Help! So I don't make the wrong decision on a Blacktail order.

[Straitshot]

I would like a true honest assessment from those who have shot both a Blacktail one piece recurve and the new Sitka model. I posted a thread similar to this awhile back but did not get many responses. I am hoping to do better this time.

I am hoping perhaps someone owns both and has shot them both just to see how they compare.

I confess I have shot both but the one piece was 2 pounds lighter in draw weight to the Sitka and the Sitka was constructed of physically lighter woods than I prefer. I like a physically heavy riser for several reasons. Because the Sitka was heavier in draw weight and composed of what I consider the physically lighter woods it did not feel as smooth on release as the one piece in my opinion.

I am asking this because I have a Blacktail on order and still have time to decide on which model I prefer. My original intention was to get a new 62" one piece for my 28" draw length. The one piece I mentioned above is an older model that I own that I really like a lot so I thought I would get a new one with the same specs.

Spending time on their web site and after talking to Alan Pope I have been drawn to the Sitka, but I am afraid it will not be as smooth on release as the one piece. I know, I probably sound as though I am not making any sense but they are just too substantial of an investment to make the wrong decision.

I need help. Wish I had two identical weight bows made from the same woods to compare.

[Steve Jr]

I wish you the best with your decision. Too bad you couldn't make a trip to one of their ships and shoot both at your desired spec's to help you out. It is a very big investment to NOT know which one you would prefer. They sure build some Beautiful Bows.

Best of luck,
Steve Jr

[Straitshot]

This is an addendum to my statement above.

My main reason for wanting the smoothest on release Blacktail as possible is because several years back I had an incident occur that caused permanent nerve damage in my right inner ear which in turn has robbed me of much of my equilibrium. Bows that produce very much hand shock send feelings of my equilibrium in my head into orbit. I do pretty good getting around by using a cane and I can still shoot decently although I am not as consistent as I use to be.

I have no problems drawing the bow however the problems start upon release. The best way I know how to describe it is that you wind a clock with a spring so tight until it breaks and then the spring goes everywhere. The feelings in my head with regard to my equilibrium feel as though my head is the little steel ball in a pinball machine being bounced everywhere and in all directions. On occasion I will anticipate that feeling and it causes me to throw a shot off target.

That is why I want and need something as smooth as possible on release. The least amount of hand shock as possible.

[ProAlpine]

I've had 2 one piece and currently have a Sitka. One of the Snakebite one pieces was a hard thumper and I had to shoot 300 spine heavy arrows to eliminate hand shock and noise. It packed a punch! The Sitka I currently own is 60" and I have close to a 30" draw. It's a great shooter with no hand shock to speak of.

My experience, though I am relatively new to trad bows (5 years) is that hand shock and noise can be nearly eliminated with tuning arrow weight and with various strings choices.

I really like the Sitka. It's a beautiful hunting weapon. I love the packability and versatility of take down bows. I don't think I'll buy any more one piece recurves anymore.

I think if you talked with Norm and expressed your concerns, he'd make you just what you're looking for. Give them a ring on the phone rather than try and express it in an email. They want you to be a happy customer!

[Old Chief]

Sent you a pm

[Steelhead]

I think using the heaviest woods possible on the Sitka and adding the GN Quiver that Blacktail offers specifically for 3 PC T.Ds might get you where you want to be as far as reducing some vibration and adding some stability and smoothness at your release point.

I also liked my SBD string with wool puffs on the Blacktails I have had.I thought it reduced felt vibration a bit over the stock strings.

Speaking of the GN quiver for 3 PC bows.It is a very nice quiver and can be adjusted in and out.I had mine slid in as close to the riser as I could get it.It will get the balance of the bow to feel pretty good compared to other limb bolt quivers IMO that hang out to the side more.You get the picture.

It would be nice if you could try the Sitka with heavy woods and the quiver and see how that goes in a perfect world.

I preffered the 1 piece bows over the original 3 PC bows.I have not tried the Sitka.But I can see why you are interested in it.I would like to try one myself

[BlacktailBowhunter]

[BlacktailBowhunter]

After talking to Norm, I decided to get a Sitka in lieu of an Elite Vl. I've owned a VL t/d, a VL one piece and an older lb from Blacktail.

I shot the VL better than any bow I've owned. I didn't realize that at the time and got outa trad for 5 years. This year I was set on a VL but after talking to Sightsee, Roy, and Norm, I settled on a Sitka.

I recommend you speak directly to Norm. He wasn't trying to convince me either way, but Did say he designed the VL in 1991 and believes he's learned a thing or two since then and he Shoots a Sitka.

[Bowwild]

I just saw this.
I've had TD Snakebit, 1-piece VL, and I have two Sitkas.  I prefer the Sitkas. Frankly, I didn't notice handshock with any of the.

I prefer the Sitkas. I had my T2 made of one of the most dense woods available, Australian Corrugata Burl with Macassar Flares. It is noticeably heavier (mass) than any bow I've owned except Bob Lee Ultimate in 100% phenolic.

I downloaded a "wood density" chart which I use as a reference when selecting woods.  I've pasted it below.  Corrugata isn't listed on this chart but it is in the "1" range.

You'll love your Sitka!

Spc. Specie Name Gravity
0.34 Buckeye Burl
0.38 Spanish Cedar
0.4 Anigre
0.42 Basswood
0.44 Tornillo
0.45 Aspen
0.45 Butternut
0.48 American Chestnut
0.5 Peruvian Walnut
0.51 Poplar
0.53 African Mahogany
0.53 Koa
0.55 Quilted Western Maple
0.55 Curly Pyinma
0.55 Western Maple Burl
0.55 Curly Western Maple
0.56 Red Palm
0.58 Cherry
0.58 Cherry Burl
0.58 Curly Cherry
0.58 Afzelia Burl
0.58 Ebiara
0.59 Genuine Mahogany
0.6 Figured Mango
0.61 Holly
0.62 Lacewood
0.62 Figured Makore
0.62 Quilted Sapele
0.62 Sapele
0.63 Curly Maple (Red Leaf)
0.63 Maple (Red Leaf)
0.64 Walnut
 0.65 Canarywood
 0.66 White Ash
 0.66 Amboyna Burl
 0.66 Curly Narra
 0.66 Curly White Ash
 0.66 Black Ash
 0.66 Swamp Ash
 0.66 Santos Mahogany
 0.67 Black & White Ebony
 0.67 Thuya Burl
 0.67 Honey Locust
 0.68 Black Palm
 0.68 Redheart
 0.69 Afrormosia
 0.71 Birch
 0.71 Flame Birch
 0.71 Birch Burl
 0.72 Birdseye Maple
 0.72 Hard Maple
 0.72 Curly Maple (Hard Maple)
 0.72 Padauk
 0.72 Quarter Sawn Maple
 0.72 Bark Pocket Maple
 0.72 Hard Maple Burl
 0.72 Spalted Maple
 0.72 Rift Sawn Hard Maple
 0.72 English Brown Oak
 0.73 Bocote
 0.74 Zebrawood
 0.74 Figured Zebrawood
 0.74 Nicaraguan Rosewood
 0.75 Ziricote
 0.76 Osage Orange (Argentine)
 0.77 Red Oak
 
 0.77 Madrone Burl
 0.77 Quarter Sawn White Oak
 0.77 White Oak
 0.77 Curly Oak
 0.77 Quarter Sawn Red Oak
 0.77 Mayan Walnut
 0.77 Spalted Oak
 0.79 Granadillo
 0.8 Olivewood
 0.8 Yellowheart
 0.8 Indian Ebony
 0.8 Shedua
 0.82 Cochen Rosewood
 0.82 Hickory
 0.84 Bolivian Rosewood
 0.84 Jarrah Burl
 0.85 Chechen
 0.85 E. Indian Rosewood
 0.85 Marblewood
 0.85 Red Mallee Burl
 0.85 Brown Mallee Burl
 0.85 Yellow Box Burl
 0.86 Purpleheart
 0.86 Figured Purpleheart
 0.86 Cumaru
 0.86 Osage Orange (USA)
 0.86 Red Coolibah Burl
 0.87 Mopani
 0.88 Figured Bubinga
 0.88 Quilted Bubinga
 0.88 Wenge
 0.88 Bubinga
 0.89 Amazon Rosewood
 0.9 Mun Ebony
 
0.9 Pink Ivory
0.9 Merbau
0.9 Spalted Tamarind
0.91 Jatoba
0.91 Leopardwood
0.92 Figured Katalox
0.93 Chakte Viga
0.95 Goncalo Alves
0.96 Bloodwood
0.96 Honduras Rosewood
0.96 Tulipwood
0.96 Honduras Rosewood Burl
1 Sucupira
1.03 Gaboon Ebony
1.04 Tamboti
1.09 Macassar Ebony
1.1 Cocobolo
1.12 Katalox
1.12 Grey Box Burl
1.12 Lignum Vitae (Genuine)
1.17 Brazilian Ebony
1.19 Brown Ebony
1.19 Camatillo
1.2 African Blackwood
1.2 Kingwood
1.23 Lignum Vitae (Argentine)
1.3 Snakewood

[highlow]

I don't have a Sitka but do a T2 in the Sitka configuration. No hand shock. I think you'll like that Sitka. I also have a one piece VL and no hand shock there either.
Can't go wrong with a Blacktail.

[Paul Shirek]

I have had all the Blacktails and currently own a V.l. and a Sitka. The Sitka is the smoothest drawing and shooting of all of them. It is the first thing I noticed when I first got it.

[M60gunner]

Straitshot, I understand your issue. Had to give up my Hill style LB because of to much thump and my arthritis hands.
That chart above about wood density is very helpful. Only suggestion is if your in a dry climate like me, AZ. stay away from Bacote. It drys out.

[BlacktailBowhunter]

Originally posted by Bowwild:
I just saw this.
I've had TD Snakebit, 1-piece VL, and I have two Sitkas.  I prefer the Sitkas. Frankly, I didn't notice handshock with any of the.

I prefer the Sitkas. I had my T2 made of one of the most dense woods available, Australian Corrugata Burl with Macassar Flares. It is noticeably heavier (mass) than any bow I've owned except Bob Lee Ultimate in 100% phenolic.

I downloaded a "wood density" chart which I use as a reference when selecting woods.  I've pasted it below.  Corrugata isn't listed on this chart but it is in the "1" range.

You'll love your Sitka!

Spc. Specie Name Gravity
0.34 Buckeye Burl
0.38 Spanish Cedar
0.4 Anigre
0.42 Basswood
0.44 Tornillo
0.45 Aspen
0.45 Butternut
0.48 American Chestnut
0.5 Peruvian Walnut
0.51 Poplar
0.53 African Mahogany
0.53 Koa
0.55 Quilted Western Maple
0.55 Curly Pyinma
0.55 Western Maple Burl
0.55 Curly Western Maple
0.56 Red Palm
0.58 Cherry
0.58 Cherry Burl
0.58 Curly Cherry
0.58 Afzelia Burl
0.58 Ebiara
0.59 Genuine Mahogany
0.6 Figured Mango
0.61 Holly
0.62 Lacewood
0.62 Figured Makore
0.62 Quilted Sapele
0.62 Sapele
0.63 Curly Maple (Red Leaf)
0.63 Maple (Red Leaf)
0.64 Walnut
 0.65 Canarywood
 0.66 White Ash
 0.66 Amboyna Burl
 0.66 Curly Narra
 0.66 Curly White Ash
 0.66 Black Ash
 0.66 Swamp Ash
 0.66 Santos Mahogany
 0.67 Black & White Ebony
 0.67 Thuya Burl
 0.67 Honey Locust
 0.68 Black Palm
 0.68 Redheart
 0.69 Afrormosia
 0.71 Birch
 0.71 Flame Birch
 0.71 Birch Burl
 0.72 Birdseye Maple
 0.72 Hard Maple
 0.72 Curly Maple (Hard Maple)
 0.72 Padauk
 0.72 Quarter Sawn Maple
 0.72 Bark Pocket Maple
 0.72 Hard Maple Burl
 0.72 Spalted Maple
 0.72 Rift Sawn Hard Maple
 0.72 English Brown Oak
 0.73 Bocote
 0.74 Zebrawood
 0.74 Figured Zebrawood
 0.74 Nicaraguan Rosewood
 0.75 Ziricote
 0.76 Osage Orange (Argentine)
 0.77 Red Oak
 
 0.77 Madrone Burl
 0.77 Quarter Sawn White Oak
 0.77 White Oak
 0.77 Curly Oak
 0.77 Quarter Sawn Red Oak
 0.77 Mayan Walnut
 0.77 Spalted Oak
 0.79 Granadillo
 0.8 Olivewood
 0.8 Yellowheart
 0.8 Indian Ebony
 0.8 Shedua
 0.82 Cochen Rosewood
 0.82 Hickory
 0.84 Bolivian Rosewood
 0.84 Jarrah Burl
 0.85 Chechen
 0.85 E. Indian Rosewood
 0.85 Marblewood
 0.85 Red Mallee Burl
 0.85 Brown Mallee Burl
 0.85 Yellow Box Burl
 0.86 Purpleheart
 0.86 Figured Purpleheart
 0.86 Cumaru
 0.86 Osage Orange (USA)
 0.86 Red Coolibah Burl
 0.87 Mopani
 0.88 Figured Bubinga
 0.88 Quilted Bubinga
 0.88 Wenge
 0.88 Bubinga
 0.89 Amazon Rosewood
 0.9 Mun Ebony
 
0.9 Pink Ivory
0.9 Merbau
0.9 Spalted Tamarind
0.91 Jatoba
0.91 Leopardwood
0.92 Figured Katalox
0.93 Chakte Viga
0.95 Goncalo Alves
0.96 Bloodwood
0.96 Honduras Rosewood
0.96 Tulipwood
0.96 Honduras Rosewood Burl
1 Sucupira
1.03 Gaboon Ebony
1.04 Tamboti
1.09 Macassar Ebony
1.1 Cocobolo
1.12 Katalox
1.12 Grey Box Burl
1.12 Lignum Vitae (Genuine)
1.17 Brazilian Ebony
1.19 Brown Ebony
1.19 Camatillo
1.2 African Blackwood
1.2 Kingwood
1.23 Lignum Vitae (Argentine)
1.3 Snakewood

Roy,

Thanks for sharing your experience with the Sitka. It helped reinforce my decision.

Paul

[Straitshot]

I took the advice and called and talked to Norm and after our conversation I have decided to stay with the Sitka and am going to go with the heavy dense woods in the riser.

What I would appreciate now, if you who have them wouldn't mind, are possibly some photos of Sitkas with the heavy dense woods in the risers.

And thanks for advising me to talk to Norm.

[Scott Barr]

I have two Sitkas and another ordered. I had asked your question along with many other questions when comparing VL versus a Sitka purchase to Norm before buying.  Never shot a VL. But have found that one of the reasons I really like Sitkas is how quiet they are and shock free. As someone said above, Norm shoots a Sitka. That sold me. Choosing a heavier wood considering your needs only makes sense though.

[BlacktailBowhunter]

I emailed you a link to the wood combo I ordered

if you go to Blacktail Bows site and look at "in stock" go to page 5 and check out macassar ebony rise footed with cocobolo and cocobolo limbs footed with wenge on page 5. The bow is SOLD but that's the wood combo I'm getting.