Javaman recurves

[Maclean]

Wondering if anyone has had, and/or shot both the Helms Deep and Assyrian recurves from Gregg.

I'd be interested in your thoughts and opinions on them, including especially your DL and why you would choose one over the other.

As always, thanks fellas.

[PrimitivePete]

I had an Assyrian bow and the quality of his bows is excellent. Great workmanship and great performance. My only issue is that I don't feel comfortable with static limbs bows, I find them to perform better but at full draw they almost feel unsettled. Could be all in my experience and that has nothing to do with the quality of the bow, just my experience.

[Pine]

I have a Helms Deep and it's one of my favorite bows.

[Maclean]

Dale - what are the specs on the bow and your DL, if you don't mind me asking?

[Pine]

52" 
45#@28"
My draw length is 28".

[Maclean]

Thanks Dale, any instability on shots at 25 yds or less?

[Steelhead]

Had both

I would lean toward the 60 inch Assyrian if I got one custom made.

[Terry Green]

I have no clue on either of those, but if Java built them they will be sweet. I had two Shrews that he made when he was building them for Ron, and I bought one of his Duo Flexes when he started on his own.

Your in good hands. 

[Maclean]

Eric - what were the specs on those bows and your DL?

What was it about both bows that would make you choose the Assyrian?

[Steelhead]

The helms deep was 54" and the Assyrian was 60".

Short bows are nice and have thier place.The Helms deep is a nice bow.Nothing wrong with it.Very good in tight quarters.

Overall I just liked the 60" Assyrian more as far as overall shootability.Still short enough for most any situation IMO and experience.Thats why I said if I bought just one it would be the Assyrian in 60".The Helms deep would be a nice companion for it in really tight quarters,Narly trees like Osage or Black Locust,Ground blinds or shooting from low angles on the ground.Typically a 60
incher can handle about anything and shoots with more forgiveness of shooter error.

I draw 28 inches

[Maclean]

Excellent response Eric, thanks!

[Mduggan1]

I have an assyrian. Ordered from Gregg 3 years ago at ETAR. 60 inches, 45# @28, my DL is 29-29.5. Smoothest and shortest recurve I have shot. I typically shoot 64 inch bows with my draw length. Absolutely no stacking, smooth all the way through the draw to anchor. Shoots lights out. Picked up a 60 inch Elkhart XL this year from him at ETAR off his rack. Can’t go wrong with any of his bows. Helms deep is shorter than Assyrian so it’s up to you depending on what bow length you like.

[Maclean]

Thanks Michael, I appreciate it. The general consensus seems to be the Assyrian. I would happily buy either one on the used market if I found one in my specs. Ordering a custom is a different story. I sure would like to shoot both before I decide. I like both short and long bows as long as they fit me.
Your input is helpful nonetheless.