Martin Savannah and Hunter grips

[skarcher]

I'm new to this board and this is my first post, so thanks for being kind.

I'm finally able to pursue traditional and put the wheels on the shelf, and have decided to get either a savannah or hunter. For those that have experience with these bows, how do the grips compare as far as thickness and wrist position. Coming from a compound, I'm used to a very slim grip, but am not sure if this is as important in a trad bow.

I love the looks of the savannah, but would go with the hunter if it would speed up the learning curve a bit.

Unfortunatly, I do not have access to either bow within 400 miles, so trying one first is not really an option. I can always sell/trade if it plain don't work.

Anyone willing to stick their neck out and give a new guy an opinion?

Thanks

Harry

[SCATTERSHOT]

The Hunter grip will be more like your compound, and it's a fine bow. The Savannah is more of a straight wrist grip. Not as pronounced as a Hill, but not like a recurve, either.

The Savannah is one of my favorite bows, but I think coming from the wheelbow you would be better off with the Hunter, to ease the transition.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that you can shoot the same weight as your compound, because there is no letoff with the recurve. You can easily overbow yourself and develop bad habits that will be the devil to break later. Don't ask me how I know this, LOL!

Welcome from the dark side. Once you start shooting your recurve, that wheel bow will just gather dust.

Good shooting!

[skarcher]

Thanks Scattershot

I'm definately not going to overbow myself. Max weight I'm considering is 45 lbs.

What difficulties do you forsee with starting out with the savannah?

Harry

[elk ninja]

Harry,
Also something to look out for is the drop in draw length.  Mine went from 28" to 25.5".  That affects the weight obviously.  If you like the Savannah, go with it, it wouldn't be hard to sell if you shot it and don't end up liking it.... either way you will enjoy it, but I don't think one or the other will sufficiently shorten the learning curve enough to make much difference.
Mike

[SCATTERSHOT]

Actually, not too much, it's just more of a transition from a compound. The Savannah is a much lighter bow, with a smaller and straighter grip. The Hunter has a beefier riser, which translates into a heavier bow than the Savannah, which may be more comfortable for you. Nowhere near what a compound weighs, but heavier than a Savannah, for sure.    

[SCATTERSHOT]

Elk ninja is correct, the R/D longbow really blurs the distinction, and I think you would be happy with either bow.

[Harmless]

I have both and just measured the circumfrance, they are both about 5" around. The Hunter is a little more "high wrist" closer to your compound. The savannah is a little straighter. The grip on the hunter is more comfortable to me, very nice. I love both bows, you cant go wrong with either one.

[skarcher]

Thanks guys!

Posting pics was really a bonus. That's something I've really noticed in this community - more experienced fellows like yourselves are willing to lend advice. Wish all boards were like this.

I'm looking forward to the day that I'll be able to do the same with some level of authority.

Is there much of a performance difference between these bows?

Harry

[T Folts]

I suggest getting G Fred Asbels book on instinctive shooting, I followed the same path and reading the book made a huge difference.

Terry

[Oliverstacy]

I went with a Savannah last year after 22 years of compounds.  I had shot the same 1997 Alpine with the grip pictured below and as you can see the Savannahs is much different.  I never like the newer style grips on the bows that are made today with side plates but after shooting my Savannah for a whole year they are more comfortable.  Don't think I'll be able to switch back.

 

 

 


I liked the Savannah's grip so much I went with a simular grip when I was decided to by a recurve...last grip is my Kota Kill-um.

[skarcher]

Thx for the pics Oliverstacy.

Many years ago I also had compounds with large grips and thought they were great. Then I started shooting Bowtechs, and although initially I hated the small grip with sideplates, I came to really like it because it makes it a lot harder to torque the bow.

I know I'm mixing apples and oranges here, but was thinking the same general principals may apply with trad bows. Seeing as how I'm so used to a small grip now, the savannah grip looked like it just might fill the bill.

I'm sure there are other factors to consider, such as stability, mass weight, etc. With all the excellent responses, I'm still undecided, but am going to order something within a couple days.

Harry

[Mr.Magoo]

This might not help at all, but for the price point on the Savannah, you should take a look at Horne's Brush Bow.  I've killed deer with both, the deer are just as dead, both bows are quiet but I like the Brush Bow better.
 

 

[david janssen]

Harry,
You might want to check the classifieds,you might find a used savannah there. Also the Martin Dreamcatcher has a very nice grip.Good Luck with what ever you get.

[skarcher]

Well folks, it's a done deal. Decided to go with a 45 lb. Hunter. Fits me perfect. Shot about 100 arrows through it so far. 29.5" 2213's, 125 gr points seem to fly perfect. Now comes the fun part, getting those nice flying arrows to go where I want them!

Anybody have tips on making this bow as quiet as possible?

Harry

[SCATTERSHOT]

Mine likes a brace height of 7 3/4". Start there, and maybe go a tad higher. I think you may find that you don't need a bunch of stuff on your string. Congrts on your new bow.