Checkmate bow... need info

[Dick in Seattle]

Hi...
this is a quickie seeking info.... I won a Checkmate Longhorn, 55# @ 62" in the drawing at NALS. It came without a string. I was told to try 59". I did, but it looked wrong.... brace height was 3 1/2". I twisted it up to get a 4 1/2" brace height, but that still leaves a lot of my feather resting on the shelf as I start to draw. It produces a lovely 45# at my 25" and draws like a hot string through butter. It's also extremely consistent... group after group with zero flyers. I shot it from all over my yard... all the distances and targets I have, and had almost total kill zone hits on the burlap bags... one or two maybe an inch out, but not one shot where you said, "Ouch!"

Anyway, does anyone know more about these bows. I need a better recommendation for string length and brace height. The bow is far from well tuned at this point. there is no leather on the shelf and I think the nock point needs to come up or down a hair... very noisy at this point. Also, my arrows are spined 50 - 55, though the bow is deeply center cut so that shouldn't be very much of a problem. I'm getting enough wrist slap that I can feel it through my brace, not sure what that's about... probably a difference in form from the Hills I usually shoot... the grip is deep, almost recurve. Oh, yeah, it does appear to be a long bow... once I got the string short enough, it doesn't rest on the limb.

Any info appreciated.

Dick in Seattle

[Pops]

Go to recurves.com and ask.

[LBR]

Dick, something isn't right--59" is the correct string length for a 62" Longhorn--58.5" if you like a higher brace.  Either the bow or the string was marked wrong.  Brace generally runs between 6.5" and 7.5".  The shelf is cut to center.  String slap is due to the low brace height.  Technically a flatbow, it falls into the longbow category at every tournament I've attended.

If you need any help, just holler.

Chad

[Dick in Seattle]

Chad... strange... i just checked and the bow is a true 62", measured on the surface of the limbs.   The string is a true 59", twisted up, but the brace height comes out 4 1/2".   Now, that's measured to the belly of the shelf, which is how I've always done it on flat bows.  I have no real experience on RD's or hybrids.   I'm stumped.   Only thing i can think of is to try a 58" or 57" string.

I also need to get some photos and see if anyone can tell me the wood.... light yellow with some figure and what appears to be similar markings to birdseye maple, but not as regular.

Dick in Seattle

[manyletters]

Dick...the wood on the limbs is Pacific Yew with pin knots...very fast and aesthetically pleasing. I will check with Marc at Chek-mate for this info...waht Chad mentioned on the brace height etc is correct but let me get back to you on this.

It was a pleasure meeting you at the NALS...that was the second Chek-mate that I won this year and given back to redraw...gotta spread the luck around ya know!!!

[Dick in Seattle]

thanks for the response.   NALS was a hoot.   the bow is a very, very nice shoot.   I have no problem with putting a shorter striing on it to get the brace height right, just am a bit confused about why the brace height isn't working out as expected.

Dick

[LBR]

Ok, just noticed where you are measuring.  It should be 6.5 to 7.5 inches to the deepest part of the grip.  Depending on your preferances, you might light the string a little shorter.

The Longhorn is a great bow for sure--very smooth and quick.  Just wish they made it a bit longer!

Dennis, need to holler at you soon!


Chad

[manyletters]

Chad...I am around until the 18th and then back flying again for awhile...I will phone you in the a.m.

[Diane.A]

Hi guys seeing as this is a chek-mate thread
I have a chek-mate falcon 54#@28. Do you know if marc could reduce the weight on it. I am having shoulder problems drawing arm. Thanks for any info

Diane

[manyletters]

Diane...reducing weight on a recurve can be done but usually a little less than a longbow. I will be talking to Marc shortly so I will see what can be done.

[Gitnadoix]

Dick I was sitting back of ya a few rows at the NALS and when they pulled your name for that beautiful jewelry from the Bahamas and you sugested that they keep pulling names till they get a ladies name, I figured KARMA was gonna pay ya back, for that.  Glad to see it did and in spades I might add.  Thats a gorgous bow.