tough decision

[quickshot]

Well I have a tough decision to make, my wonderfull wife has told me that for my 50th I can chose whatever I want so I headed for the custom bow sites. I have it narrowed down to a Black Widow exotic PSA or PCH and the Blacktail Elite VL with a footed riser and limbs. So I need a little help from the forum on your opinions of these bows.    

[Warchild]

Cannot beat a Schafer Silvertip. Same price as the Blacktail or the Widow. It sounds like you have a great problem on your hands!!!

[bigbadjon]

The Black Widows are pretty sporty, they'd me my choice.

[carpenter]

That is a tough decision,might think about a test drive.

[xtrema312]

Is your 50th this or next year and do you want the bow on your 50th year of 51st year?  The BW is a fairly quick to get, but I think the Black Tail will take some time.  All of them are real nice bows.

[Bowwild]

Both great bows and very different. There are a lot more nice ones including the Silvertip. I don't want to make you dizzy (like I've been)with too many other suggestions. If you have it narrowed to these two I'll leave well enough alone!

If you like a heavier mass bow the Widow is certainly that for me. If you like a higher profile exotic look, the blacktail will fit the bill. However, the exotic wood Widows have beautiful veneers on the limbs and plenty of great wood in the risers.

This Blacktail Elite VL lives in Texas as of yesterday.
 

Here's my favorite Black Widow, been at my house since Monday. It was a test-drive bow for about 45 minutes. PAX (cocobolo) LH, 58", 46#@26".  That's a Pittsley Predator Anniversary behind the PAX--Another great bow and the Custom Classic model is about $250 less than the other two you list. The anniversary model is about the same cost as your other two.
 

[Winterhawk1960]

Originally posted by carpenter:
That is a tough decision,might think about a test drive.

None of us can tell you what will suit you the best. I'd do a test drive.......and with that being said, for me the choice would be the Elite VL.......regardless of the wait time.

Winterhawk1960

[scedvm]

Blacktails are a long wait but as far as looks are concerned for me they can't be beat....Shawn

[Longbow338]

Out of the 2 stated I prefer the widow pch.  I have shot a few blacktails and owned one for a week It is just not a bow for me.   The best thing to do is the test drive and then find a blacktail to try.   If wait time is something of concern to you the widow will be the best option.   Not trying to deter you from either but give hard  look at a Morrison as well.   They are by far the fastest quietest bows I own.   And I also think they look the best ,   having said that I will never be without a widow hardest hitting most indestructible bow made.

[cacciatore]

I am been blessed to don't have to choose! I own both and they are both excellent bows,different yet.Like always to test drive them is the way to go.

[kibok&ko]

can we ask to fix that like a international rule   for every bowhunter 50 aniversary in the world ?  

[Night Wing]

If it was me, the Blacktail. But, then again, I'm biased.    

[bigugly1]

I say go with the Widow, you'll get it quicker so you can start getting ready for moose hunting this year. Plus it's what you keep going back too. Ask yourself this, it's what I did, if you get the Blacktail will you always wonder about the Widow? Both are great so really you can't loose.

[amar911]

They are both good bows, but I would not hesitate in picking the Blacktail if it were going to be my bow. Since it's going to be YOUR bow, pick the one that feels best to YOU. In a beauty contest Norm's bows will always win.

Allan

[PEARL DRUMS]

Go with a Blacktail. That way its "yours" and doesnt look like cookie cutter.

[Rooselk]

I have a Blacktail Elite VL and absolutely love it. I certainly wouldn't knock Widows, especially since I've seriously considered getting one myself. But if your going to order a Widow with anything other than the standard wood choices the chances are that it's going to cost you more than a Blacktail with a footed riser. The ONLY drawback I see to ordering the Blacktail is that you won't see it until after your 51st birthday. Nonetheless, I assure you that it's well worth the wait.

[Bowwild]

Quickshot,
I know it is fun to order your very own and wait for it (actually the waiting isn't enjoyable to me). However, the bows you are looking for are often sold in the classified advertisements here, especially the widow. You can save hundreds and even get high-cost extras buying a bow that someone is moving.

There are side benefits from buying from a Trad ganger. If you e-mail and telephone (I recommend) you'll almost certainly get to "meet" someone who is worth knowing. Also, when your bow arrives you can have fun peeling through all the address labels to see where and how many states this bow box has carried bows to and from. We really recyle these boxes!

If you are considering the Widow I think it would be well worth your time and shipping cash to call Widow, tell em what you are looking for and see what they have to test-drive. In 2 days you'll have the bow for a week. It can be very exspensive and time-consuming to buy and try, sight unseen.

There have been some super deals on Widow PCH on this site over the past few weeks. The Blacktail is much more rarely available. But, if you are looking and willing to consider "pre-owned" a "WTB" ad could pull one out of the closet. I'm not a Widow-blinded propogandist nor do I keep spiders for pets. I'm fortunate to own or to have owned some beautiful bows. My "Cocobolo" PAX is second to none (of mine) in the looks, feel, or performance department.

The best bowyers do a lot of business.  Most wood combinations have been done by someone or many someones. Unless you really bling-out your custom it won't be one-of-a-kind so I wouldn't steer from a bow, if YOU like it just because the bow maker has a crew of a few instead of one to make more bows.

Shoot, I like the new Bear TD very much, I don't care if they are made in a factory.

Have fun and remember when the 50th birthday arrives, you've already lived that year!

[bigugly1]

Just egging you on earlier bud. You have other equipment to hunt with this year so I would find out how long to get a Blacktail if that's what you really want, they sure are pretty.

[Friend]

Both bowyers have their own strong following.

The best choice is the one that personally fits you the best. Do what you possibly can to try before you buy. Test driving bows, for me, has been more telling than test driving a vehicle.

Best of luck.

[straitera]

Wow what a choice! You can't go wrong. BT for me between the 2.