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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: TaterHill Archer on December 07, 2013, 05:01:00 PM

Title: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: TaterHill Archer on December 07, 2013, 05:01:00 PM
I'm thinking on a 2-piece longbow and would like to hear from anyone that has shot both.  Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: bowfanatik on December 07, 2013, 06:23:00 PM
BigJim Buffalo all the way
My view is expressed with the technical side, I know how hard it is to make a bow. I know it's even harder to make a two-part system. I reviewed his video where he makes two-piece bow and I am aware that this is one of the best if not the best. But let's not forget, his bows artworks .. every one of them. Of course this is just my opinion. Look at these photos as an example     PHOTO (http://s664.photobucket.com/user/zanespurs/media/The%20Twins/IMG_5678.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: hitman on December 07, 2013, 06:34:00 PM
Those are things of beauty. Way to go Big Jim.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: VictoryHunter on December 07, 2013, 06:36:00 PM
I just ordered one of Big Jim's bows as well. I haven't shot one yet but have heard nothing but good things.
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: SAVIOUR68 on December 07, 2013, 07:10:00 PM
If money was no object A&H all the way.
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: Chad Orde on December 07, 2013, 08:01:00 PM
Both good choices I own one Thunder Child and one Buffalo
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: riverrat 2 on December 07, 2013, 08:10:00 PM
My A&H is one of the best performing longbows I've ever owned. I had a Buffalo,and a Thunderchild. Between the Buffalo and the Thunderchild,I liked the Thunderchild better. Jims bows are a lot prettier than the A&H's IMO. But the best advice I'd offer is try to shoot them both.  rat'
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: Dendy Cromer on December 07, 2013, 08:31:00 PM
Big jim. No doubt.
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: Mr. fingers on December 07, 2013, 08:44:00 PM
Big Jim all the way
His craftsman ship is unsurpassed , flawless  he makes the most beautiful bows I have ever seen.  And they shoot as good as they look.
You will like Jim  I have been on the phone with him a few times and its like talking to one of your hunting buddies.
He a good dude..
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: TaterHill Archer on December 07, 2013, 09:56:00 PM
Thanks everyone.  I like the grip on the ACS, but the Buffalo grip looks good too.
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: Todd Cook on December 07, 2013, 10:10:00 PM
I think it would be hard to go wrong either way.
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: coaster500 on December 07, 2013, 10:11:00 PM
One of the best things about traditional bows is holding one in your hand. Looking at the warmth and beauty of the woods....... and yes finding one that fits and functions for you.

Jim builds some of the most beautiful bows I have ever seen and they shoot spot on for me,,, as far as grips go just tell Jim what you want??? I've owned a couple of AH ACS bows but found they were not the best fit for me.

You need to shoot both and decide for yourself but for me it's hands down Big Jim...........
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: awbowman on December 07, 2013, 10:21:00 PM
Fit is important.  

All being equal in fit if you want beauty and better than average performance go with Jim.  If you want one of the best performing bows around go A&H. Hands down a better performer.

Of course that's my opinion
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: larry on December 07, 2013, 11:21:00 PM
not many bows can compete with an A&H 2 pcs. when it comes to speed and stability. And you already like the grip...but they sure aren't as pretty as Big Jim's. Guess it all depends on what you want, do you want to look at it or shoot it?
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: elkken on December 07, 2013, 11:28:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by riverrat 2:
My A&H is one of the best performing longbows I've ever owned. I had a Buffalo,and a Thunderchild. Between the Buffalo and the Thunderchild,I liked the Thunderchild better. Jims bows are a lot prettier than the A&H's IMO. But the best advice I'd offer is try to shoot them both.  rat'
X2 ... I have owned all three and the A&H is "the" shooter of the three and the TC would be second of the three.
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: TaterHill Archer on December 07, 2013, 11:55:00 PM
Guys thaanks for the info.  I love a beautiful bow, but have reached the point of wanting a smooth bow, more than a beauty.

I may have a chance to buy a used 2-piece A&H, but it's a 64" bow.  I'm really wanting one in 60".  I know a 64" bow would be sweet though.  It's grey diamond wood, so not pretty, but it's ok to me.
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: Bjorn on December 08, 2013, 12:55:00 AM
I have shot A&H bows for the past 10 years-one piece, two piece, and 3 piece and 62"-66" lengths. The 64" bow is the best all around bow they make IMO. I have not shot the 60" bow.
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: nineworlds9 on December 08, 2013, 10:58:00 AM
Tater, I would think beyond the shooting characteristics of the two and make more of a decision about whether you are looking for raw performance or a custom made functional artwork that also happens to perform at top level?  IMHO you're comparing apples and pears, kinda like do I get the BMW/Benz, or the Ferrari?  Anything Big Jim will be smooth and quick, individually made to your artistic desire and specs-  a thing of beauty.  To me in this comtext the A&H is more of a production item that is more focused on function rather than form, though no doubt they do look good.  As far as BJim bows, the TC will do everything the Buff will, just in a smaller package.  The A&H would be more appropriately compared to a 2pc Centaur and the Buff/TC to a 2pc Whip or Caribow.  Just my 2cents.  In summary what is truly important to you?
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: T-Bowhunter on December 08, 2013, 03:48:00 PM
Big Jim, I love my Thunder Child!
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: Tradtical Commando on December 08, 2013, 04:53:00 PM
I am on the list for one of Big Jims bows. Ive never even held one but based on reputation alone (both Jims and especially his bows), a person cannot possibly go wrong with one.
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: YORNOC on December 08, 2013, 05:20:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by TaterHill Archer:
Guys thaanks for the info.  I love a beautiful bow, but have reached the point of wanting a smooth bow, more than a beauty.

I may have a chance to buy a used 2-piece A&H, but it's a 64" bow.  I'm really wanting one in 60".  I know a 64" bow would be sweet though.  It's grey diamond wood, so not pretty, but it's ok to me.
64" will be much smoother than anything shorter.
The longer the bow, the smoother the draw. Ask any Olympic Champion.
Many say shorter is better for hunting, I have done fine 64" to 70" all over US and Canada.
Both bows are phenomenal.
I own a Big Jim Buffalo, 64" and love it.
But as said earlier, both bows are top notch and personal preference/fit should be the only deciding factor. Fantastic bows, both of them!
   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: TaterHill Archer on December 08, 2013, 06:41:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by YORNOC:
 
Quote
Originally posted by TaterHill Archer:
Guys thaanks for the info.  I love a beautiful bow, but have reached the point of wanting a smooth bow, more than a beauty.

I may have a chance to buy a used 2-piece A&H, but it's a 64" bow.  I'm really wanting one in 60".  I know a 64" bow would be sweet though.  It's grey diamond wood, so not pretty, but it's ok to me.
64" will be much smoother than anything shorter.
The longer the bow, the smoother the draw. Ask any Olympic Champion.
Many say shorter is better for hunting, I have done fine 64" to 70" all over US and Canada.
Both bows are phenomenal.
I own a Big Jim Buffalo, 64" and love it.
But as said earlier, both bows are top notch and personal preference/fit should be the only deciding factor. Fantastic bows, both of them!
    :thumbsup:  [/b]
Up until recently, all of my bows have been 64".  I had no trouble with them on the ground or out of blinds, but in a tree stand (or at least the ones I've been in lately) a 64" bow was a problem.  I do believe a 64" bow is smoother, so I went ahead and bought it.     :archer:
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: TaterHill Archer on December 08, 2013, 06:53:00 PM
Ive owned plenty of pretty bows and I still have some of the best looking bows around.  I've got a real looker on the way (Kempf Kwik Styk in B&W Ebony).  If its like my other one, it will shoot as good as it looks.  

I don't currently own a longbow.  I've had a Centaur and a MOAB, so I want to try a few others.
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: TaterHill Archer on December 08, 2013, 10:26:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by nineworlds9:
Tater, I would think beyond the shooting characteristics of the two and make more of a decision about whether you are looking for raw performance or a custom made functional artwork that also happens to perform at top level?  IMHO you're comparing apples and pears, kinda like do I get the BMW/Benz, or the Ferrari?  Anything Big Jim will be smooth and quick, individually made to your artistic desire and specs-  a thing of beauty.  To me in this comtext the A&H is more of a production item that is more focused on function rather than form, though no doubt they do look good.  As far as BJim bows, the TC will do everything the Buff will, just in a smaller package.  The A&H would be more appropriately compared to a 2pc Centaur and the Buff/TC to a 2pc Whip or Caribow.  Just my 2cents.  In summary what is truly important to you?
I've been thinking about a Toelke Whip too.  They look like nice bows and I hear good things.
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: Fanto on December 09, 2013, 05:00:00 AM
Sorry to add to the confusion but perhaps have a look at a caribow.  The peregrine and slynx are so so close to the ace in performance. At high arrow weights over 12gpp there's only a few Fps in it.

And they are masterpieces .
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: Brianlocal3 on December 09, 2013, 10:26:00 AM
Both great bows, the A&H was a little stiff in the draw for me, where as the buffalo was butter smooth. Both were really quick. I preferred Jim's grip, absolutly perfect for MY style of gripping a bow, the A&H had a higher grip than I liked,
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: WildmanSC on December 09, 2013, 10:45:00 AM
I've owned seven ACS bows over the years.  I've never owned a Big Jim bow.  Nevertheless, I would recommend A Big Jim bow!  The ACS bows didn't work for me, either.

Bill
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: pamike on December 09, 2013, 08:17:00 PM
Buy one of each! Two diff bows. One high end performance and one high end beauty.
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: MOFISH on December 09, 2013, 08:39:00 PM
Yep, one of each. Both top shelf. You won't be disappointed.
Title: Re: Big Jim Buffalo or A&H ACS
Post by: TaterHill Archer on December 09, 2013, 08:50:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by pamike:
Buy one of each! Two diff bows. One high end performance and one high end beauty.
I like the way you think.  May end up doing just that.