Predator opinions please. One coming my way.

[skychief]

How do you Predator shooters like your bows?

I have a used one coming my way and thought I would ask for some owner feedback.

Also, can any of you tell me if the bow can be aged by using the serial number in some way?  Perhaps the first or last two digits represent the year it was built, but, I don't know.   Tried calling Hunters Niche but couldn't get them to answer the calls.

Thanks in advance for you thoughts, Skychief.

[PaulDeadringer29]

You can't go wrong with a Predator recurve. I have one, very fast. Low cut shelf so the arrow sits right on your hand, which I like. With the right string, mine is extremely quiet. Keep calling them, they will answer. What are your bows specs?

[skychief]

60" and 50# @ 28".   I draw a hair over 29" usually.  Within the last couple of hours, I bought a Predator Classic that is 51# @ 28 from a new friend.

Would love to hear your thoughts about quiet strings for these bows.

Thanks for your reply, Skychief

[skychief]

Look forward to more Predator owners weighing in.

[pete p]

I had one...liked it so much i got one for my dad. Stable, solid feel that balances well in the hand. Real smooth on the draw, i mean silk...one of those bows that just falls back into the anchor. Fast. Likely one of the fastest bows your going to shoot. I think it was one of the fastest recurves tested on Blackys site. I hear the new impact riser has even more punch. Let us know what you think when you get it.

[NBK]

Had one and agree with the other opinions noted.  Very quick, very smooth.  Only thing for me was the grip didn't quite fit.  Tough for me to go from slight locators on longbows to the high wrist.  If you like the grip, then you're gonna be REAL happy!  Good luck.

[Owlmagnet]

I recently purchased a 60" Predator Hunter and I am very, very impressed with it. Smooth draw;fast arrow. I got mine from 3 Rivers.

Because pairs of limbs are interchangeable, from riser to riser, and are marked at their actual, (not nominal), weight, I was able to order a pair of limbs marked 48#@28" that translated down to 45#@ my 26+" draw length--exactly what I was looking for.

I went with the Predator Hunter because it is solid future wood and tends to provide a bit more physical weight to the riser. I think the heavier riser helps contribute to the Predator's reputation of being, "dead in the hand", at the shot. I have accumulated my fair share of shoulder injuries, over the years, and this lack of perceived recoil has really increased my shooting comfort and accuracy.

This bow is a shooter. The Predator, without question, will be my go-to bow for deer, in a few months. In the meantime, I am going to train it on small game....

I wish you every success with yours.

[Bowwild]

I bought one for my son when he graduated college in 2002.  He loves it.

I have the anniversary edition.  It is a very nice bow.

Ron and Mike are extremely knowledgeable bowyers as well.

[Paul_R]

Not a fan of the high grip and low shelf. It put my hand in the way and an elevated rest was mandatory.

Hunters Niche never answered and never returned a single call or email for me either.

[hvyhitter]

Ive had mine for about 14 yrs now. Its one of my "keepers". Have 2 pairs of limbs,60# and 70#. Never had a problem getting a reply from Hunters Niche, I needed new mounting bolts and washers after "missplacing" mine. I called, left a message, thy called back the next day and had my parts in the mail that day...........

[PeteA]

I have had a Ptedator Hunter now for about 4 years. It quickly became my gonto bow over my Bear Takedown.

I have an old school solid Bubinga riser, black limbs, 46@28. In draw 27.5 and shoot 29.5 inch 2016 Legacys, 3 -4in feathers. Shot off a Bear Weather Rest. Have a Fred Bear quiver mounted to the bow. Mine likes 7 3/4 brace height.

Great bow. You made an excellent chose!

[skychief]

Been shooting the bow this evening.

I am getting bit by my Fletches too on top of my hand between pointer finger and thumb.

Cock feather in helped and I still got perfect arrow flight,but, bit a few more times.  I may have to go to a different Fletch if I am going to shoot the bow off the shelf.

I've never tried an elevated rest, so don't know what to think of them.   I think I shoot the bow as well as I do due to the arrow being right on top of my hand.   That would be lost with an elevated rest.  

Still getting to know her.

Thanks for your replies guys, Skychief.

[oldtimerbow]

If the bow still has the original string it will most likely be twangy so replace it with a string from one of the many talented makers on this site. It will make a huge difference in the noise department. I almost got rid of my Predator because I couldn't  quite it down. Changed strings on mine and got it quited down.

[suttoman]

I was able to track down the new 'Impact' model that you guys seem to have trouble finding in the States.   The dealer here in Australia had one for my exact specifications - sitting there in stock.   I pounced on it and I have the terrible wait now for the courier to arrive.

I had this same bow last year, but we were robbed over Xmas and all of my Archery gear was stolen.   It will be great to get one of these in my hands again.  I have had over 20 custom bows over the years, and this is the best recurve by far.   Hits where you point, very quiet and no shock.  I just love the grip and the way the whole thing fits together.   I had a standard Predator before, but this new 'Impact' is noticeably faster than the old one - just a much nicer bow.   I will put some pic's up when it arrives.

My only comment - and I seem not to be the only one - is that those guys at Hunter's Niche, don't seem to appreciate or respect their customers.  I have emailed them and tried to contact them on many occasions, and all of my correspondence was ignored.  I even checked with the dealer here that I had their email address correct, and all of that was good.  Looks like they don't care about any requests from the little guy.  If their product was not so damned good, I would send my business elsewhere.

sutto

[Joe2Crow]

I have mixed feeling about my Predator classic. I love the grip and the smoothness of the draw and it is without a doubt the fastest recurve I own. But, it is also the loudest and least forgiving recurve I own.

[kill shot]

I like mine. My preditor is 57#@28" and I draw it to about 28". I use aluminums 2219 arrows with 145gr magnus stingers and that thing is a powerhouse. Killed lots of deer with it.

[muth]

I have 3 Predators. Two RH risers and a LH riser.  I like being able to switch limbs.  I find myself shooting the RH "Impact" riser the most.

I have had bows with a more comfortable grip, but the Predator just works for me.