Comparison: MOAB vs. Kestrel vs. Big River - update

[Wudstix]

Planning has started for a lighter poundage bow for when I need to back down a bit.  Currently have a Thunderstick MOAB which is no longer made, as my lightest bow.  Looking at @60# Wild Horse Creek Kestrel.  I know it's a wild shot, but has anyone had any experience with both these D/R style bows for comparison?
 

[MT STEVE]

Wud, I cannot compare, but I have a Kestrel that shoots great, the workmanship is fantastic, and Mike is a standup businessman that backs his product 1000 percent , I don't think you can go wrong with a Wild Horse ! Just my 2 centz !  Now remember that' s from one PA boy to another !! LOL Steve

[mec lineman]

Have never shot a Kestral,  but IMHO TS MOAB is one of the best designs ever. Somewhere my 50" 52@28 with my name on it is out there. I've sold 25-30 bows, that is the only one that I regret. That flat spot at the tips is very unique. Good luck, there are many fine bows and bowyers out there.

[Wudstix]

Appreciate the comments, but I'm still on the horns of a dilemma!!!  Have to agree with ML and am confident in a PA opinion!  As you can see from my list, don't own many bows in current production.  Big River LB probably shoots a tad faster than MOAB, but is 3-4# heavier, as well.  I'll probably have to open the stable door and let a couple out.
 

[MCS]

I’m hearing good things about the work 2 bears has done I have not had any bow reductions by him personally but everything I read says he is the man. Maybe he can help you out.

[Wudstix]

Anticipating the arrival of a loaner Kestrel from a very generous TradGanger.  Once it arrives I'll do some shooting, comparing and quantifying, will be a good ride.
 

[Cyclic-Rivers]

I always liked the looks of Mike's bows. I feel like they'd be very agreeable with me. You know my stance on a big river.  Luvem.  Let me know what you think

[Wudstix]

Kestrel has arrived from a generous man.  I’ll get throwing arrows tomorrow.  Start off with footed Cedars.  Got some other woodies I’ll try, 2219,2315, 2215 who knows?  Should be @60.13# at my draw length.
 

[Terry Green]

I own 5 MOABS. ... can't say much more than that
....

50, 60, 70,.... Tradgang Aniversary series...

And a 64# thrown in for meanness.

Sold the 80#der like a dumb-asset

Can't say much about the others,  but it sure tells ya what i think of the MOAB.

[Wudstix]

I’m a MOAB fan as well, shoots very easily and well.  Big River is also a mean contender.  If the MOAB was 66/67# it would probably rule the world.  Just want to do some comparison between the three, even with the poundage variations.  I’ll probably put at least 3 arrow sets through the group.  Also, just picked up a Grizzly 70#@28” that might be thrown in.
 

[Skates 2]

Yes, moabs are really nice.  I bought one when he was in business and a sponsor here.  I guess Terry has a World Ruler.   

[Wudstix]

Initial step of comparison was to shoot the Kestrel, 60.2# at my draw.  First, I shot 2315 @600 grains with 190 grain tip and they were Ok, but a bit noisy.  I chalked that up to the worn fur string silencers.  They grouped well at @13-16 yards which is my range limit at home.  Second, I shot a 2219 @675 grains with 190 grain tip and it was on the money several shots in a row.  Third, I shot footed Cedar @713 on grains with 160 grain tip spined 76# that shot understandably low, but grouped well.  Several groups with arrows touching.  Fourth, I shot parallel Cedar @630 grains with 160 grain tip these groups where a bit off, but that was probably my release.  With lighter poundage bows I have a tendency to get sloppy as my focus needs tobe a bit more intense.  Most groups tended to be a tad left, but the bow was shot without a quiver that normally is used.  Overall the Kestrel is smooth, light physical weight and fairly quick to my eye for a 60# D/R LB.  Plan to chronograph all the bows with these same arrows later this week. 
 

[Wudstix]

Chronographed all three bows with the four arrows, with a three arrow average and was a bit surprised.  The 2219 (675 gr) went through the Big River(66.2#) at 172 fps, MOAB (63#) at 173 fps, Kestrel (60.2#) at 167 fps.  Not a big spread in speed with a 6# range in bow weight.  The 2315 (635 gr) went through the BR at 179 fps, MOAB at 177 fps, Kestrel at 176 fps.  The footed Cedar (713 gr) went through the BR at 180 fps, MOAB at 164 fps, Kestrel at 162 fps.  The Parrallel Cedar (630 gr) went through the BR at 173 fps, MOAB at 171 fps, Kestrel at 163 fps.  This test/comparison was accomplished in @50 minutes, so could be somewhat skewed.  The Footed arrow from the BR for example.  Consistently of draw, anchor and release could also be questioned.  The Kestral was shot about a dozen times after the trial at 20 yards and was within @8-9" group even with my hurried shooting.  Accuracy wise the 2219 was the most favored of the arrows tested.  2315 had the fastest average speed.  Tapered Cedar, tapered Red Balau, tapered Ash and Hickory were not tested due to time constraints.  But I will tell you that one 2315 is missing most of one feather.  All groups through the chrono had feathers touching, so my focus was good.

[Wudstix]

Overall feel of the bows.  Kestrel has a comfortable grip and bow weight, handles well and given time I'm sure would become a very "comfortable, consistent" bow to shoot.  She shot 2315 30" arrows the quickest. (176 fps)  All others were in the low to mid 160's.  MOAB has a bit more mass weight and anyone who has shot one for very long knows what they are.  Big River LB also a lighter weight bow and the more traditional style grip is well suited to it.  Don't make me pick a favorite, as most of us with children know, they're all special in their own way!!!

[Wudstix]

Further information for the test/comparison:  arrow flight was very good with all of the combinations from the Kestrel.  Groupings where good at @16 yards with the parallel Cedar having the greatest dispersion at about 8-9".  This was most likely operator error.  These were also the lightest spined arrows at @65-69#.  I'll do some shooting early next week with arrows spined better and be more meticulous in my release and follow through.

[Wudstix]

Tested a four arrow group of 2215(638 gr) and they performed very well from the Kestrel.  They are spined @75# and flew smoothly and with tight groupings.  Several 3-4 arrow groups had the feathers touching, luckily I didn't hit any nocks.  I already know how well these fly from the MOAB.  All shots were from the 15 yard mark on my range, about maximum.  Hope to chrono these arrows tomorrow. 

[Wudstix]

Chalk it up to Fuzz Brain.  Took Kestrel and Big River to the indoor range this morning.  Had planned to take MOAB and thought I did, until I got home.  But the numbers are interesting.  Kestrel shot 4 of the 2215(638 gr) arrows through chronograph at an average 169.25 fps.  And had all arrows in a 4-5" group at 20 yards.  The BR LB - 66.2# shot through with a bit of fishtail, at average 174.5 fps.  That's about 1 fps per pound of draw weight increase.  Pretty good speed and smoothness from a 60#+ bow with a hunting weight arrow.  Impressive performance by the Kestrel !!!
 

[Wudstix]

Both Kestrel and MOAB shot several four 2215 arrow groups with feathers touching at 15 yards.  Impressed with both bows.

[Mighty Big Country]

I have one MOAB 74#@28".  Have to admit wish it was closer to 60-65#.  It has always been a nail driver.  I'm partial to Robertson's, but the MOAB by Jim Reynolds always will have a spot.

[Wudstix]

Almost wish my MOAB was a bit heavier, but it has plenty of pep !!!  Plus, I have a Kota D-shaped LB that is @70# at my draw, you may be familiar with.