Opinions on 3Rivers Archery please, and Predator?

[suttoman]

I wrote on another thread here recently that we were robbed over Christmas, and all of my archery gear plus my beloved Pittsley Predator 'Impact' Recurve was stolen (along with half the household stuff)!

I have not had a bow all year and am really feeling it now not being able to shoot.  I may order another Firefly from Jim Jones (I see he has a new recurve now too), but I also want to replace my Pittsley bow.  I had the new 'Impact' bow, and I can honestly say (out of the many customs I have owned), that is is by far the best bow I have ever owned.

Living 'Down Under', it is much harder to source a bow from so far away.  I do see that 3Rivers has Hunter DX limbs and riser listed.  I don't want to have to pay money and wait a long time for something to get made - I just want to pay and have it posted.  My question - If they have the item listed on the website, and you click your poundage and length - and it shows on the listing - does that mean it is in stock??  

Also - are they a reputable company and have folks on here had good service with them?   I know this may sound a silly question, but I am a long way from America and just want to be sure I am dealing with a reputable company, as I have never heard of them before.

Anybody know the difference between the Dx limbs listed and the classic limbs?   Is it only the veneers, or do they perform differently?  I do not see any listing for the new 'Impact' bow (The one that I had stolen), does anybody know the difference between that bow and the Dx they are selling?

Thanks in advance.

sutto

[Bob Moran]

Suttoman,
I've dealt with 3 Rivers for several years and they are outstanding in customer service. As an example, I purchased their take down Tomahawk Legacy bow and didn't like it when I received it. They paid for the return postage and sent me a Tomahawk Diamond in Woodland Hunter and I didn't like that finish either; so they again paid for the return postage and sent me a Thunderstorm which I love. I'm a bit embarrassed by how I behaved, but they were very accommodating. I can't advise you on the DX riser and limbs. If you have a question about availability - give them a call.

[PaulDeadringer29]

3rivers is an excellent company to do business with. They should have it in stock if it's on their site unless it says it's on backorder. But I would call first to be sure.
For the risers and limbs, the DX and Classic are the exact same Predator recurve. The DX is a one piece that uses futurewood as the riser. The DX limbs are usually matching futurewood in the wedge with black glass back and belly. The Classic riser, that 3rivers offers, is a two tone. Classic limbs usually have a veneer on the back as well.
Call them, they're very helpful. Hope it works out for you, I feel bad you got your house broke into. I hate a theif and a liar.
Good luck.

[Cavscout9753]

Love 3Rivers. Have probably half a dozen catalogs around house, some in truck, some at work, etc. Give them a call. They'll get you fixed up. Sorry about your home being robbed. One of the lowest things in my mind.

[Nuctech]

I buy most everything for building arrows and strings from 3 rivers.  Excellent service, fast shipping and knowledgeable staff.  Real good people to deal with.

[Owlmagnet]

Suttoman, as I said in that other thread, 3 Rivers has the Predator Classic and Predator Hunter Dx in stock. I made a telephone call and they shipped out my bow the same day.

I've never seen or shot an Impact, but I believe they use the same limbs as the Classic and Hunter Dx. Other than the cosmetic shape of the riser, Mike, at Hunter's Niche, said the essential difference between the Impact and the Predator is a bit more reflex in the riser, (to the best of my recollection).

Regarding limbs, the big difference between the Classic and the Hunter Dx limbs is that the Classic limbs are backed with clear glass over an "exotic wood lamination", while the Hunter limbs are backed with black glass, over maple laminations.

Opinions vary, but it is my belief that there isn't very much difference in actual performance between maple and other wood laminations in a highly engineered recurve limb. The limb design is what is most important; clear glass over pretty wood looks nicer, that's all. Again, the limbs are interchangeable from riser to riser. By any objective measure, Ron Pittsley has designed a heck of a recurve limb!

I went with the Hunter Dx riser over the Classic riser because the Hunter Dx riser, being solid Future Wood, is a little heavier than the Classic riser. Plus, I am such a barbarian, that I have been known to spray paint a favorite hunting bow with dull, flat, camouflage, paint schemes--much to the disgust of my comrades. (Back "when dinosaurs ruled the earth", many bowhunters did that, routinely.) As bows became more beautiful, (and expensive), you don't see that, much, anymore.

I guess I have been dealing with 3 Rivers for more than a decade, but probably less than two. They have not disappointed me, yet. If I can make a call for you, to see if what you are looking for is in stock, or whatever, just shoot me a PM. I would also be happy to provide you with 3 Rivers' "ask the experts" telephone number, (which allows you to speak to someone who can answer your questions BEFORE you make the order--which they will also be happy to take, at that time).  I can also give you the telephone number for Hunter's Niche, should you want to talk to the guys that make (and sell) the Predators.

I was sorry to hear that your gear, (or "kit"?), got "ripped off". I enjoyed your review of the Impact. If I can be of some small assistance, let me know.

All the best.

[Bjorn]

I have only had outstanding experiences with 3rivers.  Never shot a Predator.

[Beav]

I've dealt with both companies and they are top notch in service.

[Paul_R]

I've had nothing but outstanding products and service from 3 Rivers. Predator makes a fine bow but their customer service is anything but in my experience.

[Rob W.]

3rivers is a good company. That said I wouldn't limit myself to just the bows they sell because of your location. Many of the top bowyers have stock bows ready to ship and are great to deal with.
I would wager that if you give them a call you could work out getting everything you need shipped in the same package to cut cost.

[M60gunner]

Always had great service from 3rivers over the years. They are not the cheapest but all the products I have bought from them are top drawer.
I will be honest and say I do spread out my needs to other vendors as well. We are a small community and I like to see everyone do well.

[rraming]

I purchase stuff from 3 Rivers and they are great. I have owned 4 predators and bought them from Hunters Niche directly, one from Cabelas when they stop selling them -bargain bin thing.  The call would be expensive but they usually answer, Mike is pretty quick on his emails as well.

[mahantango]

3Rivers is probably the biggest trad-only archery dealer in the US. Been dealing with them for almost twenty years and have no complaints other than they are not cheap and really stick you for shipping. The customer service is second to none.

[Knawbone]

Customer oriented company but pricey! I think you could fair a lot better for your buck. Many of the custom bowyers on this sight can supply you with finished top rate bows for a substantial savings over larger companies such as 3R.

[Dry Creek]

3Rivers is a great company.  A+++ in service!

[suttoman]

Thanks guys so much for the information.  Very informative and encouraging.  I should be able to make my decision now.

Thanks

sutto

[Owlmagnet]

Suttoman, got your PM. I'm on it.

Sent you an email, but I'm not sure if it made it.

I'll be able to answer your questions, not later than Tuesday, and will write you again.

Bob