new bow fever

[southernwoody]

so I've got new bow fever pretty badly. I'd like to have a very nice bow with a little more weight than I currently shoot, in hopes of grand adventures for bear and elk. I'm trying to decide between a toelke whip or a big jim thunderchild. I've decided I want 65#@27 (my draw length). Have any of you used either? what did you like about them? Both sure are fine looking bows but I've never shot either. I would like a shorter bow for shooting out of my tree stand and the thick vegetation down here in the dirty south.

[nineworlds9]

Either are a fine fine choice.  Craftsmanship on both is absolutely ace.  At 27" you could go with a 54" TC and a Whip maybe a 58" HS model?  I have an over 29 draw so I shoot a Buffalo.  Just took delivery of mine and it is so so lovely.  I've owned a couple Toelke bows and they were all superb.  My best advice is talk to each bowyer.  Both guys are super nice guys.  I myself chose to own a Buffalo for the moment because Jim lives less than two hours from me and that is just too cool.  I have plans for more bows from both bowyers some day.

[Kamu]

Man I got the new bow fever too. And I mean bad. I think I'm going to OLD on this one thinking a trad tech titain.

[Kamu]

ILF not old

[Jim Wright]

I have never had the opportunity to shoot one of Jim's bows but have read nothing but good things posted about them. I have only owned Whips as I have not found their equal. Dan's Craftsmanship is superb and all his bows are every bit as well- mannered as they are well made. Again, I have not found their equal.

[Biathlonman]

I've owned both, completely different animals.  The Toelke will be a little quieter, and a litle less shocky.  Thunderchild will be a little smoother when you go with the short bows, but will give you the classic longbow thump in your hand.  I suspect Jim probably builds the heavier bows more often then the Toelkes.  Toelke's will probably get you a bow a lot faster then Jim can.  I think BigJim is fairly close to you if a try before you buy is up your ally.

[Chad Orde]

I have the  thunder child and a buffalo bow both top notch quiet and fast

[LongStick64]

Both great bows and great bowyers, personally prefer the TC, smoother draw and more Ooomph !!!

[southernwoody]

Oh boy you guys are making this tough haha.

[Bladepeek]

Sounds like you have it narrowed down to just two - both great bows and I've shot and owned both.

Just to throw a wrench in the gears, though, take a look at Chad Holm's Holm Made Bows and Chad Francis's Lost Creek bows if you like short longbows. They make outstanding and affordable bows too.