 2014, 10:08:00 PM
How many bows do you have?  :D  If only posting from USA to Australia was cheaper. i see so many beautiful bows on American sites  :(
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: TGbow on January 30, 2014, 10:28:00 PM
It is going to be a personal preference thing. I've owned a Predator and they are fine bows, made by a great bowyer.
I have a 1978 Grizzly that I shoot better than any recurve I've shot in recent years, the grip and overall feel will determine which you like the best.
The Grizzly is a really great bow that is often over looked. Just depends on what you like personally.
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: NBK on January 30, 2014, 11:28:00 PM
Knee jerk reaction is for the predator based upon a smooth and very fast bow.  However, the predator has a "unique" grip that's pretty high and I sold mine because I just couldn't get used to it.  Preferring longbows, I just passed it along.  Good luck.
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: bofish-IL on January 30, 2014, 11:42:00 PM
I had a predator sold it regretted it and bought another. One of the best shooting bows I have shot.
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: lan91 on January 30, 2014, 11:50:00 PM
ok predator it is!
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: ishoot4thrills on January 31, 2014, 06:13:00 AM
I've owned two Predators. Great bows. You can't go wrong if you choose one.
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: PeteA on January 31, 2014, 06:23:00 AM
Predator no question. I have the Predator Hunter and a Bear Takedown. The bear never goes out! I only shoot the Predator, hunting , 3d, target, stumping. Solid in hand, a touch on the heavy side but i like the mass, been shooting trad for 4 years and shooting this bow for 3. I final came to understand the concept shoots where you look. I shoot aluminums which are very easy to tune out of this bow. I have a 46 @ 28 . Shoots more like 50#. packs a punch. Best bang for the buck here in the States.
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: 59Alaskan on January 31, 2014, 06:36:00 AM
I have owned 20+ Grizzlys.  I haven't found a Grizzly I didn't like.  62" Grizzlys are deathly quiet and very forgiving.  58" and 56" Grizzlys are hunting machines.

The Predator is a very different style bow than the Grizzly.  They are apples and oranges.  Both good and good for you LOL!!

I would decide first what style you want then compare bows between those styles.

Or buy both, used somehow.  I understand that is much more difficult there than here.
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: lan91 on January 31, 2014, 05:05:00 PM
I might be going to vegas this year. I should be able to bring the predator back to OZ easy, don't know about carrying a grizzly on the plane though. Checked on the bow hunting forum in oz and they had second hand grizzly for 250 and predator for 600. that was 6 months ago, if only i started shooting earlier!
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: awbowman on January 31, 2014, 05:11:00 PM
Vote for Predator here also.  Have shot both and the Predator was smoother and I liked the grip better.  Grips are a personal thing though.
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: lan91 on January 31, 2014, 05:26:00 PM
I get used to grips pretty quickly. would you say the grip on the predator is similar to the one on a hoyt buffalo? it looks like it in the photos
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: ishoot4thrills on January 31, 2014, 05:58:00 PM
One thing about the Predator's grip. The shelf sits right down on the grip, at least on the ones I have had. In other words, the shelf is cut very low and is almost like it's part of the grip itself. I like it that way as it puts the arrow closer to your bow hand, which makes it easier to shoot it accurately, in my opinion.

Good luck in your search.
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: lan91 on January 31, 2014, 06:07:00 PM
I'm gonna love the predator then, i like grips like that. sometimes the feathers cut my hand though  :(
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: Paul_R on January 31, 2014, 08:56:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by ishoot4thrills:
One thing about the Predator's grip. The shelf sits right down on the grip, at least on the ones I have had. In other words, the shelf is cut very low and is almost like it's part of the grip itself.

 
Exactly my take as well. I have big hands and had to use an evevated rest because I got arrow burn on my bow hand. It shot ok though it was the noisiest bow I ever owned. Had a grizzly and liked it a lot, no real down side at all.
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: PaulDeadringer29 on January 31, 2014, 09:35:00 PM
I have a 65@28 predator and i love it. Sometimes I get cut from the fletching, but it's not that bad. It is a very quiet bow for me. I also have a 45@28 grizzly, it's a great bow also. I've actually had 4 grizzlies, a 2012 super grizzly, a 70's SG, a 2012 grizzly, and my 70's grizzly. They are great bows for sure.
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: lan91 on January 31, 2014, 10:23:00 PM
Man you guys are not helping my addiction! Was gonna gonna put a deposit on a house lol
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: 59Alaskan on January 31, 2014, 10:31:00 PM
I too like low shelf/rest but find elevated rests VERY consistent and this time of year where I live I have mittens on my bow hand and that can mess with arrow flight with the low shelf.
 
I will be hunting a 58" Grizzly with a bear weather rest in about 9 hours.

You could put a rest on either bow.
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: Paul_R on February 01, 2014, 01:52:00 AM
You can see how high up my hand falls on my Predator and how a Weather Rest looks installed in this pic:

   (http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h312/pjriss/DSC_0257.jpg~original)
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: lan91 on February 01, 2014, 04:46:00 AM
Thanks that really helps! im gonna love the predator. Will put the rest on if i keep getting cut
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: rraming on February 01, 2014, 07:05:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Paul_R:
You can see how high up my hand falls on my Predator and how a Weather Rest looks installed in this pic:

     (http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h312/pjriss/DSC_0257.jpg~original)
What-everything's all spun around and backwards-ha!
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: PeteA on February 01, 2014, 08:03:00 AM
I also shoot off a weather rest on my Predator. Improved arrow flight from shooting off the shelf.
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: Bonebuster on February 01, 2014, 02:24:00 PM
Having the arrow closer to your hand is supposed to be a benefit.

If you are getting cut by fletching, or experiencing poor arrow flight, something is wrong.

When shooting the correct arrow, you should get ZERO wear and tear on the fletching as this is an indication of severe contact between the two. The "Archers paradox" is the flexing of the arrow at the exact time the fletching end clears the bow.

Nothing wrong with shooting any kind of elevated rest, but with the correct arrow, it is not necessary.

One of the best aspects of shooting a bow with a low shelf like a Predator is that it puts the arrow closer to your hand. Shoots where you look kinda thing.
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: Paul_R on February 01, 2014, 02:42:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bonebuster:
Having the arrow closer to your hand is supposed to be a benefit.

If you are getting cut by fletching, or experiencing poor arrow flight, something is wrong.
Yes something is wrong alright. My hand big ol hand was above the shelf. The grip just plain didn't work for me and the only solution was an elevated rest.
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: 59Alaskan on February 01, 2014, 03:23:00 PM
Silly silly silly...you can even see in Paul's picture the Weather Rest says "Bear"...that means they belong someplace like here:

     (http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa337/ceme24/null_zps6900dbb2.jpg) (http://s1192.photobucket.com/user/ceme24/media/null_zps6900dbb2.jpg.html)

      :bigsmyl:    

I use an elevated rest often, especially when wearing a big ole mitten like I was this morning when I took this picture!

Nice Predator Paul.  I do think they are good bows, I am just balancing things out here...(and having a little fun).  Can't go wrong with either bow.  This is a 1972 Grizzly.
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: lan91 on February 01, 2014, 04:42:00 PM
so many bows i want to buy! if i find a second hand grizzly in oz definitely buying it. I messaged a dealer about the predator yesterday  :D
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: Joe2Crow on February 10, 2014, 08:33:00 PM
Another vote for the predator. Without a doubt, the fastest recurve I have ever shot (pound for pound) but I find it to be a little unforgiving of form errors because of that speed. I haven't actually shot a grizzly, only fondled one at the local Bass Pro Shop. The Predator is definitely heavier, which I like and I like the high wrist grip on the Predator as well. They come up on **** pretty regularly. I picked mine up there (a classic model) for $300 in mint condition.
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: lan91 on February 11, 2014, 06:34:00 AM
the cheapest I've found is $535 second hand classic in Australia. I got some Hoyt F7 limbs i picked up brand new for $400 on the way. the poundage was too heavy for the lady. Going to put them on my buffalo! How much do you think shipping a predator to Australia would cost?
Title: Re: bear grizzly or predator classic recurve?
Post by: Son of Rooster on February 11, 2014, 12:46:00 PM
I've owed both, Predator hands down was a better shooting bow. Quieter and slightly heavier than the Griz.I still have one I got on here from Parshal,  at 52lbs.