Predator bows

[S.C. Hunter]

Hi, folks have not posted in a while. I have had some family issues over that last several months and my dad recently passed away.

 Anyway to my question. I have pretty much been a longbow shooter since I started down the trad road. I really enjoy them but wanted to try the recurves for a while.

 I did shoot a Blackwidow recurve at a shoot up at Big Bear and it was really nice but expensive. I have also tried the Bear line and a few others. I have recently looked into the Predator line and have heard some good things about them. I like the looks but have not shot one yet. I am here asking the trad gang family for feedback if you have experience with the Predator bows. Thanks

[D]

I had one.  I never could get used to the grip on the riser.  The very first shot with it the feather laid the top of my hand open from the low shelf but switching to a left wing fixed that problem.  I just never could get use to the grip.  It got to where I just hated the feel of it.  But thats just my hand it may have fit someone elses perfect.  Other than the grip issue the bow shot good.  It was quick.

[Fishburglar]

Love mine! fits my hand perfect, shoots where i look, smooth, and blazing fast

[ishoot4thrills]

I've had two of them. I'm into my Kanati lb right now but if I were to buy a take-down recurve again I would go with a Predator Classic. They're great bows and shoot with great authority.

[manitou1]

Great bows. Fassst and smooth drawing.  Great folks to deal with also.

[KYArcher]

Longbow shooter here, but if I were to try another 3pc recurve I would like to try a Predator.I have heard nothing but good about them, and I really like the looks of the Predator. I here they are pretty quick!....KYArcher

[rraming]

I have owned three and still own two, I am the top end of large size gloves and the grip is perfect for me. They are super smooth drawing and great shooters. You realize how smooth they are after shooting another bow. The Predator recurve is my favorite bow, granted I have only shot like 10 different bows but this just works for me. Never had a feather touch my hand LW or RW, actually never heard that one before. The hunter series riser is strong enough for whatever you do with it. The classic is even stronger, I have one of each, the lighter weight of the hunter is nice, I have a phenolic riser which is heavy, maybe a little too heavy IMHO but good looking. I have used 45, two 51's and 55 lb limbs, settled on the 51's and the 45's are sweet for goofing around, 55's were too much and the KE is really no difference.

[NBK]

Had one and thought that it was an awesome recurve, except for the grip.  I would grip the bow, with my hand in one location, and then as the draw increased, my hand would "slide" forward cramming into the throat of the grip.  Gave it to my brother to shoot and he gave it back saying he felt the same way.  It was however extrememly smooth and stable and I definitely would have put some effort into modifying the grip except that I prefer longbows and said "Screw it."

[Ringneck]

It's all in the grip and I would recommend trying one out to see if it fits you. I had one and it was very well made, smooth and fast. I just didn't get along with the grip. Lots of guys love the grip so it is a personal thing. Nice bows.

[S.C. Hunter]

Thanks to everyone for the responses so far. I love a longbow too but glad to hear that the Predator is a good bow.

[ChuckC]

Predator bows are fast shooting and well made.  Historically there is a bit of issue for some with the handles being different sizes (imagine that. .  a custom made bow )  anyway, the throat on some is narrower than on others.  I have two, one is narrower, the other is noticeably thicker.  I like the narrow grip.  I bought the other used for the limbs, which are interchangeable.  

Look for a used one and try it,  ask that question (about the grip).  I hear NBK's statement, and I can see that happening.  The finish is really hard and after polishing by repeated shooting can be a bit slick.  I don't grip the bow, per se, but rather let my hand (the saddle between thumb and hand) sink into the handle, so this is of no consequence at all to me.  If you grab and grip the handle lower, then it may.  That is easily remedied in a number of ways.

There should be at least two used Predators going up for sale just after Xmas. Someone I know is changing from righty to lefty. Keep your eyes open.
ChuckC

[FarmerMarley]

Lately I have only been shooting my 66" Whip longbow, but I have owned and shot several predators. They are my favorite recurve that I have tried. I like the big grip, feels great to me. The prices are really good for a top of the line custom bow, performance is great, they will also get you your bow or limbs made fast! If you are looking for used then they are easy to find also. I highly recommend them.

[Bowwild]

I love my Anniversary Edition.

The new metal riser is great as well with, I think a terrific grip.  My son has the RH version and I love it.  I'm waiting on the LH version and I will buy it immediately.

[Bob Gulliksen]

If you don't like the grip have them change it. They will work with you. Great people and great customer service.

[hvyhitter]

I love the grip on mine and it points just right where I look. I cant stand a widow grip myself so I would shoot one first and decide for yourself........its really a fast, smooth shooting bow so if you like the grip its a great bow.....

[mongoose]

I have two predators, a 51# hunter model and a 43# classic, I have shot other bows, but the predators are by far my favorites! Smooth and fast. I don't grip the riser but just touch my fore finger to thumb tip, the other 3 fingers don't touch the riser. By the way, I don't like the grip on widows either. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from me and mine to you and yours!!

[S.C. Hunter]

Originally posted by mongoose:
I have two predators, a 51# hunter model and a 43# classic, I have shot other bows, but the predators are by far my favorites! Smooth and fast. I don't grip the riser but just touch my fore finger to thumb tip, the other 3 fingers don't touch the riser. By the way, I don't like the grip on widows either. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from me and mine to you and yours!!

Thanks for the reply. I also want to9 wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!

[Yellow Dog]

I do love Ron's Predators. I know some feel the grip is a little on the big side but Ron will build one to your liking. His shop is a little over an hour from me and I drove up there and dug through his risers and found one that was on the small side and perfect for me. Smooth and fast bows with the lines of the Bear Super K's of the 60's.