Damon Howatt recurves

Rob DiStefano · July 18, 2026, 02:03:48 PM

It's like deja vu for me whenever I see these bows brought back to life and being offered today. Waaay back in my day ('50s and '60s) most of drooled over these classy bows, what with their sculptured risers and matching of exotic woods. Though I was a longbow guy thru and thru, I did get to have a few Howatts cause why not! - Matador, Monterey, and Del Rey. To me, they signify the golden age of the modern recurve ... and still do today.

Matador ad.jpg

M60gunner · July 18, 2026, 03:01:25 PM

I remember back in the early 70's Damon Howatt was the most popular bow in the club I belonged to. They were sure nice looking bows back then. Of course I had to try a couple but the grip just didn't feel right so I passed. Course I wasn't aware I could have reshaped the grip. The new bows look great as well but yes, there is something special about those older bows that makes me turn and look.

Hud · July 19, 2026, 03:25:11 AM

I liked their Hunter, Diablo and Super Diablo, but preferred a narrower handle and rest found on 59 and later Kodiaks. The Damon Howatt bows were very popular.

McDave · July 19, 2026, 09:08:10 AM

A variable thrust compensator? Wow! That would cost $137.50 by itself today; back then it came with a bow attached! I wonder if they worked?

Possum Head · July 19, 2026, 09:10:51 AM

You are so right about that Mr. Rob! Good times.

Rob DiStefano · July 19, 2026, 12:00:48 PM

Quote from: McDave on July 19, 2026, 09:08:10 AMA variable thrust compensator? Wow! That would cost $137.50 by itself today; back then it came with a bow attached! I wonder if they worked?

That was my first Howatt, the Matador in partridge wood. Those VTC's actually worked quite well in dampening the limb vibration felt throughout the riser, just as advertised.

ozy clint · July 20, 2026, 04:50:07 PM

Do they answer emails?
I've tried contacting them twice with no response.

Wudstix · July 22, 2026, 02:40:26 PM

My second hunting bow was a Damon Howatt Hunter, 65# that I foolishly traded away, because I got a Big River 67# recurve bow.

Terry Green · July 23, 2026, 08:20:03 AM

I remember these bows from my childhood. THe man that taught me to shoot when I was 8 years old had lots of bows. He was ranked 3rd in the nation at one time, among other very interesting things, one that changed target shooting.

Anyway, he had a Damon Howatt curve. It was really cool looking back then, and STILL is today.

Pompano Joe · July 23, 2026, 10:29:24 AM

Yes, very cool bows. I have two.

Wudstix · July 26, 2026, 11:15:11 PM

I lucked into a prototype Howatt Takedown recurve that has no name and very few markings on it. Kinda looks like a TD Hunter.