Dakota Bows, Let's Hear It

[Keith Langford]

Don't really hear or see many of Rick's bows on here, if you have one let me know what you think and add pics if you like. I recently acquired a used one with a set of 45 and 55 lb limbs, It's bacote and I love it, I love the grip, it's dead quiet, smoking fast and easy to tune, the fact that you never see them in the classifieds is probably a testament to how good these bows really are. I will try to add a pic of mine later. thanks for all and any input. And yes I have been to Rick's class

[The Night Stalker]

Well, I have a 62 inch , 46 @29 that is my only recurve. It's heavy in the hand and no frills. I shoot it better than any other bow I have ever had. If you want details, you will have to ask people I shoot with. At a recent shoot, I shared that I wanted to try a static that was a little lighter in hand for elk hunting.  Everyone encouraged me to carry the extra pound and continue to shoot the Dakota. I had a very popular bow that was 50 @ 29 before the Dakota , my new Dakota  shot the same arrow 4lbs lighter in draw 10 ft/sec than my previous bow.  The best part is the bow is so easy to shoot and set up. It just is  consistent. I look at the classifieds all the time but another Dakota never comes up. Every once in a while, you will see someone looking for one.

[PastorSteveHill]

Excellent shooting bows.. Very plain as far as looks, but you won't find a bow more accurate.. Rick works some accuracy in them before he send them off!

[59Alaskan]

They are wonderful shooting bows.  Rick is a class act in my opinion.  I don't own one of his bows, but maybe one day!

[R. Combs]

I have had one for about a year and a half now. It is 45#@28". So far in 2 hunting seasons here in northern NY I have taken 5 deer with it. It shoots where you look and is plenty fast enough for what I do with it. The fingers groves that Rick puts in the handle ensures that your hand goes in the same place every time. These bows might not be as fancy looking as a lot of bows that are being built but they perform very well.

Rick

[McDave]

I won't count how many bows I have, because it would just make me feel guilty.  But of all of them, the one I like to shoot the best is my 64" 40# Dakota Pro Hunter.  It's my go to bow for 3D shoots and the one I have practiced with just about every day for the last 5 years or so.  When I want to shoot in longbow shoots, I switch over to my Toelke Lynx, and when I go hunting, I choose one of several hunting bows.  Of course, I make the switch several weeks in advance of whatever I'm planning to do in order to practice,  but by the time it's over, I'm always glad to pick up the Dakota again, like coming home to an old friend.

[kestimator]

I've only owned one Welch (with two sets of limbs) purchased second hand; and for whatever reason it was one of if not the easiest bow for me to shoot accurately.  The guy that I sold it to said the same thing.  They may not look fancy...but they sure seem to shoot fancy!  

[jonsimoneau]

I used to have one, and I wish I had it back.  I put it up for auction for a guy in need.  I'll probably get another one some day.  Great bow, and Rick is a great guy.

[BillW]

My opinion of Rick is the same as Jon. Since I first met him years ago I know if my shooting gets a bit out of whack all I need to do is email Rick for advise.

I have a number of bows that I enjoy shooting and my Dakota is at the top of the list. I like the looks of my Pro Hunter and it was easy to tune. I always tell guys to shoot one first so you know you fit the bow. For me I think they fit me and shoot well.

Bill

[Keith Langford]

I am getting mine tuned in today with the 45 lb limbs, 47 @ my 29" draw. I cant believe how well this bow shoots and the grip fits like no other, love the finger grooves. and for 47 lbs this thing is fast, flat,quiet and accurate, shooting a 400 vap with 125 grain tip, need to finish planning method of tuning but I am close.  

[Don Batten]

Can't go wrong with Dakota. Ive killed my biggest two bucks with one, several more deer, a few pigs and won a pile of plastic trophies with it. It's a good tool to get the job done with. DB

[manitou1]

I spent a day shooting his son's bow a couple of years ago.  They do shoot where you look and are pretty darned fast too.

X 100 on Rick being a good guy.  If you meet him at a big shoot, don't expect a lot of conversation unless he knows you.  Rick pretty much "gets in the zone" at serious competitions, but will visit if he knows you.  Outside of competitions... a great guy, superb archer and teacher.