I met Mike a couple of years ago at the Kentucky Tradfest and have been casually looking for one of his bows afterward. Was impressed by the ones I saw several guys shoot. Just sent funds for a 54" two piece Black Forest. Anybody know how the 54" will handle a longer draw? Very curious about his bows, just not a lot of info out there.
I'll be following this thread with interest. I just bought a used Treadway Black Swamp and it's a great bow with the best finish I've ever seen. Just not having a luck finding much information about the bowyer.
Mike used to have a decent website and then it disappeared. Probably a cost savings? He does advertise in the magazines. He has a loyal following here in the southeast, every 3D shoot I have been to here in FL and even in GA I have seen at least one of his bows. Lots of word of mouth advertising I'm guessing. He stays busy as evidenced by his wait times on a new bow. You are right, the finish is impeccable. I have witnessed several of his models shoot at 3D shoots and I can testify that along with looking great they are also very quick and very quiet.
I might see Mike tomorrow at our club shoot. Sometimes he will come and shoot. I will ask him if he shows.
Interesting story...
About 12 years ago my twin brother and I were about to graduate high school. Back then a big senior project was required for graduation. There was a good bit of leeway as far as what these projects were centered around. My brother wanted to build a longbow, and Mike Treadway was his mentor. He helped my brother through all the steps and he end result is a beautiful little reflex/deflex longbow. This bow is currently in the care of my sister in law, while my brother commercial salmon fishes off the west side of Kodiak Island, Alaska. It will be heading my way in about a month, to tune up and hopefully do some deer hunting with. I've shot it before, but it's been years. Smooth as glass and whisper quiet. Doubt anyone could go wrong with a "real" treadway bow.
Jake
I've had a couple of his 56" bows and they were great! I only have a 27" draw though so can't answer your question but Mike won't steer you wrong. I shoot a 60" Black Rock now and love it but I do have a 2 piece on order, probably a 56"er. Hey Night Stalker, if you see Mike tomorrow tell him the guys in Ky said hi!
Call Mike and ask him. Mike is top notch!
Mike was not at the shoot. We had a threat of rain all day but it did not happen. Perfect overcast day.
nineworlds9, you pretty well nailed it. This Black Swamp is a beautiful bow - chechen riser and birdseye veneers on the limbs. I shot my Hill-style bow around the course at the Elm Hill Stickbow Shoot yesterday. A buddy came by and asked if I wanted to go shoot the "money bear" (a 3-D bear at 80 yds with money stuck all over it. Hit a bill and you get it). I shot over the darned bear's back with 5 of 6 arrows because I just couldn't adjust fast enough to how flat that bow shoots. And, it does it at a whisper. Now just about my favorite longbow.
A friend has had his since 99 and is still going strong. It is the first 68" bow he ever made and maybe the only one 59@30 TD.