Hey gang,
Still relatively new to traditional archery so wanted to do a post on the stuff I have gotten so far as it has all been from this website and the great people here. Also want to show off the great work Jim at Centaur Archery did on my bow.
First up in my journey was a 1971 Bear Super Kodiak that is 53#@28". I bought this bow used from forum member Whip who was awesome to deal with. Very honest and great communication. He sent me the bow right before he went out turkey hunting so I didn't have to wait. The bow is in phenomenal shape with no stress cracks or holes drilled. He had also refinished the bow and rounded out the tips from their original square design. I personally prefer the rounded tips and he did an excellent job on them.
The only issue I had with the bow was the grip shape as I don't like as much palm swell and I have smaller hands. So after seeing a few people sending bows to Jim over at Centaur Archery I figured I would do the same. So off the bow went late last week to get the grip redone and stippled as well as the shelf lowered and rounded. I also asked Jim to redo the finish and dull it down a bit. I'll let the pictures do most of the talking as he did an awesome job. I love the textured look it gives it and it just really brings the whole thing together. Jim went above and beyond on the grip and shelf work. It feels as if the bow was made for me now and it just wants to be held. Somehow it shoots smoother and my groups are better than ever. If you are thinking of sending something to Jim or ordering one of his bows, he is a great guy to talk to who is truly passionate about archery and you will not be disappointed. THANK YOU Jim you truly are a master of your craft.
Next up on the list was a new string. So I contacted Oliverstacy over on the sponsors thread and told him what I needed. He was very helpful as I really had no clue what I needed in a string. After a few emails I had placed an order with him as well as for some bow hush's and hush puppies. The new string arrived and it was perfect. He really takes his time and includes a personal note with his order thanking you for your service. Top notch fellow in my book. THANK YOU Josh and THANK YOU bow hush gals.
The rest of the stuff in the pictures has already been covered in other threads.
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/Deucali0n/IMG_2285_zps5677a92d.jpg) (http://s57.photobucket.com/user/Deucali0n/media/IMG_2285_zps5677a92d.jpg.html)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/Deucali0n/IMG_2286_zpsc72ce987.jpg) (http://s57.photobucket.com/user/Deucali0n/media/IMG_2286_zpsc72ce987.jpg.html)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/Deucali0n/IMG_2288_zpsa9e5b25b.jpg) (http://s57.photobucket.com/user/Deucali0n/media/IMG_2288_zpsa9e5b25b.jpg.html)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/Deucali0n/IMG_2291_zpsc9ec4001.jpg) (http://s57.photobucket.com/user/Deucali0n/media/IMG_2291_zpsc9ec4001.jpg.html)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/Deucali0n/IMG_2293_zps539a43be.jpg) (http://s57.photobucket.com/user/Deucali0n/media/IMG_2293_zps539a43be.jpg.html)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/Deucali0n/IMG_2294_zps01b3d671.jpg) (http://s57.photobucket.com/user/Deucali0n/media/IMG_2294_zps01b3d671.jpg.html)
(http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/Deucali0n/IMG_2296_zps568f894d.jpg) (http://s57.photobucket.com/user/Deucali0n/media/IMG_2296_zps568f894d.jpg.html)
Thanks for looking.
-Alex
I heart Jim. One of my all time favorite bowyers. He's the standard. Your post has inspired me to prolly send him the Dakota 3pc longbow I just picked up for a refinish and stipple. Your bow looks ace.
Man. really nice looking setup. Love the look of the grip. Nice work.
Alex- that is one sweet looking setup you have there! I like the grip and finish....very nice. Sweet looking back quiver too...time for you to get them broke in!! Congrats!
Very nice all the way around.
Hey nineworlds I was hopping you would see this, as I know your a huge fan of Jim's. After dealing with him personally I can see why. Would love to try out one of his custom bows one day.
Longbow917 and others thanks for the kind words, I really do need to break it all in. Need some more practice before I can "get some blood on it" as is commonly said around here.
:thumbsup: You have yourself a real nice set up, I hope you enjoy your journey in this pastime!!
You have yourself a really nice setup, I love shooting the older Bears.
Good luck with it !
Nice looking setup-Hap
Looks sweet! :thumbsup:
Very nice!
That is cool. One of a kind for sure.
Love my 1971 Super K. Very smooth bow
That's a good looking recurve.
Nice looking Bow....
Matches the Fine looking Quiver ya got....
Again thanks guys. Spent some more time shooting this afternoon. I just can't get over how well Jim shaped the grip to my hand with a simple drawing and a few words.
And Mike this quiver is serving me quite well. Will be needing a bigger one in the future I think.
I really like how the quiver and armguard compliment the way the bow looks now. :thumbsup:
Very nice looking up grades on an already good shooting bow,thanks for your review is something I would like to do myself. About Jim,he is really talented and I love my Centaur,never knew he is so kind to restore old stuff.
Where did you happen to come across that quiver?
Jabramson95
I made that Quiver and Armguard for Alex.
It's one of my 4" Hunter w/pouch models.
M.A.L.
www.mikesarcheryleather.com (http://www.mikesarcheryleather.com)
Jabramson95 Mike is a great guy to deal with. Here is a post/review I did of the quiver and armguard a few months ago.
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=136954;p=1#000000
Makes me feel like buying an old sk and having jim fix it up.
Very nice, remind me of my Custom Bighorn, same type of finish.
Jim does excellence work.
That turned out awesome Alex! So glad to see that bow get a new lease on life with a loving owner.
Good luck with it this fall!
Very nice indeed!!
I likey
On of my biggest gripes about the old bears is the flat shelf. Never even though to redo it. This is a sweet looking bow
Great post and equipment! Congrats and that quiver from Mike will last a life time! I'll always hold on to mine. :thumbsup: