In the few weeks I have had my toelke kestrel TD, and soon to be whip TD, I have really grown to love the grip and smoothness of both bows.
Being a 50's style recurve shooter, the Chinook seems right up my alley. I haven't heard of very many out there, especially TD's...
Anyone with thoughts or pics id love to hear and see them. How do the chinooks compare to other recurves. I usually only shoot 60" and longer.. The chinook being 58" is keeping me at bay for now.
I would like to hear from a few more Chinook owners also. I myself have absolutely loved the new SS I just got, you may have seen my post. Guys are saying the Chinook is more dead in the hand and also a shooter. The difference makes sense to me as the Chinook has shorter working limbs of less overall mass vs. the SS's very long static tipped limbs. I just got the SS tuned for perfect flight and it is just amazing for a longer 1pc recurve. I wonder how the Chinook would hold up to my 29+ draw? I have owned several 1 and 2pc Whips and a Kestrel. All ace bows. The great thing about Dan and Co. is they offer a model for every purpose/person and can tweak them to suit the individual.
I'm a longbow guy, but loved the couple Chinooks I owned. I prefer the Chinook 10 to 1 over the Kestrel.
PM Biathlonman he's owned several I believe.
Yes Biathlonman is my main source of info on the Chinook to date. Yeah the Kestrel for me hit a wall much past 28.5-29" and I found it hard to be accurate with it much past 15-20 yds. But again, that's more or less what its for- up close and personal.
I owned a 60" Chinook for a couple of years and it was a typical Toelke product, very well-mannered, Toelke quiet and exceptionally quick. Mine shot 10.3 to 1 arrows at my 29" draw through a Chronograph at 184/185 f.p.s. If you contact Dan you will find he can make some short bow lengths work for guys with quite long draw lengths.
I'm here boys! I've owned several and adore my 58" Classic gripped T/D. Folks just simply can't believe how freakishly smooth it is. I've never handed it to anyone without it putting a smile on their face. I draw a touch shy of 29" and my 58" gets there with ease. Anything specific I can answer just yell.
Is that chinook as quiet as a whip?
QuoteOriginally posted by beendare:
Is that chinook as quiet as a whip?
Dang close. Quietest recurve I've shot.
Really close, yarn wrap the ends of the string and it probably is the same quietness.
I have had 2 Chinooks.Both were 60".They were really nice shooters and extremely quiet.He does not make the 60" anymore.I draw close to 30".It was no problem.
I saw you had a Kestral.I have one and hunted with it last season.I have no issues with that bow and think its one of the best short recurves around.For me anyway.You would probably like the Chinook is my guess if you love that Kestral
Same weight arrow/bow
Between the Chinook and the SS...which is faster?
Wow thanks for the info!! I'm planning on trying to get my hands on one come summer and have the funds. I just love dans two piece TD system!
I'd say they are darn close in speed. I had one of each at #51 and couldn't tell the difference between them. Never did think to put them over a chrono.
I've owned several Whips, a couple of Chinooks and one Kestral. I now have one Classic Whip and a new Chinook that is 56" (I normally shoot a 58"). By far this is the best recurve I have ever owned. Whisper quiet and at my 27" draw length the 43#er shoots with more authority than most 50# bows I have owned. I had Dan make the handle between a medium and low grip and with my smaller hands he took a little off the grip size. Man, when you place you hand on the grip, it is like a glove.
Best of luck. If you own one of Dan's bows, it will be a work of art and a most functional weapon.
Ok, thx for the info guys...last question
30" draw, can the Chinook handle that or would the SS be a better choice?
I doubt the chinook would stack but I'd bet the string angle might pinch you a little. In your shoes I'd go 64 or 66" whip.
I draw right around 30" and my 58" chinook gives me no issues. I was concerned about finger pinch but nothing that I can feel.
This is all great info. Definitely on my radar for my next bow! Just need to get the funds together for a TD .
My one piece Chinook is 60". It's a sweet shooter for sure. Dead quiet and dead in the hand. It's only about 45 pounds at my draw but it's very quick.
I had one that my son is still mad with me for letting go! Mine was 58". I draw 29.5 to 30" and the bow shot great. Very, very quiet. Really liked the TD feature mostly for the mass of the bow bolt and the phenolic (I think) in the riser. Very sweet bow.
Good luck,
Kyle