Centaur or Big Jim

[10essee]

I will be turning 40 on my next birthday and am wanting to have a full custom longbow built for myself. I have it narrowed down to these two builders and know what woods I want to use. Both have really great reviews on all their bows and I'm just wondering what's everyone's take on either the Centaur Glass model compared to a Big Jim Buffalo as far as smoothness,noise, and shootablity. Speed is not a major concern but would like to have as much as I can get without sacrificing any of the before mentioned attributes of the bow.

[Crittergetter]

That's a tough choice! Both are top shelf. Me personally I'd go with Big Jim. Simply because I don't prefer finger grooves and I believe the buffalo is quieter than the centaur. And Big Jim's s nack for combining wood combos and esthetics is unmatched! IMO

[Scott E]

I would say the centaur is a tough one to beat. Especially with all the custom options available, they are really heirloom quality.

I would go with the dark matter option for the riser and wood scales on the side. You get the look of wood with the strength and weight of the dark matter.

The glass centaurs are really sweet shooting bows and very quiet.

[Michael Arnette]

Man that's a tough one! I've shot both and would go with the centaur for the smoothest draw cycle. But also I think the wait on a big Jim might be better? If you haven't already id give Randy Madden at Primal Tech a good look his bows are on par with either of those big names.

[10essee]

Thank so for the input so far. The wait time is not a problem with either builder. I'd rather wait for a great bow as get a good bow faster.

 Scott E. I hadn't thought of the dark matter option on the but would go with the XTL lams for little more spunk. How much more mass weight would the DM add to the bow?  

M. A.  I'll give them a look for sure but I've wore out goggle looking at reviews of each bowyer I mentioned. All have good for both which makes it even harder to decide.

[Biathlonman]

Centaur for me, I haven't liked the Big Jim bows I've tried.

[BAK]

I have a Centaur and wouldn't switch.

[10essee]

For the Centaur owner did you have the XTL laminations added to yours or standard lams. If so what advantage did it add to the bow. Quiter, smoother, faster?

[Car54]

I would go with the one that got it me sooner,LOL, they are both excellent bowyers/bows.

[md126]

Centaur with XTL lam

[Cyclic-Rivers]

My opinion is biased.

[DanielB89]

I haven't ever owned a buffalo that I could shoots. I once had a 58" that was just too short for me.  I have owned 3 centaurs.  I think it's all about what you want.  Personally, I think Big Jim has the best wood around.  Both guys are masters of their trade.  

I had a thunderchild that I had at the same time as my centaur and the centaur was definitely faster, but the thunderchild was quieters and way more forgiving.  

Either way, you won't be upset.

[Woodpuppy]

I like my Treadway Black Swamp    :D  

I know I'm no help! Sorry...

[mec lineman]

I have only shot the centaurs, they are awesome.  I would not hesitate to buy a buffalo as well. If I get another centaur it will be a glass model.

[drewsbow]

I am biased also to BigJim but both are great bows . I like the grip on Jim's bows better  but it is personal choice .
Whatever you do I would get a two piece even if you think you won't need it .

 OOHH and everyone knows BigJim has the best wood    

[frank bullitt]

If you know the 2 Jims, they are like David and Goliath!      

Why did you have to ask such a tough question!

[nineworlds9]

I have owned and shot all the Centaur models and several Thunderchildren and Buffaloes.

A fully loaded bow from either bowyer would be hard to choose between, both are top shelf with customer service to match.

The Buffaloes IMHO shine at the longer lengths 64 and up, because his limb design is wider and flatter with a less radical taper from fade to tip, this is magnified in the shorter ones 62" or less.  

Centaurs have a short riser fade to fade with a narrow deeper cored limb that tapers to a very narrow tip, with a long working section.  Pound for pound definitely more springy feeling with a very even smoothness almost an even 2.5#/inch all the way to the max.  The Buff feels more like a classic r/d longbow, but again like I said they are super smooth to me in 64" and up.  If you genuinely want a shorter Big Jim bow I would rather go with a 58" Thunderchild.  

Big Jim now offers G10 risers with scales also, and can cut them past center, so the sky's the limit on how radical you want to go.  I have seen some of the latest work with his resin impregnated burl woods and it's insane.  

Jim Neaves can do the bows without finger grooves too FYI

Both bows from either maker are whisper quiet when tuned.  

The glass Centaur is quicker.

Both are very forgiving.  The XTL lam will add torsional stability and durability.

If you want a bow that has the feel of a hotrod sports car taken to the limit, a bow made into functional art, the Centaur is a natural choice.  They are special, and I'll be honest they shoot so well for me I keep selling them because it takes the challenge out of it!  LOL

If you want a bow that showcases elegance, artistry with natural materials, with the spirit of bowhunting deeply infused into it and a real signature to it with great performance than a Big Jim bow is a natural choice.

My advice would be to keep looking at pics, talk to both bowyers who are extremely approachable and friendly, and if possible shoot one of them similar to your specs, and then decide.

Best advice, get one of each!

[mark Willoughby]

Jim does make a fine bow!

[DanielB89]

Originally posted by drewsbow:
I am biased also to BigJim but both are great bows . I like the grip on Jim's bows better  but it is personal choice .
Whatever you do I would get a two piece even if you think you won't need it .

 OOHH and everyone knows BigJim has the best wood      

If you're getting a 2 piece, that answers the question for me.. I would without a shadow of a doubt, get the buffalo.  I believe the take down method that Big Jim uses is my favorite of all of them.  His craftsmanship is second to absolutely none.

[DanielB89]

Originally posted by drewsbow:
I am biased also to BigJim but both are great bows . I like the grip on Jim's bows better  but it is personal choice .
Whatever you do I would get a two piece even if you think you won't need it .

 OOHH and everyone knows BigJim has the best wood      

If you're getting a 2 piece, that answers the question for me.. I would without a shadow of a doubt, get the buffalo.  I believe the take down method that Big Jim uses is my favorite of all of them.  His craftsmanship is second to absolutely none.