Looking For Custom Recurve Recommendations

[Osage1997]

Hello everyone, although I've lightly browsed this site for many years, I am a new member.

Currently considering ordering a custom recurve in late winter/early spring and would like some assistance in picking a bowyer.

I like to support small companies when I can, so I would love some recommendations outside of the big names like Black Widow and Bob Lee.

Looking for a relatively short recurve (56"-60"). My draw length is 28" on the dot and I intend to get a 60# bow. Would prefer a takedown for easier packing, but I am not totally opposed to a one-piece.

Thanks for the help,
Ryan

Current Bows:
Tomahawk Kiska SS 64#@28"
Bear Grizzly 56#@28"
Osage Selfbow 58#@28"

[R. Fletcher]

I had a Huntmaster Takedown from Bruin Custon Recurves made a few months ago.  Turn around wasn't that long and Mike Steliga is good to work with.  Just one of many options but I like his bows and is a great small company.  I'm already planning my next one.

[bowmaster12]

I would highly recomend a Tall Tines.  He takes limited orders so he can focus on quality awhile still maintaining a reasonable lead time. Communication was great.  Sent pictures of the wood he had picked out and the build process.  Final product exceeded expectations.  I would not hesitate to order another bow from him. 

[Jim Wright]

You'll get many good suggestions but you could do no better than a Chinook by Dan Toelke, stable, fast, exceptionally quiet and beautifully made. The bow bolt option makes one a take-down.

[Osage1997]

Thank you all very much for the replies so far. I'll check into all of them.

[Blackstick]

Unless you are looking for a 50's style bow, it would be hard to beat a Bear T/D. There is a reason that they have been around over 50 years and the new ones are as good as the ones made in Grayling. A large posting on them down the page a bit. It's worth a read!

[Blackstick]

I should also mention that if you are within driving distance of Kalamazoo, it would be worth the trip for the Expo end of January. A person can check out and shoot a 100 different bows if they had an inkling. 

[Car54]

Check out Wes Wallace bows.  Wes has been making bows for decades,  I really enjoy my 3pc Mentor.

[Bowguy67]

Robertson makes some good ones as well. Why don’t ya wait til a trad shoot and try a bunch? What I or we like may not suit you like something else

[Osage1997]

Thanks for the further recommendations gents. I would definitely like to head to a shoot and check some out, but in my area they are a bit sparse. I may plan a spring trip to go to a larger one.

[Brokearcher]

I’ll second the TallTines. I’ve gotten rid of all of my other bows and shoot this one exclusively now.

[goingoldskool]

If you do like the 50s style, Black Widow PSR is hard to beat!

[Osage1997]

If you do like the 50s style, Black Widow PSR is hard to beat!

I can't say that I am a huge fan of the super shallow grips on recurves, although I do like it on a longbow.

Thanks for the reply!

[MnFn]

What, no photos?
I’ve owned quite a few, sold all of them in search of the perfect bow.  I liked a few of them quite a bit.
I had a chance to buy this one back and am very glad I did. 
It is a Tall Tines and I plan to keep it this time.

For shooting enjoyment and hunting these days, it will either be this one or a Tall Tines Stickflinger .

[Osage1997]

What, no photos?
I’ve owned quite a few, sold all of them in search of the perfect bow.  I liked a few of them quite a bit.
I had a chance to buy this one back and am very glad I did. 
It is a Tall Tines and I plan to keep it this time.

For shooting enjoyment and hunting these days, it will either be this one or a Tall Tines Stickflinger .

Beautiful bow, thanks for sharing. Looks like tall tines is getting a ton of support. I was leaning on Wes Wallace but maybe I'll reconsider tall tines.

[bowmaster12]

Pictures don't do it justice

[BRONZ]

Fox High Sierra made by Ron King with Fox Archery. I've been shooting one for years and is an amazing bow.
Ron is great to deal with. He's currently got a new set of limbs made for me.

Couple videos...

https://photos.app.goo.gl/DH2ag5qBGtWS439z8

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Hupdapkwjp4oB7ST9

[Bow man]

You may want to try and come to the Kalamazoo Trad Expo the last weekend of January and try some bows there.  We will have a booth there as well as others.  www.stjoeriverbows.com

[Osage1997]

Fox High Sierra made by Ron King with Fox Archery. I've been shooting one for years and is an amazing bow.
Ron is great to deal with. He's currently got a new set of limbs made for me.

Couple videos...

https://photos.app.goo.gl/DH2ag5qBGtWS439z8

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Hupdapkwjp4oB7ST9

I shot a friend of mines High Sierra and I can confidently say that it is by far the smoothest drawing and shooting recurve I have ever shot. Fox is definitely one of the companies I am considering. Thanks for the reply.

[Osage1997]

You may want to try and come to the Kalamazoo Trad Expo the last weekend of January and try some bows there.  We will have a booth there as well as others.  www.stjoeriverbows.com

For everyone recommending the trip to Kalamazoo, I checked it out and its only about a 5-hour drive for me. I'll be there.