difference between wooden and metal riser recurves

[scottprice]

besides the obvious material difference, what are the differences between a traditional 1 or 2 piece wooden recurve and the metal riser recurves like the Hoyt buffalo???

Durability? Shootability? Tuning?

[nineworlds9]

Well the Hoyt Buff is center cut or just before center so it doesn't count, but most other metal riser bows, ILF or DAS are cut a good ways before center allowing the use of a plunger button for fine tuning of arrow flight and the ability to use different spine arrows on the fly.  Metal riser bows in my experience also have a bit different shot feel than wood riser bows.  Just a different resonance to them.  Metal riser bows also get a lot colder, and colder quicker in winter weather.  There are pros and cons to wood or metal.  In the end for a lot of us it comes down to looks.  I prefer the classic feel and artistic beauty of wood.  Playing devil's advocate I could easily argue that a metal riser machined bow is inherently more accurate when tuned properly, due to more precise construction and material consistency, but that's splitting hairs as for hunting purposes wood bows do just dandy.  In the end, don't overthink it.  Go with what gets your heart beating faster.  Consider wet and cold weather if you encounter them often, and whether you have interest in using a plunger and having a more 'techie' setup, or desire the versatility of ILF or DAS etc.

[scottprice]

thanks for the response! i should have mentioned that if i went the metal route i would still want to be as traditional as possible, no plunger, no sight, just an arrow shelf. Never thought about the grip getting cold, good point there!

To me, i just want to make it harder on myself to hunt. Yes some guys will frown on the metal riser saying its not true traditional, but i dont hunt for other people, i hunt for me, so thats not a concern

[monkeyball]

I like them both . My Dorado is cut as close to my hand and radiused as fine as any custom wood riser. The grip is narrow, which I like, and will just about eat any arrow without burping.

  That being said, I also have a Toelke Lynx that when I slide my hand around it ,it feels as though Dan built it around my hand. Beautiful bow.

  It is like Chuck said, go with what works for you.

                                              Good Shooting,
                                                          Craig

[TGbow]

Nothing wrong with metal risers, they've been around for at least 45 to 50 years. Longer than carbon arrows.
I like wood, only because I like the feel better.
Some folks are the opposite.
Go with what you like.

[TaterHill Archer]

I currently own both.  I like them equally well. Hard to beat a beautifully crafted wood bow though.

[Orion]

In addition to what's been said, metal risers are usually, but not always, heavier than wood risers, and they're stiffer. Most wood risers flex a little when drawn.  Not enough to feel in the hand, but they do.  Unless it's a very lightly built metal riser, it won't flex. Some folks like these features, others don't.

[ron w]

Wood is warm.......I have had both and just like wood better. Best to try both and then decide.

[mark land]

3 years under my belt with my Buffalo and loving that bow.  But the grip can be cold when you touch the bare metal with skin, but usually have a glove on so not a big deal and try not to hold the metal too long in really cold weather as it does seem to bleed thru.

[KAZ]

I have both and enjoy both for unique reasons... I have a Black Widow HS60 takedown that I shoot off the shelf. It's a metal riser. Mass weight is high, stability/smoothness/accuracy is incredible. Drilled and tapped for accessories plus indestructible. Good looking too! Black riser, smooth graceful lines and blonde maple limbs on back/diamondback skins on front... To ward off a little of the cold, I have a shur-grip on it. 60" is a little long for me in short range tree stand shots or tight quarters. Enter in my 1 piece wood sweety! A 54" Black widow KB. Beautiful wood, graceful, but nimble and fast! Mass weight is not too light, but lighter. Warmer to the grip. Both are awesome in their own right and I love them both! My current go to hunting rig is be KB, but the metal riser bow is still awesome & not forgotten.... Totally up to you, it's a preference kind of deal (personal)...

[M60gunner]

I like both. I originally wanted the metal handle Bear so I would not wreck my wood handle TD. Now that seems to have become scarce so prices have increased. Now I have a Warf made from a Rambo compound riser and ILF limbs. To be honest it shoots better than the Bear. What has been said about metal handle bows being cold is true. But if it is that cold I would have a glove on anyway. Here the issue is heat, like 104 right now.

Wood riser recurves go "Twang!".

Metal riser recurves go "TWANG!!!!!!"

                 

Sorry, that's all this longbow guy can contribute!

Bisch

[stujay]

I too have both metal and wood...if I had to choose between them I would go with my metal titan. Grips are interchangeable, easier to mount a quiver on it, this ILF riser allows 4-5# draw weight changes has a wide variety of ways to tune etc. As for it being cold the grip plastic like material prevent cold to the hand and a strip of Velcro rug material to the leading edge of the grip area protects the fingers and presto cold not a factor. Fortunately I don't have to choose between the two love my wood grip riser as well!

[KyRidgeRunner]

I too was considering a metal riser recurve... May be a silly question but are they noticeably louder?  I'm assuming from bisch's comment they are.  Thats about my only peeve with a recurve is I can't get them as quit as a longbow(which is prolly my lack of skills!)

[reddogge]

I used a Buffalo for 3 seasons with no problems. It has a wood grip and I wrapped it with tennis racket tape. Last season I switched to a Wes Wallace take down. For 3-D work my favorite is a Titan III riser. I like them all.

No, metal risers aren't loud but probably louder than a longbow. Depends on how you set them up and shoot them. If you shoot them tillered improperly with light arrows and 3 fingers under, yes they will be louder than a longbow.