Looking for a recurve...

oxnam · May 05, 2009, 06:56:00 PM

What are some top performing recurves in the $500-$900 range (new/used)? I had switched to mainly longbows and am getting drawn back. From what I can tell these are some of the best: Black Widow, Schaffer, and Morrison. Any others that I should add to my list to try?

I have never had the chance to shoot any of the higher end recurves. What improvements should I expect over my Martin Hunter?

Sure wish they hadn't cancelled the big western traditional expo.

fillmorehd · May 05, 2009, 08:00:00 PM

Well for the money look no further than an Assenheimer. What a bow! I have a friend who started full time a few months ago who makes a whale of a bow. I have 4 of them and cant say enough good things about them. Check out www.vermillionriverbows.com

Orion · May 05, 2009, 08:05:00 PM

If you like 50s style recurves, difficult to beat a Great Northern Ghost.

bigiron · May 05, 2009, 08:05:00 PM

What kind of improvments do you want over your martin hunter? take down, fancy wood, high price tag? that's about it in my experience.

Horne Shooter · May 05, 2009, 08:12:00 PM

I've owned a couple of Martins and they are good bows. I do think though that you pretty much get what you pay for and the custom bowyers make higher quality, faster, smoother and generally less shockey bows...just my opinion. Recurve wise, I love my old Horne Ridge Runner. (I have three of them but one of them is my "go to" recurve).

snag · May 05, 2009, 08:15:00 PM

Do yourself a favor and look at the Fox Archery Bows. They are priced in this range and the real deal!

Mike Bolin · May 05, 2009, 08:31:00 PM

Rose Oak Creations.....a sponsor here!

waiting4fall · May 05, 2009, 08:55:00 PM

Here's another suggestion. The bowyer will tell you about it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt1HvTsQ4nI&feature=channel_page

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VR4XvuXA7hU&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Isrvmj-qQXc&feature=channel

wollelybugger · May 05, 2009, 09:13:00 PM

Everyone on here has their favorite, go to a shoot with some vendors and try a few out.

ron w · May 05, 2009, 09:31:00 PM

Rivers Edge, a top performer!!!! Several models to choose from. Good looks also!!

Hattrick · May 05, 2009, 10:20:00 PM

Stahl if you can find one

Bucksnort101 · May 06, 2009, 12:39:00 AM

I'll second the RER Bows (Rivers Edge). Just received my LXR 3 piece Takedown Longbow/Recurve Combo.
Ran some arrows through the Chronograph over the weekend and it is the fastest bow I've owned to date or a specific pound range, but more importantly (at least to me) s how quiet and smooth it is. Folks that make them are hard to beat as well.

oxnam · May 06, 2009, 02:04:00 AM

I went back and shot my Martin after exclusively shooting my Centaur and the Martin seemed to have a lot of handshock. It also doesn't draw nearly as smooth.

I would like to find a recurve that is faster (going to be tough to beat the Centaur). I like fast, efficient bows.

I don't think I have ever been to a shoot that had traditional bow vendors. Wish it were an option. I don't even have friends that have any to try.

bigislandmark · May 06, 2009, 02:48:00 AM

Aloha Derrick,

I've also owned and shot a Martin. Best thing to do is go out and try out as many bows as you can and find "the one" bow that will put arrow after arrow where you look consistently.

Looking at the post above I see that you are in the same position as I was in when I tried to find "the one". It was painful at times to wait but in the end I found my "go to bow".

For "me" grip and overall weight is very important. I prefer take down bows and like them a little on the heavy side. I've found that "for me", the bow feels more stable after the shot. The benefit again "for me" is more consistency.

In the end I ended up with a Black Widow with Asbel grip. She may not be the fastest but again, I shoot this bow better than all the other bows that I own.

Black Widow has the try before you buy program. They sent me an Asbel gripped riser and a standard grip riser to try out with one set of limbs.

Aloha,

Mark

Plumber · May 06, 2009, 05:29:00 AM

Blacktail bows shoot nice there are some on trad classfide morrison is good also and the list goes on an on keep on doin your home work youll find something that suits you

Kevin L. · May 06, 2009, 07:36:00 AM

Give JD a call at Whisperstik Bows. Very smooth bows and a great guy to deal with.

bear1336 · May 06, 2009, 08:27:00 AM

RER bows are one of the best out there IMO take a close look at them.

troy butler · May 06, 2009, 08:32:00 AM

oxnam, I have a bighorn for sell look in the classifieds great bow. Troy

BRONZ · May 06, 2009, 10:18:00 AM

I like my Fox bow.

PAPALAPIN · May 06, 2009, 10:19:00 AM

JACK HOWRD GAMEMASTER JET.

then there are "other bows".

Check this out

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=107;t=000442