I need another bow like I need a hole in the head.  LOL.  My current stable is better than it has ever been for me...got a group of winners...

BUT

Bowholism is bowholism,

And I have a chance at a lefty Rick Welch-built all-bocote Dakota Pro Hunter 3pc longbow,

And I would like the straight talk on them.  You almost never see them for sale, and a lefty well never. So far have read nothing but compliments.  Wondering if past years' comments still hold true today?

Now many of you know I have owned many of the true 'greats' as far as high end bows go, so I have a 'critical' eye and I expect a bow to shoot sweetly if I am to hold onto it for any length of time.

Not saying I'm buying this one, as I'd have to get a little creative since I just snagged that Schafer and budget is poor, but I can always list something else in the stable for sale.  I keep one or two 'rotation' bows and the fella with this Dakota is in no huge hurry.

So, what say you?  Best buy?  Or 'decent' but not a 911?

Should I just s.t.f.u. stop cruising the classifieds and stick to my plans of getting on the list for either another Centaur, or another 3pc Slammer, or a second set of limbs for my Schafer, or maybe a Timberghost?  LOL.

Get it man. Reading your write ups on a new bow, is almost like I'm getting a new bow myself, lol.

Why not satisfied with current stable??  Seems like a gamble to get this one and think it will out perform the others...

EDIT: ok, I see your clarification that you love your current line-up.


I'm not the expert and have not heard anything bad about Dakota bows.  I hope to test shoot one someday.

Decisions, decisions!  You only live once!

No no Jack, I was trying to say I LOVE my current stable of bows, love my current line up more than I ever have at any other time, that's why my voice of reason is like 'wtf do you need another bow for you junkie!'  LOL!

I've become jaded at purchasing bows and have a simple rule now. I don't buy anything unless it outperforms what I have. I won't buy it even if it equals what I have. Of course that means shooting the bow so that is rule #2, I won't buy a bow unless I shoot it.

But in your case, if you have the cash and need to scratch an itch, go for it.

QuoteOriginally posted by reddogge:
I've become jaded at purchasing bows and have a simple rule now. I don't buy anything unless it outperforms what I have. I won't buy it even if it equals what I have. Of course that means shooting the bow so that is rule #2, I won't buy a bow unless I shoot it.

But in your case, if you have the cash and need to scratch an itch, go for it.

Wise words.  Very wise.  I should listen to you.      

I agree in principle.  I have worked hard to whittle down my stable to a handful of top shelf bows that are all different enough from each other, whether it be length, poundage, or style that it keeps things interesting and ensures I have a bow for pretty much any occasion.  All are top performers in looks and performance.  Really the only thing I look out for anymore is stuff that's interesting.  

I guess I'm just intrigued by these bows and wonder if it's worth trying or whether I would find it mediocre.

A lot of the top line bowyers are represented in my collection, but my favorite is my Dakota Pro Hunter. Bows are very personal things, and no two bows made of wood to the same specs will perform exactly the same.

Ricks bows are excellent.  I had one and donated it for a raffle for a fellow in need.  It hurt to do it and I wish I had it back.  I will be ordering another one someday.

I don't think you'll like it more than your slammer. And yes you should get on the list for a centaur. Maybe a dark matter chimera with diamond back skins on the back and some fancy carving or inlay work.

Or you can buy it try it out and if you don't like it resell it on the classifieds...

9w9
I had a Dakota and loved it. Weight was unbelievable and speed was killer.  Go for it man

Andrew

I Have One Of Rick Pro Hunter Longbow All Bocote wood its 28@50@62 shoots awsome

you had me at Bocote

I have shot a couple of his bows.  Phenomenal.  I have not shot the longbow though.  His recurves are definitely hard to beat in terms of performance though.  He likes heavy massed risers.  If you aren't into that then I would pass.

I've shot Ricks bows. Recurve and L/B.  I learned to shoot from him..  Good dude... Some don't like his "plain spoken/ southern" mannerisms, but he is a good dude...  His bow are not the prettiest bows out there, but they shoot better for me than anything I've ever picked up...  I'd say if you can get it... Do it.. If you are not pleased with it, you can sell it in no time!  If you get a right handed Dakota , holler at me, I'll take it...

Get it!

Thanks for the input so far guys.  Pastor Steve, Ceme', etc, your votes of confidence I find pretty significant, knowing y'all's taste in bows.  Hmmm.  Now if he would just be willing to work on the price some more... And I also have to convince myself to sell one of my 'rotation' bows.  

LOL.

We all know where this is headed!  LOL

If you don't like it PM me before you put it up for sale.


     

I have had some of the best bows made, and for me the Dakota is the one, that's why I sold everything else and ordered another, no grip out there that fits me like the Dakota, and smooth and smoking fast and just a pleasure to shoot, you better jump on this, like you said you dont see them very often, and for a reason. It wont be the prettiest bow you have but it will be the best shooting

I love Rick's bows.    

I have several and just got a call from Rick yesterday saying he is about to ship me a new one.  The latest is a 58" 50@28" Dakota Pro Hunter.

Now, I have 58", 60", 62" and 64" models.

Did I mention that I like Rick's bows?

Well, wasn't sure I was gonna be able to make it work, but seller and I worked out a mutually beneficial deal and this Dakota 3pc longbow is now going to be headed my way for testing and a full review.  Stay tuned.

QuoteOriginally posted by ceme24:
We all know where this is headed!  LOL

If you don't like it PM me before you put it up for sale.


           

Hey Colin, get in line - I pm'd him last week about that.   :D