In the past 18 or so years, I have owned or test driven lots of different bows, and although I've been very impressed with many of them, I've always preferred the shooting experience I have with my Black Widows (PMA and PLX). But....
A year ago I found myself quite fortunate in acquiring a 56" Cascade recurve made for me by Steve Gorr in 2023, and then a 52" Cascade magnum (also recently made by Steve). Something about both of those bows gives me a similar shooting experience to my PMA (grip, draw, hold), except in a considerably shorter package. I've ended up with 3 sets of limbs for each of the Cascades (light, medium, heavy), and something really agrees me about the way they load up during the draw process. I've been drawn much more to the 52" magnum, which is shocking since I draw a tad over 30". I wouldn't bother sharing this, except that these shorter bows have given me some unexpected benefits. 1, my string is not catching on my clothes like it used to. I've always had trouble with that, and that's tricky for me in Alaska. 2, the "finger pinch" from the string angle of the short bow has forced me to deal with a ring finger problem that I ignored previously, and my release has improved as a result. 3, the magnum feels like I hit a wall right at the point of full draw, so it's easier to stop there, not overdraw, and hold. 4, the obvious benefits of a more compact bow in the woods. And 5, contrary to even my own logic, I seem to be more consistent and accurate with the 52" magnum than I've been with any other bow previously. This has been an unexpectedly enjoyable and unique experience.
So I guess the 52" Cascade Golden Hawk Magnum is the favorite now.
Topic: Your Favourite Bow (Read 8702 times)
