Well,
have a long weekend off and the wife and kid left this a.m. to travel to the in-laws out of state...so I've been in yard work/home improvement/peace and quiet mode LOL. Almost as good as hunting :bigsmyl: well...not quite.
Anyway, the mailman delivered the Toelke SS I had on the way from Dan and co. a day early. So, put down the weed whacker and hammer long enough to unpack the new stick and give her a whirl!
The bow in question is a new 64" Super Static, 50 1/2#@28", with Mora (Argentine Osage) riser and Myrtle veneers. I also had Dan put a beavertail grip on it because I love the way they feel and I thought it would look great on this bow with this particular wood combination. The bow features a standard Toelke grip with thumb rest...these usually don't get a wrap. I asked Dan if he could purdy please do it because last year I saw pics of a custom Toelke Kestrel that had the same thing done to it. Dan obliged and said 'let the soaking and stretching' begin LOL. I told Dan if it was too much trouble just do black leather as its easier to work, but he would have none of it- I would get what I wanted. That's customer service. The bow was paid for last Friday, a week ago. The grip was on Monday, bow shipped Tuesday, and was in my hands today. THAT is service.
This is one of the best things to see on a package:
(http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/DBE1520E-0C15-43F9-AF73-5699EA91F0E6.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/DBE1520E-0C15-43F9-AF73-5699EA91F0E6.jpg.html)
Up to this point I have owned several Whips, 1 and 2pc, one Kestrel, and 1 Super D, all within 3-5# of each other. I highly anticipated the "SS" when Dan and Jared first announced it. It looked to be a winning design, combining traits of the Whip on a static recurve platform. Just like the Tuktu EX I just reviewed, I hoped I'd see a lefty on the classifieds at some point. No such luck, but I did get to handle one and draw it back last year courtesy of a friend (Florida Lime). I knew right then I'd have to get my hands on one. The grip seemed a more beefy version of the Whip's brilliant shape, and the smoothness of the draw was choice.
Well, how bout pics first eh? :)
(http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/6124C4B6-602E-431C-85CE-75D08198BFD6.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/6124C4B6-602E-431C-85CE-75D08198BFD6.jpg.html)
(http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/2FD0023B-A4F3-40CA-AC6D-F3E2B6169C8A.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/2FD0023B-A4F3-40CA-AC6D-F3E2B6169C8A.jpg.html)
More on the way (there's a limit to how many per post)
There will also be comparison pics showing the SS, Whip, and Cari-bow Tuktu EX side by side.
Ok, got her unpacked earlier today and strung up. Set brace midway in the range like I usually do for testing at 7.5". There wasn't even a nock point on installed on the string yet...I just nocked an arrow and "eyeballed" it. Pulled her back to test pull...yup butter smooth. I had the Whip on hand to compare. Honestly to 30" just past my draw length of 29 its hard to feel a difference. Past 30" though the SS still keeps going whereas the Whip is getting close to its range as far as I can tell. The SS does for sure have less string angle at full draw. Strung side by side the SS is also about 1" shorter which is neat since my Whip is also 64".
Ok first shot at ~20 yds. Result? Arrow in the bull on my bag target. No problem. Wow this SS is dang quiet too. Sounds about the same as the Whip for sure. Neato!
'Biathlonman' mentioned in the other current Super Static thread that he felt the SS had more bump in the hand than the Whip, so he sent it packing. What is my conclusion? I shot the SS back to back with a 64" Whip and to me, they feel largely the same..perhaps the SS bumps a bit more. To me it certainly is nothing unpleasant...shoot any Hill bow next to these Toelkes and then talk to me about 'bump' on the shot LOL. I have two insights here: A. this SS is a 50's style recurve and so has a slim riser...this bow doesn't have the same riser mass as a typical 1 or 3pc recurve and so there is less material to dampen the shot. B. the SS has a slightly beefier grip and riser than the Whip, but has limbs that are wider/heavier overall being that it is a recurve, so that would explain why they feel largely the same on the shot, with the SS slightly edging out the Whip in strength of the shot sensation. Again, it doesn't feel unpleasant to me at all. The Super D to me had more bump than either of the others...again, this makes sense to me because the Super D has an even slimmer riser and limbs than the Whip, so less mass, and hence less dampening.
Ok, next what about perceived cast/speed? Well the SS is a gem here. It's a screamer and definitely seems quick for the draw weight. The Whip I have to compare is 2# lighter in draw weight, so not 100% fair comparo, but I can tell the SS has a nice speed advantage. I'm very very satisfied with the speed and I have shot some incredibly powerful bows.
Overall I'm excited to report that the SS is my favorite Toelke model to date. I have zero regret that I just sold my Whip to Florida Lime (thanks for letting me test these two back to back before you take delivery!) The only other models I have not tried are the Chinook and the Lynx. But I think its safe to say this SS is a keeper and my favorite Toelke for sure. Overall it feels like a Whip that morphed into a recurve!! How cool is that!?
I also got to compare it to the Cari-bow Tuktu EX I just received the other day (yes I'm a static recurve junkie now!! :p ) Again, not an entirely fair comparo, as the Tuk' is only 60" and is 55@28. Physically the differences are interesting. The SS is 64" and the Tuktu is 60"...yet when both are strung the Tuk' is roughly 6.25" shorter! Quite compact. The Tuk' has slightly wider and thinner cored limbs than the SS, but the limb tips are more slender. Grip wise the SS is definitely a low grip, like a Whip, while the Tuktu is medium wrist with a deeper throat and a shelf that comes back onto your hand more. Both grips fill my hand beautifully, albeit they just feel a bit different. The Tuk's narrower side to side, but deeper, whereas the SS feels thicker left to right but shallower. They both work wonderfully and with the beavertail on both feel rock solid. Both bows become and extension of your arm. The SS has a shorter riser section fade to fade and longer working limbs than the Tuktu, its that Whip DNA again. That would explain why with its larger riser the Tuktu feels more dead in the hand. Also, while they're both static tipped, the Tuktu has much deeper hooks to the limb tips. Both bows are buttery smooth and the only perceived difference is the Tuk' being shorter you feel a bit more string on your fingers. Yes, the Tuk' seems faster on the shot but hey it's also 5 more # in draw weight.
I love both of these Statics! They are each different enough to be fun and effective in their own way and were obviously designed by masters. You can't go wrong with either. If you love the Whip and are more of a longbow guy I think you will love the SS. If you want a more compact bow and perhaps a slightly more 'recurve' feeling recurve the Tuktu EX is a great choice. Man what a pair of great bows!
Loving my new SS! Toelke will be getting more of my business someday, that's a fact.
Stand by for a lot more pics...
(http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/CF0C7A9A-A9D9-48CF-8563-26E6DA20D781.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/CF0C7A9A-A9D9-48CF-8563-26E6DA20D781.jpg.html)
(http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/97F14FC6-E32B-40FD-9E66-09BDF270898F.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/97F14FC6-E32B-40FD-9E66-09BDF270898F.jpg.html)
(http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/C2015DE7-CBE8-42CA-8AB0-31F00BD243F0.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/C2015DE7-CBE8-42CA-8AB0-31F00BD243F0.jpg.html)
And more coming...
(http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/719C1BF3-5C01-492F-8903-0FEBF4CE30EA.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/719C1BF3-5C01-492F-8903-0FEBF4CE30EA.jpg.html)
(http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/19C2A7A1-8130-4888-96C3-1785BC141C15.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/19C2A7A1-8130-4888-96C3-1785BC141C15.jpg.html)
(http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/F4D9ABC2-4B73-4DE2-9787-57F253FEAE36.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/F4D9ABC2-4B73-4DE2-9787-57F253FEAE36.jpg.html)
And more coming...
(http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/96CDE748-1637-4C3C-BB78-1DA279CC5E37.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/96CDE748-1637-4C3C-BB78-1DA279CC5E37.jpg.html)
(http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/1716B366-6AB9-43AA-97A4-1DEE822F5E5C.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/1716B366-6AB9-43AA-97A4-1DEE822F5E5C.jpg.html)
(http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/B2755F7B-9380-41E7-BCE5-C281704E1A3E.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/B2755F7B-9380-41E7-BCE5-C281704E1A3E.jpg.html)
And more coming...
I'm really liking Mora. It has a super mass weight and heft, the color is much like regular osage only more orangey/ reddish depending on the angle of the light. It has great crystalline streaks in it. It's so classic looking on this 50's style recurve.
(http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/DB1204A8-8929-49C6-8B1B-ADB2A1E5B299.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/DB1204A8-8929-49C6-8B1B-ADB2A1E5B299.jpg.html)
(http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/203EBA36-39AF-4D51-A6AF-127B3574DE28.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/203EBA36-39AF-4D51-A6AF-127B3574DE28.jpg.html)
(http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/43C8ED08-F001-4776-BB33-06892F6A06ED.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/43C8ED08-F001-4776-BB33-06892F6A06ED.jpg.html)
And more coming...
Lots more pics coming!
Just adore the Myrtle. Toelke continuously sources some amazing myrtle veneers.
(http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/4DD689D6-4B38-459B-A099-71910C275FD2.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/4DD689D6-4B38-459B-A099-71910C275FD2.jpg.html)
Here is the SS compared to a Whip:
(http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/7A671D37-8E85-4AB8-814C-259CA6F04E96.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/7A671D37-8E85-4AB8-814C-259CA6F04E96.jpg.html)
More pics coming to show SS vs Tuktu...
64" Toelke SS on the left, 60" Cari-bow Tuktu EX on the right. Nearly 6.25" difference in strung length. Neato!
(http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/B5F0A80C-6493-48F3-936B-55E6B18F9951.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/B5F0A80C-6493-48F3-936B-55E6B18F9951.jpg.html)
(http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/8D65716A-E2B6-414F-99F6-B1954711A93C.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/8D65716A-E2B6-414F-99F6-B1954711A93C.jpg.html)
(http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/238A1823-DAB3-4024-AC03-4894C650BF7E.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/238A1823-DAB3-4024-AC03-4894C650BF7E.jpg.html)
Couple more pics coming...
Just awesome grips on both. So comfy!
(http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/50AD9382-B884-4364-9D3F-B343451BE140.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/50AD9382-B884-4364-9D3F-B343451BE140.jpg.html)
(http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/50426BB8-CF06-4A49-BDFC-D330C162AABB.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/50426BB8-CF06-4A49-BDFC-D330C162AABB.jpg.html)
SS limbs are narrower, but deeper cored--> Whip DNA! LOL.
(http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s631/nineworlds9/6EAC644F-437F-456D-ABA7-67E38E1377B4.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/nineworlds9/media/6EAC644F-437F-456D-ABA7-67E38E1377B4.jpg.html)
Great review! That riser wood is beautifully, I really really want one now.
Does it feel like it 'lets off' at full draw like it says on the website?
Ok off to Lowe's again LOL
Scott,
Before I run out the door..
Both the SS and the Tuktu have early draw weight and yes the #'s/ inch definitely levels then drops off as you get to anchor and past...if one would like to call this 'let off' then yes they both have that quality. Nothing like a compound of course, but pulling something like 2#/inch in the latter part of the draw is a lot more comfy than 3# that's for sure.
QuoteOriginally posted by nineworlds9:
Ok off to Lowe's again LOL
Why - do they sell bows up your way ? :wavey:
QuoteOriginally posted by nineworlds9:
Scott,
Before I run out the door..
Both the SS and the Tuktu have early draw weight and yes the #'s/ inch definitely levels then drops off as you get to anchor and past...if one would like to call this 'let off' then yes they both have that quality. Nothing like a compound of course, but pulling something like 2#/inch in the latter part of the draw is a lot more comfy than 3# that's for sure.
Thanks that's what I'm looking for at 30 inches any help I can get reducing stack is a big help.
I think I know where my tax refund is going :archer2:
I didn't think the SS was I unpleasant, just any sense of anything on a Toelke struck me as out of character. You need to try a chinook next, it'll rock your world!
QuoteOriginally posted by Florida lime:
QuoteOriginally posted by nineworlds9:
Ok off to Lowe's again LOL
Why - do they sell bows up your way ? :wavey: [/b]
Eh if they did it would prolly be crap made in China LOL.
There are plenty of boards to make crappy selfbows though, or PVC pipe, haha.
Scott E- I don't think you'll regret it if a Toelke is what you want.
Brad- what size (strands) string were you using? I bet one could alter the feeling changing string size up or down. Also, I was shooting 10gpp and it was blazin...wonder what 11-12gpp would feel like?
X2 Brad. I just got done alternating between the SS and the Chinook. BIG difference. Not saying the SS is bad cause it ain't. Still a quality bow.
I will no doubt at some point sample a Chinook. I am hopeful the 58" length will flatter my 29ish draw.
Kinda apples and oranges though now that I think about it guys. This is the beauty of Toelke's lineup...a model for every taste!
The Chinook has shorter working limbs and working recurves vs the SS's longer limbs and static tips. As a matter of physics its going to be different, no way around it. This is likely why the Chinook feels more 'dead in the hand'. And yes it is shorter too so that would be an advantage in brush or for shorter folks (I'm near 6' 2") I think the SS is likely geared toward those like myself who want superb smoothness of draw past 28", absolute top shelf arrow speed and efficiency and a longer potentially more stable and forgiving bow.
That's why jeans come in different sizes too ;)
I'm actually really glad we're getting some dialogue going over what makes which Toelke model enticing vs another.
I had a SS. I am glad you like yours.
Nice review- sorry about yard work-
Chuck, Thank you for a great job. Since it is impossible to try them all, it is great that we can get knowledgeable opinions about these bows.
You have a beautiful bow for sure. I'm 6-1 but only draw 28. The Chinook is very smooth. The 58" bow I have is not twitchy like I thought it might be. I shoot it better than the SS. Most of my bows are no shorter than 60" and most are 62-64 so I was pleasantly surprised by the Chinook. Good luck with your new bow, it's a fine one for sure and built by a man that very obviously takes great pride in his bows.
I draw pretty near 29" on a 58" Chinook. Can you shoot a righty well enough to test drive mine?
I shoot 8 strand SBD on everything!
Just shot the SS next to my 55 Kodiak Special. The two bows shoot very similar. The Toelke is 51@28 the Kodiak is 50@28 and 64" as well. 59 years later a static is a static I guess. I shoot the Kodiak better though:) flame away boys :)
fmscan- that's why I enjoy doing these little writeups, I have enjoyed it so much when others do it, it has helped me make decisions on what bows to try and buy etc
Brad- Dan sends 8 strand endless loop strings that Jared makes with all his bows. They seem great, I'm sure the SS would shoot quite similar with an SBD. Yeah I can shoot right handed well enough to test drive a bow halfway decent, might have to take you up on that sometime. But I already have my 60" Tuktu and that's not going ANYWHERE haha so this SS may have to be the only Toelke in the harem for now.
I decided I'm calling this one a "Whip with flipped tips" haha.
Shot it again at sundown today after house/yard work was done. I'm still blown away by how quiet this one is.
Nineworlds9, fantastic review! Thank you for taking the time in doing this and posting the pics...yours is a beauty! I, like you, have a draw of just over 29" and that was one of the reasons I was considering this model...low string angle, increased speed @ lower poundage, and I was really curious about the grip as well. The bow I have been shooting, on loan, has a very small, narrow grip that does not feel right in my hands at all. The pics of your grip on the SS looks as if it would just sit in the hand very comfortably.
What else can I say...I am sold! I will be talking with Dan in the near future. Thanks again!
Beauty of a bow!!
Curious as to sound from the SS and Tuktu- were they about the same or one a bit louder?
I too have a long draw and like a smooth fast bow but also want it quiet if thats possible?
Been- the sound level to my ears seems to be similar between the two bows. Like I said the Tuk is more dead in the hand due to the thinner limbs and larger heavier riser. If you like longbows the SS will remind you more of longbows. If you want that genuine hi-po recurve feeling in your hand the Tuk' is the stuff :) The 60" Tuktu easily handles my 29" draw but at only 55" strung having some deep as heck hooks on the limbs you do notice a bit more string on your fingers at full draw vs. the 64" SS which only shortens to about 62" strung. This is not pinch, just a sensation that you're shooting a shorter bow. Both are butter smooth. The Tuktu does have the edge in force/speed but its also 5# heavier so not quite fair to compare. Both awesome bows.
very nice! thanks for the write-up.
(and if you ever, ever, ever, get tired of that Tuktu... haha!)
QuoteOriginally posted by johnnyk71:
very nice! thanks for the write-up.
(and if you ever, ever, ever, get tired of that Tuktu... haha!)
No problem, I hope the info is helpful.
I will try and remember to give you first dibs! ;)
That is the coolest SS i have seen to date! Wow!!!!!!
I just took possession of Dan's SS recurve. 54#s @31"
What a wonderful bow! Very quiet- on par with any hybred longbow I have shot and quieter than most.
Pleasant to shoot. I found hand shock to be a non-issue what so ever.
I asked for mine with the small Whip grip. Perfect for me, even though I have biggish hands. No prob shooting with a gloved hand in the colder months.
One thing worth mentioning is how Dan sets you up to succeed.
This bow came with two endless loop strings of BCY force 10, a string designed for crossbows. I asked Dan about his string choice and its hunting based. He feels a flemish twist will give a tick on being drawn under certain temps from the loops tacking to the limb. Regardless what you think about that, this bow/string combination is very quiet and creep is about zero.
I had to turn my target sideways because the arrows where blowing through it and into the 3/4 inch plywood backstop.
BTW, I read someplace that static limbs are unstable. That's bull. This static at least... is solid.
Joshua
Mine just came in the mail yesterday. I've never been able to just pick up a bow and shoot it really well. I was able to do it with the SS. Shootablility is the number one attribute of this bow. It is just an easy bow to be accurate with.
The Toelkes are great people and their turn around time is crazy fast. Two weeks after I ordered I got a call from Dan and he said your bow will be ready to ship in a few days. That is fast!!
Lynx is an awesome bow as well. The one I had was a sweet shooter. Might as well try them all.
Good info thanks for the write up.
I bought the bow that started this thread from Chuck. I have to say that Scott E nailed it when he said this is an easy bow to shoot.
Not blistering fast at my 27" DL,but within a day or so I was shooting it as well as anything I own.
Forgot to mention that- yes, its an easy bow to be accurate with. The more I shoot mine the better I like it. Predictable comes to mind...
Joshua
I thought this thread was worth a bump.
I have been shooting my SS for awhile now and have fell totally in love with this bow. I never thought I'd love a recurve the way I loved longbows but the SS won me over with its incredible manners and great performance.
I draw 31" and this design can handle that.
If you get the chance to try one plan on ordering one for yourself. I think it offers that compelling a shooting experience.
Joshua
Maybe is time to call Sid from Border Archery and order Convert Hunter