Blacktail Sitka vs. Elite

[Straitshot]

I tried doing a search to see if this has been discussed and did not find one so I would like to know how the two Blacktail recurves compare. I know the Sitka is the newer model and has a shorter riser than the Elite. I have owned a few Elite's and are pretty familiar with how they perform.

Does anyone own both or shot both recently that could tell me how they compare? For instance I would like to know how a 60" Sitka compares to a 60" or 62" Elite? Other than the shorter riser is the 60" Sitka essentially the same as a 62" Elite?

Any help to these questions would be greatly appreciated.

[Recurve7]

I have not shot the Elite. However, after much discussion with both Norm and Alan I decided to go with the Sitka. I am very pleased with my decision. They are the same other than riser length. Sorry I couldn't help more.
Mike

[Straitshot]

I guess no one owns or have shot both to be able to make a comparison?

[Bowwild]

I own two Sitkas and owned a Snakebite and Elite (both of those are gone).  The elite was a 62" one-piece and the Snakebite was a 60" TD. My Sitkas are 56" and 58".

To be fair, I can barely remember the Elite and Snakebite because it has been 4-6 years since I owned and shot them.

I can recall  no difference in their shooting or handling. I am very happy with my Sitkas and if I buy a 3rd Blacktail it will be Sitka. I have a 26" draw so I like the 56-68" bows.

Sorry I'm not any more help than that.  I would trust Norm's recommendation though.

[Paul Shirek]

I have both right now and regularly shoot both. One is a 66 in Elite take-down and the other a 62 in Sitka take-down. While it is true that they are nearly the same I have found some subtle differences.  It seems to me that the 66 in Elite is a bit more forgiving but very little. The handle shape is identical but the general shape of the bow differs a bit which can be seen by looking. The riser of the Elite is a bit straighter overall and the Sitka is more curved. This does create a slightly different feel when you shoot. My bows are the same poundage and I can't notice a speed difference. I would say that I shoot the Sitka more because I like it better. However, if I had to compete in a setting where target like accuracy was demanded I would probably Choose the Elite. I do think this may be because of the overall length is more on the Elite. Both are great bows!

[Straitshot]

I have a 60" Elite Snakebit that I purchased from Norm several years ago. I have a 28" draw length and I find the 60" Elite begins to build in poundage at the end of my draw or at least it feels like it. I use to have a 62" Elite but sold it several years back and wished I had not done so. It just seemed a bit smoother at my draw length and I was more comfortable shooting it. The 28" draw is a bit more in the middle of the draw range recommended for the bows on the Blacktail website. I was just wondering if a 60" Sitka would shoot more closely to the 62" Elite since their recommended draw ranges are similar. Guess I need to call Norm and talk to him to find out for sure.

Thanks guys for your replies and information.