If you look at the classifieds, you will see that Shrew's and Griffins go very fast and hold great resale value.  I have 30 or so custom's L/B, Re-curves and hi'breds by most of the big name bowyers.

These were all acquired in my search for "The Bow" which in my case is the Griffin hi'breds.

These bows fit me like a glove, are beautiful and really preform. If you do go this route with a "Hi End Custom" I would suggest you look at what ever T/D modle they have available and get one.  With luggage restrictions what they are these days, and if you ever fly to hunt, it will become clear that a take down was the "Right Choice"

What ever you choose, if at all possible "try before you buy" So you too don't invest thousands looking for "The One"

Wish I had!  The wife would stil be happy with me and I could have had more money for huts along the journey.

                 

Gene

How is it possible that no one has mentioned a Thunderhorn. You can get his base 1pc for $450 and his base 3pc starts at $650. You'll never find a better craftsman then Duane.

It doesn't matter just pic one, you'll never be satisfied with just one anyway.

If your goal is reasonable price, but excellent shooting....... then  a couple immediately come to mind.

Check out the base models by these guys(they are all recurves);

Timber Hawk Talon Hunter Takedown recurve $549

Rose Oak Tomcat take down recurve $450

Bob Lee Hunter Take down Recurve $500

Assenheimer Hunter Takedown recurve $605


These are the cheapest I can think of, but I actually prefer them to many "top of the line" bows.  Excellent shooters for the money. Keep in mind these bowyers also have higher priced options, but their base models are VERY good.

Just my opinion,
Charlie

Another Kanati fan here , very easy to shoot and alot of bang for your buck .

Mike

Griffin

Blacktail
Black widow
Robertson
Morrison
Schaffer
Dale dye
Wallace
Rer
Fox
Border

I would say you need to talk to Bill Dunn and test drive a Zipper you will not be dissapointed, I love them, I will own another one soon!

How many used Blacktails do you ever see for sale? Not very many, that has to say something. I wish that I had bought a Columbian Blacktail longbow before Norm stopped making them. I have never seen a used one for sale, much less left handed. You don't see very many of O.L.'s bows resold either, so to me what's not for sale points to a likely good thing.

Buy a used Widow and work your way down till you find something you like...PR

Isn't traditional archery the greatest. Soo many bows soo little time.

Black Widow by far and away...you will only need one for the rest of your life but unlikely you will stop at just one.  I personally know of three Morrisons that have literally exploded in the last 5 months and grief ensued for replacements.  Just my two-cents.

QuoteOriginally posted by BEETLE GUY:
There are so many great bow builders but who has the best for the money.

"the best for the money" ?   Depends on if your talkin big money or little money.  

If budget is a concern, then Chek-mate can't be beat. Great bows, great price.    

If budget isn't a concern, then I'd lean towards a ....... [fill in the check blank here]

Killie:  As Winston Churchill once said, and I'm paraphrasing a little, "Man will now and then stumble upon the truth, and most times he will pick himself up and carry on."  Your post makes a lot of sense.

Treadway.

It is all very subjective. I have owned most of the custom recurves out there and anyone with a mediem to high beefy grip I shoot well. RER, Robertsons, Widow(Asbell grip)Fedoras. This is not to say they all have a beefy grip but they all will make one to suit ya. I now shoot RER bows and that is about it. Shawn

It is all very subjective. I have owned most of the custom recurves out there and anyone with a mediem to high beefy grip I shoot well. RER, Robertsons, Widow(Asbell grip)Fedoras. This is not to say they all have a beefy grip but they all will make one to suit ya. I now shoot RER bows and that is about it. Shawn

Given enough $$$, I'd go for a Saluki Scythian.

I think the idea here is economy. It might be helpful to let him in on pricing of recommended bows. There a good number of bowyers that make bows in the $500 range. Help him out with those you are aware of gentlemen. I listed 4 I think, but many of you hve WAY more knowledge than me.

-Charlie

Zipper Bows are sweet in addition to the others
I listed. Their prices start around $650 I believe.

How would you rate a Thunderstick III?