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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: DanielB89 on April 13, 2015, 12:28:00 PM

Title: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: DanielB89 on April 13, 2015, 12:28:00 PM
I am starting to get in the market for my first custom and would like to know what you guys thinks is the best shooting custom bow you have ever owned.  

I currently have a widow and love it, but do think there are more "shootable" bows out there.  I can shoot it very well, but it isn't a bow that I hit where i'm looking very often.  

Accuracy and speed should be highly kept in mind.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: McDave on April 13, 2015, 12:31:00 PM
It's up to you how you ask your question, of course, but you might get more meaningful answers if you specify what kind of bow you're in the market for.  I.e. it's hard to compare a broom handle longbow with a short recurve with a long recurve.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: LBR on April 13, 2015, 12:42:00 PM
Quote
What is the best SHOOTING bow you have ever owned?  
The one I practiced the most with.  Not trying to be a smart aleck here--that's the truth.  Currently I'm shooting a Samick Journey (CHEAP bow--retails for around $130), and I shoot it better than anything right now.  At one time I shot an osage selfbow better than anything else--it's got one of the most uncomfortable grips I've ever put in my hand, but when I was shooting it a lot I could really shoot it well...won the Howard Hill 2 years in a row with it.  Probably couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with it now.

Accuracy isn't in the bow, it's in the archer.  Some bows seem to be more forgiving, but they all fling the arrow in the direction you point it.

In the better bows, and even some of the really cheap ones, speed difference is minimal.  I'd bet the Samick I have will shoot as fast or faster than a lot of much more expensive bows on the market.  With a good string, proper tuning, the right arrow, etc. and ESPECIALLY a good release the differences will be negligible.

FWIW, the #1 thing I'd look at before buying is the bowyer or company's warranty.  Get it in writing.  A friend of mine got ripped off for around $1,000 by a bowyer that has gotten rave reviews on web sites.  He made all sorts of great promises on the phone, but the warranty was verbal--i.e., useless.  I have the delaminated bow on the wall in my shop.

Opinions are just that.  What one guy swears by, the next may swear at.  Bow designs vary a ton, and someone likes every one of them else they wouldn't be in business.

I'd check around and see what the guys who make at least part of their living shooting bows are shooting.  'Course most of them could shoot any bow well, but they have their favorites and reasons for choosing them.  Even then, you might not like it.

Check out all you can, take your time, do your homework.  IMO that is.

Chad
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: fnshtr on April 13, 2015, 12:46:00 PM
Daniel... I've only owned a few bows... so take this for what it is worth. I've owned a couple BWs (PSA and PCH) along with an original Bob Anderson Zipper Extreme, a few "factory bows" like Bear's and Martins... and a real nice Toelke Whip (LB).

But the best shooting bow that I have ever shot is the other one in my signature, a 56" Kempf Kwyk Styk with static tips. I've only owned it a few weeks, but already shoot it better than any I've ever owned.

This may be a case of just finding a bow that fits me best... or it could be that with time... I may decide to try a different one and find I like it better.

"The eyes of man are never full."
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: bulldog18 on April 13, 2015, 12:49:00 PM
Best shooting bows I own are the ones in my signature. Once I have taken the time to get the right arrow set up and properly tuned. I can stack arrows with any of them. What ever bow you choose take the time to set it up right.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: Sean B on April 13, 2015, 12:59:00 PM
As far as you trying to find the best custom, that's ALL up to you. Barry Wensel said it best when he told me bows are like trucks. Some @$$'s like Chevys better than a Dodge...you need to handle them for your self. Now as far as the best that I shoot, that's all my Widows (I've owned almost all of them), Tall Tines, Schafer, Tolke Chinook, RER arroyo.....there are a bunch. You won't go wrong with either.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: sleepyhollow on April 13, 2015, 01:05:00 PM
For me-Kanati- or any bow with a forward handle-just points extremely well and no slouch in the speed department either
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: shreffler on April 13, 2015, 01:27:00 PM
It's not so much a specific bow but a type of bow for me...I tend to shoot 3 piece takedowns with short HEAVY risers the best. The heavier the better. Helps keep my bow hand steady at the shot, and I'm so much more accurate.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: awbowman on April 13, 2015, 01:34:00 PM
Toelke Super D
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: Bladepeek on April 13, 2015, 01:59:00 PM
At the risk of being branded a smart ask, I'd have to say whichever bow I'm shooting now. I've owned an awful lot of bows during the short time I've been shooting actively again. I'm sure I didn't do a lot of the early bows justice due to sloppy release, being over-bowed, and not having a clue as to what I was doing.

I don't own one today that doesn't shoot well for me and I hope I will be shooting all of them better after the Rod Jenkins clinic I plan to attend.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: snakebit40 on April 13, 2015, 02:10:00 PM
Recurve- 60" Silvertip

Longbow- 62" Toelke Super D
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: LBR on April 13, 2015, 02:12:00 PM
Quote
...I hope I will be shooting all of them better after the Rod Jenkins clinic I plan to attend.  
You will.  Best money you'll ever spend shooting a bow.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: nontypical on April 13, 2015, 02:14:00 PM
For me, my BW MB,second, my Titan ll with Centaur LB limbs.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: cmh on April 13, 2015, 02:26:00 PM
Had a Mohawk longbow that shot fantastic!!!
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: The Night Stalker on April 13, 2015, 02:38:00 PM
It is an individual thing, but for me it was a welch dakota pro Hunter or an A&H JT riser with a button. Wish I had not sold the A&H but I just the thoughts of that button in the woods annoyed me. I could consistently shoot it 40 yards. I still have the dakota but it sits  on the self unstrung. Currently, I shoot a centaur. It is a great bow. I wish Jim made a 64 inch with the omf of my 62.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: Anointed Archer on April 13, 2015, 02:47:00 PM
It was my old Stillwater Aberden 3pc T/D recurve, however my Shrew Classic Hunter is pretty amazing too!
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: LBR on April 13, 2015, 02:52:00 PM
Something else to consider....

Check around and find out who the top shots are at tournaments, and who kills the most critters with a bow (some will overlap).  Then look at what bows they shoot...you might find there are some that aren't represented much if at all, but you will also find that there's a bunch of different bows being used to get the job done.  

Point being, there's no one or two bows that are head and shoulders better for everyone.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: trad_bowhunter1965 on April 13, 2015, 02:54:00 PM
Pronghorn Longbow smooth and just sweet to shoot.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: mcgroundstalker on April 13, 2015, 03:14:00 PM
I shot against a wonderful fellow a few years back at The Muzzy Shoot... His bow looked like a yard sale find... His arrows, well no two were alike...

Anyway, he kicked my butt! Point being, not shooting where you are looking all the time may not be the bow... It can be arrows not tuned right... Or just you... Just sayin'...     :dunno:     ... Maybe your BW is a bit too heavy...


... mike ...
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: on April 13, 2015, 03:33:00 PM
The best shooting bow for anyone is the one that encourages them to shoot the way they shoot the best. The trick is to find that bow, the next trick is to stick with that bow. I still think that Black Widow has the most consistent quality level of any major bow company.  If the Black Widow matches what you do, there is really no need to look further. If a BW is not shooting where you want it to, there may be issues to deal with before an accurate choice can be made.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: Trond on April 13, 2015, 03:50:00 PM
From the three bows I have ever owned, I have to say the one I currently own... The Bodnik Cayuga. One wheelie, one recurve and one longbow.
Wheelie: Barnett Sidewinder(sold years ago)
Recurve: Quicks Peregrine II
Longbow: Bodnik Cayuga
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: elkken on April 13, 2015, 03:51:00 PM
Blacktail elite for a recurve and ACS CX for longbow and I have owned a LOT of bows. BW's included which I thought the best BW was the MA II hands down.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: 1flyfish on April 13, 2015, 03:54:00 PM
Without a doubt it is my JD Berry Morningstar ASL longbow
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: Cavscout9753 on April 13, 2015, 04:02:00 PM
I love my JD Berry Vixen, but I shoot my HHA Wesley Special better. I attribute it to the extra draw weight - forces my release to be cleaner is all I can think.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: Stickbow on April 13, 2015, 05:11:00 PM
All I can say is shoot as many different once that you can, find one that fits your shooting style
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: reddogge on April 13, 2015, 05:21:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Stickbow:
All I can say is shoot as many different once that you can, find one that fits your shooting style
Smart advice. I attended a 3-D shoot yesterday and got to shoot at least 6 other bows that day. I do it everytime I go to a shoot. It's just a smart thing to do.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: stagetek on April 13, 2015, 05:43:00 PM
For me it was a 66" Asbell Bighorn. But, I had shoulder problems, and the 65# became too much. Should have bought lighter limbs when the opportunity was there.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: Gdpolk on April 13, 2015, 05:48:00 PM
The bow below and in my signature.  I've wanted a take down for years but never found one that shot as well as this one so it's been my keeper...
 (http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee146/gdpolk/Traditional%20Projects/IMG_0272_zps8d011fb3.jpg)
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: Caughtandhobble on April 13, 2015, 05:57:00 PM
Chad nailed it Brother... There are exceptions,  but not many. A friend of mine sent me a longbow last Friday that I shoot better than any bow, ever. Unfortunately, he does not make bows for the public. All bows are not created equal.  :archer:
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: Sam McMichael on April 13, 2015, 05:57:00 PM
I had a Bamboo Longhunter from Archery Traditions that I got back in the 1980's. I traded it for another, stronger Longhunter, which also shot well, but as I got older, I just can't handle it any more. Next, I have two bows from Howard Hill Archery that perform well for me, a Wesley Special and a Cheetah.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: Sixby on April 13, 2015, 07:31:00 PM
I have one bow I can pick up and hit what I am looking at and the arrow is so fast I barely see it. It is a little too short for my draw length., I built it for a 27 in draw. It has a heavy elk antler and phenolic riser,. Water moccasins over carbon./ Maple core. The riser does not seem to flex at all and although it was draw specific for 27 and I am coming up tight at 28 in draw it is just absolutely perfect for me in every way. I put an arrow on the string , look at what I want to shoot and hit it. You just cannot ask for much more in a bow than that.  
It has Steppe Eagle Limbs, they are very narrow , static tips and very stable and fast. I'll try to get some pics up and post one or two. I have built two of the elk antler bows now and love the way both shoot.
God bless, Steve
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: Possumjon on April 13, 2015, 07:44:00 PM
I've got two and for different reasons. My old grizzly I can pick up and shoot very well all the time. My 59 kodiak is more "accurate", I can stack arrows with it , but if I'm not doing what I'm supposed to it's not nearly as forgiving and I'll be way off. Not sure why they behave so differently
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: imbowhunt10 on April 13, 2015, 08:38:00 PM
My Fox Royal Crown, light, feels like part of my hand, point and shoot.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: BuckeyeGuy on April 13, 2015, 09:29:00 PM
Have not shot many, but my Assenheimer I bought in '95 is still my most accurate bow for me.  Nice mass in the riser and its whisper quiet.  It's been getting all the work prepping for turkeys this spring as well!
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: Orion on April 13, 2015, 10:51:00 PM
In hybrids, I like Morrison Shawnees and A&H ACSs; in straight bows, it's Hills and Northern Mist; in modest R/D, it's Robertson, Liberty and Great Northern Critter Gitters (the longer ones no longer made). In recurves, it's an A riser Bear TD or Morrison Cheyenne. All of these do everything I ask of them.  Excellent bows.  There is no one best bow, but a lot of very good ones. My best bow is whatever I happen to be shooting.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: Brock on April 13, 2015, 11:21:00 PM
Best shooting is subjective...every shooter is different...at different stages in their life and abilities.  So all that you hear from us must be taken with grain of salt...maybe help narrow the choices but you really need to just try some different bows to see how it feels in your hand just hanging there...how it feels when you draw it back to your chin...how it feels upon release...and does it not only point but launch an arrow that seems to read your thoughts...and more importantly...does the bow tickle your soul with a little something you cant explain???

I have had a couple that did that for me...

The first was my Habu in 1999....Chris Cox builds them by himself from start to finish...his tolerances and attention to detail is phenomenal...and the bows shoot outstandingly.  The risers are forward and heavy but they are stable and quiet in your hand.  Great bows and I still have mine and will never get rid of it.  Though not my first choice if hiking or backcountry hunting due to its weight.

Then there is two or three recurves from Robertson Stykbow...light in the hand, the grip is like a dream, with butter smooth limbs out to even longer lengths.  The Fatal Styk I had and sold unfortunately may have been the best shooting recurve I have ever shot and combined with the lightness and silk feel in my hand would have been my GO TO RECURVE.

I shoot mostly longbows now though have a few recurves on wall...the two BEST recurves were both reflex/deflex.  The best was my Mohawk Sparrowhawk I just sold...but I bought it while waiting for a Robertson Primal Styk and did not need to have it hanging on the wall with the Primal Styk now in my home.  The Sparrowhawk has 5 lams of bamboo...a great grip...and the reflex deflex limbs are quiet and quick.  Great bow and he just now started making them again.  That being said, this Robertson Primal Styk is quickly replacing it.  The grip was different and took some getting used to but now it nestles in my hand naturally and I am making shots that catch me by surprise.  Dick was the first bowyer to bring a reflex/deflex design into his longbows many years ago to prove performance and smoothness were possible in a great performing longbow with little to no handshock.  This bow is pure magic.

I have shot Schafer, Black Widow, Bill Stewart, JEffery, Habu, Bruin, Bighorn, Habu, Robertson, Bob Lee, and some vintage (Browning, Bear, Red Wing) recurves...and the Robertson Fatal Styk has to be my recommendation.  That being said...if I was in market for a regular three piece takedown or even a one piece...I would have to give the Stalker Recurves a try I think.....followed by Blacktail and of course Robertson as my GO TO BOW.

For longbows....my Primal Styk is my choice but the Mohawk Sparrowhawk and the Northern Mist I think are the best reflex/deflex longbows out there...for quality, performance, shootability and reputation.

You have a hard decision...recommend you go to ETAR or Compton or somewhere with a big shoot and shoot as many as you can to compare them.  Robertson and some others will send you one to TEST DRIVE.....others will not so finding someone with one you can try or going to a shoot is your only choice.

One option...is to go to RMS Gear and look through their used bows as you can find some pretty good deals and if you buy from them no worries about twisted limbs and such..as they evaluate every bow they sell even the consignments.

Recurve...try Stalker or Robertson.  Longbows....Mohawk or Robertson.

But in the end...you have to choose as what is outstanding for me may be **** to you...and vice versa.

Keep em sharp...
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: warden415 on April 14, 2015, 06:27:00 AM
I have shot many and many are great shooters. But the one that seems to be the "easiest" to shoot accurately  for me is a Habu Vyperkahn
I think it's a combo of the heavier physical weight, longer overall length  and The amazing grip.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: BigJim on April 14, 2015, 07:00:00 AM
The one bow I have found to shoot the best for me is that one I am able to forget about as I am going through the process of a shot.

It doesn't stand out to me until after I run out of arrows. Nothing striking about it (except maybe looks)at the moment of shooting.

The key is concentration on the process and the target..in that order. Unfortunately the best bow can be not just right some days yet nothing else has changed but me.
It will still shoot very well for me, but my mind won't be "right" on those days for reasons apparently out of my control.

I can't tell you what bow it was I'm talking about because it has been different models/styles on different days and I just can't seem to remember anything else about the experience except the process and the smile at the end.

BigJIm
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: overbo on April 14, 2015, 07:35:00 AM
I'll echo warden415 '' easiest to shoot accurately'' the Habu Vyperkahn. As a long time Zipper owner, I've revisit a Bill Dunn built standard riser bow that's very impressive for repeatability w/ his grip. The one gripe I had w/ Bob Thompson Zippers. I do have a Barry Huson recurve(no longer made) that's much like a Silvertip but IMO show's better woodworking skills. Actually, it's the finest crafted bow I've seen. It also has a very repeatable grip and shoots much like the Tip.

The pre CNC MA widows seem to like me too but I would modify the grip. I really liked the Asbell grip that Widow offers.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: Babbling Bob on April 14, 2015, 08:04:00 AM
That's easy. 1963 Bear Tamerlane.

Best looking and best shooting that I have ownned. Bought it new with Christmas money when I was 16. Was real steady on those long 55 yard, 65 yard, and 80 yard walk up targets when shooting field archery. Ordered in late December of '62 from pictures seen in Archery magazine from a Bear dealer and it arrived in January '63.  The rosewood on that one was exceptional comparared to the others I saw later at the field ranges. Unfortunately, Bear starting making them ugly in '64 when they added that side plate.  My '63 had a red feather rest and it was just cool.

I was the greatest looking shooter out there with the Tamerlane, but not the best.  One of my instructors did demonstations at the local TV Station shooting into the center of 45 records, so I was just an ordinary shooter, but I stuck a lot in the five zone (bulleye and center scoring area for field archery) with that bow.  However, since it was real heavy, long, and just a target bow, I would not be able to justify spending my money on one today to replace it.  It would be a lousy 3D bow now days for shooting those typical short distances, since a lot of shots at the shoots are under trees, shot squating, of some other weird stance is required, so the bow, which weighed a whole bunch and was heavy on the end of your arm, would not be the best today.

I shoot K. Specials and Kodiaks now for the 3D events, and they just suit me fine. My best now is a 1962, 63-inch Kodiak Special. I like it 'cause there ain't a whole lot of 'em.  It too, like the Tamerlane long ago, kind of makes me look cool. For an old man, that's more important than the score I shoot.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: hunt it on April 14, 2015, 08:28:00 AM
Morrison Shawnee for me.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: ISP 5353 on April 14, 2015, 08:44:00 AM
Palmer 1st
Black Widow very close second
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: BWallace10327 on April 14, 2015, 10:59:00 AM
I like my bows to fit how I shoot.  If I was a shooter to draw back, anchor, carefully aim, and release, I don't think the same factors would apply.  I prefer to snap shoot, and when I try to do anything else, really bad things happen to my shooting. I have learned that I like a low wrist grip and a bow that starts out with fairly low early string weight, which is why I don't really like recurves or extreme r/d longbows. I think the instinctive aspect of my shooting method is not just in the "aiming" style, but in the feel of drawing the bow too. I feel the progressive draw force curve of a mild r/d or straight limb longbow is best suited to the way I shoot, as feeling the weight increasing in that way acts like a draw check and for me, makes drawing the same, touching the same reference point and releasing much easier.  I don't think all bows are the same in this aspect.  I've owned some very nice recurves and hybrid bows that I just couldn't make this connection with.  Right now I'm shooting my GN Lil Creep a bunch and really liking it, but I can shoot my Yellowstone Halfbreed or my Sentman Icon just as good, provided a take a dozen or 2 shots to adjust to the feel and trajectory of the particular bow.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: ranger 3 on April 14, 2015, 11:07:00 AM
Black Widow PLX period
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: jonsimoneau on April 14, 2015, 12:11:00 PM
Habu recurve, Habu Vyperkhan, Black Widow MA. I have not shot some of the others that I am interested in such as a Morrison or a Tall Tines. But I will someday.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: PaulDeadringer29 on April 14, 2015, 12:35:00 PM
Predator recurve, Black Widow PCH, and Bear T/D are a few I have settled on and will be keeping.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: DanielB89 on April 14, 2015, 12:38:00 PM
Thank you for all the replies.  A lot of good information.  I do like the looks of a reverse mounted limb a lot more than standard mounted.  I don't know why, I just do.  

As far as it not hitting exactly where I'm looking, I should have elaborated.  

I am referring to the 1st shot(hunting scenario).  It will almost always hit to the left of where i'm looking.  After a couple shots, it will be hitting where i'm looking.  It's weird.  But it does happen.  If i shoot my Widow and get used to it, when I swap to my longbow it will hit to the right of where i'm looking.  It may very well be me.  But i believe it is the bow.   :)
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: maineac on April 14, 2015, 01:11:00 PM
That is the allure of the traditional bow I think.  There are so many small variations, not just in wood and style, but handle shape and mass, limb design and draw weight progression, that bows have almost a life energy of their own.  Hand shock is the only factor I have found that turns me off from enjoying a bow.  There is always the quest to find the bow that seems to just "fit".  I have a couple, but the desire to try more is always there, and discussions like this only fuels that fire.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on April 14, 2015, 02:37:00 PM
Mine is a 60" rigid handled sinew backed yew billet bow I made last year. So smooth, so quick and so accurate. I love that bow, but rarely shoot it. I have too many bows hanging around to love them all equally!
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: Charlie3 on April 14, 2015, 03:48:00 PM
You will not find a bow that will make you a better shot. Not everyone likes Widows, but the fact is you cannot get a bow that is significantly better...unless you are one of those weirdos who claim its so much easier to tote a 1 lb stick than a 3 lb stick. Haha!!

As I've pointed out before the mass weight argument stemms from mid-1900's millitary rifle design debate. However, the difference between an AR-15 with 240 rounds of ammo and a M-1 Garand with 240 rounds of ammo is something like 15 lbs, which to a soldier fighting and living in difficult conditions for weeks at a time, is quite significant. Carrying a bow for a day, maybe a few days on end, 2 lbs means nothing. Shooting a heavier bow equals more stability and consistancy all else equal. Some may not like it that way, but the fact remains.

To answer your initial question subjectively, I like my Widow but was impressed enough by my visit to Cris Cox's place to order the Habu Viperkahn. Hopefully I can find a way to bribe him to bump me up on the waiting list...I'll never tell, but if you see me post pics of it before 2016 is over you can guess what happened  ;)

I think I make 6 votes for the Habu...looks like you might have a winner!
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: fnshtr on April 14, 2015, 04:44:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by DanielB89:
Thank you for all the replies.  A lot of good information.  I do like the looks of a reverse mounted limb a lot more than standard mounted.  I don't know why, I just do.  

As far as it not hitting exactly where I'm looking, I should have elaborated.  

I am referring to the 1st shot(hunting scenario).  It will almost always hit to the left of where i'm looking.  After a couple shots, it will be hitting where i'm looking.  It's weird.  But it does happen.  If i shoot my Widow and get used to it, when I swap to my longbow it will hit to the right of where i'm looking.  It may very well be me.  But i believe it is the bow.     :)  
Daniel... that has been my experience exactly! I recently purchased a Kwyk Styk on the classifieds and my first few shots were to the right about4-5 inches. This was immediately after shooting my PCH.

After shooting the KS more they dialed in and now they hit the mark (when my form is good) as soon as I begin shooting it. I pick up the PCH and, whamo! Off to the left again.

Can't explain it, but that is my experience. A friend told me that I just found the bow that fits my style the best. (Like Maineac said above.)Got to believe it.

Good luck!
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: LongStick64 on April 14, 2015, 04:58:00 PM
For me a toss up between my 1964 Bear Grizzly and my 21" Hoyt Excel with long ILF limbs. May lean towards the Excel, especially when you add a plunger, you are able to get a real nice tune. The long limbs give a nice smooth draw that is hard to beat, add Carbon/Foam and you really get a do it all bow.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: Jmatt1957 on April 14, 2015, 07:02:00 PM
Longbow - Big Jim Buffalo
Recurve - Wapiti by JK Chastain
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on April 14, 2015, 07:48:00 PM
Whichever one I am holding when my head is clear of stress.

Some days its a  Bear Grizzly or Kodiak, Others it's a G&L Mantis or Big River Longbow.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: mt-tom on April 14, 2015, 08:19:00 PM
I have only owned one stickbow and it is the one I am currently shooting.  I acquired it a couple months ago and gave up the compound.  Thus, it is my best shooting bow.  That also makes it the worst, I guess.  It is a bear montana longbow.  I like it.

Tom
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: tracker12 on April 14, 2015, 08:35:00 PM
I will vote for a RER LX.  The grip for me sets it apart from other bows I have shot.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: katman on April 14, 2015, 08:42:00 PM
Numero uno Bigfoot SS, static tip recurve, awesome shooter, very quick, quiet and accurate. The limb stability and speed is incredible for glass limbs.

Close second in recurve is the DAS master riser(17") with Hex5 limbs. Would love to try the CH or Hex7 ILF.

Longbow, DAS master riser with XL ILF ACS longbow limbs from Dryad, smooth as butter and whisper quiet.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: Tedd on April 14, 2015, 09:18:00 PM
I had a Morrison Dakota that was magic.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: Red Beastmaster on April 14, 2015, 09:42:00 PM
I've always been a Brackenbury recurve fan. I think I shoot them so well because of the grip. It just fits me. If you put a Brack grip on a broomstick I could probably shoot it well too.

For longbows, I like Abbotts. Again, I like the grip and general shooting characteristics.

I had a Hummingbird recurve for awhile and really shot it great. They too have nice grips.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: RC on April 14, 2015, 11:16:00 PM
Mohawks seem to rule for me. I had one a few years ago I loved now I own another Pat Byrne gave me. A wonderful bow. Second for me would be A stalker Coyote. RC
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: Izzy on April 15, 2015, 09:22:00 AM
I had a Bob Thompson Extreme riser with Bill Dunn LB limbs and that was about the best shooting bow Ive ever seen. I have in my possession now a Bill Dunn SXT rc that is just out of this world (shot 20 3ds with all 8s or better except for one grazer). Never had any trouble shooting Silvertips, even a few that weren't mine. Guess Id say a tie between Zippers and Silver tips.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: wixwood on April 15, 2015, 09:40:00 AM
All of them and none of them - depending on the tightness of the nut that held the handle…
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: lbshooter on April 15, 2015, 10:10:00 AM
Having owned many different bows over my 40+ year shooting career, custom and factory, the one that I have shot best by a pretty wide margin is a 60", 55#, 1 piece, Schafer Silvertip. My only  issue is that I didn't acquire it sooner then I did. I have a 50# on order since I'm finding the draw weight a little much as I get older.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: Danny Rowan on April 15, 2015, 04:25:00 PM
Two bows, first was a Brackenbury Quest and now Schafer Silvertip. But sure wish I still had that Quest, could drive tacks with it.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: 9 Shocks on April 15, 2015, 04:31:00 PM
Big Jim Thunderchild in my signature seems to be the bow that I shoot the best.  I have a custom on order with Big Jim but I dont think the build will start til november! got an agonizing 6 months ahead of me!
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: bluemelonchitlin on April 15, 2015, 04:50:00 PM
My best was a (much missed) 60"  T/D Wes Wallace Mentor 52#@28"
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: 3arrows on April 15, 2015, 05:30:00 PM
The best I have shot is not the fastest or the slowest by far.Bob Lee recrure, second would be when I put the longbow limbs on it.Must be the grip.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: mark Willoughby on April 15, 2015, 07:54:00 PM
For me personally it's a bear Montana longbow ! I can flat stack em up in a 1 inch zone with that thing I don't know what it is there just awsome bows good luck with your choice there are a million bows out there
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: Bjorn on April 15, 2015, 08:00:00 PM
My 64" ACS 3 pc is it for me.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: PAINTER on April 15, 2015, 08:33:00 PM
If were talking tack driving, blinding speed and accuracy it's my TT Titan with the foam limbs, but........... it sits on the rack, because the bow I love to carry in the woods, the one I can count on from 0 to 30 yrds every time because its a part of me, is a forward handled Javaman Elkhart Long Bow by Gregg Coffey.  It is just plain sweet.  Sweet to carry, a joy to shoot and beautiful to look at.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: Joeabowhunter on April 15, 2015, 08:43:00 PM
Cari-bow Slynx...love it!
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: Knawbone on April 15, 2015, 08:44:00 PM
For the last couple of years it's been my Hill Cheetah. I can consistently shoot better with any of my Hill bows.
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: Hit-or-Miss on April 15, 2015, 10:18:00 PM
Until last week, my Red Wing Hunter and Bear Kodiak Magnums took first place in my book. They fit my hand and shot perfect, much better than many other bows I have shot and or owned over the past 30 years, including Black Widows, Brackenbury, DH, etc.    Then last week, after a 25 year wait, it happened. A Jack Howard Gamemaster Jet arrived, 66" of lethal and sexy, hand crafted Brazilian Rosewood. Yes, now I am enlightened. I get it. Wow!!!
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: DanielB89 on April 16, 2015, 09:18:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by fnshtr:
 
Quote
Originally posted by DanielB89:
Thank you for all the replies.  A lot of good information.  I do like the looks of a reverse mounted limb a lot more than standard mounted.  I don't know why, I just do.  

As far as it not hitting exactly where I'm looking, I should have elaborated.  

I am referring to the 1st shot(hunting scenario).  It will almost always hit to the left of where i'm looking.  After a couple shots, it will be hitting where i'm looking.  It's weird.  But it does happen.  If i shoot my Widow and get used to it, when I swap to my longbow it will hit to the right of where i'm looking.  It may very well be me.  But i believe it is the bow.      :)    
Daniel... that has been my experience exactly! I recently purchased a Kwyk Styk on the classifieds and my first few shots were to the right about4-5 inches. This was immediately after shooting my PCH.

After shooting the KS more they dialed in and now they hit the mark (when my form is good) as soon as I begin shooting it. I pick up the PCH and, whamo! Off to the left again.

Can't explain it, but that is my experience. A friend told me that I just found the bow that fits my style the best. (Like Maineac said above.)Got to believe it.

Good luck! [/b]
Wayne,

i think you're right my friend.  I have been shooting my widow more this week and I am shooting it much better.  I think I was just not shooting it to the standard i'm accustomed to.  It was in direct relation to the amount of practice I have been putting in lately. lol.

Imagine that, practice more, shoot better. lol
Title: Re: What is the best SHOOTING bow you have every owned?
Post by: Flying Dutchman on April 17, 2015, 12:48:00 AM
My best shooting bow is a Whippenstick 3pce 62"  Phoenix