Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Burnsie on March 11, 2010, 01:15:00 PM
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When I first got started with trad equipment, I sent away for brochures/information from every bowyer I could find in the trad magazines. I still have a big file folder full of letters pictures and brochures. One of the bows I was always drawn to was the Stalker recurves by Charlie Bisharat. When I finally got the itch to order one, I found out Charlie had quit making them. On a couple of occasions I tried to see if anyone had one to sell via the classifieds, and got a few replies, but the ones they had were much too heavy. One person had one that had belonged to Larry D. Jones. Later on I came across some "for sale" information for Charlie's bow building business. I inquired, and was sent a large packet of info with a description of everything included and the asking price. It was tempting, but I had to be realistic. I had "0" bow building experience and my bank account and familiy situation weren't ready to take that leap.
Anyways, I'm stumbling around on google the other day looking for some archery stuff and I come across the Stalker Recurve web site. It is still under construction, but there is quite a bit of information in place. Looks like a gentleman named South Cox bought the business and is now offering some nice looking bows. He even has a Bart Schleyer limited edition commemorative bow as well. Charlie Bisharat was one of many bowyers mentored by the late Jim Brackenbury, nice to see Jim's influence continues to live on through yet another bowyer.
Does anyone know South Cox or ordered one of his bows since he took over. My interest in Stalker Recurves has been renewed.
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I haven't but I have a Stalker Shooting Star that Charlie made, 60 inch and 60 lbs at 28, osage limbs with bubinga riser. A great bow. It is too bad that he quit but another example of what a divorce will do.
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South is a great guy! A buddy of mine just got his and loves it. I'm currently building a set of strings for his new stalker recurve. I'm hoping to try one real soon. If I buy one in the near future I'll keep you posted! He also has a "test drive" program.
Ryan
www.stalkerrecurves.com (http://www.stalkerrecurves.com)
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I shot a Stalker made by South yesterday-quiet, smooth and very fast-very nicely finished too.
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I've been checking them out too. Haven't shot one but they look like they have the stuff. Nice grip, and nice lines. Definitely on the radar.
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I have no experience with them but have given them the hairy eyeball several times.
I do have this to add; every bow I've shot that was modeled after or developed from Jim's original concepts (Blacktail, Wallace, Fox) has been a great shooting and looking bow. I would assume these are no different.
Never know 'til you try one!
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Thanks for the input guys.
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South is a great guy! I spent a few days and nights both in his shop and at his home this past May. He takes pride in his work and will build you a quality bow. I really like the grip on his bows!
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I also want to add that South donated a Bart Schleyer limited edition commemorative bow to the PBS banquet in Nashville Tn. on March 25-27.
Thank you South and Stalker Recurves!
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I had a beautiful recurve that Charlie built for me back in the late 80's. It was a smooth good shooting bow. I killed Blacktail and Roosevelt elk with her. I sold it when I switched to longbows, and have regretted it ever since.
I will check out the new web site, who knows I might take a trip down memory lane.
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I know South Cox very well. He's a good man, and I'm proud to call him my friend. He recently built me a beautiful "Stalker" recurve. 58" 70lbs @ 28". Its a great bow! Smooth, fast and very "easy" on the eyes. South is a very talented woodworker and his attention to details and his craftsmanship are very evident in his bows.
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South may be reached at www.stalkerrecurves.com (http://www.stalkerrecurves.com) or at [email protected] I would highly recomend his bows. Check out his website, I think you'll be very impressed with the bows South Cox is now making!!!
Best,
Peter Iacavazzi
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Thanks Peter, your endorsement carrys a lot of weight.
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Originally posted by Burnsie:
Thanks Peter, your endorsement carrys a lot of weight.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Wow! Very nice looking bows, and a great website. Have to keep a close eye on these.
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I've kept an eye on that website for the last few months. A test drive just might win me over some day. I like the zebrawood and bubinga combination.
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up
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Burnsie,
Yes, South does make a very good bow. My bow is the first one pictured in his gallery on the website. 53# @28 Striker. They are very smooth and my bow really likes wood arrows but carbons also shoot well out of it. I have killed a pig with it.
The bows are well crafted and South is a good guy to work with. I had no "traditional" archery knowledge but wanted to get into it. I chose to go custom as I believe you get what you pay for. He was very sincere and helpful with all of my questions. And ya, love to have the Schleyer Commemorative.
Purehunter
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Just put in an order for one! I'll keep you guys posted as soon as I get it!
Ryan
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Bringing this to the top. I shot a couple of his recurves this weekend at the Western States Rendevouze. Just like every one says. Smoothe draw, little handshock, fast, quiet and the fit and finish is as good as any ones. I'm thinking about having South build me one. Oh, the grip is great also.
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Burnsie, I must correct you on one point, Charlie is still happily married to his long-time wife Brenda. He just got too busy raising 4 kids and a full time-plus job as a construction superintendent. Something had to give, and fortunately for me, it was the bow business (although I would have like to have a daughter!). If you are interested in shooting a Stalker, let me know your specs and I'll send you one so you won't have to wonder what it's like.
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I have talk to South a few times via email and I'm glad he is honoring Bart Schleyer. South talked to the Schleyer family before doing so, and he is donating some of the proceeds of the Schleyer model to Bart's son Artyom's education fund. This says a lot to me.
I have always liked the Jim Backenbury and Wes Wallace style bows. These Stalkers would seem to fit me as well. Mike
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South just updated his website. He now has a pic of the Schleyer model.
I've had my stalker for about a month, and to say "I love it" would be an understatement.
South is also a great bowyer to work with!
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0633.jpg)
Full draw pic from the range
Ryan
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South was just at the Western States Rondevous in Washington this past holiday weekend. I had never heard of his bows so I shot one. They are very smooth and fine shooters to say the least. They are also very pretty to look at. South was a very pleasant guy to talk to and he was accompanied by his wife and young son. Definately a bow to take a hard look at if you are looking for a new recurve. I liked it better than the Blacktail takedown I have thats for sure and Norm makes some pretty fine bows too ...
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I have been fortunate enough to know South most of my life.When i heard he was going to start making bows i was excited as he was knowing the passion he has for woodworking i couldnt wait to see how they were going to turn out.When i saw the first one i was amazed but not knowing if i wanted to switch from combound to recurve i was hesitant he told me take one and try it out.Well now im a proud owner of two Striker recurves bows one of them is the Striker you see on his web site.I cant believe how well it fits my hand and shoots.I should of switch a long time ago.Shhhh dont tell my wife but i have put my oder in for him to build me a Shleyer bow also what a beauty. Oh i would like to add that i am very proud to be apart of the Traditional family now.
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I have shot a Stalker bow for 16 years and was disappointed to say the least when Charlie quit building bows and put the business up for sale.
I bought one of South's new Striker's and is out shoots my old trusty Shooting Star. Smoother, faster and quieter. I am impressed with the craftsmanship and the service South gave me. To top it off I received my bow in 5 weeks!
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I just went to the website and heard about Stalker recurves but really never checked them out till now...His bows look much like the Fox High Sierra I have especially in the riser profile...Did Ron King, Jim, Charlie and Wes all have some Bowyer classes together or just use some of the same designs? The Stalker has to be smooth as butter in the draw cause it almost looks like my Fox...I've got to pull a Jim Brackenberry bow and it seemed to have the same feel in the palm as the High Sierra...Anyway they all seem to be keepers cause you don't see many come up on the classifieds much... :archer:
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Originally posted by Bivyhunter:
Burnsie, I must correct you on one point, Charlie is still happily married to his long-time wife Brenda. He just got too busy raising 4 kids and a full time-plus job as a construction superintendent. Something had to give, and fortunately for me, it was the bow business (although I would have like to have a daughter!). If you are interested in shooting a Stalker, let me know your specs and I'll send you one so you won't have to wonder what it's like.
Thanks for chiming in South, and thanks for the offer to shoot one of your bows. I see you are planning to be at Compton in a few weeks, I will definitley look you up and do just that.
Also, just to clarify, I believe it was Toejammer who stated Charlie had been divorced in the 2nd post of this thread - all's good.
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Keefer, if I'm not mistaken... Fox, Wallace, Blacktail, and Charlie Bisharat (the founder of Stalker Recurves) all mentored under Jim Brackenbury. Which is why all of the bows have similar designs.
Ryan
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Ryan,
I thought I heard that somewhere before and couldn't remember but that explains why I like all those bows...Thanks for the reply ! Keefer's <")))><
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ttt
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I got my Stalker a few weeks ago. Excellent craftsmanship, beautiful bow, and spits an arrow like there's no tomorrow. Super smooth drawing bow.
I spent three hours shooting 3-D targets yesterday with a couple of buddies, and I shot very well, especially considering the fact that I haven't spent much time practicing. The grip fits my hand perfectly. The first time I shot it I hit a 4" bullseye at 25 yards! I cannot be happier with it.
Steve
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S2 Bowstrings, South was telling me that he has your string on one of his bows and says it is a great combo i have checked it out and im liking what i saw so i was wondering how i could go about getting one on my Stiker bow im sure i could get the info from him
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Leonard,
I'll pm you my contact info.
Thanks,
Ryan
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Ryan, Thanks i really appreciate it.
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I just ordered a bow from South recently, should have it by the end of the week. Communication went well beyond expectations as I'm sure the performance of the bow
will. I'll be sure to post pics when it arrives. I will definitely be ordering a Scheyler very soon as well.
Dave
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My stalker just arrived, I'll get some pics up within a day or two, it looks better then I expected!!
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Can't wait to see the pics Dave. I have flame madrone veneers on the back and myrtle veneers on the belly and it is a fantastic looking and shooting bow. I went with the less expensive riser with the actionwood and it holds its own with the accents that South put on it. Great, repeatable grip, with a smoothness of draw to match. Good luck with your new Stalker.
Mike Gerard owlbait
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Dave,
How's the 56" working for you?
Can't wait to see the pics! A Schleyer huh...I'm jealous!
Ryan
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What's the bigger difference between the Schleyer and the other models?I am talking in the riser.
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Cacciatore, the riser is a Striker style riser, with the wood choice of snakewood and ebony. Two woods that are an upgrade in wood choice.
Here is a excerpt from South's website. For others who are interested in the Schleyer model.
"The Schleyer will be limited to 100 bows, all signed and numbered. Each one will be built to the bow length and draw weight specifications of the shooter. The handle will be a Striker handle, with ebony and snakewood. The limbs will be backed with ziricote and faced with leopard wood. From the proceeds of each sale, $100 will be donated to Artyom’s college fund."
For additional info check out www.stalkerrecurves.com (http://www.stalkerrecurves.com)
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The Schleyer model is beautiful and shoots as good as it looks!
Peter
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Ryan,
Apparently South was short on strings to fit the 56" bow. I think he put one of your strings on it for me :D
Ryan...I have about 20 arrows through it, it shoots great. I'll get some pics up shortly. It is essentially a Surge consisting of Bocote in the riser with a straight Ebony accent stripe. The limbs are Spalted Sycamore. It is a beauty in my opinion.
Dave