Black widow PL's

[bigcountry]

Well, I got the give me's again.  And a bonus at work.  I think I am going to buy my first new bow.  I have always bought used bows, and a bunch at that.  And never get exactly what I want.

So I figured I would order a new black widow longbow.  Is there any difference in performance between the PLI, II or V or X?  And will the wood choice make a difference in performance if I get a PLX?  

I just can't make up my mind.  I am thinking bamboo, Osage, or bubinga.  yea, I am vain.    

Also, I wonder if the PL will perform that much better than say my Martin Savannah?  I am getting 172fps from a 560gr arrow with a 50# savannah.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[6X5]

My PLV takedown is as sweet as it gets. I think the carbon and bamboo add a little something to its draw and shooting characteristics. If your not sure use their try before you buy option.

[bigcountry]

I thought about that Rob, but its 60 dollars.  60 dollars I could use on a new bow.  But if I can't stand it, I am going to lose alot more than 60 dollars.

[mooseman76]

If you try and then by you are only out an additional $30 as they don't charge shipping on your custom bow.  I definitely suggest you do the program.  If you buy and then don't like I assume you'll be out more than $60.

I am a big fan of BW recurves, but I couldn't get the hang of the PL.  I would like to try one with the older LAG grip on it.  A little more palm swell, looks like it is a little closer to a recurve handle and should be more comfortable to me.  

On the wood choices, I cannot tell much, if any, difference with the recurves.  I've only had the PLV so I can't compare there, but think that you may feel a difference in the thicker cored longbow.  I really don't think it matters what X model you choose as you'll still be getting bamboo in the cores (except the osage, which has osage cores I believe).  I don't think you'll see much of a performance advantage if those are the numbers you are getting with your Savannah.  However, sometimes you just "need" and deserve that nice shiny new bow.  I know I get the feeling quite often, just need a little cash to fund my desires  

Mike

[Steelhead]

great shooters IMO.Very solid and strong bow.I got the 66 in. PLV with the locket socket.I like this this TD feature.Very tight and strong with no parts.I like the all bamboo limbs combined with the carbon on back and the red core tuff core.Makes for a strong limb thats not not prone to twisting or torsional  twist when shooting.The riser very strong as well with the ironwood and glass reiforcements.Little to no handshock and shoots smooth.

You might consider getting the lag grip if you custom order one and want more contour.The standard grip works for me though just fine.

[BUFF]

Go with the fancy wood. You only get to live once you bout as well shoot a pretty bow

 

[bigcountry]

buff, that looks like newfoundland.  Where's that at?  

What wood is that on that LB?

[Widowbender]

I have a PLGA, which is essentially a PLX. 64" long, 52#@29". It has osage back/belly lams with bamboo limb cores. Brazilian rosewood in the riser. Mine also has the LAG/SAG grip. I love it!! I also have an SAG, so its easy to switch back and forth. The PL is an easy bow to shoot.

David

[R H Clark]

The PL's are very nice bows but if you are looking for something that will blow away your Savannah in performance you had better test drive one first.

[Morning Star]

The test drive is good advise.  Not sure it will blow away your Savannah, but the PL isn't a slouch.  Mine sends a heavy arrow with plenty of authority.  I have a cocobolo riser with kingwood limbs, my favorite wood combination.  I'm more a recurve guy, but I'll never part with my PLX.  A very nice bow.

[Mike Bolin]

I owned 2 PLs....a II and a III. I also owned a LAG. I plan to order another PL, but with the LAG grip. I liked the LAG grip alot, but the performance of the PLs was better (you might like the standard PL grip). A test drive isn't a bad idea. I shot a PLX for a few days and personally did not see much difference in performance. Either way, the Widow is a great bow! Mike

[Morning Star]

I have the LAG style grip on my PLX.  Made a nice difference for me.

[BowBrain]

If this is your first bow get the PLX (Exotic) you might as well have a pretty bow.  It sounds like it might be a long time before your next new bow.  I agree that you should try before you buy, 60 dollars is little to pay for peace of mind.  I would suggest you get the TD. I really like Black Widow's two-piece Locket-Socket.

[BowBrain]

Correction
I meant to say that if this is your first NEW bow then get the PLX.

[bigcountry]

I have 6 trad bows, and everyone was a hotdog deal I couldn't pass up.  But none of them was I seeking.  So I figure why not get something new, not shot by anyone else. One that I put the little ding that you won't notice on.

Now, not sure which PLX.  I like osage and bamboo, but bacote looks cool too.

[BowBrain]

I was in the same situation.  Decided on osage but my next bow will be bocate.

[bigcountry]

BowBrain, I would love to see some good osage PLX pics.  You have any of the belly and back?

[BowBrain]

Still waiting on my bow.

[Scott J. Williams]

I have the Osage PLX, and I love it.  I couldn't care less if it shoots better, or faster than any other bow.  It shoots where I look, does it silently, and in style.  

I guess by the signature at the bottom of my post, I think highly of Widow bows.  Looking to add just one more!

[bigcountry]

Would you have any pics you mind posting of the osage PLX?