If you could only purchase 1 bow??

[far rider]

I'd really like to try a Cari-bow R/D.

[coaster500]

I might say a Big Jim Buffalo Bow but with your leaning a bite toward a recurve then the ThunderChild is the perfect blend of both worlds for me...IMHO

[Mike Vines]

I'm going to throw another name in the hat.  I love my R.E.R. LXR (take down longbow/recurve combo), but you can get either the LX (longbow) or XR (recurve) for $625 for the base model, but it is so hard to stick with the base when the more you add the better it looks.

[SEMO_HUNTER]

Your right Mike, add ons always get ya.

I keep seeing Big Jims bows brought up quite often too. Those Thunderchilds are very nice looking bows! I need to find a trad only bow shop to shoot some bows to get an idea I guess?

Anybody know where I could find one close to my area? I'm about 60 miles straight south of St. Louis, Mo. if that helps.

[Night Wing]

It's just a little out of your $500-$600 price range, but for $675, my vote would be for a Wes Wallace one piece Mentor recurve.

[Pandaros]

I'd wait for a used BW PLX to come around at that price and keep my fingers crossed.

[Cal bow]

Black widow PMAX in osage orange.

[Cookus]

I'm with Mudd, treat yourself to a Howard Hill!   These bows shoot where you look.   They don't chrono with my widows but they're accurate and just plain enjoyable to shoot!   As a bowhunter picking my shots, accuracy has always killed... Speed is nice but it is secondary!

[Mike Vines]

Originally posted by Cookus:
I'm with Mudd, treat yourself to a Howard Hill!   These bows shoot where you look.   They don't chrono with my widows but they're accurate and just plain enjoyable to shoot!   As a bowhunter picking my shots, accuracy has always killed... Speed is nice but it is secondary!

So very true.

[owlbait]

Did I mention Zipper Hunter $600. T/D, great performing limbs. Could upgrade the limbs at a later date....Longbows-one piece Longwalker by TwoTracks or Osprey from Chad Holms both Sponsors.

[amar911]

I would also recommend a Holm-Made bow for the best bargain in a fast, smooth custom bow. Call Chad and see what he may have available already that he would be willing to sell for his best price. Or you can custom order either a longbow or a recurve with nice woods of your choice. If you only need a one piece, the price of the bow will be well within your range. Or Chad can add a BowBolt for $200 and make it a takedown.

Allan

[bowhunter97]

I would find a used Black Widow. I had a 05 pma for sale for 500 not long ago.

[SEMO_HUNTER]

Originally posted by owlbait:
Did I mention Zipper Hunter $600. T/D, great performing limbs. Could upgrade the limbs at a later date....Longbows-one piece Longwalker by TwoTracks or Osprey from Chad Holms both Sponsors.

I can't find those on their website? I've looked and everything I've seen is $800 or above, that's well out of my class.
Please post a link if you have one. Thanks.

Also I just got done looking at the slide show on Big Jim's website......Wow!
I really, really, like the looks of those TC's!
Are they PDQ?? (pretty dang quick)
And hit where your lookin? That's what I'm after right there.  

[xtrema312]

The zipper hunter is new.  Give Bill a call or e-mail about it.  Just how long do you want to wait for a bow?  It will be a good while for a thunder child.

[critter69]

I say spend the extra money and get a big jim, zipper, bob morrison or one of the other bowyers and shoot a realy nice work of art.

[JCJ]

Bruin Woodsmaster. $550 for a one-piece, $575 for a T/D. Mike Steliga has been building these fine bows since 1982.

[xtrema312]

If you want a hybrid check out the Hill Country Harvest Master.  Base price under $500 and that is clear glass.  Check out what Pete Ward had to say about it. This is a great hunting bow that is accurate, very quiet, good performance and with top notch craftsmanship for a great price.

[SEMO_HUNTER]

I don't mind waiting for something that I know will be worth it. I wish I knew someone who had a few of these bows so I could shoot them and feel the difference before making a committment.
I do know one guy who's also a member on here and we are kinda friends, but he lives in KY.
Quite a ways from me.

That's the problem with a custom bow, you can't just walk into a bow shop and shoot one.

[mwosborn]

Got to vote for the RER - quiet, quick, and shoots well for me.  I recommend shooting as many as you can before you buy.  Not always easy to do.  Good luck.

[Montanawidower]

I own a bunch of widows, don't get me wrong they are fast, accurate bows. But...  My new desire is a Toelke Lynx.  Sweet bow.