checkering vs stippling

[Gdpolk]

I'm going to either checker my bow grip or stipple my bow grip.  For those that have tried both, which do you prefer and why?  I've had both on gun stocks and pistol grips, but never shot a bow with either option.

[Gdpolk]

Originally posted by GDPolk:
I'm going to either checker or stipple my longbow grip.  For those that have tried both, which do you prefer and why?  I've had both on gun stocks and pistol grips, but never shot a bow with either option.

[McDave]

I like checkering, because it shows a higher level of craftsmanship, and is more attractive to me.  I'm not sure that either one helps you to shoot the bow better.  Some top notch shooters, like Rod Jenkins, think a bare grip helps you to avoid torquing the bow.    I ordered my Schaffer with checkering, though, and I certainly don't regret it.

[Keith Zimmerman]

Checkering for sure.  Especially Daves really fine checkering.  Stippling looks cheap.  And doesnt feel as good to me.

[Biathlonman]

Checkering, I have no use at all for stippling.

[Steelhead]

Checkering is more refined,elegant and adds more value I believe.
some checker better than others.Schafer and Dale Dyes look great.

Some guys have refined their stippling craftsmanship and the functionality of their stippling.As far as making them more slip proof and appealing to the eye

I think using the right bits makes a big difference and how you lay it out.

Some of the Centaurs of more recent builds look pretty good.

Stippling would be easier for the do it yourselfer

I do prefer checkering.

[Caughtandhobble]

I have to say I prefer stippling to checkering, I do have both. I will admit if I get another Schafer it will be checkered, they just look great.

If you're planning on doing one or the other yourself, the stippling will be easier. In the DIY forum MIBowhunter has a great tutorial. Good luck with your decision, make sure we see the end result.

   

[Gdpolk]

Dave just got an email.  Thanks for confirming my initial thoughts.  I could do it myself and do an acceptable job with either stippling or checkering.  That said, my longbow is worth paying to have the best work possible done to it.  I shoot the thing several days a week and hunt it all year long.

[joe vt]

I submitted a checkering vote.

Checking is just plain beautiful; I have it on my Schafer. Morrison's Pine cones are gorgeous; I have half cones on my Cheyenne! Stipple is comfy like slippers, I have it on my Thunderhorn.


Here is a question; does anyone have pics of checkering on phenolic?

[PaulDeadringer29]

Here's one Joe, I was just looking at this the other day.

   

[cacciatore]

No comparison,checkerin hands down.

[TradBrewSC]

checkering no doubt.

Brian Wessel at Tall Tines does a fine job as well.

[Recurve7]

Although I like a smooth grip on my bow. If I were to change that it would be checkering. Keep in mind though checkering iwould be a little fragile. In a hunting environment when pulling your bow up to your tree stand sometimes it gets banged against tree/limbs which could damage delicate checkering.

[kadbow]

I prefer the feel of stippling on a bow grip and it can look great. Checkering looks cleaner and more precise.

[bogeyrider63]

Checkering for me, like the feel better and look's better for me.

[Sam McMichael]

How does checkering hold up? I have had checkered firearms that wore somewhat smooth over time. If this happens, can the checkering on a bow be refreshed?

[monterey]

Sam, just a guess, but it might depend on the wood.  The nicely checkered handle above looks like wenge, a wood that should be a good candidate for long term wear.

Just guessin though.

[joe vt]

Thanks Paul.  That looks amazing!

[stagetek]

Dave checkered a RER for me a few years ago. I've seen bows that were stippled...no comparison.

[bluemoonrising]

For me, a lot of high-quality bows' checkering is too "busy", the grip becomes slippery. My Blacktail's checkering is just right.