Short recurves

[STICKBENDER98]

As my path in traditional archery winds down its path, starting with my Dads 45# Bear Alaskan, progressing through several other recurves, and of late making the switch to Hill style longbows, I find myself being intrigued by short recurves.  I have shot different ones at the Traditional bow Expo in Kalamazoo over the years, and have two particular bows in mind.  A Shrew Lil Favorite, Siberian Tiger, and a Black Widow PSR in Graybark.  I have shot both these bows in the past, but never side by side, which is what I'm hoping to do this January.  I'm curious those of you that have owned, and shot these bow, what are any pros, or cons to these bows.  I know both are well made with excellent reputations.  Thanks for any input, and info you can give me.


Jason

[Petrichor]

As my path in traditional archery winds down its path, starting with my Dads 45# Bear Alaskan, progressing through several other recurves, and of late making the switch to Hill style longbows, I find myself being intrigued by short recurves.  I have shot different ones at the Traditional bow Expo in Kalamazoo over the years, and have two particular bows in mind.  A Shrew Lil Favorite, Siberian Tiger, and a Black Widow PSR in Graybark.  I have shot both these bows in the past, but never side by side, which is what I'm hoping to do this January.  I'm curious those of you that have owned, and shot these bow, what are any pros, or cons to these bows.  I know both are well made with excellent reputations.  Thanks for any input, and info you can give me.


Jason

I have shot black widows and was not a fan. Bodnik bows are great but have yet to shoot the lil favorite. Have you shot s toelke troll?? 

[MnFn]

I have shot a Helms Deep by Javaman and I liked it. And should be very similar to the Li’l favorite.  I think either one would be just fine if that’s what you want.

I have shot a short black widow.  It was just fine too.  They are all great bows.  Maybe not what you want to hear, but it is the truth. I just comes down to what you are most comfortable with. I could be happy with any of them. But I don’t shoot any of them right now.

I just like longer bows.

[the rifleman]

Although i have shot the shrew ( and liked it )I don't own one.  My two go to bows are pretty close to what you're looking at.  I shoot a bw pchx 56" and a Toelke Pika 56".  They are both great, but very different bows.  The widow is about twice the mass weight and very forgiving of shooter errors.  The Pika is a quick little bow that is a joy to carry in the deer woods.  I enjoy shooting both and can really only recommend that you make your selection based on which one you like the best.  As you said, shoot them side by side and go by what puts the biggest smile on your face--- that's what its about.

[The Whittler]

You have time to save up to buy more then one maybe three

[Burly]

Both are great bows, good luck deciding .

[MGH]

Also have shot Gregg's Helms Deep and was VERY impressed that a 54"-56" bow could handle my 30" draw AND be shootable!!  At least for me...

Something about Ron's bows that just don't fit or shoot well for me.  Not really sure why, but I know there are many who love them.

[smokin joe]

I shoot a Bear takedown pretty regularly. It is an A riser with #1 limbs -- making a 56 inch recurve. It works great, even for my 29 inch draw length. It shoots great and is very smooth.

[STICKBENDER98]

Thanks guys, always like to hear opinions from others on what they like and dislike.  I have not shot a Tolke, I have shot Greggs Helms Deep and liked it, probably will be one I shoot along side the others in Kalamazoo.  I would also like to try one of Chad Holms River Runners in a static tip.  I own a 60" PCH Black Widow, but was curious about the shorter 54-58" bows.


Jason

[Bowwild]

My favorite short bow is Cascade.

[tippit]

I like short bows...longbow & recurve.  Toelke used to make a Kestrel 52"recurve that I really like as I have 3or4 of them plus a couple Pikas and a Helms Deep.

[Friend]

The TimberGhost SS recurve is my easy choice for a short recurve.

1. The 60" AMO model strings to the length of a typically strung 56" recurve
2. Easily shoots consistent to 40 yards...haven't tested further 
3. Quite forgiving and well behaved
4. The elite when it comes to noticeable speed increase...use the increased speed to tune with heavier arrows
5. Excellent craftsmanship

[Alexander Traditional]

Timberhawk get good reviews,and he's got a 54"

[STICKBENDER98]

Alex, I have one of those too.     Great shooting bow, and I love it, I've been looking at the short one piece bows just for something different, not sure if I want a recurve style grip or more of a longbow grip, I have both types of bows in longer models, and can switch back and forth without any trouble.  There's just too many to choose from!!!


Jason

[doubleo]

I shot a river runner, I think it was 58". Great shooter and I bet his 56" would be a shooter also. I have a 56" Stalker Coyote that is also a great bow.

[Alexander Traditional]

Alex, I have one of those too.     Great shooting bow, and I love it, I've been looking at the short one piece bows just for something different, not sure if I want a recurve style grip or more of a longbow grip, I have both types of bows in longer models, and can switch back and forth without any trouble.  There's just too many to choose from!!!


Jason

I have a longbow from Scott,and really like it. I would like to try one of his recurves.

I see others are talking about Chad's bows. I have a River Runner,but it's 60" I guess that's not considered short,but I do shoot it pretty good. It's not my favorite grip,but if you had it custom made he might could change it some.

[kadbow]

I do not like the grip on the psr. Love my 54” helms deep.

[STICKBENDER98]

Kadbow, since making the switch to shooting longbows, I have grown accustomed to the straight grip, I have several Northern Mist bows that I shoot regularly along with my recurves, just depends on what mood hits me.  I tend to lean towards the Toby grip on the Black Widow longbows.  I have an Elkheart from Gregg as well and the grip seems similar to the Helms Deep.  I'm looking very forward to shooting bows in Kalamazoo in January, the good Lord willing!!!


Jason

[kadbow]

The grip is key, I can’t shoot the straight grip. Shooting them is your best bet.

[Huntschool]

STICKBENDER98:

First....  I am a Widow person (save for one bow).  I have several.... and I shoot them all.

Several years ago I did a test drive on a PSR.  I did it because I thought they were cool and reminded me of the bows of my youth.  The bow they sent me was a TD version with a std. grip for that model.....  I actually think it was before the "Toby grip" even existed but I could be wrong. 

I shot the bow a good bit but the grip was a problem for me as I had already altered the grip on my first PLX more to suit me and did not want to mess with a "test drive bow" to alter the grip.  All that being said I found the bow to be really great in all aspects save for the grip.  Its draw was smooth and it sure shot an arrow ......

I really like the style of the bow and from what Denny Sturgis and his wife have done with them here and in Africa I would say they are shooters.  There may well be a weight difference between the PSR's and some other similar bows but I like just a bit of weight.  It helps me "stabilize" the bow

I just received my latest order from the Widow guys in a 66" 39# PLX Cocobolo and Osage bow which is shooting lights out.  My next order will be for a 40-45# PSRX from them.....  I really need one.

JMHO