Big Jim Buffalo similar to PL design??

[Bullfrog 1]

These bows look similar in design? Are they or totally different?  Thanks.   BILL

[frassettor]

From what I had heard, yes, they are very similar. Big Jim is an AWESOME guy and bowyer! Can't go wrong with either

[Froggy]

Similar for sure....

[JamesKerr]

I haven't seen that many pictures of unstrung Buffalo's but their profiles when strung and at full draw look very similar. I am going to be ordering a new PL very soon. Both the Black Widow Boys and Big Jim are top notch and super guys to deal with. The Black Widow shop is just much closer to home and I have been by there many times and am able to hand pick the exact pieces of woods I want in the bow.

[xtrema312]

There should be some people along that have had both.  I have a buffalo now and have shot a lot of PL's.  I have seen both unstrung in profile.  I have not compared them with a critical eye, but I think they are a lot alike. I think they shoot a lot alike.  

Big Jim offers more SM, M, and LG  grip sizes and low or M height.  I am sure BW would do a custom for you.  I like the Big Jim grip and the way it hits the base of my thumb base better than the BW grip, but I do like the Toby.

[riverrat 2]

I have had both. There is alot of similaritys. Grip,R/D sweep,arrow shelf/sight window all nearly the same. BUT my Buffalo I had did display quite a bit more bowhand thump than my Widow PL of the same weight. I don't know why,but it did. I shot the same arrows out of both bows. It was still a decent bow,but my Widow was smoother. rat'

[joe ashton]

similar but with some distinct  differences.

[OBXarcher]

I own both a PL and a buffalo. Both are 62" and the buff is 51#, the PL is 55#.
My PL has the regular grip. It is very narrow and there is no real shelf that your hand goes up against  The buffalo grip is more round with a nice shelf the sits on the top of your hand.

Both are great bows but for the money I would go with a big jim buffalo.

[FarmerMarley]

I really have been wanting to try a Buffalo or a Thunderchild...For my long draw I think I will probably go with the BUff even though I have heard plenty say that the Thunderchild works out to a real long draw.

[sidekick]

I've had a BW PL, and currently have a 60" Buffalo and a 56"  Thunderchild. I shot the BW better than the Buff, but I shoot the TC better than the BW. All bows in the low to mid 40's in weight. I draw 28, and if not mistaken Jim shoots a 56" TC, and he has quite a bit longer draw than me. There's just something about the TC---must be the magic Jim builds in them.

[elkken]

I have had both and I do not think they are all that similar... my Buff had a wider grip, wider limb tips, shelf was similar IMO .. the fact that they are both R/D is not something that I think makes them " similar " .... both are fine bows, I liked my PL a bit better. I have a Thunder Child and I think those limbs if they where longer would be more like the PL. The TC is a really fine bow with amazing performance for a short LB.

Both my Buff and PLV were 64" and shot smooth, the Buff was certainly prettier as is the TC

[Frenchymanny]

I believe they are both  heavy RD bows.
There is no shock what so ever in any of my Big Jims, and they are silent directly out of the box.
I wouldn't trade them for any other bow.

F-Manny

[Nativestranger]

Originally posted by riverrat 2:
I have had both. There is alot of similaritys. Grip,R/D sweep,arrow shelf/sight window all nearly the same. BUT my Buffalo I had did display quite a bit more bowhand thump than my Widow PL of the same weight. I don't know why,but it did. I shot the same arrows out of both bows. It was still a decent bow,but my Widow was smoother. rat'

What are the limb core woods on your buffalo and widow?

[Friend]

Not surprising to find individuals that own both to be parked on both sides of the fence.

>>>Both are quite fine bows!<<<

My buddy that has regularly shot tourneys with me over the past couple of years owns both. He hands down picks the Buffalo.

The optimum choice remains individualistic.

[riverrat 2]

They both were Bamboo cored. I am not running the Buffalo down guys. It did have a thump I did not care for in my bow hand on release. The bow itself was very well built,and very good looking. If it did'nt have that thump,it would have been perfect. As Friend said......

The optimum choice remains individualistic.

Heck,I am no bowyer. It may have been a wood issue,I bought it 2nd hand,and WHO KNOWS what it
may have been exposed to prior to my purchase. I still like the lines of the Buffalo,they are close to a PL's. I may even buy another one if I shot it first. Frenchymanny stated his had no shock. Maybe mine had a issue? don't know. rat'