Schafer compared to a Predator Recurve?

Steve O · December 23, 2011, 06:52:00 PM

Danny, not talking about you, you said they were made to hunt. Very true. It was a much earlier post that irked me.

flint kemper · December 23, 2011, 08:30:00 PM

Thanks for the opinions guys. Looks like I probably will not make it to Kalamazoo to try a predator. Maybe someone close has a Predator and Schafer I could shoot for a week or so to get a feel of them. Lots of good recurves out there. I am a longbow guy but wrist issues have me looking at making the switch to something a little more comfortable grip wise.

Yellow Dog · December 23, 2011, 09:01:00 PM

Flint, what kind of weight are you looking for?

Bonebuster · December 23, 2011, 09:30:00 PM

So many bows...so little time.

My Predator is 13 years old and beat to hell. I would buy a replacement without a second thought.
When it breaks in half...I will.

So many bows...so little time.

flint kemper · December 23, 2011, 09:45:00 PM

Yellow Dog, I shoot between 50-55 at 28 inch draw.

LV2HUNT · December 24, 2011, 08:25:00 AM

Kind of like comparing apples to oranges.

Brad_Gentry · December 24, 2011, 02:08:00 PM

Flint,
I've had both, and like a lot of others have said, it just comes down to what you like. Both are beautiful, high performance curves, and both exhibit excellent fit and finish as well. My Predator was 4# lighter in draw than my tip, and shooting the same weight arrows I still felt the predator was a little faster. It was also the smoothest drawing bow I've ever pulled. If I were going to buy another of the two, it would be the Predator; however, you need to get a hold of both and shoot them before you can really make that decision.

Brad

Craig · December 24, 2011, 02:53:00 PM

It's all personal. Just like what arrows you shoot, wood, aluminum or carbon. You need to try them your self. Call Dave and see if he has a bow in stock that you could try. Same with the Predator. If not there are many bowyers out there that will send you a bow to try. Just give them your credit card # and pay for shipping to and from. Other wise you will have no clue how they shoot. We all are different.

ChuckC · December 24, 2011, 03:19:00 PM

Danny I am betting you can't get that on a 600 dollar bow either.

The ONLY bad thing (If you call it that) about a Predator is the handles are not all the same (imagine that). . some are a bit wider and need bigger hands. So. . if you like big handles, but get one that is the smaller grip, you will be unhappy, and vice versa.

They are stable, shoot fast, shoot quietly and I don't see any problems with the workmanship on either of the two I own.

Just saying.
ChuckC

KHALVERSON · December 24, 2011, 05:47:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by ChuckC:
Danny I am betting you can't get that on a 600 dollar bow either.

The ONLY bad thing (If you call it that) about a Predator is the handles are not all the same (imagine that). . some are a bit wider and need bigger hands. So. . if you like big handles, but get one that is the smaller grip, you will be unhappy, and vice versa.

They are stable, shoot fast, shoot quietly and I don't see any problems with the workmanship on either of the two I own.

Just saying.
ChuckC

i tried several predators and finaly found a smaller grip and love it
kevin

highcountry · December 24, 2011, 05:56:00 PM

OMG Danny, your bow is my computer screen saver! Taking that beauty out in the woods? You are way tougher than I.

Danny Rowan · December 24, 2011, 07:25:00 PM

Steve, sorry, yeah all bows are made for hunting and shooting, no sense in buying one to just admire,IMO.

Vic, I guess I just use them for what they were intended,but I am careful,LOL.

FarmerMarley · December 25, 2011, 12:28:00 AM

Haven't tried a Silvertip yet but I love the Predators.

Jack Whitmire Jr · December 25, 2011, 05:28:00 AM

I agree with Danny it would almost be against man law to not hunt with a bow made to be hunted with . I have a old Browning Citori that has all the blueing worn off the receiver from being carried from the day I bought it , it adds Mojo . Same with his Schafer , it will get some small handling marks and woodlore but it will be fine . Plus Dave will refinish it if needed .

Jack

Plumber · December 25, 2011, 09:48:00 AM

schafers are works of art however I would NEVER consider NOT hunting with mine

bodmanjack · December 25, 2011, 10:46:00 AM

I like the grip on my Fox High Sierra better than the grip on my Schafer. To each his own. Jack

md126 · December 25, 2011, 07:08:00 PM

just to clarify my earlier post..

i was not criticizing the craftsmanship of the predator or the bowyer. all i said was if HE didn't like the craftsmanship (his opinion) then move on to another bow. in this case his other choice, schafer. if i thought any bow was of average craftsmanship i'd look elsewhere.

i did not state or imply that was the case w/ the predators. just gave my opinion about the schafers and general bow-judging advice.

mike

D · December 25, 2011, 08:12:00 PM

Grip is a huge deal to me. I owned a Predator for around two years and it shot fast and smooth but I didn't like the grip at all. It just didn't match my hand. It wasen't the bows or the craftsmanships fault just didn't match my hand. Was shooting with a buddy at the TN Classic and it agreed with him more than me and the grip on his recurve felt great to me so we traded. It is like almost everybody else has said it all comes down to what YOU want and what feels good to YOU. Get your hands around both and see what just feels right.

vtmtnman · December 26, 2011, 05:38:00 AM

I've shot both,own a recurve Silvertip.

Just cause the Schafer costs more doesn't mean it's the better shooter.I actually like them both.Had a predator on loan a while ago...wished I hadn't let it go,super good shooter.Compares to a Super K in feel I think,but shoots faster.

Owlgrowler · December 26, 2011, 08:30:00 AM

As far as the grip on Predators,I'm pretty sure the guys at Hunters Niche will work with you to get it were you want it. Never shot a Schafer.