Well gang, the Berry addiction continues.  It all started in my search for the "perfect" American Semi-longbow. I shot and owned most of the well known and lesser known makers of this classic design but when I get my first Vixen I knew my search was over. I had found the "holy grail" of bows. Which led to me selling all other bows and buying up every model James makes.

In the mean time I still would pick up used American semi longbows but they never seemed to fit like my JD Berrys so off they'd go.

I had another bow laying around so I offerd it up for trade for a berry and this beaut appeard.


She is 68" 55@28 I think cocobolo riser? Bamboo core and veneers I'm unsure of.
It came with a monster of a b50 string (aftermarket as James sends his out with 14 strand ff+) and to be honest I was appalled at how it shot. After about 4 shots that was enough so I went in and made up a FF string and went back out.

OH MY what a world of difference. Now as most here know I'm anti bamboo as most of the boo bows I have owned just had a funky feel to me at release but James bow is a whole different ball game. Butter smooth on the draw with a crisp snappy release. Very quick bow that throws the arrow flat. Zero Handshock as to be expected from JD Berry and all around a beautiful creation.

Update: James called and said the veneers are Tea Maple.

Super deep cores with a belly trap that is unrivaled in any other bow I have shot. Just impressive!! Enjoy the pics

Sorry for the bad pics, its been overcast , rainy and just all around nasty the last two days and my lighting is red here.




Tight glue lines




Look at this trap!!!!

So pleased that you have your bow. Great looking and the trap James puts into his limbs is truly awesome. Congratulations on your new Berry.

Now, where did I put James' phone number?

I am holding my breath waiting for James to call to finalize my order -- kind of figured it would be about now.  I am quite purple from breath holding but no call yet.  I ordered two bows, a reverse handle and a standard.  They will have Coco Bolo risers, bamboo and white glass.

Oh well, birthday past but Christmas still to come.

Nice bow Brian!!!!!!

Arne

Waterfall bubinga veneers??  Look too red to be walnut burl?

A real sweet bow.  JD Berry is one of the few Hill styles I have not tried.  Definitely on the horizon.

Beautiful bow!

James said that those are Tea Maple veneers.  The lighting in my house leaves a red hue for some reason,

Looks kind'a nice......

YOU must be a very special guy for the man to craft such a masterpiece for you.  Enjoy it!  I hope I can see it in person one day.  You'll excuse the drool I hope.

Nice bow Brian.  After you have shot it for awhile, I will be interested to hear how it compares to the other JD Berry models that you have.  I was surprised to hear that Mudd likes his new North Star slightly better than his Vixen.

Enjoy your bow!

Rob

Thanks gang.
Linwood, I wish I could claim that importance but alas I cannot, I traded for this bow as I had something someone else wanted and I'd probably trade my house to get my hands on another JD berry   .
And moots a Vixen was my FIRST JD Berry and the bow that started it all for me.

Ill give you my run down on the model comparisons in a bit. It

Unstrung profile


This is to show the amount of backset

Beautiful bow Brian. Like moebow, Iam anxiously waiting for the call to say my Vixen is ready for production. Until then, I guess my Morningstar will have to do.

Why am I not surprised Brian?...LOL

I have yet to handle or shoot one of Mr Berry;s bows that didn't perform with superiority over a large number of bows I have tried over the years.

Congratulations Brian!!

God bless,Mudd

Man thats awesome Brian!

Seeing this vixen keeps me going back and forth between taipan, vixen, northstar! My name is coming up in a couple weeks and i cant make up my darn mind!!!

Brain you have lost your right to post until you take one of those bows out and go hunting!

WOW!!  Pretty sexy bow Brian!!  Man the color of that riser and the contrast between the cores and the veneers ... striking!  That is a super looking bow Brian.  I figured you would like the boo!      

I do not think that Mr. Berry makes bad bow.

Good on ya Brian.  I am looking for a more detailed report as to how she shoots once it stops raining.

Bob.

What you have there is a true "deep core" bow.
Just beautiful, Brian.  I do believe that bow would be a great Wapiti bow - She screams "power" to me.

Have fun and good luck with your new Vixen.

Thanks y'all. I'm looking forward to putting her thru her paces tomorow.
Nova, I wish I could make it out, but hey I did go squirrel hunting Monday with the kids and the Northstar!!!

Sweet looking bow!