Hi Guys,
I've been looking at Dick's Wolfer on his website and facebook page and am thinking about getting on the list. I have 4 of Dick's recurves and one longbow, so I'm a devote fan of his work, but would like to hear from those of you have have actually shot the Wolfer.
$1,500 minimum is not cheap, and from a intricate woods perspective it doesn't seem to have the flash and flare my Fatal Styks have, but yet I'm still very intrigued by the design.
What real world reports can you all share with me?
Thanks,
Todd
I have one and will probably hunt with it next year. The $1,500 price is for a one piece model. The two piece model is a couple hundred more. Frankly, I don't know why anyone would ever buy this bow as a one piece, since a significant part of the engineering was to integrate the connection.
In order to accommodate draw lengths out to 30" with a 58" bow, the working length extends almost to the handle. The arrow is almost on your hand. I have medium sized hands, and notice feather contact on my hand from time to time. With big hands, this could become annoying.
This isn't a full recurve bow. I would say about 3/4 recurved. Measured against a Schafer Silvertip of almost the same specs, the Silvertip edges out the Wolfer by a few fps. I think this is because of the abbreviated recurve on the Wolfer. I presume Dick did this to enhance stability and ruggedness, as this is designed to be a working bow, not a decoration on some wall. (Not that the Silvertip isn't a working bow too, but it is almost too beautiful to bang around in the woods).
This bow has an extremely short sight window, to accommodate the short handle and long working limbs. This is not a problem with the bow canted, like Dick says it was designed for, but it is noticeable, and might be annoying to some, when the bow is held vertically.
The defining feature of this bow are the offset limbs. They work fine and the bow shoots great, but I can't really tell any difference in the way it shoots compared with bows like the Silvertip that have standard limb shapes. Maybe I don't know what to look for.
The connection is the most solid and perfect fitting of any I have ever seen, and is of course designed to be used without any tools. Something I wonder about is that it is so precision that you wouldn't want to get any sand or grit in there when you fasten it, and they warn you about that. It comes with a plug you can put in the female side, and I guess you would just have to be careful about wiping it down on the male side before assembling it, because I'm sure it would pick up some sand or grit when you're carrying it in a pack.
Thanks for that report McDave! I've been thinking of trying one too. The Wolfer would be a radical departure from what I normally prefer, so quite a gamble for me.
I have a two piece model and payed $1500 for it not sure if the price has changed.I love this bow, it is smooth drawing ,has a great grip that fits my hand perfectly,and has a lot of mass for such a short riser giving it a very solid , stable feel..As McDave pointed out it is not a full recurve which makes it very easy to string.
I just don't see it. I like Dick and by all reports it's a good shooter, but at least a dozen other bowyers will build you a bow bolt short bow that can handle a long draw for a heck of a lit less money. The Wolfer fits my style of bow, but so does my bow bolt Toelke Chinook and T/D Shrews.
I wonder if anti-seize, like on a muzzleloader breach plug, would be a good idea.
Still shooting them Robertson's Todd? Is Jim still shooting his?
McDave, thank you for the comprehensive report, I really appreciate it.
Thanks to others as well for your feedback.
I'm still on the fence a bit, not sure what to do. I don't need a new bow, but do any of us really "need" a new bow.
Hey CJ, nice to hear from you. Hope all is well with you. Yep, I'm still shooting Robertsons. Jim still has his as well, but has moved over to a Mohawk as his go to bow. I also got a Sparrowhawk from Vince, and it is a supreme bow and a great value. Vince's bows absolutely shoot where you point them.
Which I guess bring my question back around. I can have almost 3 of Vince's bows for the price of one Wolfer - but they are different for sure, and I'm still intrigued with the recurve design of the Wolfer. Decisions....decisions.
Will take any other feedback gangers have to offer.
Todd
My opinion...
Dick Robertson was one of the founding fathers of the resurgence of traditional archery. On top of that he builds a hell of a good looking and better shooting bow. I, too, was enamored with the Wolfer. (The book is excellant also and if anyone wants to borrom mine, then shoot me a pm). However, I couldn't justify the funds for a Wolfer. At that, I found the Toelke Chinook bow bolt td (and 1 pc). It's a heck of a bow for alot less money and shares many of the advertised Wolfer's features. With that said, I haven't shot a Wolfer so I don't have any apples-to-apples comparison and it might just be worth alot more.
I hope that I'm not coming across as knocking the Robertsons. They have and continue to do alot for Traditionaly Archery and I have a great deal of respect for them.
When I first heard of them I thought I would never pay $1500-$1700 for a bow. But a good buddy made the mistake of letting me shoot his and it was over from there. I got my name on the list a few weeks ago. The wolfer is the smoothest bow I have ever shot. It a is a great design and the Robertsons craft some of best looking bows out there. They are just good people all in all. I did have to sell a rifle and bow to fund the wolfer but it is worth it to me. Cant wait to get mine and hunt with it.
If anyone out there that has one could post some pictures that would be great. I've been to their website and facebook page, but those pics just don't show them off very well.
Look for Robertson Wolfgang on Facebook. There was a lot of Wolfer pics there.
I shot a couple of the early ones, and the #1 Wolfer that sold at the BHA expo in Idaho last year. It's a sweet little bow, well thought out. Casts smooth and fast, it's quiet, and it was very forgiving for range of spine it would shoot decent (My Silvertip is WAY more picky)
The only thing that kept me from buying one is that it's a 58" bow, and 58" bows kill my ring finger. There's also a pretty good rumor going around that there's a Wolfer 3 piece in the works.
I'm just looking forward to spending more time around the Robertson Tribe now that they're moving closer to my part of the state.
I've had a Purist longbow and currently have a 3 piece Vision Falcon. I'd love to have a Wolfer. I'll wait until after the limited editions are through. Surely he won't retire the design... and maybe, just maybe, the price will go down.
Dan-
I've seen those pictures on the facebook page. Only 2-3 bows and personally, I do not like the red one. Was interested in what other woods they have been using. Really like the look of the one that was donated to the auction and the bow that looks like myrtle to me is nice.
It's all marketing.
(//%5Burl=http://imgur.com/AR7F2EK%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i.imgur.com/AR7F2EK.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
(//%5Burl=http://imgur.com/3nxsNBl%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i.imgur.com/3nxsNBl.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
(//%5Burl=http://imgur.com/RukH3Ce%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i.imgur.com/RukH3Ce.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
(//%5Burl=http://imgur.com/di5dqhs%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i.imgur.com/di5dqhs.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
My son was kind enough to post these pictures of my wolfer for me.It's 54lbs at 28 in and a typical beautiful Dick Robertson creation.Smooth drawing,beautifully balanced and quick.
Thanks for posting the pictures of your wolfer Tradlab. This shows the strung profile nicely that i havent seen before. Beautiful bow! Sounds like you are very happy with your bow, which is a good testimonial.
Todd
Tradlab, what type of limb silencers do you have on your bow? At least that is what i believe im seeing.
Todd the silencers are rubber cat whiskers. I have a collection of dick's bows and love them all. Its always a struggle to decide which one goes hunting.
Todd I just realized you meant limb silencer not string silencer. Those are stiktamers, 3 rivers carries them. They seem to help a little but what i really use them for is to allow me to remove my bow from my bow holder silently without alerting our spooky whitetails.
Wayne (tradlab)
Is the black in the handle throat area, sight window, and other various spots, the micarta coming through that Dick has laminated inside the riser?
Yes Burnsie the black is the micarta.
Burnsie, that's exactly what you're looking at.
Herman, the red Wolfer is Angie Timm's bow, BHA rep, and owner of Seek Outside. I don't know the whole story on that one, but I wouldn't be surprised if she wanted a red one.
If anybody is teetering on if they need a Wolfer, you really need to shoot one. That twisted up grip is just too badass for words.
Update - I decided to get on the list afer getting everyone's feedback and was contacted yesterday that they have a Wolfer that fits my specs perfectly. Got a few pics of it still in the finish room and it will be mailed out to me next week.
Excited to get it and give it a whirl!
What a terrific deal! I'd be excited.
There is a great video about the Wolfer on the Robertson web site. Seems like this bow was engineered and built for a specific type of hunter in specific conditions, not for everyone or target shooting. Build for back country, tough hunting situations where a light bow can be taken down and packed easily, put together and strung fast, shot easily from a knee or from the ground, can be highly canted, short to get in tight spaces, ect. :thumbsup:
If you are like the rest of us you admire Dick for his work, respect him for building a unique bow for extreme hunting, respect he has the artistic freedom to build them how he wants, appreciate he is moving traditional archery forward. Then go buy a Tribal Styx because it fits your budget and style better. At least that is how I feel. :archer:
I am going to read that book and do want to see some pictures of his Wolf when he gets one, that will be an accomplishment!
So will I get to shoot it at the High Country Shoot?
:bigsmyl:
Sure Mark, i will definately have it with me.
Todd, what draw weight is the bow you are getting?
I really would like to shoot one. I would not think of buying another bow that I could not shoot first.
one thing I did notice was the brace height. how high is that?
7 1/4" on mine
KSCATTRAPR,
I gave them a fairly wide range of weight options, anything from 55 to 60#s at 28" would work for me, and I prefer something in browntones versus the reddish tones associated with juniper or cocobolo, cedar, and such.
My turned out to be myrtle wood and is 57#s at 28".
I'm under the impression that most guyes on the list are wanting lighter weight bows, but that is just a guess.
Jack, I hear you, but when you already have multiple Robertson Stykbows of various woods and designs, the risk associated with an unknown that Dick describes as his best bow design ever - well it is worth the risk to me.
Todd
Thanks Todd,
I requested somewhere close to 50#'s at 27"....and just like you said, I would imagine that is a pretty popular weight request. Glad to see you got yours soon, when you get a chance, post some pictures of it, I would love to see it. The latest 3 bows they posted on their facebook page looked like real beauties.
I see on the Wolfer facebook page that they are offering 3 wolfers in hydro image (camo dipped) for $1095.
I believe one of the three featured in the most recent facebook post is my bow.
Keep a look out for pics later this week as I will post pics upon receipt of the bow.
Todd
Dick had one of the camo ones at the PBS last month. I wouldn't want to set it down in the woods. You may not ever find it.
Hey Fellas,
Got my Wolfer this week, #30 of 70. Great bow. Have only flung a few arrows through it so far, but it seems to point extremely well and very natural. Pretty quick, hard hitting. I think I'm really going to like it. Here are some pics:
The fit of the connection bolt is amazingly precise and tight.
(http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/jj583/TABrickel/Robertson%20Wolfer%2030%20of%2070/IMG_0813_zps0e2e7d22.jpg) (http://s1269.photobucket.com/user/TABrickel/media/Robertson%20Wolfer%2030%20of%2070/IMG_0813_zps0e2e7d22.jpg.html)
Riser is light myrtle wood with black micarta
(http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/jj583/TABrickel/Robertson%20Wolfer%2030%20of%2070/IMG_0809_zpsd96342f5.jpg) (http://s1269.photobucket.com/user/TABrickel/media/Robertson%20Wolfer%2030%20of%2070/IMG_0809_zpsd96342f5.jpg.html)
offside of riser
(http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/jj583/TABrickel/Robertson%20Wolfer%2030%20of%2070/IMG_0808_zpsdec9fdce.jpg) (http://s1269.photobucket.com/user/TABrickel/media/Robertson%20Wolfer%2030%20of%2070/IMG_0808_zpsdec9fdce.jpg.html)
This shows the offset riser from the belly side of the bow.
(http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/jj583/TABrickel/Robertson%20Wolfer%2030%20of%2070/IMG_0806_zps27affae4.jpg) (http://s1269.photobucket.com/user/TABrickel/media/Robertson%20Wolfer%2030%20of%2070/IMG_0806_zps27affae4.jpg.html)
The dark myrtle wood limbs have some beautiful figuring.
(http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/jj583/TABrickel/Robertson%20Wolfer%2030%20of%2070/IMG_0812_zpsee68a470.jpg) (http://s1269.photobucket.com/user/TABrickel/media/Robertson%20Wolfer%2030%20of%2070/IMG_0812_zpsee68a470.jpg.html)
Very tiny bow tips
(http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/jj583/TABrickel/Robertson%20Wolfer%2030%20of%2070/IMG_0811_zps3d5064de.jpg) (http://s1269.photobucket.com/user/TABrickel/media/Robertson%20Wolfer%2030%20of%2070/IMG_0811_zps3d5064de.jpg.html)
Back of riser again showing the offset
(http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/jj583/TABrickel/Robertson%20Wolfer%2030%20of%2070/IMG_0810_zps07d315a3.jpg) (http://s1269.photobucket.com/user/TABrickel/media/Robertson%20Wolfer%2030%20of%2070/IMG_0810_zps07d315a3.jpg.html)
Thanks for sharing Todd. Beautiful bow!
That's a beauty.
Great looking bow, thanks for posting the pictures.
Thanks guys, it is a fun bow. I'm looking forward to spending more time with it.
Thanks for your review Todd. Very appealing bow for sure.
What kind of advantage you find on the off set grip?
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWW!!!!!!
:thumbsup:
Deer season opens this Saturday and I have a highly desirable bear tag that opens on Tuesday next week.
The Wolfer is shooting fantastic and is going to the woods with me next week. Hope to post some success photos soon.
GREAT BOW!
Good luck on your hunts. I leave tomorrow for Unit 54.
I waited to long and missed out on a bear tag so I got a cow elk tag instead. This guy will be heading to unit 85 with me on Saturday. I finally got the bow in July and love it. Good luck on your hunts guys.
(http://i.imgur.com/OgvnKwt.jpg)
Easy to name that bow. Eightball. Pretty neat bow.
God bless, Steve
Good luck, Will be waiting for pictures!
Hope you put some mojo on these arrows Dan!
I can't think of a better looking bow. The curves are just enough, and the character of the limbs...and in theory I can't think of a better bow for my purposes, barring it shoots and is as quiet as promised. Given the reputation of the bowyer, I trust him. Add to that the collectors uniqueness and I could really see myself spending the money for this bow and letting mister Robertson work his own magic.
I'll take one in 60-70# please!
My Wolfer is ready to HUNT!
Good luck with your moose hunt Dan!
KSCATTRAPPER - I'll be in 851 hunting bear on Tuesday at the Bosque Del Oso SWA, where are you at in Unit 85?
Todd
(http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/jj583/TABrickel/8605af27-5f5c-4a3b-867d-cc95b6ff3cef_zpsb99fd6d9.jpg) (http://s1269.photobucket.com/user/TABrickel/media/8605af27-5f5c-4a3b-867d-cc95b6ff3cef_zpsb99fd6d9.jpg.html)
Good looking bow! Congrats. :thumbsup:
Thanks Todd, those Wolfers are decked out and ready for the job at hand,
Good luck to you and Caley, and yes Caley I put a lot of MOJO on them arrows!
Todd,
I will be west of Walsenburg past the state park a little ways. I have a cousin who lives out there and has a few places to hunt. I tried to get a bear tag for unit 85 but missed out so a cow tag it is, I'm pumped! Good luck on your bear hunt, I've heard there are a lot of them around.
Very nice looking bow. Good luck this year. Josh
Sweet bow!
The Wolfer Works!
Got this bear on opening morning. Pretty exciting as I stalked another and then found this bear in the same oak brush patch. Having two bear within bow range, one at 30 yards and one at 16 yards with no back up and by yourself increases the excitement level exponentially. The thought crossed my mind - as to why Dick built this bow to only shot one arrow at a time.
Needless to say, I'm thrilled about getting my bear and the performance of my Wolfer.
Todd
(http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/jj583/TABrickel/IMG_1717_zps2a17a355.jpg) (http://s1269.photobucket.com/user/TABrickel/media/IMG_1717_zps2a17a355.jpg.html)
(http://i1269.photobucket.com/albums/jj583/TABrickel/IMG_1719_zpsf4c1813c.jpg) (http://s1269.photobucket.com/user/TABrickel/media/IMG_1719_zpsf4c1813c.jpg.html)
Congrats Todd, Thats a nice bear.
Tell us more about the bear Todd. Congratulations!
Congrats on a great bear..... Good first blood ;)
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: Congratulations! Money well spent
Buy a Wolfer and get a great bear :)
Congrats on the bear!
That is a beauty!!!
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL285/1460516/24045051/411161877.jpg)
Now to decide if I am going to take it on bear hunt at end of May to Sask... I have been shooting my Primal Styk all year but this thing shoots sweet from what little I was able today between thunderstorms.
Red is bloodwood, light colored is myrtle. 52@28. I was amazed there is absolutely no STACK or Finger Pinch out to my 29.5 draw with a recurve. Wow..... Smooth and quiet too.
Here is the myrtle wood on riser...
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL285/1460516/24045051/411187749.jpg)
Riser with Blood Wood, Myrtle and the black micarta...
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL285/1460516/24045051/411187748.jpg)
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL285/1460516/24045051/411187747.jpg)
One of the belly side of limbs...
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL285/1460516/24045051/411187746.jpg)
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL285/1460516/24045051/411187745.jpg)
Not too bad for starters at 15 yards...I like to get close anyhow. Wow those targets dont last very long...that one is only about 10 years old. ;)
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL285/1460516/24045051/411187744.jpg)