Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: KentuckyTJ on February 10, 2016, 09:43:00 PM
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I tend to like 3 piece bows for their mass weight. I have had a few light weight one piece longbows and recurves in the past but I would always get an occasional flyer out of most groups I shot. It was the indian not the bows I assure you. A year or so ago I bought a very small risered Thunderhorn from Tim that has some phenolic in it that I really shoot well. The added weight from the phenolic keeps me on target.
A couple months ago I began talking with Chad Holm about a new bow. I had heard his bows are very nice. Well at that point the wood selection process began. I like Bocote and I knew I wanted the phenolic in the riser. We worked through the particulars and I decided on his 58" River Runner recurve. He began on the bow soon after that.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2woy7ow.jpg)
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2mfdhts.jpg)
I was unsure of what veneers would go well with the Bocote then one day Chad sent me a photo of a board he found at his local wood lot.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/27yrfix.jpg)
It was a very nice cedar board with chevrons running the length of it. He bought the board cut the veneers and he said he thought it would go well with the bocote in the riser. I asked him to wipe some alcohol on it so I could see the inner beauty it would have and see if it would go with the bocote. When I got this photo I knew it would work for me.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2czt536.jpg)
He then proceeded with the build.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2lcydfn.jpg)
(http://i63.tinypic.com/5yvsl1.jpg)
(http://i66.tinypic.com/vq1uub.jpg)
(http://i63.tinypic.com/307sosj.jpg)
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(http://i64.tinypic.com/ic1ws0.jpg)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/29gfsip.jpg)
He then added the tip blocks and the back and belly overlays.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/o5aijt.jpg)
Next came the thumb rest
(http://i67.tinypic.com/x4qluq.jpg)
It arrived today and I took some pics before I ran any arrows though it. That was very difficult to say the least.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/1zbyqhc.jpg)
Chad has three grip options. A 50's style, a 60's style and a Fred Bear Kodiak grip. I went with the 60's style and it is perfect for me.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/wssb5x.jpg)
(http://i66.tinypic.com/qy8wib.jpg)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/waqbv7.jpg)
After cleaning all the photo equipment up I strung her and started flinging. I could instantly tell this bow will be a keeper and am pretty sure now it is in the top three of all the bows I have owned and shot (and that includes the foam and carbon limbed bows). The craftsmanship is phenomenal the grip fits like a glove, it is very quiet, stable and pretty quick.
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That is one sexy looking riser block.... I like it! :thumbsup:
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Looking good......I don't have a 58"er......lol !!
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My 4th-6th shafts through it from 18 yards in the basement. This bow is amazing and is definitely one of the best deals from any of our great bowyers.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2iqg581.jpg)
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Beautiful bow! Congrats. Chad is definitely a master craftsman. Nice shooting too!
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Looks good. I'm gonna have to try that one.
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I knew you would be happy with it....... :thumbsup: There's a reason I have 6 of them.
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Originally posted by Biathlonman:
Looks good. I'm gonna have to try that one.
Anytime Brad. I will bring it to the KY Trad Fest in April for sure.
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Chad Builds a great bow! Yours is exactly what one can expect.
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Originally posted by ron w:
I knew you would be happy with it....... :thumbsup: There's a reason I have 6 of them.
Ron, I have shot other bows folks really loved and they weren't for me. In this case though I can say you were absolutely correct with your glowing reports! Thanks for sharing with me about them. Much appreciated.
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The whole package looks great. Bocote is one of my favorites.
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Thats gorgeous Tom! Look foward to trying that one in April.
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Awesome lookin' stick, TJ!
Bisch
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Great looking bow and obviously it (and/or you) is a shooter!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
:archer2:
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Chad's a great guy.
And a craftsman.
Sold my Grandson a River Runner at Comptons about three years ago.
His favorite.
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That River Runner is a looker for sure !!! I have had my eyes on Chad's bows for awhile. Never had a chance to shoot one yet though. What are the specs of it Tom? I know you said it was 58". Congrats buddy !!!
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Beautiful Bow!
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Great looking bow..... :thumbsup:
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Great looking stick Tom! I really like the shape of the riser.
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Nice Tom! Gotta luv the Bocote and micarta combo. :thumbsup:
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What a beauty!
It's the little things, those tips are the finest I've ever seen. Congrats on a fine piece.
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That's a very nice looking bow,love those limbs.
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Very nice !
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Man, I have wanted a river runner so bad for so long. Time to sell a few bows. That is one of the best looking holm-mades I've seen! Congrats!
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Very nice buddy!
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Originally posted by Jwilliam:
That River Runner is a looker for sure !!! I have had my eyes on Chad's bows for awhile. Never had a chance to shoot one yet though. What are the specs of it Tom? I know you said it was 58". Congrats buddy !!!
Bill, it is 48@28. I asked Chad to make it 48 and he hit it on the mark.
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Niiiiice Tom!!! Oh I bet I would love the physical weight of that bow. I don't think anyone else commented on the limb veneers but I will say those are sweet looking! Very unique and pretty.
Send it up to Vermont a couple of weeks for a winter vacation.
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That's a looker for sure, and the specs are perfect for me :biglaugh:
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Man I love the look of that one! Congrats.
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The River Runner is a great bow and your is a beauty. And specs are perfect.
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Chad makes a great bow. Enjoy
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Now that's my kind of bow! I also like a little bit of weight in the riser, and that bow looks spot on! Very nice choice! :clapper:
Bernie
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You're talking about an artist who also happens to be an excellent craftsman. Love Chad's bows.
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Very nice, I think the only bow I've ever seen where one fadeout was wood and the other phenolic.
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Excellent looker!!
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Holm-Run, right there, Tom! Chad hit it out of the park!!
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That is one great looking River Runner!! Can't go wrong with them! That is why I own 3 of them! You won't find a better person to deal with!!! That is a beauty!
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Beautiful stick brother....Enjoy it!
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I love the looks of that bow! Very smooth and classy looking, you guys nailed it perfectly.
-Jay
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Chad only builds top shelf sticks. Great quality and attention to detail.
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It's a beautiful looking bow congrats. Just when I think I want a certain bow up pops another make. I need to win the lottery so I can buy them all. It would be soooo much easier.
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Thanks guys. As I enter my 11th year in business, your words still always humble me.
This is one cool bow. I really like it. That phenolic was tough to work with but worth it in the long run. It makes for a dense heavy riser.
Tom is a very particular customer and I was eager to please him. I even found some nice figured Bocote for the tip overlays. They match and look pretty cool IMHO.
BTW the close up picture of the cedar board was taken with my flip phone in the isle of the local Home Depot. Who'd a thought a bowyer would shop at Home Depot for top rate veneers. :dunno: One of my many secrets.
Anyway, thanks and Tom I expect to see some dead animals next Fall. Chad
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Tom's bow just blew me away! So...I just placed an order with Chad for one of my own. Chad was very patient on the phone as we discussed wood riser options at length and limb veneers which would match up nicely with my bocote/cocobolo riser. Even though I have a Thunder Child on order, I couldn't pass on the opportunity to have one of Chad's custom bows. Needless to say, I have a very patient and understanding wife!
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Beautiful Bow! I really like the wood combination and the character it has. You got a good one that's for sure.
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That's a beauty, I really like the look of the phenolic with the dark accents in the Bocote.
Congrats on a new work of art and hopefully a stone cold killer :archer2:
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I'm really hoping you can make it back to Denton Hill sometime. Wouldn't mind getting a chance to shoot that beauty !!!
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Wow that is sharp!
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Originally posted by joe vt:
Niiiiice Tom!!! Oh I bet I would love the physical weight of that bow. I don't think anyone else commented on the limb veneers but I will say those are sweet looking! Very unique and pretty.
Send it up to Vermont a couple of weeks for a winter vacation.
You know you hit a home run when Joe vt gives you the thumbs up! Joe the extra weight the phenolic adds in any light bow is a must for me and this bow hasn't given me a flyer yet.
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Sweet looking bow there. My River Runner should be ready in the next couple of weeks. I will try to post some pictures when she arrives.
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Rich I shaped your grip last night. We didn't talk about a thumb rest and I put a small one on it but I can easily grind it off if you don't want it. I will not be able to spray until early next week. You should have your bow by the end of the week. Chad
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Great looking bow! Chad does build nice looking bows. They are shooters. I recently purchased a 64" Goshawk from Chad. Shoots great!
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Sweet little bow bud. I have always wanted to try one. I'm looking foward to the KY shoot.
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Originally posted by Dale in Pa:
Very nice, I think the only bow I've ever seen where one fadeout was wood and the other phenolic.
Dale, after seeing your comment, I wondered if that would do something weird to the balance of the bow. When I loose grip it, the top limb falls backward a little quicker than any of my other bows do. As good as it shoots though I think that is a really good thing.
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Hey Tom, got a sister bow ordered with Chad. Same limb veneers and tips but the lazy S riser will be bocote and cocobolo. I hope to post pics during the build as you did. By the way, thanks again for doing most of the work!
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Tom's riser reminds me of the Chinese Yin-Yang symbol. The meaning behind the symbol in a nutshell is it represents "perfect balance". How can you go wrong with that?
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She's a beaut!
Chad definitely makes some lookers.
Now you'll have to bring us a story this fall with that bow posing next to a handsome whitetail!
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Originally posted by Flatshooter:
Hey Tom, got a sister bow ordered with Chad. Same limb veneers and tips but the lazy S riser will be bocote and cocobolo. I hope to post pics during the build as you did. By the way, thanks again for doing most of the work!
Good deal Michael, can't wait to see that one. I really like coco also.
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I've seen a lot of Chad's bows, but that might be the sweetest! Those tips are really cool! I got a feeling were going to see a pic. with that bow next to a large whitetail buck! :thumbsup:
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Are you guys trying to Jinks me? Haha.
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I think your bow and arrows are now on his website.
It was funny that he talked about those beautiful veneers at home depot. I picked up some really gorgeous oak at home depot for a bow rack.
Congrats again!
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Yeah, can't believe Chad shared that top super secret info! Haha
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Veneers can be found in many places! You just gotta be ready and looking all the time!
Those match really well too! :clapper:
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Man I want one just like it!!
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Chads attention to detail is right up there with the best .I love the tips he puts on his bows.The ideal hunting bow,that phonelic is beautiful.Congrats on a great bow
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Originally posted by Jwilliam:
I'm really hoping you can make it back to Denton Hill sometime. Wouldn't mind getting a chance to shoot that beauty !!!
Bill, I am hoping to make Denton this year. Hope to see you there and you are more than welcome to give her a go.
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That sounds great Tom !!! Hope you can make it.
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Awesome Bow
Beautiful craftsmanship
I'm sure it shoots as good as it looks
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That phenolic and bacote is beautiful. Nice choice! :clapper:
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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quote:
Originally posted by 1/4 away:
That's a looker for sure, and the specs are perfect for me :readit: :biglaugh:
He already texted me the other day and asked me my thoughts lol..Of coarse I like to watch Fred get the :laughing:
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Haha Keith, yep he is on the list. Picking out woods as we speak. I am sure Mrs Away has a TJ dart board and voodoo doll. But all kidding aside, Fred and I have talked for years about a bunch of bows. He and I like the same things and tend to gravitate to the same bows. You won't find a better dude thats for sure. I hope Mrs. Away doesn't find out this could be the final straw.
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I hope one of you guys has a spare room for me.
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I've got one for you Fred.
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Just look what you've done Tom!
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that is one really great-looking bow. i have a bunch of good ones, but that one is tempting me back towards the "i need another one" stance that i SWORE to myself i would not take again!
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Get ready Chad, here comes another order!
:clapper: :clapper: