Custom bows

[wollelybugger]

I got to ask this question, is a bow that is made in the same style and shape a custom bow if they make the same model over and over again. The only difference from one bow to another is the draw weight, length and the woods used in the handle and limbs. I always consider a custom bow a one of a kind no other style of that bow.

Self bows are true custom bows because no two are even close to being the same and I have a Bamboo Ipe bow that was made for me that is the only one that the bower made in that style. Those bow are what I consider custom. Whats your opinion???

[bigbadjon]

I'd consider all bow to be semi custom in that you can order the extra features to your liking. True custom would be made exactly to your specs. I wouldn't consider self bows to be custom on as much as unique. The wood still limits what can be done and as such they are less customizable.

[Jhawk]

Websters definition of custom, "made for the individual."  In my opinion the bows made to order are truly custom bows.  These custom bows are all unique different bows made by the same bower even if they are the same model, etc.

I would say the mass produced bows that have little work done by hand would not be considered custom.  Again, only my opinion.

[Zradix]

ok

I guess my answer would be there are different levels of customization.

But another word that might be a good word to use to describe many bows is Unique.

But I hear what you're saying...just because I order my Levis 40-32 doesn't really make them custom.

[Gen273]

To me it is a "custom" When you can order it to your exact specs. like draw weight, over all lenth and wood in riser and limbs. don't forget limb cores too. So to me that is what makes a bow custom. But to each his own.

[KentuckyTJ]

Hey it's your idea of what it is. Just as most terms in life can be. "What is Traditional"?

[LBR]

As mentioned, it depends on your definition.

I make custom bowstrings--choice of materials, colors, strand count, serving type, serving size, loop size,endless, flemish, etc. etc. etc.

I've made a lot of the same strings for different people.  Every one may not be unique or one-of-a-kind, but they are all custom made to order.

I do get what you are saying--a more accurate term would be "production bows with options"--but we've come to accept that as "custom" when it comes to bows.

Chad

[The Vanilla Gorilla]

I don't consider it custom unless I am there gripping the riser having the bowyer take material off until it fits my hand like a glove.

[Bowwild]

It is a matter of degree to me as well.

Personally, unless I have a LOT of confidence in the bowyer, I prefer a bow that follows a tried and true pattern. I don't mind going first in many of life's journey's, but not with bows.

A custom bow to me is one that I get to pick the riser and limb woods for. I wouldn't know where to start building one and don't want much more responsibility than selecting draw weight at my draw length and the aforementioned wood decisions.

[Rob W.]

I customize mine with scratches and dried blood spots. Maybe the occasional Batman sticker the boys sneak on there.  :D  


Rob

[Sixby]

Ibuild true custom bows . No two alike except in the Hunter model. I customize the limbs,. risers and fit to the individual as much as possible with pictures and tracings of hands ect.
I honestly doubt that many bowyers have the time to do it as it takes me about three times as long to do this as it does to build a stock model.

Most bows actually are semi custom in that you order options which are added to a stock type bow . It does not actually change the build for your draw length, hand. shooting style ect.
If you check out my web page, most of those bows are customer orders and unique individuals.


God bless you all, Steve

[atatarpm]

I think I'll quit calling it custom and start calling it hand crafted

[DWT]

who cares, I like em plain and I like em pretty,short, long, straight, crooked, d shaped, s shaped, wood, glass, does it really matter.

[Arwin]

I like the St. Joes, Tracey and Dave have put together some pretty unique bows.

 They are building one for me right now that is going to be quite different than their norm. I pretty much said, "How much can you take off and still have it structurally sound?"  I wanted something super light in the hand and narrow limbs (I'm a Hill style bow fan) they directed me towards walnut. I love walnut!

 Narrower and deeper limbs and the riser is getting taken in to make it very slender.

 The shelf is just about level with my hand and is going to be narrow, just about wide enough for the arrow shaft to sit on. The grip is a low wrist hybrid, narrow throat on the grip and in the thumb area.
 
 All walnut, with red and black layers of uniweft in the limbs and on the overlayes. 60 long and want to hit between 56-58lbs@28
 :cool:   I'm anxious to see it!

[Cyclic-Rivers]

I find it is customary to overthink simple stuff.  

[Sixby]

Arwin, That sounds like a super nice bow and being built by some great folks. Be sure to show it off some when you get it. I too love walnut. It is one of the really great bow woods.

God bless you, Steve

[Michigan Mark]

Custom made= Made according to the specifications of an individual purchaser.

[7 Lakes]

I think Michigan Mark almost got it right...

Custom made=Made according to the specifications of a "custom"er

That will go for longbows, paintings, boats...

[ChrisM]

My howard Hill bow is truley custom.  My riser lenght, My handle just exaclty the way I ordered it, my tips the way I wanted and the working limb material what I wanted.  The only thing that I had no input on was the tapers in the limbs and the cross section shape.

[JamesKerr]

I define custom bows as bows made by hand one at a time. These bows are not mass produced and cut out by machines but have most or all the work done by hand.