Which Widow for test drive?

[Mojostick]

I'm thinking about trying the Widow demo program to test a bow. I hunt mainly from tree and ladder stands. I draw around 29" and would like something 58-60" in the mid-50's. The easier to shoot, the better. LOL

I prefer 1 pc recurves. Is there any real difference between the PTF and PA?

Is the PSR easy to shoot or will any form problems pop up more with this bow than the others?

Any thoughts or suggestions?

[gregg dudley]

I see you like the one piece style, but if you are flexible on that you need to try a 6o inch PMA.  It is a three piece take-down.  You will love it.

[Shawn Leonard]

Try the 60" PTF, you will like it, not much difference in the PA and that, the Widow one-piece bows perform a tad bit better than their two piece as well. The PSR has more of a low wrist grip like their longbow, if ya do not mind that than the PSR is nice as well. I myself love their PTF with the Asbell grip. Shawn

[Onestringer]

Heck try them all.  I shoot a 62" with a 29" draw.  I like the psa take downs.  Try the PA one piece if you are looking for a one piece.

Scott

[John3]

I own both a PSA and PGA.. The one piece bow out performs (at least I think it does) the take down widow.  Plus I love a one piece recurve.

JDS III

[Mojostick]

OK, next question, what's the benefit/difference between a standard grip and the Asbell grip, other than personal feel?
I like "bigger" grips, so I'd probably go that route anyway.
I found a good pic here...
 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=057905

I'm relatively new to the finer points of trad bows after almost 30 years of compounds. I know I still have a few form issue's because I still have some inconsistencies and the occasional flyer arrow. Although, I think I've pinned that down to my release hand, plucking or throwing my release hand away from my face at release and trying to peek at the arrow.
But with that said, does a thicker palm do anything to help stabilize my bow hand or is it irrelvant to anything I may or may not be doing with my bow hand and just personal feel?
I hope these aren't stupid questions, I'm just exploring what may be an easier bow for my to shoot more consistenly, after I solve any form issues.

[mooseman76]

I've owned both grips and there is only a slight difference in the feel, IMO.  I grip the bow the same way with both grips and I feel that the standard grip is just a little small in the palm swell for me.  It works just fine, but feels like it needs a little more meat there.  The Asbell grip fills up that spot a little better for me and is more comfortable.  

My suggestion and this is what I did, so it is just my opinion.  Test drive the standard grip.  If you like it, but feel like if it were just a little fuller then the Asbell is right for you.  If you test drive the Asbell grip and don't like it, it may be a little harder to figure out what the standard grip will feel like.  

I shot the standard grip then talked to one of the Widow boys on the phone and said exactly what I told you.  If it were just a tad fuller in the palm swell it would be perfect.  They then told me they felt the Asbell grip would be perfect.  

If you are set on a 1 piece get the one based on mass weight.  I've shot em both and they shoot identical to me.  The PA is a little (very little) more stable as it is heavier in the hand.  But the PTF sure is a very shapely recurve.  Some of the nicest lines to me.  I don't think you'll like the PSR (but you never know till you try) simply because of the fact that you like "bigger" grips.  I opt for the PSA though.  Shoots better for me and I like the option of extra limbs and takedown for travel.  Good luck and keep us posted...Mike

[DesertDude]

here's my new PTF Osage/Cocbolo

 

[pseman]

Try the PA. Then tell me what you think of it because I am leaning toward purchasing one in the future.

[MCNSC]

I owned a standard grip and Ashbell grip at the same time and felt I was more consistant with the standard grip. I sold the Ashbell griped bow and now have 2 PSA's with the standard grip. Best to try both if possible. My hands are not that big maybe that is the difference.
Mike

[Flyrite]

Where do you live in Michigan? I am south of Flint. I own a PSAX, PGA and PLX that you can come over and try out. Let me know.

[Dave Lay]

I own a PGA and a PSA both with the asbell grip, and both 60 inch.  I feel the PSA is a more stable bow (more mass weight) and a little quieter than the PGA, although the PGA is about 3 or 4 ft faster at the same weight and shootin the same arrow. But I feel that my PSA is the best recurve built, bar none.. one thing, if ya get the asbell grip and feel the standard is more to your liking, I was told that they can take it down to the standard grip, ..

[larry]

try a 62" PTFV and you'll be hooked. I've shot all the widow's in darn near every length, but there's something special about said bow above

larry

[Mojostick]

Flyrite, thanks for the offer. But I'm over by Grand Rapids.
I had BW send out a 60" PA Ironwood 53@28 with a standard grip for a test drive. For $60, it's cheaper than driving over your way. LOL Sad, but true.
They had an Asbell grip in like 47lbs.

I'd like to shoot an Asbell grip at K-Zoo in January, but first I want to see if I like it enough to sell a Turkey Creek and a RER to finance it.

I like the looks of that PA, plus it's a little heavier. I also like the look of the tulipwood.
Anyone have any pics of their tulipwood BW? I seen 2 different pics and one looked pretty bright and the other looked perfect for hunting.
That tulipwood sure is sharp looking though.

[MCNSC]

You might as well go ahead and put your other bows up for sell now,they will be soon anyway.(Kidding) I could not feel much difference in the standard and Ashbel grips but was definatly more consistant with the standard for some reason. Bad part is I have owned wuite a few Widows and the one with the Ashbel grip was the only one I bought new. Wish I had checked with them about cutting it down, didnt know they could do that.
Mike

[PrarrieDog]

If I could, I'd try a two piece takedown longbow.
Thier purdyful.

[Mojostick]

I don't have any real use for a 2 pc. I like 1 pc for some odd reason. I mainly hunt my own property and, with a new house and 2 little ones, won't be traveling anywhere else to hunt anytime soon.
The 1 pc fits in the storage box on the truck real well.

[Overspined]

Unless you order otherwise. The PSR is made for a high wrist grip without the palm swell support...

[Jedimaster]

I really do love the PSA series.  I've tried soooo many bows and the PSA is one of the very best for me.  I shoot most consistently with a high wrist grip and plenty of mass so a PSA with the Asbell grip is just the cat's meow.  I've got bows that are pretty and bows that are fast but to kill things you have to be accurate and consistent.  Combine that with the customer service/support and track record and the BW folks score high marks.  Besides, I think their good lookin' too.  Good luck with your decision.  Wish I was getting ready to order one too.

[Mike Bolin]

I would opt for the PSA series. I too like the looks and feel of a one piece bow, but my current bout with this nerve problem in my neck has caused me to reconsider in terms of practicality. While recovering and going thru therapy I found I couldn't handle any of my bows in the mid 50# to mid 60# range. I in turn had to sell off a couple of bows in order to get a bow in a weight range I could handle. I now have a 3 pc. with a heavier set of limbs coming in the near future. Another point to consider is that accidents do happen. I know of a very experienced bowhunter that closed his recurve tip in his tailgate one dark night. Had he not had another set of limbs at the house, he would have been without a hunting bow for at least a few weeks. Whatever you decide, good luck and good hunting! Mike