My attempt at a 21st Century

[Gordon Jabben]

I think the reverse tapers on the original bows made them hinge at the riser fade outs.  Because of this, they seemed to almost have a let off effect at full draw.  Could be my imagination.  Always wanted to make one with a little more reverse taper to see how it shot.

[Hatrick]

Gordon, although I might try one at some point, I'm not completely sold on the reverse tapers. The one I posted here shoots very well as is. I just started working on another one and kept the tapers the same as in the first one. I believe the hinge you speak about has more to do with the overall geometry, length of the riser and how it marries into the limbs. My original Lone Star has a very slight hint of that hinge while relaxed. Although not intended, my bow has a little bit more. I really need to put it back on the scale and see how it gains per inch from 25 - 30.

[Gordon Jabben]

I know the Lone Star model bow was made differently than the other models to make it legal for the Texas Longbow Championship.  I have a couple of Nova's that I could check the draw weight curves on.  It would be interesting. I'm sure the difference the reverse tapers would make, would be slight.  Like a lot of others, I just feel like the original 21st Century bows were very stable and great shooting bows and wish someone would start making them again.

[Gdpolk]

Wow. Exceptional execution. I like the aesthetic changes to the riser geometry.

[BenBow]

Hatrick whats the length of the riser on your bow? Really enjoy the lines and length of this style. Have tossed around the idea of building a form to copy the 21st century and you've renewed my interest thanks. Just wish I had one to copy. I've found pictures online that i think i can use sketchup to match the design and then play with supertiller to come up with tapers and possibly tip and power wedges. Got me a new 2016 project to challenge me and empty my pockets lol

[Hatrick]

Galen, the riser is 24". That's what I measured in my 21st Century which is a 64" bow. Also that was the longest riser stock I had. I would like to try and stretch it out to 26" with finer fade outs. I think it would marry into the limbs a little better. Sounds like a project you should be planning. The cost of building a few bows now and then is cheaper than some of the alternatives!! Besides, my wife always knows where she can find me.    :D   I just built another one and put a first coat of finish on this morning. It gains 2.5 lb per inch from 25 - 29". The new one turned out at 45#. I'm really liking the way these bows shoot.

[BenBow]

My wife likes sending me to the garage too and I don't mind. I'll start playing with this this week as its supposed to snow most days this week. Thanks for the info and I'm looking forward to pictures of the new bow.