Silvertip ? Morrison ?Blacktail? Comparison Please

[snag]

As you can see it is definitely a personal perference thing Gene. When it comes down to it, who is spending the money and who is going to be shooting it? You need to actually try these bows out to know for sure what is the bow for you. I bought and sold a few bows just so I could try them out and see for myself. I now have the bows I love and shoot well. It is fun to voice our opinions and why we feel like we do about our bows. But it is your experience that matters.

[Robhood23]

I have never owned a Morrison but have owned plenty of silvertips and blacktails. I prefer the silvertips to all other bows I have tried with the blacktails in 2nd. As dumb as it sounds I actually shoot the blacktail better but just prefer my tips. Both excellent bows that you will not go wrong with either one. I have never ordered a morrison because I always thought they were made buy different guys in a shop not Mr. Morrison himself and If I am going to drop that kind of dough I want the best and not take a chance on who will make it. If this is incorrect please let me know. Good luck in your search!

[amar911]

James (Robhood),

Bob Morrison does not do all the work on every bow, just as many bowyers do not. The Morrison risers are prepared to the individual customer's specifications and are glued up by others in Bob's shop after the wood is cut in the initial preparation. Then the risers are all roughed out on a CNC machine which gives them a very uniform start. Bob Morrison then personally shapes EVERY riser to the customer's desires. The limbs are made up by others in Bob's shop too. If one of Bob's famous grip carvings has been ordered, there is a girl who was trained by Bob who will do the carving. Bob oversees all aspects of the construction of each bow and then shoots them himself to make sure everything came out to his very high standards. One of the advantages of the Morrisons is that different limbs can be used on the same riser, so changing things around or selling the various components is easy to do. Bows like the Blacktails and Brackenburys are made entirely by one person, and nothing except the strings are interchangeable. Those bows are more fitted and arguably more attractive because of that. They certainly don't shoot better than the Morrisons and are definitely not as versatile. I love all of them and would not say any one is better than the other. The same is probably true with the Dale Dye and Silvertip bows, although I don't really know that for a fact since I don't have any. I do know that the Morrisons are absolutely the highest of quality, hand-made, custom bows that are the equal of the best made. Bob Morrison has a very small staff who all have great expertise in what they do. Furthermore, Bob is intimately involved in everything that goes on in his shop. I do not think you should discount his bows just because he does not perform every operation in their construction. However, if you want a bow made entirely by one person, there are a number of incredible bowyers out there who can make you a bow all by themselves - Bill Howland, Norm Johnson, Gregg Coffey, Dale Dye, Chad Holm, just to name a few, and there a plenty more. Whatever you decide, you will not "take a chance" if you buy a Morrison. It will be one of the best. And if you don't like it, you can send it back to Bob within a month and he will refund your money. You can't do better than that!

Allan

[knife river]

It doesn't matter too much what we think.  In the end it comes down to what you like.

I've owned all three but only kept the Blacktail.  The others were great shooting bows, but didn't measure up.  Folks have made some excellent recommendations of other bows -- you might also think about Black Douglas and Centaur.  Lots of great bows out there to choose from.

[Bow n' errors]

Gene, I think you should get all three and decide for yourself  :D .  
But then, you know me, I'd recommend thowing an SR Swift into the equation.  Oh, what a fun predicament to be in!

[k. sisco]

I have 3 Morrison Shawnee bows,2 with foam core and carbon limbs.
They are the best bows I have owned.
The foam core and carbon limbs are very smooth and quiet.And the quality is second to none.
Bob's a great guy to deal with also.
good luck,
Ken

[Red Boar]

What is the link for Dale Dye bows?  Thanks!

[limbow]

Dale Dye has no web/email. Phone only-Old school, I love it!

 

[L. E. Carroll]

Hey Guys,  Just want to thank all of you for your thoughts on the bows I was asking about. Great news!! I did not have to buy one after all.  I made a swap for a 64" Fast Flite "Silvertip with factory camo under clear Glass limbs, checkered,antler limbolts, and horn nocks. It will be 58# @ my draw weight. It's about 4 years old and looks to be in Great Shape.  

Along with that, I got a good buy on a 62" 57# T/D recurve built buy Dale Stahl.  

2 Great t/d's to take on the plane for my next falls AK. Moose and Black Bear hunt with my brother who lives in Anchorage. I'M Stoked.
Thanks again,
Gene