africa bow

[Ian johnson]

ok, every year at the bladeshow, my dad and I see our friends from south africa and every year they invite us to the go hunting with them that summer, and for the past few years, we tried, but it was just too expensive!, so a few months ago my parents asked me what I wanted as a graduation gift for highschool, because next year I will be a senior and want to go on a senior trip, I told my parents 3 words BOWHUNTING IN AFRICA!, they said ok, so last month I went to the bladeshow and saw the guys from south africa again, I got invited again and now we are finally making plans,after three years of trying, but I have one problem, I need a takedown bow!, I have one, but it only draws in the mid 40's, which is too light, I was thinking of something in the 50-53lb range, so here are my requirments, I need your help to find this bow

-needs to be td
-needs to be short(62in or under)
-I have a limit of $500

[fatman]

Chek-Mate and Dryad both make takedowns that meet your price limt...

I shoot with a TradGanger (BMOELLER) who shoots a Chek-Mate, and it's a really nice bow.

Dryad is a sponsor here; I've never shot one of their fiberglass bows, but I've got one of their wood bows, and they are SUPER guys to deal with...

Good luck, you've got GREAT parents!      

[Blackhawk]

I would stick with the classifieds here and try to avoid that auction site.  

For a trip like this, I believe you should be really familiar with the bow you will buy...I mean, find one and shoot it to make sure it fits and something you have confidence in.

Next, do not limit yourself to $500 since that ONE bow may come along at a higher price.  

If hunting plains game, 50-53# is plenty for most, but if eland is on the list, more is better.

My choice for Africa was a tried and true and bombproof Black Widow PSA 58" at 57#. The gemsbok was my largest critter taken.

Good luck.  It will be a trip to only make you want to go back.

[robtattoo]

If you can find one, a Pronghorn T/D would fit the bill well. Fast, light & a really easy grip to get along with.
They crop up fairly often on the classifieds here.
The Dryads & Chek-Mates are great bows too.

[WildmanSC]

Ian,

You have a PM.

Bill

[Chris Surtees]

Dryad Orion - Mike and Jason are top notch guys and also a Sponsor

Rose Oak Tomcat - $430 - Very easy to deal with and Brandon is one of the goods ones. Plus he is also a sponsor Sponsor

Copperhead Bow - Guy in MS makes them. You can do a search for his number

Zona - $500 I believe

Classifies - Lots of good stuff there

Give Sipsey River (Sponsor) a call - He carries bows that are in your price range as well.

With a little patience and searching you should be able to find what you are looking for with no problem.

I am sure there are more out there but this is all I can think of off the top of my head.

Good luck with your search.

CS

[DesertDude]

Take a look at Hoyt GameMaster's or Dorado's.  Solid bows, both under $500 new, very easy to pick up a back up set of limbs for cheap.

[Ian johnson]

www.sapphirearchery.com
has anyone shot his td longbow?

[suttoman]

Everbody so far has missed out, what I believe to be, the best option of all - a Bob Lee.

You don't say if you want a recurve or L/B - but Lee have both.  I have spent a fortune on cheap and expensive custom bows over the years, but in  my opinion nothing is as all-round good as a Bob Lee T/D.

You could get the basic Hunter which would fit your budget, bullet-proof construction, great service, fast and the most accurate bow I have ever shot.  You can order the grip that suits you best and you don't have to wait forever to get one.

My new Elite is waiting at the post office right now - I only ordered it just over a month ago - and that is all the way to Australia.  You can knock a week off that time if you are in america.

sutto

[fatman]

...the Bob Lee's were a LITTLE over the $500 limit, so I didn't mention them;  however, I see on their site that they're closing out a bunch of their "Hunter" T/D longbows and recurves @ $499

Also, forgot to mention Firefly Longbows;  check out Braveheart Archery, another sponsor, they carry the Fireflies.  Depending on the options, looks like they come in under $500....

[katman]

Don't overlook the Morrison Cheyenne, can occasionally pick up a deal on the classifieds. They  handle extrememly well for a shorter recurve.

[Mr.Magoo]

Can't go wrong with the Bob Lee.  I'd jump on one of the "Hunters" before they're gone (frankly, I'm surprised they're discontinuing them.)

[aromakr]

Ian:
I know everyone has there favorite bow for some reason. My advise is look at every bowyer's web site or brochure and find something that catches YOUR eye. There is not a lot of difference between well known bowyers, but I can guarantee you if it doesn't catch your eye no matter what it shoots like you will not be happy. take this advise from someone that has bowhunted for more years than I care to remember.
I would suggest a take-down as they are much easier to travel with.
And what ever you do, when you arrive at your departure Airport do not allow the agent to put a firearm tag on you bow case, it causes a lot of hassle when you arrive in Africa. If they insist ask for a supervisor.
Bob

[GrayRhino]

Whatever bow you acquire, all the best in your trip to Africa.  You'll have thrills just preparing for it all.  

I would check the classifieds here.  I'm sure you could get a great bow for under $500.

[Ian johnson]

I lucked out, I am geeting a voodoo custom elk riser longbow made for me

[pine nut]

I posted this too late but check it out in a PM to you, just in case.  Bill

[Horne Shooter]

Just my .02.  Don't limit yourself to 500.00.  I'm not saying don't spend under 500 (if you can find exactly what you are looking for) but remember this is a trip of a lifetime.  Mow lawns, sell lemonade, sell some stuff on e bay but if you find a bow that is perfect for you and it costs over 500.00 then buy it.  You will won't be sorry and you will have the setup that you want and feel most confident with.  A few hundred dollars on a trip like this is a very small percentage for something so important as you bow.

[dorris]

CONGRATS ON THE ELK BOW YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED .