what bow to pick blacktail or shafer poll

[Plumber]

what bow would pick

[BowZen]

This one is going to be close! I have recently acquired both. Both are super smooth, hit where you look and beautifully crafted. Both grips provide for positive hand placement and both Norm and Dave/Beth are fantastic to deal with.

The true measure of a bow is to give the user confidence. Both these bows do that for me.

If possible, acquire both as each one has a distinct personality.

Karim

[KentuckyTJ]

I've owned both in the 3 piece T.D. model. Still have the Schafer and will always.

[tradtusker]

Iv shot both
i would go with the schafer

[snag]

Blacktail bows are the handsdown best recurve being made in the world today.

[KentuckyTJ]

Curious Snag have you ever owned a Schafer 3 piece?

[Kyle Lancaster]

I've owned multiples of both. They are both in the top 5 of recurve bows in terms of performance and appearance. My advise is that you need to try each and make a decision on your own. I don't own either at present or I'd let you shoot them. If you're not a member, then join the Trad. Bowhunter of Md. I'd bet that you could find a member that has one to trial. I'm not sure if either Blacktail or Schafer offers a "try before you buy program" or not? You might want to contact them and see. In the long run, you can't go wrong with either. And if you don't like it, the resell value and time to sell would be good, guaranteed.

Good luck,
Kyle

[Kyle Lancaster]

Also, if you watch the classifieds you will find both used. There's been some on this week. Not sure if they're still available.

[limbow]

I have owned both and prefer the Schafer. For me, the grip that Dave offers is far superior than any bow I have owned. Ascetically speaking, the Blacktail is a work of art but the grip area was to slim for my liking. Try both, they do offer a try before you buy option--Then you will have your answer.

I recently acquired a 1 piece Schafer recurve. This bow has moved to the very top of the list of my all time favorites in a hurry! If you travel to hunt, the t/d bows are great, but if you primarily hunt of your back porch then the 1 piece bow deserves a fair shake. Both bowyers offer them too  

[A.S.]

Nothing more beautiful than a Blacktail. That being said....I'm shooting a Schafer.

[WildmanSC]

I've had one piece and 3-pc T/D Blacktails and I have one 3-pc Schafer ST on hand.  The Schafer gets my vote.  I have a new set of limbs on order to make my bow 62" instead of the 64" with the limbs presently on the riser.  My 28" draw doesn't take full advantage of the 64" bow's capabilities.  I think the 62" bow will do so.

Bill

[Blackhawk]

Each has its own special characteristics regarding looks, feel, performance, etc. and it would be tough selecting one over the other. I've owned them both, but give the edge to the Blacktail...but just barely.  

Now if you had thrown in the Dale Dye as a choice, it would easily have won my vote.

[Bjorn]

Never had the pleasure of shooting a Blacktail. I had a Schafer RC, which I sold, and now have a 1 pc LB on order.

[billy shipp]

I have owned both in 3pc TD's....sold the Blacktail, still own 2 Schafers.

You need to shoot both, then decide.

[Straitshot]

I, too, have owned both and still do. Each has their own shooting characteristics as stated. I like them both and personally wouldn't be without either. They are both great, and I mean great bows, and the folks that make them are among the best folks I have ever delt with. I have taken game with both and have shot tournaments with both. Both are similar in price and wait time. I would say if at all possible shoot before you decide. It took several years but I managed to get both.

[SERGIO VENNERI]

Schafer,ST, Schafer ST and Schafer ST !!

[see]

the schafer is the best bow i ever shot.never even held a blacktail,just saw the beauty of them on this website.

[snag]

TJ, never owned one..but I have shot one....I own several Blacktails.  Isn't it great to have choices?

[recurve_shooter]

I have 3 Schafers and and they are all great shooters.  I also look forward to the day when I can add a Blacktail to the collection!

[Burnsie]

I need a Schafer!!