Can we compare a Chinook and a Thunderchild?

[snowplow]

I have shot a Toelke Chinook before and though the handle didn't work for me on that particular bow, I really liked it. And it seemed really really fast. Probably even a bit faster than my Java Helmsdeep. It might have been a real winner for me with a classic locator grip.

I am really liking that Thunderchild, but I cant help but have the memory of that Chinook creeping back in every now and then.

Any of you shoot a Chinook and a Thunderchild?

I am curious how these bows compare to each other.

[TradBrewSC]

I cannot comment on the Chinook as I have never shot one, but have owned a thunderchild.

If you prefer a locator style grip, this is probably not the bow for you.. I too prefer a locator style, and could never get used to the grip on my thunderchild as I could never figure out where to put my thumb. they tend to have more of a straight grip, but if you talk to Jim he may be able to accommodate for you.

Other than the grip I loved the way it shot and handled though!

[Stump73]

Bigjim put a thumb locator on my Thunderchild.  I can shoot it alot better than my other Thunderchild with the standard grip. I posted pictures on here. Look at" my dream bow came friday" its lower down inthe pow wow on this page on the next.

[DanielB89]

can jim add a thumb locator to a bow that has already been finished?  I think I would like one on mine..

[nineworlds9]

Kinda apples and oranges Snow.  I have had both and both are great bows in their own right.  I'd just decide do you want a recurve or a hybrid.  The Chinook to me has a more springy draw feel with more early weight and then it turns butter smooth later in.  TC to me is a more linear build to a peak.  Chinook to me is quicker arrow.  Both the same sound level wise, but honestly the Chinook could give a lot of longbows a run for their money sound wise.  TC is more pointable.  Also don't need a stringer in the field.  I dunno man, with these things you gotta go with your gut.  Its like a BMW vs Mercedes argument.

[Stump73]

Daniel I bet BigJim can add one on for ya.

[Biathlonman]

I have a two piece classic chinook and used to own a two piece Thunderchild. As usual Chuck pretty much nailed it. I really like the Thunderchild, but thought in general the chinook did everything better. Both of mine were 58" and Zi thought the TC did handle a long draw a little better then the chinook, but the chinook was just as quiet and a little faster.  I've got a two piece classic chinook you're welcome to try.

[snowplow]

Thanks for the info guys! What a generous offer Biathlonman!

When you say classic chinook, does that mean their reg locator grip vs thumb rest? Aside from the leather wrap and thumb ramp is there a difference in them? (like the actual shape?)

[Steelhead]

I have had a few thunderchilds and a few Chinooks.I like them both.

I have had a few Toelkes with the classic grip.You would want the Classic grip.It would fit your shooting style better from what I read in your post and you could have it customized to exactly what you want as far as throat size etc.You can add a beavertail wrap if you wish or just leave the wood showing

I am not gonna pick one bow over the other.you know the Chinooks a great hunting bow and you can definatly get the grip to your liking no problem!

[snowplow]

Thanks Steelhead. Is 58" the standard size or the chinook? I cant remember? Do they ever go shorter? I'd like to stay 56 or below if possible.

[Biathlonman]

They make a 56 and a 58.  I think the standard and Classic feel and awful lot alike to me.  The thumb rest may not be as pronounced on the classic but you can still tell exactly where your thumb is supposed to go.

[Steelhead]

The 56" would more than likely be a good choice for you.Unless you have orangatang arms.I draw over 29 and shoot a 52 Inch Toelke Kestral as my primary hunting bow.Its a bow that just works surprisingly well for me personally and I have been through a lot of short bows looking for one that shot easily for me.That was not tempermental.

The Classic grip does not have much of a thumbrest and mine had close to none.It does have a nice ergonomic shapeliness to it that's easily repeatable.Its not like blocky 2x4 at all.The grip is low.But not straight up and down and their is a very slight locator on mine.

Dan told me that the Classic shot best with a slightly firmer hold on the grip (I would not advice a chokehold though).Where the standard was shot best with more of a  relaxed feeling bowhand.I have shot the standard grip on a few of his bows.On the Chinook the Standard grip is gonna be wider across than the Thunderchild.I believe the classic will be narrower across where the hand sits and more like your Thunderchild.

If you really like the grip on the Thunderchild and size.I would suggest you send it to Dan and just have him duplicate it on a Chinook and you got 2 great bows you can go back and forth from effortlessly.