Brackenbury Bows - the "Originals"

[WhitetailHtr]

I have a Drifter that Jim Brackenbury made for me back in 1987.
62"  60# @ 28-3/4".  I shoot 2018 GG and 125 Snuffers out of it.

This is the only recurve that I have seriously hunted with.  I have taken deer, antelope, bear, and small game with it over the years.

Does anyone else hunt with an older Brackenbury.  
How do you think they compare in performance to the bows that are out there today?  Any comments on my arrow set-up?

This bow and I have been through a lot together over the years.  I'd like to try another bow sometime, but I almost feel guilty thinking about it!  (like selling a loyal hunting dog).

Thanks, All!

[JJB2]

Doesn't matter how it compares, it performs for you, right?  Stick with one bow if it works for you!  If I'd have stuck to one bow earlier I would have found consistency and confidence much earlier.

[CDR]

I'm still kicking myself for selling mine 3 years ago. I would love to have that one back.  

[amar911]

DON'T SELL THE DRIFTER!!!!!!!!!!! I have several of them, including one that Jim built for me in 1984 and another he built for me in 1987, like yours. They are great bows and perform very well compared to many bows today. You can get a little better performance with some of today's bows, but not a huge amount. Obviously, you have not had a problem with the Drifter. If you do decide to get another bow, keep the Drifter. You will only get a few hundred dollars for it, if it is in good condition, and you could never replace that bow that was built for you by one of the legends in the business. I have a couple dozen Brackenburys, including many of the older ones like your Drifter. I love them! I also have 7 Quests, 2 Non-Typicals, and a Peerless which are the models of Brackenbury bows that Bill Howland has designed and built since he purchased the business years ago. They are among the finest bows being made today, and there are no better bows being made by anyone in my opinion.

I do encourage you to try other bows and to buy another one if you like it and can afford it, but not if it means that you sell that wonderful Drifter that was made by the hands of my friend Jim. You have a treasure that you should never part with. I can tell you that I will never part with the 2 Drifters Jim built for me!!!

Allan

[Steelhead]

They compare very favorably with any recurve being made today.They sure do shoot sweet.

The B-50 string may hold the performance down a little from some of the more modern bows so to speak that can use a low stretch type string.

The arrow choice doesnt sound too bad to me.You might be able to shoot a 2020 out of the bow if you want a tougher heavier arrow.With the 2020s you could bump the head weight up a bit I believe and have a really great hunting arrow.

[elkken]

Great bows .. I had the Legend, 66" 60# and it was a sweet bow. I have owned many high end bows and it was just as good as any. Finally got too heavy for me and I sold it. Great cast and smooth. I would agree that you might shoot a heavier arrow but if the 2018's are working why change. I used to shoot 70/75 tapered fir and cedar out of mine with 125 grain heads.

[jerry womble]

Amar911, sent you a email.

Thanks, Jerry

[SAM E. STEPHENS]

Killed my first archery buck with a drifter Jim made would give anything to have it back.Sad day when he passed he was a master

[reddust]

I had an original Drifter made for me in 1988,I killed alot of bucks with it but its perforfance was not that great,It was 64#@26" 62",

[Bishop]

Mine is a Legend made by Wes right after Jim died. Its still a great bow and compares well with anything out there IMO.

[snag]

Some bowyers have continued to refine their designs. So a bow that was built back in the 80's may not reflect those refinements. This is not saying that the 80's style is a bad design, it may just be different. The original Brackenbury that I shot was a friend's bow. He knew Jim and the bow was given to him by Jim as a present. I liked the bow. It was the bow that sparked the fire in me to take up a recurve as my weapon of choice for hunting. But I have since found other newer designs that I prefer. It all comes down to personal preference. Be happy with what you like. That's what matters.