Schafer compared to a Predator Recurve?

flint kemper · December 21, 2011, 07:44:00 PM

Has anyone shot both and could offer opinions on them both for comparisons sake? I have not shot either one but have held a Predator but it was a lefty. I liked the feel of the grip and weight of it as well. Really did not look at the craftsmanship though. Would like to shoot each one sometime. It is hard to tell alot about a bow from pictures. Thanks Flint

Whitetail Chaser · December 21, 2011, 08:10:00 PM

I have both. The Schafer is a smooth smooth shooter. I ordered it custom, waited 12 months, and it was surely worth it. A Schafer is truly a hand crafted, custom bow. Performance is great.

The Predator I got recently, and it is also a great performer. It does not have all the custom options you can get on a Schafer, but the fit and finish are very good.

For me the grip is the key. My Schafer has a checkered grip that I love. I put a Shur-Grip on the Predator, and now I love it too.

Sorry I cannot be of more help. I would order a Schafer custom, then get a Predator second hand. That way you can shoot the Predator for a year until the Schafer arrives. Then you'll have to decide which to keep.

Brett

DWT · December 21, 2011, 08:15:00 PM

I have owned 3 predators and currently shoot a silvertip. Both are very well made great performing bows and you cannot go wrong with either, I guess I like the shafer better but that is personal preference.

Warchild · December 22, 2011, 07:34:00 AM

Please

e alexander · December 22, 2011, 07:48:00 AM

I've owned both, and both are great performers. I like the schafer grip better, and I think the schafer is quiter (at least mine was). With that said, the Predator is a great value.

ron w · December 22, 2011, 02:57:00 PM

I have a "TIP" and I have handled a Predator. I love the Silvertip, I thought the Predator was a very nice bow but the grip and I did not get along. I have a friend that shoots his Predator very ,very well! For me I think the Silvertip has one of the best recurve grips out there....but everyone is different!

Jack Whitmire Jr · December 22, 2011, 03:00:00 PM

Schafer hands down

BowZen · December 22, 2011, 03:12:00 PM

I have shot a lot of bows. The Schafer recurve is smooth, very smooth, and that's critical to me. You won't go wrong with that one.

md126 · December 22, 2011, 05:54:00 PM

what jack whitmire said x2!

the predator might be a decent shooter but if you didn't like the craftsmanship then move on. too many great bows/bowyers to settle for average craftsmanship imo.

i've had several schafers (and still do) and have handled many others. i've also owned/shot lots of other bows. you'd be hard pressed to find a better bowyer/craftsman than dave windauer. some select few might be as good but none better.

again, just my opinion

hvyhitter · December 22, 2011, 05:57:00 PM

Shoot them both and see what you like.......I've shot several of both........own 2 Predators.......

Plumber · December 22, 2011, 06:07:00 PM

they are both nice bows.but the schafer just happens to be a very very nice bow.I have shot both an own a schafer.get the schafer it is soooo worth the wait.

Oak518 · December 22, 2011, 11:10:00 PM

only bad thing about the schafer is the wait. The predator very solid bow. I find the schafers more smoother and custom.

Danny Rowan · December 23, 2011, 11:15:00 AM

You cannot get this workmanship on a Predator.

Schafer's rule

Covey · December 23, 2011, 11:23:00 AM

Danny, I can't imagine taking that tip to the wood's. Beautiful bow!! I must say Silvertip has the best grip ( IMO ) of any recurve out there.

Jason

Danny Rowan · December 23, 2011, 02:17:00 PM

Jason it was made to kill things.

Mint · December 23, 2011, 02:24:00 PM

It all depends on how much money you want to spend. The Schaefer is almost twice the price of the Predator.

hybridbow hunter · December 23, 2011, 02:37:00 PM

That is a very unfair comparison !!

Pretty sure you could have done exactly the same with a $549.99 predator hunter Danny, and maybe with a couple of pound lighter predator as the predator is a faster bow :D

Bowwild · December 23, 2011, 04:40:00 PM

I also have both.

I have the duded up Anniversary Predator and it is very nice looking. The finish is great, the bow is solid, and the grip, while simple feels very nice. This bow reminds me of a Bear SK except in Takedown. It is very smooth drawing, maybe the smoothest bow I've shot.

The Schafer is more custom in terms of the options you can order (also about $500+ more expensive depending upon options). The checkered grip does feel nice and this bow is also a smooth shooter.

You can from my summer's chrono results the Schafer is slightly faster with the same arrow as the Predator. I have to note though that I have a skinny string on the Schafer and a FF but non-skinny string on the Predator.

Predator Anniversary-60" - 46#@26"
415 - 165 ft/sec
505 - 153 ft/sec

Silver Tip 58"-- 47#@26"
415 - 172 ft/sec
505 - 161 ft/sec

Both these bows are definitely keepers!

Steve O · December 23, 2011, 04:42:00 PM

Being Ron is from Michigan, I have seen hundred of Predators. There are many gourgeous Predators out there...you can order anything you want and his craftsmanship and quality of work are every bit as good as Dave's. They are both very well built bows that will not let you down in the field and to put down someone's work because there isn't gold inlay or scroll work is ridiculous. I have had both and know many, many owners of both and have never heard of one having a bit of trouble.

IMO...from shooting both more than a little in the not too distant past...

Predator is a hair faster at the same weight and has a more bulbous grip.

Danny Rowan · December 23, 2011, 06:45:00 PM

Steve,

I never said one bad thing about the Predator bows so do not put words in my mouth. The guy asked for opinions and I gave mine respectfully and showed a few pics of my beautiful Tip.