Hey Gang,
I've been wanting to try a shrew for some time now.
I'm pretty sure I'm ready to pull the trigger.
I'm trying to decide between the 60" Super Shrew or the Model T.
If there's anyone around here that has shot both types I'd really like to hear from you how they compare.
My favorite length of bow thus far has been 62"..right in the middle of these two..lol
I only draw 28"...but I really like the feel of the string angle on longer bows.
I have no want for a shorter one.
Also, I'm thinking of having it made with a heavy riser wood..like kingwood or snakewood.
I'm thinking it would make quite a difference on the model T.
..not sure if it would add much weight to the Super shrew as the riser is so small anyway.
Love to hear your thoughts Gang.
Thanks :thumbsup:
John
I don't believe I've ever seen a model "T". Anyone care to share some pics?
I had a 58" Super Shrew Gold and had a 64" Model T with carbon&foam limbs.I shot the Model T better,I like longer bows and the T had alittle more mass weight then the 58" Super Shrew.Both shot great but for me I preferred my Model T.
---Post edited to keep all parties from having a myocardial infarction--- jeez Louise
To add a bit to Nineworld's post - and he knows his bows - I had a 58" Falcon ( brother/sister of the super shrew ) and absolutely loved it. I draw 28", or a hair less. I sold it out of necessity, not out of disliking it. I also like a gentle string angle more than max efficiency. I'd get a 60" in a heartbeat now, if i could. Samw would go for a Super Shrew. Elkheart or Classis Hunter, I'd go 58".
the grip on these bows melt in your hand. "Repeatable" would be an understatement.
QuoteCall or email Gregg Coffey at Java Man Archery. He's the progenitor of both those Shrew models
Let's give credit where credit is due. Greg is not the progenitor of the Shrew bows.
The Super Shrew was designed by myself and John McCullough long before Greg came on board to help make Shrew bows.
The Model-T was my idea and I instructed Greg on it's design. The first Model-T that Greg made for me I had to redesign the grip with plastic wood to get good arrow flight. The Model-T's that followed were made in that fashion.
Really Chuck?
Oh that's better Chuck.
Always wanted to try a T. I have owned half a dozen Super Shrews. My favorite was a 60" model. Don't hesitate to pull the trigger on a Shrew. Great Bows!!
I'm really not hesitating to pull the trigger....just trying to figure out which target to shoot for...lol
:)
I caught my own fact flub before y'all even did, just didn't have time to go back and edit it soon enough because I was fixing the family supper.
Instead of giving me a chance to correct my mistake or just sending me a PM...??? Sheesh.
Ron, you're a household name in this hobby/sport, I really don't think you need to worry sir. You're much admired by 33 year old archers such as myself. I will say this, it's young whippersnappers such as myself that are carrying the torch now, just food for thought before you pass judgement.
You know its funny, I have taken my Java Man bow to a number of shoots since Gregg built it last year for St. Jude's and I have had all kinds of strangers walk up and ask about the bow who have never seen one or any other Shrew/ Shrew-type bow, because lets face it, the majority of trad archers in the US do not shoot custom bows...and every time I have ended up joyously giving them a mini - history lesson on tradbow/ Shrew origins based on what I have learned and the LaClair DNA is always included, always, how could it not?..along with info about McCullough, Gregg, and now Chuck, and the person(s) always walk away fascinated and enriched and I tell them to go home and Google up a storm. Those folks learn more and then maybe they tell someone else, and the Shrew concept expands it's horizons just a little bit more...this is a good thing no??? :archer2: :rolleyes:
QuoteOriginally posted by Zradix:
I'm really not hesitating to pull the trigger....just trying to figure out which target to shoot for...lol
:)
I hear ya. The best option would be to shoot both if possible. Have fun making your decision and keep us up to date. :archer2:
Fact Flub or flagrant thread high-jack?
(that's a rhetorical question)
Zradix,
Just went over to Mr. LaClair's site and saw the Model T for the first time. VERY sweet looking bow. Guess I'd wonder how long the riser is on it, compared to the Super Shrew. Also if the limb design is the same. I'm thinking those elements of design will affect the string angle quite a bit, relative to the string angle?
They are interesting aren't they?
Not sure on all the specifics yet.
I sent Mr. LaClair an email and I'm sure I'll know a lot more after reading what he has to say.
From looking at pictures only..
It SEEMS the S. shrew has a more handle forward design which I'd think would really help keeping the bow pointed easily.
It may just be an illusion though, as what I THINK really counts is how far in front of the fades the grip is.
I'm just looking for a nice easy shooting bow.
A bow that really feels good in my hands during the entirety of the shot....just like everyone else I guess...lol
Yup, Ron is the father of the "Shrew" style bow. I remember in the mid nineties when he was designing and working with his early bowyer's on the first Shrews. Our good friend Greg Nicolaou still has his first 56" Super Shrew longbow from 1996 that John McCullough made. The first reflex deflex forward handle longbow I ever had was a Tim Miegs Duoflex however that was a 66" bow back in the late eighties. Ron didn't make the bows but he developed and instructed the concepts and modifications. He's had some great craftsmen building bows for him and have certainly helped bring ideas to fruition.
Sorry double post
No my OP wasn't meant to be a high-jack at all Chuck, I gladly admit to getting a few facts mixed up and I made the necessary edit.
However, one thing that has me curious now is that Zradix never said whether his OP concerned bows on the USED market, or NEW bows?? As far as I know neither the Super Shrew or Model T are currently in production and Ron's site has not been updated to that effect. If this is not the case, and you are building models beyond the Classic Hunter for Ron then that is sensational news and a site update would be a super way to spread the word.
The fascinating thing is that if you consider Ron has now had what three or four different bowyers build Shrews for him, yourself included, and you consider all of the other bows out there built in the "Shrew likeness" then as a whole when discussing Shrews we're almost talking about a whole stand-alone style of bow! Whoa! Consider that! All brand/business aspects aside I'd say its pretty darned special to think that Ron in effect created a style of bow.
With so many short bow fans today, if Ron's site had a section that really and truly fleshed out the whole history of the Shrew design from start to finish with a detailed summary of each era in evolution and bowyer involved would really add to the legacy. Speaking as young folk here I can't stress enough how key Web stuff is today, heck TG is a prime example.
That being said I'm also curious that I've not yet seen anything on the Two Tracks site spotlighting the latest Shrews? Gotta get the word out brotha!
This thread actually has me thinking we need a "Shrew Bug" thread where we can all pow-wow about all them lovely early Shrew, McCullough, Coffey, and the new Deschler bows :D :archer2:
nineworlds9 ..
I am thinking new.
Your post certainly points to the possibility that shrews aren't being made anymore.
I truly hope this isn't the case.
Mr. Deshler,
Are you the current builder of Shrew bows?
...I must admit, this thread has taken some unexpected turns. :eek:
The 58 and 60" Super Shrews are now and always have been made and shipped world wide. The shorter 54 and 56" Classic Hunter bows are also still being offered. All of the Shrew bows go through me for inspection before I package and ship them out. I am pretty fussy, just ask any of the men who have build bows for me.
The Model-T was made for a short time but discontinued when Gregg was still making Shrews. My plan is to bring back the T as soon as we can get it up and going again.
Here's a little writeup that's on my web site,it's not up to date but gives a little of the Shrew history. "The Shrew story"
http://www.shrewbows.com/super_story.htm#shrewstory
Thank you for the clarification Mr. LaClair. :thumbsup:
"Mr. Deshler, Are you the current builder of Shrew bows?"
Yes Sir.
"I am pretty fussy, just ask any of the men who have built bows for me.
Yes sir.
CTT
Good to know
Thank you! :thumbsup:
Chuck, I am trying to appreciate your effort here, but really man, you don't know what is happening with two longtime bow companies. Shrew and Two tracks.
Your initial reply was out of line in my opinion, and the remarks and edits sense are a bit cheeky as well.
NONE of it belongs in Johns thread. He asked a specific question and you jacked it. That simple from my view point. He didn't ask for a cross reference, or a history lesson, and Ron and I didn't ask for a business lesson. But Ron can speak for him self.
My apologies to Mr. Kelley for my part here.
I'm done now.
No apologies needed Sir.
There are obviously some sensitive issues in play.
Heck..at least I was able to learn who the current builder of Shrew bows is...didn't know before.
It seems that my original question is somewhat useless though as Model T's are not in production at this time.
I guess there's a chance to hold out for a used one... :rolleyes: lol
...but finding a used Shrew for sale is like finding pirate treasure in your sandbox..lol
Maybe I've just had a long week, but this thread is irritating me.
The Shrew design(s) belong to Ron. Period. Anyone claiming otherwise is a liar. I totally understand how many bowyers have been intrigued and influenced by the short-longbow design, and would applaud those efforts, recognizing that mimicry is high praise. But Shrew bows are Ron LaClair, and visa versa.
I have owned Shrew bows made by the last 3 bowyers.....my opinion is the finest Shrew bows are being built right now.If you want a Shrew, contact Ron LaClair. If you want something else, contact some other bowyer. But it aint a Shrew.
I can't stand rude behavior.....
(http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy218/shrew331/DSC01411-1.jpg) (http://s793.photobucket.com/user/shrew331/media/DSC01411-1.jpg.html)
(http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy218/shrew331/DSC01416.jpg) (http://s793.photobucket.com/user/shrew331/media/DSC01416.jpg.html)
(http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy218/shrew331/DSC01422-1.jpg) (http://s793.photobucket.com/user/shrew331/media/DSC01422-1.jpg.html)
(http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy218/shrew331/DSC01414.jpg) (http://s793.photobucket.com/user/shrew331/media/DSC01414.jpg.html)
(http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy218/shrew331/DSC01415.jpg) (http://s793.photobucket.com/user/shrew331/media/DSC01415.jpg.html)
(http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy218/shrew331/DSC01417.jpg) (http://s793.photobucket.com/user/shrew331/media/DSC01417.jpg.html)
Pretty model T David.
Thanks for posting the pics you lucky dog!
..too bad they're not being made at this time.
How do ya like it?
I've had it since "09". It fits me just right
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
The 60" Super Shrew is the perfect blend of short bow "handyness" and longer bow(66-70" in my case) shooting qualities.