Black Bear Warf conversion

[nek4me]

My last LH compound was a Black Bear that is a top candidate to turn into a recurve. Most of the WARF dialogue has been on another forum but there have been several references to them here. From what I have seen there are three ways to convert a Black Bear - have it machined to fit ILF limbs, get an ILF plate, or simply attach Samick Sage limbs. If you have one or have done the conversion which method was used and what was the outcome? Any pictures?

[ron w]

I have never had one, but if it were me looking into this I would go the ILF route, machined or plate. Simply because your choice limbs would endless. Any type ILF limb could be used......wow what a selection.

[nineworlds9]

I had a machined one, they are awesome.  With a set of Sebastian Flute Elite+ limbs it shot as good or better than most customs and the stock Black Bear grip is actually pretty damn good.  Only downside is with Longs it ends up being a 64 or 66 inch bow if I remember.  So a bit on the longish side but it would absolutely kill for 3D.  All I had on mine was velcro and a furniture pad strike plate.

I'd go machined if possible.  Contact Sam Dunham over on TTalk.  The plates work fine too but to me machined is superior.

[dragonheart]

I had a Proline riser that was "Warfed".  One suggestion I would make is avoid the short limbs.  Medium or longs.  It will be a longer bow, but worth it unless your draw length is really short.

[dragonheart]

[M60gunner]

I had one with the plates. Was done by Bob Gordon. Only mistake I made was having the bottom limb pocket weighted. Bow was to heavy for me to haul around all day. But the grip was the best I ever have had period. The shelf was radius like on today's recurve.

Sam does not Warf anymore. The new guy Loc Do in CA. does excellent work. He did a Rambo riser for me. Machined the ILF grooves and supplied new stainless steel limb bolts. He is also over on TT

[The Whittler]

Nek4me, I sent you a PM.

[shag08]

I won a Black Bear warf riser in a drawing a few months ago. It is my first ILF rig. It is machined to work with the fittings. As others have said, go with medium or long limbs. I went with shorts because I wanted it to be as short as possible...mistake. It made a 62" bow but it stacks pretty bad...feels like hitting a wall. It's also a little hefty in the mass weight department but I do love the grip on it. Need to get a set of longer limbs for it.

[nek4me]

Got the PM. Thanks for the info Alan.

I'm drawing 26"on my current recurve so may need to go with short limbs. Just starting to think about it and will have to consider the application, cost, and future flexibility.