Pronghorn vs. Black Canyon bows

longbow fanatic 1 · August 31, 2013, 10:59:00 AM

I've noticed that Black Canyon bows appear to be very similar in appearance, i.e. handle design, limb configuration..., as the Pronghorn bows. I'm interested in the longbow, three piece design.

Has anyone shot both bows? If so, what are your thoughts on the similarities and the differences between these bows. Specifically, I'm interested in the shoot-ability, forgiveness, accuracy and craftsmanship of these bows.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

Dennis

MnFn · August 31, 2013, 11:53:00 AM

Never had a BC so don't know about that. I have had three Pronghorns and I like them very much. I sold the first two so I could buy this three piece. I really like the Pronghorn grip. The bow itself is very smooth drawing, and very consistant from shot to shot. And the finish is flawless to my eye. Zebrawood riser and bamboo limbs. This one is 56#@27" 60".

MnFn · August 31, 2013, 02:15:00 PM

Everybody must be getting ready for hunting, I know at least half a dozen guys here who shoot Pronghorn bows.
G

longbow fanatic 1 · August 31, 2013, 02:21:00 PM

Thanks, MnFn. Absolutely beautiful bow!

Lamey · August 31, 2013, 04:39:00 PM

shot/owned both, for me its the BC. There are subtle things (contours) you don't readily see in the grip I really like. Also like the tips and tip wedges Mike uses on his bows, very well designed/executed.

M.Kerry Bird · August 31, 2013, 09:57:00 PM

I like the looks of the black canyon bows better. I noticed he has a year plus wait now.

azhunter · August 31, 2013, 10:31:00 PM

I have had 2 pronghorns and I have a black canyon. Both great bows. Cannot go wrong with either. I like the grip on the Black Canyon better. The finish on my black canyon is perfect. Great attention to detail. The last pronghorn that I purchased new had some bubbles in the finish on the outside of one of the limb wedges. Both I think are incredible bows. No hand shock, shoot where you look and very quiet. I think my choice would come down to which grip I liked better. I know that is a very personal thing.

longbow fanatic 1 · August 31, 2013, 10:58:00 PM

Great information! Thanks a bunch!

sheephunter · September 01, 2013, 12:27:00 AM

I have owned a few Pronghorns and they were great bows but I prefer my BC. Like the grip better. Can't go wrong either way but my hat tip goes to BC, worth the wait!

trad_bowhunter1965 · September 01, 2013, 12:05:00 PM

I think you need to shoot both and make your own decision I have never shot a BC and i don't know the Bowyer but I have two Pronghorn longbow and ordering a third they are shooters I have talk with Herb Meland and is a stand up guy.

bearsfeet · September 01, 2013, 02:22:00 PM

I bought one of the pronghorns from mnfn and like it. I have had about 3 different pronghorns over time and like them more than any other longbow I have shot.

WRV · September 01, 2013, 02:54:00 PM

I have owned 3 pronghorns and all were good bows. Never shot the other.

Kyodai · September 01, 2013, 09:50:00 PM

I only have passing experience with the black canyon, but we did chrono the bows next to each other. My 58@28 pronghorn vs a 60@28 black canyon. The canyon was faster every time with 3 different shooters by about 10 fps.

My Pronghorn did average 170 with a 560 grn arrow. Black Canyon did average 179. Really fast bow. In the time I spent with the Canyon, I noticed these things:

The Canyon was louder, but not by a lot. Still a quiet bow.

The pronghorn was more forgiving and had a smoother draw. I honestly feel like the pronghorns are one of the few bows that truly feel way lighter than they scale, by a lot.

Fit and finish is beautiful on both.

Mike hays bows feel like they got a lot more tension at brace.

That being said, my Pronger is my favorite bow, I shoot it better than anything else I've owned. But I am ordering a a black Canyon come Christmas

longbow fanatic 1 · September 01, 2013, 10:11:00 PM

Thanks for all the info! Truly appreciated. I wish I could shoot both bows. It would really help my decision making process easier!

Steve Jr · September 02, 2013, 03:30:00 PM

I have a pronghorn you can shoot if you live near me. I'm in NW Indiana.

cobullelk · September 02, 2013, 07:36:00 PM

First, let me say that both are fine bows. Limb design and grip are slightly different. Black Canyon has slightly more pronounced reflex/deflex limb and deeper grip riser.

I own two 62", takedown Pronghorns. The first is an all-bamboo limb and the second is a Bob Limb with Tonkin Cane/Bamboo/Osage. The all-bamboo limbs have a very smooth draw. The Bob Limb is higher performance, but with a stiffer draw.

cobullelk · September 02, 2013, 07:37:00 PM

longbow fanatic 1 · September 02, 2013, 10:01:00 PM

Thanks,Cobullelk. Great description!

ELKDUDE07 · September 03, 2013, 10:04:00 PM

Have owned a 3pc pronghorn but sold it in a buying/selling/trading frenzy I was going thru. Very smooth and quiet bow. Took my first 2 trad deer with that bow several years ago and often wish I had it back. Shot a 3pc Black Canyon longbow a couple of years and loved it. Currently have one on order that should be coming soon. Both very similar bows with the most noticeable difference in the grip. Couldn't go wrong with either bow in my opinion.