JD Berry Longbows

Ghost Dancer · December 02, 2009, 08:24:00 AM

I recently shot a JD Berry Longbow and it was an awesome looking bow that shot incredibly well. I was surprised at how quick and smooth the bow shot with absolutely no handshock.

Does anyone shoot them? What are your opinions?

moebow · December 02, 2009, 09:13:00 AM

Ghost D,

I have three JD Berrys. You can not find a better longbow IMO !!!!!!! I got my first one in the 1990/91 time frame and it's still going strong. TOP notch craftsmanship! He has been doing this for a long time and is not a "johnny come lately" bowyer.

I'd recommend James and his bows to anyone that wants first an incredibly good performing bow and second a bow that is best of the best for appearance.

Ghost Dancer · December 02, 2009, 01:02:00 PM

Thank you for your reply. that is what I thought.

BowZen · December 02, 2009, 01:45:00 PM

I have three JD Berry Bows, which I have purchased in the last two years. The 1 Appolo and 2 Reinassance. They are as you describe, smooth, fast and beautiful. I would call JD Berry. He is easy to talk to and work with. My recommendation is the Reinassance 66". I'm not sure if you like long bows, but this particular length and model are incredible.
Karim

dino · December 02, 2009, 06:17:00 PM

I had one several years ago that I hunted with for about 2 years. It was a very accurate FINE looking bow, but it was increadibly shocky and slow. It is one of the only bows that I have sold and never missed. Mine was probably an isolated insident since I always read such good reviews about them. I've always admired the craftsmanship of them. They are one of the finest looking bows out there. dino

horatio1226 · December 02, 2009, 06:24:00 PM

I have a JD Berry Taipan Accuracy. Its a forward handle bow. Unbelievable craftsmanship. James will bend over backward to me you happy. I have yet to see a bow with more craftsmanship than a Berry.The trapezoid limbs draw smooth and the yew core shoots fast. I also had a Rennaisannce that was awesome.

Bluenose · December 02, 2009, 06:28:00 PM

I have a 2008 Model Renaissance that is 64" 47@29. It is very smooth and extremely quiet, especially with wood arrows. James is a real gentleman and knows his product completely. I found it very useful to stay in touch with him by phone during the waiting time for the bow. The more information that you give him about your shooting style certainly helped him in building to my expectations. He has my full recommendation and I would certainly purchase another bow from him. Only problem, the bow is a work of art and I don't want to scratch the finish......

Red Boar · December 02, 2009, 06:52:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by dino:
I had one several years ago that I hunted with for about 2 years. It was a very accurate FINE looking bow, but it was increadibly shocky and slow. It is one of the only bows that I have sold and never missed. Mine was probably an isolated insident since I always read such good reviews about them. I've always admired the craftsmanship of them. They are one of the finest looking bows out there. dino

My experience as well...as far as looks go, the Reinassance I had was a beauty! It did, unfortunately, have noticeable handshock. :(

horatio1226 · December 02, 2009, 07:19:00 PM

There is no handshock with my bow, nor is it slow.
I wonder if when it was made makes a difference.
I really don't remember handshock with my Rennaisance either. "[dntthnk]"

Three Arrows · December 03, 2009, 04:07:00 AM

Tim? Mike? What do you guys think about JD's bows?

horatio1226 · December 03, 2009, 06:40:00 AM

:confused:

Molson · December 03, 2009, 06:43:00 AM

Well Chuc... As you know Mike and I have several of JD's bows. The Taipan is my favorite and most of the animals I've taken have been with one. Got nothing but good to say about them with only one negative... and that would be the durability of the finish under wet conditions. I just happen to be one of those guys who will hunt for hours in a downpour and when the finish has water on it that long, it tends to get soft and is easily scratched. Because of this, I've learned to keep a coat of Johnson's polish on the bows during hunting season and that keeps the water out. It's a trade off though because the finish James uses really shows the beauty of his work and the quality of the woods.

Every bow I've owned from James has been exceptionally beautiful, accurate and consistent. Very smooth, quiet, and quick. I like it that James is now making just a hunting bow without so much of the artwork. It seems the older I get, the more I appreciate the simple look of solid limbs and riser on the longbow. James has a new bow he calls the "Argos" that fits in there perfectly. Give him a call and see what he can do for ya.

horatio1226 · December 03, 2009, 07:23:00 AM

I have to agree with Tim about the finish. I found out the hard way. Immediately put on a coat of paste wax. I wish I knew about this before I hunted in the rain with it. Still one of my favorite bows. Definitely a work of art and great shooter.

BowZen · December 03, 2009, 09:53:00 AM

No handshock on any of my bows. No string silencers either.

JRY309 · December 03, 2009, 12:37:00 PM

I had a JD Berry Yaweh,a beautiful bow and was a great shooter.I didn't notice any handshock on my Berry.

KPaul · December 03, 2009, 04:06:00 PM

I have a viper,owned an apollo at one time,and now have another apollo on the way.Great bows.Great bowyer.James is top notch.You don't see many Berry bows up for sale on the classifieds.

BowZen · December 03, 2009, 04:34:00 PM

Ghost Dancer,

You are more han welcome to try my JD Berry bows and decide for yourself if they have handshock and you can judge the speed for yourself. Where abouts in NY are you? If you are close to me, we can meet up. Let me know.

IdahoCurt · December 03, 2009, 06:07:00 PM

Is he related to Glenn Berry?

gordie · December 03, 2009, 06:28:00 PM

whats his contact info?

horatio1226 · December 03, 2009, 07:03:00 PM

http://www.berrygamecalls.com/jd_berry_bows_2.html