silver tip or widow

[Keith Zimmerman]

I have a buncha Tips and several PSAs.  Cant go wrong with either one.

[JDunlap]

A few yrs ago I thought I had a smooth drawing bow. I was hunting with razorsharptokill here on tradgang and he had an old 56# Black Widow MA. I drew it back and was taken aback at how smooth it was...felt like 6 or 7 lb's lighter. I've drawn Michael Arnette's Tall Tines also and it is very smooth. Though not quite as smooth, if you want quiet, both of the recurves in my signature are almost longbow quiet, and quick.

[mark Willoughby]

looks like im going to have to atleast try a silvertip

[Mike Bolin]

Try both as many bows as you can as you possibly can. A bow is such a personal choice. I think the Silvertips are great bows, but I prefer a Widow. Not that one is better than the other, I just like the way the Widow "feels". I can shoot a Timberhawk (Indiana bowyer) as well as any recurve out there. The bow I enjoy the most is a Widow longbow.
Over many, many years of shooting and owning a bunch of different bows, I have had bows from little known bowyers that shot great and fit me well and I have had customs built bows by some of the top names that just didn't "fit" me.
Have fun on your "bow hunt"!
Mike

[medic77]

Ive had several of both and, for me, it comes down to the width of the shelf.  The Schafer has a wider shelf for hanging my bow on a hook while treestand hunting.  I've had my arrow hit the ground with my Widows.  Stupid I know.  Just me.  

As far as smoothness, I truely believe that it has to do with individual bows and woods used.  I've had widows feel 10# heavier and one as smooth as butter 10# lighter.  Same for Schafers only maybe a little more consistent.

[Terry Johnston]

I own both and both or smooth as silk. But if forced to make an opinion the "tip" may just be a tad smoother and I didnt think that was possible...

[cacciatore]

I have fews of both, none of them is a speed demon but they are great dependable, accurate hunting bows. Both the bows have good mass in the riser making them very stable. You can ask for a custom grip on both but the Tips has for sure more options with the checkering being a plus.
I think you can't go wrong with either but the Schafer has better, pricey ! , options; they are my go to bows, but if I would have only a BW I would be happy anyway.

[maxwell]

I have shoot both over the years and now only have silvertips.  I found I could not shoot the widow because my hand kept sliding off to the right,  I am a lefty, the Schafer with checkering is my go to bow .

[myshootinstinks]

Try before you buy, none of those bows are cheap.

   Having made that obvious statement I'll buck the trend with my preferences. I'll take the Widow. I've owned 3 'Tips and at least twice that many Widows. The Widows feel better in hand as long as it's the standard or low wrist grip. I shoot them better. They are as bullet-proof as a bow can get.

   'Tips are well crafted and draw smoothly. None of the three I've owned were partiularly fast which to me is no big deal. Two of the three had checkered grips which look pretty hanging on the wall but feel harsh in hand, especially at full draw. I much prefer a leather bow saddle or wrap.
As far as 3 pc takedowns go, IMO the best TD recurve is and and always has been the Fred Bear TD. I don't generally care for takedowns where the limbs are bolted to the back of the riser. I know most 3 pc TD recurves are built that way but to me it often looks like the limbs are an add-on or after-thought. I know, it's a very functional design, It's just a quirk of mine. I'm not wild about the Widow face mounted limb 3 pc TDs either, the Widows I've owned in recent years are one piece or "lockit-sockit" two pc TDs.
   Well there's my $.02, Some of it boils down to a Chevy-Ford debate, I think you'll be happy with whatever choice you make.    

[Danny Rowan]

Another vote for Schafer. I have owned Widows but the only thing left on my rack are 5 Silvertips. And a Brack Quest that is sentimental and one longbow, Cari-Bow Silver Fox. The Widows just did not do it for me.

[Straitshot]

I have owned both and still have both and like everyone else I have an opinion, but the truth is you will need to shoot both to know which one suits you the best. I like to shoot them both but when I go to a tournament to try and place I will always take my Widow because it is the one I have the most confidence in.

[NBK]

Between the two I much prefer the Widows.

[Benny Nganabbarru]

I owned an 80# takedown Silvertip recurve, 62". Had to sell it, and sure wish I didn't. I now have an 80# Black Widow PCHX, 60". Both are awesome, smooth, fast, accurate. I love both!

[J-dog]

that is a totally YOU answer - what do you like to shoot?

I have two tips? shot widows but never owned one or shot one enough to give an opinion.

I want to get a stalker - been keeping my eye on those??????? just how mad will the wife be ??