58” Shrew vs 58” Toelke Whistler

[Tradcat]

Hey gang, does anyone have experience shooting either or both of these bows ? If so, which one has more radical limbs? Which one do you prefer and why ? I’m considering both of these as my next purchase for hunting out of tree stands and tight quarters such as ground blinds. Thank you

[Ron LaClair]

Steve try this link, I'd suggest you look at the Classis Hunter II ,they come in 52 54,56"

https://www.kustomkingarchery.com/Shrew-Bows/products/140/

[Ray Lyon]

56” Super Shrew Classic Hunter II with it’s shorter riser and longer limbs is a wonderfully smooth bow and accurate shooter.  I’ve also got a 58” Super Shrew Samurai.  I’d pick the 56” Classic Hunter II over the Samurai, it’s that good and two inches shorter.   

[Tradcat]

Thank you Ron & Ray

[Broken Arrows]

I have an older 58” Super Shrew Samurai and a 58" Whistler each 60# @ 28". The Limb profile on the Whistler is a little more aggressive. I like the grip on the Whistler better but to each his own. You wouldn't go wrong with ether they are both great bows.

PS I have taken deer with each at 25 yards with complete pass through using a 610g arrow.

Dave

[Ray Lyon]

Dave, just as a point of clarification, my Samurai is from 1999 back when John McCullough was building the Super Shrew for Ron. It’s 58” and has a longer riser than the new Classic Hunter II. Bodnik Bows is making the new Super Shrew bows and he’s reworked the limb design and it’s certainly more aggressive than my era Super Shrew.  Matching your draw and needs is really easy now with the Classic Hunter II that is being produced.  The draw force curve is published right on the Super Shrew link in Kustom King website.  Henry Bodnik has also done some nice write ups on recommendations of length depending upon what you are looking for in a bow. 

[Broken Arrows]

Ray,
I have followed all the posts with the improvements of the Shrew line. This is why I stated that I have an older Shrew. I guess I should have mentioned this happening.

Thank you for the clarification. Ether way the Shrew and Whistler are both exceptional performing bows!

Dave

[Tradcat]

Thanks guys

[Petrichor]

I think I’d lean towards the toelke. But either are great bows with huge followings.

[rocketman]

I've tried a lot of the short R/D longbows, and there are many good ones, but the Toelke, IMHO, is the standard.

[Tradcat]

Hey Rocketman, pika or whistler?

[tzolk]

Ferrari vs Lamborghini. Good luck! 😁

[the rifleman]

I have ALOT of experience with the Toelke bows--- mainly 56" Pikas.  There's a reason for that.  Ive shot the shrew bows, no complaints, but i just like the Toelke bows so much better than anything else out there.

[Tradcat]

Thanks Rifleman

[TSP]

Everyone has personal preferences, as it should be.  Depending on other's opinions for best bow is like asking a hundred people what their favorite color is.  They'll all be right for them but that's no reason they won't be wrong for you.  But I'll add my $.02.  Having owned both Toelke and Shrew longbows (not the Bodnik Shrew, just the McCullough and Javaman Shrews) the Shrew is the best bow I've ever had the pleasure of hunting with, and I've owned ALOT of excellent traditional hunting bows over the last 30+ years.  I still own a dozen bows of different designs and brands but my 'redliner' Shrew is still my #1 choice when hunting season roles around.  It simply works.  I have not shot the new Bodnik Shrew design but if anything like it's predecessors it should be a great bow.  For me, the Toelke is a beautifully-made and fine shooting bow but the grip feels smaller and less comfortable in the hand than the Shrew, and the bow doesn't feel as quick/natural to point in cramped quarters.  For you it may be just the opposite.

Before you buy it would be a good idea try'em both.  Heck, try as many different bows as you can.  That's the only truly reliable way to really find what suits you best.  Besides, it's more fun that way.

[The Whittler]

The solution for your "well we can't call it a problem" is buy both and be very happy. :-)

[MGH]

Between those two options, Toelke.

[Tradcat]

Thanks guys. Please keep the thoughts and input coming

[rocketman]

Tradcat, I actually have both the Pika and the Whistler.  They are very similar, but I usually shoot the Pika, mainly because it's a few pounds lighter draw weight and also takes better advantage of my short 27" draw.  If you are ever trying to decide between the two, I suggest you first look at his Resource page on his website, and then give him a call.  A few minutes with him on the phone can be very helpful, he's extremely knowledgeable.

[rocketman]

By the way, when I said give him a call, I meant Dan Toelke of course.