Does the riser really make a difference?

[JAH518]

Hello all who may read this thred.

I'm not new to archery nor am I new to traditional archery but I am new to ILF / new tec archery. I've been shooting since I was 4 or 5 and always shot 1 piece wood bows. over the last 20+ years I've always shot bows 50 - 56'' long and 50-60lbs. I recently had the opportunity to shoot a bow set up for a 3D shooter. A WF19 riser and UUkha 40lbs limbs, this was by far the smoothest shooting bow I have ever shot. So this leads me to my questions and I know a lot of the answers are personal opinion.

1. Do risers or limbs make more of a difference in smoothness of a ILF bow?
2. Aluminum risers or wood?
3. Would you really see a performance difference between a WF19 riser and a Samick Discovery 19 riser?

Personal Opinions Welcome................and GO!!

[bigbadjon]

I don't believe it effects smoothness so much. I do believe stiffer risers have an effect on vibration and speed... but also weight.

[JAH518]

That makes since, would you say limb materials have more to do with smoothness?

[Orion]

On the ILF, you drew 10-20# less than you usually draw, and probably on a bow that was quite a bit longer.  Certainly should feel smoother.  ILF risers have very little to do with perceived smoothness, except perhaps for their influence on overall bow length.  Limbs a whole lot more via design, length and poundage.

I don't think that the limb pad angle is standardized across all Ilf riser makers (and they're different for different length risers) so to the extent those vary a tad, you could expect some performance difference, but not enough to notice. You will notice the difference between different length risers (because they make different length bows), but very little difference between different risers of the same length.  Too, riser weight can affect the feel of the bow at the shot.  Some like the warmth of wood; others like the more substantial mass weight one can get out of or add to metal risers.

[JAH518]

Orion, thank you for the great insight. That's kinda how I was already thinking but don't have experience with this kind of equipment. I sure did love the way that bow shot but not sure I'm ready to spend $600 on a riser.

[Terry Green]

Your dedication to shooting, form and accuracy matter MUCH more.

[JAH518]

That is true terry. I love the bow I shoot now a Treadway 54 black swamp @50lbs and been shooting it for about 5or 6 years. I'm wanting to find something new and maybe a little calmer. Really considering a Samick discovery 19" riser with uukha ex1 evo limbs @ 40-45lbs making a 60" bow. Hoping this could give me that silky smooth draw and soft hand shock I'm looking for while keeping good speed and down range energy.

[azhunter]

You will love those limbs. I have 2 sets of them.

[Orion]

Jah:  If you're just dipping your toe in the water, getting started with ILF, go with the less expensive gear.  I'm not familiar with the WF19 riser, but i expect the Smack is less expensive. Uukha limbs are a little pricier. Good luck.

[Terry Green]

Treadways are great bows....I've shot several.... So what do you mean by calmer?

[JAH518]

Terry - I love my treadway and it will most likely continue to be my go to hunting bow. As for calmer, the Treadway and other bows I own are all in the 50 - 56'' length and have a very aggressive feeling at release. the Treadway is mush better with this than any other bow I own but the ILF bow I shot just felt like silk. I guess what I'm wanting to figure out is what likely had the biggest affects this feeling, where should I spend the most money upfront. Was it the length of 60'', the 40lbs vs 50lbs, carbon limbs, or aluminum riser. I'm wanting to start shooting 3D shoots but know I won't enjoy it as much with my current bows as I did shooting the WF19 riser and Uukha carbon limbs.

[mahantango]

Like any other bow, the riser is all about the feel. The performance is all in the limbs.

[Holm-Made]

Light draw weight bows always feel smoooooooth.

[JAH518]

Thanks for the great input mahantango and Holm-made, very helpful.

Holm-Made, I've heard some great things about your Osprey R/D. I've been told they are hard hitting and quick.

[Holm-Made]

Thank you.  The Osprey is not unlike the Treadway.  Similiar in many ways.  Chad

[Friend]

Prefer my WF19's well over other higher quality metal risers of similar specs that I have either owned or tested. Can only state that it has proven to be an excellent personal fit.


If you are determined to procure a WF19, then you may consider being patient and pursue a used one. Secured a used one last year for an excellent price...shoots identical to my other and is set up for the field.

[JAH518]

Thank you for the input Friend, I would say you defiantly do like the riser if you have 2.

Where is the best places to looks for used Tad equipment? years ago EBay was a good but now it seams to be all online businesses selling Chines junk or someone thinking their 30 year old twisted limb bow is a winning lottery ticket.

[Friend]

JAH518...also, own a WF25....Both Leather Wall and Archery Talk classifieds offer very good possibilities.

[reddogge]

With a CD riser and those Uuhka limbs at 40# you were shooting an extremely smooth shooting combo. That riser is heavier than most. Once you settle on a riser you like they will seem to be as comfortable as an old shoe.  I've been shooting the Titan III combined with BF Extreme limbs for 5 years and I love it.

My advice is to spend the money on a good riser rather than premium limbs and you can upgrade limbs as you go along but your riser will always be with you.

[jonsimoneau]

I’ve got a WF19 and will be buying another one. Makes an excellent hunting bow.