JD Berry Longbows

[Chromebuck]

The work of this bowyer is some of the finest available.  His decorative features are very ornate and perhaps unparalled.  In all honesty my build with Jim is a departure from his typical inlays and multiple wood flare and symetrical style risers.

All my personal builds have gravitated to a personal preference of black glass back and belly with a single dark wood riser(Nate Steele is to blame!).  In this case a highly figured and dark piece of coco cut on the bias.

My question to TG is about the JD nocks.  He offers the option of traditional tapered style nocks, but what are the thoughts on his more Asiatic style?  Can tip protectors be placed over them?  Is there any functional application to them or are they purely aesetic?  Would any JD Berry owners recommend them for any reason?  

 

Thanks,
~CB

[Brianlocal3]

CB,
The berry nocks were designed out of function first And it just do happens to look amazing. James designed them to allow for a more positive seating of the string. What I mean is the string is either in the grooves or not, there is no in between where your wondering or when you look up there only one half of the loop is in the grove and one out.

It is a fantastic design, and if I were to order the renaissance or apollo I would without reservation have them installed.  

But if you want the whole scoop just call James and ask, just make sure you have plenty of time to talk, it's been cold up there and he gets bored so you may be on the phone a while LOL

[trad_in_cali]

He only builds them on duoflex (D/R) bows. My Vixen has a power wedge, but no carved nocks.
And I love shooting it. Maybe obsessed is a better word.
Hey Brian, you seem as into them as I am. Amazing when it comes together like that, huh?
Marco

[Chromebuck]

It's definately one of his signature features.  BTW, I ordered a Taipan, which is the economical versionn of the Appollo D/R.  

It was a rather lengthy discussion since you mention it Brian, but is it me or isn't that a trait of most of our bowyers here on TG...    

James was even sympathetic to my desire for a plain hunting bow and even lowered the price from the base price of a Taipan.  That was a welcomed surprise.

His dialogue regarding the nocks is consistent with your statements Brian.  I still question if they will accomodate a tip protector however.  Perhaps a recurve tip protector is more in order with the mass of those tips.

~CB

[Brianlocal3]

Marcos,
I have not had the pleasure to shoot any of his duo-flex bows yet, but I have found perfection in his Vixen and Misty Dawn.  There are no finer American longbows made for my money. So yes, when you find what fits it is amazing. I plan on adding an Argos sometime

[Shawn Rackley]

I will post my taipan nocks later to demonstrate what brian is talking about. Also i will try to put my leather tip protector on it. Never tried it. But like brian said he is very functional and beautiful aswell. I love my taipan it has a special spot in my heart. And will always be mine. Alot of ppl have tried to buy it offa me for more than i paid for it. Its was my first of 5 jdberry customs.  Great bows.

[Brianlocal3]

Chrome,
James is good like that. If you are not interested in all of the overlays and multi wood risers, it takes less time to build so its easier for him.

I'm interested in what you think of it hen you get it.

And yes, I have noticed our fabulous bowers can talk about their trade!! And I am ALL ears.

[TOEJAMMER]

I have a Taipan with Jim's signature nocks and since I make my own leather tip protectors, I have no problem with them on these nocks.

[TOEJAMMER]

I have a Taipan with Jim's signature nocks and since I make my own leather tip protectors, I have no problem with them on these nocks.

[Shawn Rackley]

My longbow tip protector from american leathers fits just fine just tried it. Brian is gonna post pics for me later.

[Chromebuck]

Does anyone have a rubber tip protector on this style of nock?



Pretty unique tip that I guess is growing on me a bit, but still not sure if I'm fully committed yet...CB

[trad_in_cali]

Brian, I want an Argos too! And a reverse handle Hill-style (on list).
Come on over to California, let's go shoot with'em!
Marco

[soap creek]

On Brians recommendation I called James to ask a few questions, the next thing I know I got a Vixen on order.lol James is a pleasure to talk to and very knowledgeable.

[trad_in_cali]

Good job soap creek! You'll love it. JD is a great source of info and trad archery history.
He used to build Italy's longbows for our national field team in the early 90s.
Marco

[Brianlocal3]

Here is an American Leathers tip protector on Shawns Taipain.

[Chromebuck]

Hmmm...That fits and looks good.  I was thinking also that if I chose to go with a rubber style I could probably cut the length of one in half and
put just on the very tip.

Thanks Shawn & Brian!

Cheers

[Brianlocal3]

No problems, glad to help

[Mushin]

The Argos is the fastest one peice bow i have shot.Mine was in the 190s