Griffin or 59'er-PLEASE HELP!

[Catskill Longbow]

OK, I have been on John's list for 3 years now and I think my time is real close.  My dilema is I can't make up my mind between a Griffin or a 59'er. Any feedback that would make my decision easier would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Ken

[kuch]

Apples and oranges, longbow and recurve. John is a great guy and both are great.... i would go with the 59'er personally. I owned a Griffin....the only longbow I've ever owned ...but Im paartial to recurves.

[shadman]

So, what are you on the list for a Griffin or a 59'r? You got a much better chance of getting a Griffin. I've been on the list for a 59'r for well over 3 years. In my conversations with John, he really doesn't like making the 59'rs. I think that John mostly just makes bows when he feels like it and what he feels like making it out of. He then starts calling people on the list and asking if they want it. There is a reason that he doesn't take deposits...no pressure. Griffin or 59'r...two totally different bows. Only you can decide what kind of bow you really want. Can't go wrong with either, though.

[ron w]

Lot's of Griffins out there.....It would be a 59"er for me........but I wouldn't wait that long for it!

[Builder]

If your lucky enough to get a call from John and he is willing to build a 59'r you had better jump on it.
Good luck with that.

[Catskill Longbow]

Well, our last coversations were based on a 59'er. I like both longbows and recurves, and had a Griffin which I liked alot, but sold it to buy a rifle.  

Since then I have been shooting a vintage K-Mag and like that as well.  I really like the 52" length of the Bear and know that the 59'er will be a bit longer.

I'm interesed in hearing about speed, forgiveness and shootability comparisons if anyone has any experience they can pass on.

[Hot Hap]

If I waited 3 years, I would have to have one of each!

Hap

[Catskill Longbow]

I'm thinking along those lines too, but I don't think I have enough cash!

[Steelhead]

The 59er has got more mass weight and the riser is pretty deflexed.It has a longer riser and shorter working limb.It has excellant speed.I dont own a chronograph.So cant give any specific numbers.I am not sure that information is readily available as far as test data comparing the speed of the Griffin vs the 59er?

Maybe John has the answer to the speed question?I personally would not worry about the speed issue

I have had one 59er.I have a long draw.I dont think the bow fit me perfectly because of that.It did shoot very nice as you would expect.Just not a great fit for me.I prefer the 64 inch 59er myself.He does not offer that length.It sounds like since you like the K-mag and its working for you that the 60" 59er would be an even better fit.i am sure it would

I have had about 8 Griffins.Three have been 64 inchers.All the others were 60 inches.Some were older and some were newer.

My currant bow is a 64 incher.It was made in 2010.Its all kingwood with real bamboo cores,not actionboo.

Its really beautiful.Its the best shooting Griffin I have ever had bar none.Its phenominal actually.Its fast,its quiet,its accurate,it has little to no handshock.Its smooth with no finger pinch.If I want to add a little mass weight I add a 4 arrow Eagles Flight quiver.

This is one sweet bow.

I like this 64 incher more than the last 60 inch Griffin I had that was made in 2010 also and was a bowbolt TD.Like I said I have long draw though and in general go for longer bows.

Thier both great bows.Like you said.You got a dilemma Its a good dilemma to have.

[Paul WA]

I would say get the 59er, you hardly ever see one for sale but Griffin's show up in the classifieds every now and then...PR

[ishiwannabe]

I loved my griffin. I thought it was all around an impressive bow. I have never shot a 59'er.
Where in Walton? I lived on maple ave when I was a kid.

[Yellow Dog]

Been on John's list for 30 months. I've gone from a Fiftyniner to a 64" Griffin back to a Fiftyniner and my last conversation with John last month I'm now at a Bowbolt 64" Griffin. Bought and sold about a dozen 60" Griffins, three Fiftyniners and one 64" Griffin. Wound up keeping a Fiftyniner and two 60" Griffins, one of which is a bowbolt. They were all super shooting bows but I kept the ones that the grip felt good for me. John freehands his grips so they all have their subtle differences. Pound for pound the Bamboo cored black glass Fiftyniner I have is the fastest shooting bow I've owned. If you lean towards recurves go with the Fiftyniner, if your a longbow guy that likes to dabble with recurves do a Griffin.

[Catskill Longbow]

I am a Trad Guy both long and recurve, love them both. The only reason I sold my Griffin was because I was on the list for a custom and had to have a Ruger #1 in 7mm Mauser.  What a gun!

Now it's been 3 long years waiting, but I spoke with John tonight and he is going to start gluing someting up this weekend.  I am going with the 59'er because as others have said it is harder to find.  I can only afford 1 and I think the 59'er is as Trad as it gets.  I hope to have some prelim pics soon.

Maybe someday I will have another Griffin, who knows...

[Catskill Longbow]

Ishi, I am a few miles out of town, near Chucks family. When did you live on Maple St.?

[Yellow Dog]

Ken, sent you a PM.

[NomadArcher]

I had a 47# 64" Griffin Hunter, I still kick myself daily for selling that bow.            

[StickBowManMI]

Both are great bows. It all comes down to whether you like shooting a recuve or a longbow better. I prefer the grip on my Griffins better than the one on my 59er. It is such a personal issue that each shooter needs to decide for themselves. I have several recurves,Chastain, Zipper, Mc Cullough 59er, and Fox High Sierra but I mainly shoot my longbows. All of them shoot great but the longbows feel best for me.

[Catskill Longbow]

As far as longbows go I don't think you can beat a grip like you'll find on a Griffin.  I don't think it's the right feel for a recurve though.  I'm sure that John's grip on a 59'er will be equally as nice although different.

[buckster]

Ken,

I am in the exact same boat!  Going on 3 years on Johns list & had a difficult time deciding.  What I believe I'll do is go with a 59'r take-down, since I've never shot or tried one & I seem to favor recurves overall.  Either way, don't think you can go wrong.