Opinions on Brackenbury bow?

[Lechwe]

Ok guys here's the deal. I recently killed my first deer with traditional gear. A borrowed 50# Palmer to be exact. I also have an original Brackenbury that I really like but is way over bowed for me. Something like 66# at 30". I would really like to pick up a new bow (don't need one just want one but what's the difference). I was talking with Bill at Brackenbury and really like what he had to say. He didn't try to push his bows and actually had a lot of good to say about most of the other bowyers. I am very interested in his new Quest in about a 52-56# range. I don't know anyone in my area with a new Brack so shooting one to try it out would not be easy. My question is those of you with them can you tell me about the performance of these bows and how they compare to the other well knows custom bows being made? Speed, shootability, smoothness ect...

What can you tell me about his bows or any others for that matter. I'm looking at buying one bow and that's it. I can't justify buying one or two every year like some of you do. Would love to just can't.

Thanks for the help

D

[joe vt]

darrell,

a couple of years ago bill had demo bows to try. i had a quest sent to me to try out.

about a month ago i bought a used quest. it still has the "new effect" on me so my opinion will be a little bias because of that.

the bow feels great in my hand. mine is 58" so it has the shortest riser he makes. it draws impressively smooth back to 29" for a 58" curve. i have dacron string on it now with a brace of 8.125". there is no handshock and it has great performance. it's appearance and craftsmanship is outstanding. it's not twitching at all but very stable. and with the dacron on it she is extremely quiet. all in all a very very good recurve that i believe is one of the best i ever shot or owned.

also, do a search on bracks here and you'll gather a bunch of satisfied customers words.

[Dave Pagel]

Holy Crap!  Lechwe becoming a trad guy!  Myself and Wyoming Chief will take care of him in our Trad Camp 2008.

Dave

[Steertalker]

Lechwe,

Bows are like boots....what brand fits me may not fit you.  It's just something you have to figure out for yourself.  With that said....I own 5 Quests and have a sixth on order.  I have shot a ton of different bows and none of them compare to the Quests.  They are the complete package....mechanical efficiency and design, speed, stability, smoothness, shootability, tuneability and craftmanship.  Furthermore........Bill stands by his bows and is a wealth of knowledge.  In my opinion....there is the Brackenbury Custom Quest........all the rest are just bows.

I've also shot Bill's new Non-typical longbow......fantastic!!!!

Brett

[Lechwe]

Dave,

You are spending way too much time on here. Shouldn't you be working? I doubt that I'll be the addict of some I know but what's one more bow to have?

Steertalker,

Got your PM and will give him a shout. I actually don't think that is too far away. What's a guy do with 6 Quests? Not a knock on you but more envy.

[Santiam]

Dang Brett...Another on order???I have thought about a new bow, but can't wear my Quest out...Doubt if I do ..

Listen to Bill...He will fix you up right...

[Steertalker]

Hey Santiam...long time no see!  Great to hear from ya again.  

Actually....2 of my Quests belong to my young sons.  I have been gradually working up in weight in hopes of some day being able to hunt cape buffalo in Africa(a guys gotta dream about someth'n).  I prefer having a seperate bow for each weight instead of just different weight limbs for one bow.  Actually....I do have 2 sets of limbs for one of my bows.  My latest bow on order is going to have 2 sets of limbs also....72 lbs and 77 or 80 lbs.  Haven't decided yet.  With that I will have a complete set of Quests in roughly 5 lb increments starting at 57 lbs and going up to 77 or 80 lbs.  I really love shooting the heavier weight bows.  It just plain feels good to draw them back.  My goal for Africa is 90 lbs.

Hey....have really enjoyed your elk pictures!!!

Brett

[Jwilliam]

It would be really hard to find a better guy than Bill Howland. On top of being a great guy Bill builds some awesome bows. They just flat out preform!! 2 years ago I was in your same shoes. I called Bill and talked to him about the Quest, and really liked what he said. He was very knowledgeable,and wanted me to be pleased with my bow. He even offered a 30 day buyback policy. If for whatever reason you don't like the bow and he will refund all your money. I had never shot a Quest before I ordered mine. But after talking to Bill and researching Brackenbury Bows on Tradgang, I deceided to order mine. It's a decision I have never regretted. Go ahead and give one a try, I'm sure you will like it!!! Take a look at Bill's website, and you will see he has many loyal customers. Look at Brett he owns 5 of them. That must say something about Bill Howland's bows!!!    


Bill

[Quill Flinger]

I have a Quest, it draws unbelievably smooth, points very well & performs admirably.

Another option you might consider, is asking if you could send your riser to Bill & have him make a set of limbs for it in your # range. Assuming you like the org. riser you have. Dunno if Bill would, but asking is cheap!

Good luck

[md126]

i agree w/ quill flinger..  just get new limbs. you can also sell your old ones to help financially..

BUT  if you really want a new bow you could do alot worse than a brackenbury......... sweet bows

[Lechwe]

Quill,

That is actually why I called in teh first place and then we got to talking and now I'm considering a whole new bow. At this point I think I need to do some more shooting with the bows I have on hand and try to develop my form and ability a little so I know what I am doing. At that point a couple guys have offered to let me shoot theirs and maybe then I can make a more educated decision on what to do or get. I have a feeling I already know what I'll do but I'm trying to stay open minded to all options.

Keep the comments coming.

Thanks

D

[RC]

I got a couple of friends that have`em. They are some fine bows. I would recommend them over most everything else.RC

[Jake]

I own 4 Quests and A NT.  My cousin also owns a NT and it is the only bow he shoots.  Bill is an awesome guy to deal with and get info from.  He isn't one to brag but he has a truley traditional resume that cannot be denied or compared by many.  You wil be well advised to call Bill Howland and listen to what he has to say.  His bows are built one at a time by HIM and no one else.  That is CUSTOM in my opinion.  Bill will make the bow you want you just have to ask him.  None better to work with.  PM or Email me if you want to talk.  Jake

[canadian]

I have 2 Quests.  A hunter model and a pretty maccassar and bocote.  I don't have much exprience with other bows but I will never get rid of either of my Quests.  Jonathan

[HATCHCHASER]

Bill sent me a non-typical last year to try.  I loved the bow but did not want to wait 12 months.  Big mistake for I would be getting my non-typical very soon.  Bill is a straight shooter and would not even sell you a bow that he didn't think was right for you.  He also has a buy back policy,  the bow I ended up buying did not and I am not real happy with it.  They are pricy but I feel they are worth it.  Look around the used market and see how few are for sale compared to other bows.  I know it's long but that's my 47 cents.

[Jake]

Another good point mentioned by others.  Scan the classifieds...Some good info there.  Some of the best bows will not be seen because they are not for sale.  Lots of bows by a few bowyers.  Buyer Beware.  Bracks and Silvertips GN's and Robertson's are far and few between.  Check it out.

[Santiam]

Brett,

The elk eluded me this year.                      

That will look good on Bill's "Wall of Fame"...  

[allanburden]

I had an original Brack drifter.  I loved the bow but switched to the longbow and sent the brack to fellow tradganger adkmountainken.  If I ever go back to recurves though, it will be another Brack.

[kawika b]

Love my Brack,,, Bill did a bang up job on my grip! I sent him the measurements from one of my other recurves and he did a copy for me on my Quest,,, that's CUSTOME. Give him a call and be prepared to be helped along by one of the most curteous guys I've had the oppurtunity to talk to.