black widow pl vs. wes wallace royal

[Joe2Crow]

Hi gang, I'm looking for an objective comparison between these 2bows from those who own, or have shot, both. Pros and cons. Big price difference new, is the BW worth it? Thanks, Jeff.

[M60gunner]

I have shot a few different BW longbows at their seminar. I also have owned a Wes Wallace Royal for some years now. My fav weight is 55#&28. I know I did not like the fatter grips on some of the BW bows. One reason I bought the Wallace, a slim low profile grip. The grip " feel" is most important to me. BW will make it your way as will Wes so may not be that big an issue when ordering.
Shooting both bows: both bows IMO shoot very well. Of course I have been shooting the Royal some 10years now so more experience. I found both bows like a little more spine than even my recurves at that weight. I quite my bow with one set of whiskers.
Of course my point of view may be skewed by my having the Wallace. It would be a tough choice for me also money aside. Both offer superb customer service IMO but you will wait longer for a Wallace.

[Caughtandhobble]

OK, I don't own both... I can only imagine that the WW longbow would be one awesome longbow, although I have never seen or shot one. I would love to shoot one sometimes.

I can testify to the Black Widow PL being the best longbow that I have ever shot. It's not that the bow stands head and shoulders above all others that I have shot and loved. The little things is what takes the Black Widow PL to the top in my opinion. What I mean by little things is customer service, perfect finish every time on every bow, the perfect grip on every bow. Little things like having well over 100 years combined experience that is going into each and every bow and access to countless phone calls at our disposal. Other little things like an online archery shop at our finger tips, their items sale for cheaper than most anywhere, including manufactures. I don't think they make a profit on archery accessories, if so it's not much.

Are the Black Widows worth the extra expense? Well I say yes all day long and twice on Sunday. The old adage that says "you get what you pay for", the person who coined that phrase may have very well been talking about the Black Widow crew. Not that resale is a big issue, you almost never see used PL's for sell, but when they are available, the resale value is always very high and they usually sell in a days time.

Good luck in your search, I honestly feel you will be happy with either that you choose... Heck, check out Big Jim's Buffalo as long as you're shopping. He's one heck of a nice guy who happens to build fine bows.

[JRY309]

I don't think you would be disappointed with ether bow.I haven't shot a Wes Wallace Royal but have always wanted to.I like the lines and profile of the Royal.I do have and shoot a BW PLX I acquired a few years ago.It is a excellent shooting bow in my opinion.Draws smooth and shoot fast and accurate.I much prefer and like the PL grip compared to the older BW LAG longbow.The LAG grip was more round,I like a narrower grip of the PL.It has become one of my favorite longbows,it just shoots so well for me.

[Flying Dogg]

I have owned both as take downs. The WW was a fine bow all around and I enjoyed success hunting with it for 3 years. In 2006 I received my BW PLX and it is also an excellent bow. I have hunted with it every year since 2006 and will hunt with it this year as well. It is a winner for me and my "GO TO" bow. BW offers a TRY BEFORE YOU BUY and I would recommend it. If WW offers this I would take advantage of it as well.

[ron w]

I have had and shot both......Kind of an apples and oranges thing. Both are great bows but each has it's own spot in the longbow world. I still have a PLX and if the Royal had been lighter I would still have that as well. I think in performance I might give the prize to the PLX. As far as looks and classic feel the Royal hands down.

[Archie]

Wes Wallace bows have a great reputation, but I've not had a chance to shoot one.   I love my Widow PLX and give it a hearty recommendation though.

[Steelhead]

I have had 3 PL Longbows.Thier tough as nails and built to last.I like em.

I got a 2 PC Royal longbow recently.I like a Brass steel sleeve T.D personally and these Royals have that T.D design.It adds a little mass weight.The grip is contoured with bondo I suppose and shaped nicely.You can not tell its a takedown.

I had been wanting to try one for awhile.This one is 66" and very fancy.Its a gorgous bow and superbly crafted.It has a gloss finish.I really like how it shoots alot!Its fast,smooth,quiet and accurrate.I like the grip.Its got a little more reflex than most mild R&D bows.The limbs are trapped on the back.

I peronally cant find one complaint about this Royal's looks,craftsmanship or shooting qualities.

[Joe2Crow]

thanks for the feedback so far fellas.  keep em coming. Jeff

[Blackhawk]

I've owned both in the past, but got neither right now.  Wes and the Widow guys are tops to deal with, so customer service is about equal.  

You would probably love both, but my choice would be the PL...but the Royal is also first class.

[Friend]

Try before you buy will provide the most applicable and pertinent feedback.

[T.A.C.]

Joe,
 I have owned and shot both. And I like both. The grips are the big difference. The BW is deeper (back to belly) and I would suggest - if possible, shooting both before ordering. I know BW has a "try before you fly" program, not sure about Wes. But you can certainly call him and ask. Both PL's and Royal have been take downs. My Royals have been built with what Wes refers to as the small sleeve.

 Both have and are VERY customer oriented. My guess is the BW would get to you quicker, but I would certainly give them both a try. You really cannot go wrong with either.  Good luck, Terry

[widow sax]

I do not know about the walles royal but I have shot BW longbows and my buddy Tomahawk got a new one for our elk hunt last year and all I can say is did that bow shoot and it was one of the few longbows that I would own she was a beaut.     Widow

[PastorSteveHill]

Ron W , said it perfectly...