New Dryad Orion W/Pictures

Jedimaster · July 09, 2008, 08:13:00 PM

This is the P.M. I sent to Mike after my Orion arrived on 6/20/08:

"Mike, I love the bow. I know that is a big statemtent considering it just arrived today, but OH MY! It is beautiful beyond what I imagined. Of course the true test is performance. I shot it with a ***(bow's name omitted)*** and I will tell you this bow is giving nothing up in smoothness or speed. It balances perfect in the hand and it is just the right weight to make a stable shooting platform without causing fatigue. Man! I just can't get over how well it shot. I know people say this all the time and I also know it is usually hype but, this bow really did feel like it was 5 pounds lighter. I shot it a couple of dozen times and am very impressed, everything blends and flows so well. Even the tips show craftsmanship and attention to detail. I can compare this bow to others costing twice as much and I'd still prefer the Orion. You and Jason have a real winner."

After a couple of weeks I'm still impressed by this bow. This is one of the fastest bows I've ever shot, and I know speed isn't everything, but it is the icing on the cake.

sticshooter · July 09, 2008, 08:16:00 PM

yep I like that alot! Liver them limbs with the nodes!! you got a sweetheart of a bow. Now if it had longbow limbs I'd be heading to MS to shoot it!LOL<><

JC · July 09, 2008, 08:20:00 PM

Beautiful lines...sounds like excellent performance too. Well done Westvangs!

Jedimaster · July 09, 2008, 08:22:00 PM

Oh, forgot the specs - 58" AMO, 50@28". Tonkin boo under clear glass. For the riser I asked Mike to pick out the darkest and densest piece of cocobolo he could find. He did a great job.

Ray Hammond · July 09, 2008, 08:26:00 PM

thats for sure, Jedi. That is one of the prettiest pieces of coco I have ever seen..really like that swirly look.

Jedimaster · July 09, 2008, 08:32:00 PM

I've come to favor static tip recurves and this is a great example. I just prefer the feel of the draw and the quickness. If I remember correctly Brent at Black Mountain had some influence in the limb design - my hat is off to him as well.

Thanks Ray, I have a brother that just moved to Charleston SC and I told him we needed to see you about some hogs sometime. :D

Come on down Frank, it's plenty hot here. I got a watermelon in the fridge!

HATCHCHASER · July 09, 2008, 08:49:00 PM

I love my Orion longbow. I just got off of the phone with Mike last night to get a 2nd set of limbs. Ended up with another bow with twin longbow and recurve limbs. 60" recurve and 62" longbow, 55@30" . We had a discussion about the performance of the recurve limbs, and let's just say the numbers are comparible with anything out there. How do ya'll think Texas ebony would look with black glass?

Jedimaster · July 09, 2008, 09:20:00 PM

Oh yeah Hatchaser, we talked numbers too. I didn't post them because I don't want folks arguing over it. I can tell you though, shooting is believing. The bow I was shooting beside the Orion is absolute top of the line and no one would question it's superior performance. The Orion was every bit as fast and hard hitting. In fact, it's all I'm shooting. I would like to get another one some day. Your going to love those recurve limbs! Texas ebony with black glass sounds cool. I might go with black glass next time.

stick_string · July 10, 2008, 08:26:00 AM

I have a (Orion) Dryad Long Bow on the from another Trad Ganger that I am really excited to get my hands on. I have had the pleasure of going to Mike's shop and shooting some of the bows. They do awesome work.....Keep up the good work Jason!!

wingnut · July 10, 2008, 10:16:00 AM

I tell ya the pic do not do that Coco riser justice. It is one of the prettiest pieces of Coco we have worked with.

Glad you like it!!

Mike and Jason

Seeking Trad Deer · July 10, 2008, 10:28:00 AM

Great looking bow. Those limb tips remind me of Morrison's. That should be one fast bugger

Jedimaster · July 10, 2008, 11:31:00 AM

It is fast, and very comfortable to shoot. I wish I had a better picture to post of the tips. They are really well done.

Thanks again Mike and Jason. You went above what was required and it shows.

Gator1 · July 10, 2008, 12:14:00 PM

I get dibbs...

Chris Surtees · July 10, 2008, 01:10:00 PM

Beautiful bow!!! That is some pretty coco. Congrats!

Mike and Jason make some awesome bows. Can not wait to get mine.

bentpole · July 10, 2008, 06:05:00 PM

Beautiful bow! I really like that piece of cocoabolla and the dark Boo limbs. The only thing I would do different is to have a set of longbow limbs on it! Mitch it's too heavy for you.

wingnut · July 11, 2008, 07:42:00 AM

Bentpole,

A set of LB limbs with a riser just like that one is getting ready right now. It already has an owner but we could build one just for you. LOL

Come on up to ETAR and give em a go.

Mike

bentpole · July 11, 2008, 01:58:00 PM

Mike I would really like to but I can't make Etar. One day I will get the chance I guess. Keep making those pretty bows.

wihill · July 12, 2008, 12:18:00 PM

That is a beautiful bow. I went and adjusted the monitor so I could see the riser better. Absolutely beautiful wood.

I always told myself when I get good enough I wanted a takedown recurve, and after reading around on the forums I tacked on that I wanted static tips as well.

Mike your site has been bookmarked!

Jedimaster · July 12, 2008, 12:34:00 PM

Wihill, I have shot more than a few recurves. I've had some great bows, some of the "best", and all I can say is you owe it to yourself to try this one. There are many styles out there and just as many personal tastes. I like a few others and will keep a few around, but this is my hunting bow for the fall. If you can get to a shoot where Mike and Jason are, put a few arrows through one and see what I mean.