Best value in high-performance recurves?

[Jason R. Wesbrock]

Originally posted by James Wrenn:
For budget the Quinn bows are hard to beat. The biggest bang for the buck on an ilf would be a Warf bow. Lots of options in that price range.jmo

I'd have to agree.

A lot of folks say great things about the metal-riser Quinns. I've only shot one of their wood risers, and it didn't feel good to me. Lots of handshock and vibration. Better tuning would have probably solved that issue though.

I've got a Warf in the works. After buying a Black Bear in ****, having Bob Gordon convert it and ordering a new set of ILF limbs, I figure I'll have about $350 into it. Based on everything I've heard, I won't be disappointed.

Another good bow to look into would be the Chek-Mate Hunter II. Even though I don't like the new, blockier grips, the bows still give excellent speed and forgiveness, especially for the price.

[Ia Hawkeye]

In my opinion, Quinn bows are absolutely the best bow for the money that I've ever shot in my 50+ years of shooting !!! I've owned MANY big name bows, but like my Quinns (I have two) better then all of them.

[bear1336]

I would have to go with RER bows, great bows,great prices and even greater customer service.

[BamBooBender]

Welcome aboard! I'm not to far from you in Spread Eagle (other side of of Iron Mountain). There's a trad shop in Iron Mountain; Northwoods Wilderness Outfitters. Randy is a good guy to talk with and he has some bows you can try out.

[ishiwannabe]

Another vote for Ckeckmate.

[JC]

Value is in the eye of the bow-holder...so to speak. Personally, I don't think you can get a better value than a Morrison Cheyenne. Expensive? Yes, but also a great value cause you get what you pay for. jmho.

Now, if you are looking for a great value at the lower end of the price range spectrum of new bows, I would have to agree with the Quinn recommendations. I have played with one of these and it's a heck of a bow for the $, if you like metal risers.

If it doesn't have to be a new bow, consider shopping the classifieds here...some excellent values are always present.

Whatever you decide, do yourself a favor and shoot as may different bows as possible before plunking down yer greenbacks. Eventually you may find THE one that shoots best for you, and that makes all the difference in the world.

[Swanny in MD]

another vote for warf...mine's a metal riser Black Bear with a used set of samick extreme limbs...my only bow I have other than the ones i make. Never have been as accurate as I have with this bow.

Less expensive than the RER and you can tune it far beyond the RER, plus have access to an incredible line of ILF olympic limbs far cheaper than the RER limbs would cost.

RER would beat the Warf in beauty, no doubt.

[KyleAllen]

not sure what your wanting to spend but my #1 vote is a bob lee. I think they start at 480 or so i believe. And there is not a better hunting bow out there for the money, IMO. Speed, smooth, quiet. If you buy a cheap bow, you will eventually step up to a better one. Might as well save the money and get a good one right off

[Shawn Leonard]

What JC said. I love my RER bows, Morrisons are awesome bows but not for me, so ya see the question is what you like and shoot best. All around value though, Chek-Mate has to be in the mix. Shawn

[Hatrick]

Quinn Stallion.

None better for the dollar, and a lot of bows for a good bit more that can't shoot with it.

[peak98]

My vote goes to RER Bows, basic one piece bows start in the mid $400 range, and they are easy to tune, quiet, quick.....I haven't owned nor shot a Quinn, so I can't comment on them but they always get great reviews. Try to go shoot some different ones if you're able to, shoot a low, medium, and high wrist grip if possible and see what fits you best, then you'll have a better starting point. You can pick up alot of used custom bows at excellent prices, but you need to get a starting point as to what you do and don't like so you don't end up with a bow that you can't shoot well.

Well... you didn't say how much that budget was, but there's several options, of course. Quinn, Chek-Mate, Warf just to name a few, or buying a used bow from a reputable buyer. This site has a GREAT classified section.
  There's lot of good choices out there.

JC

[Yellowsnake]

Don't forget the venerable Martin X 200.

[md126]

RER and CHECKMATE are good choices. also don't forget ROSE OAK by brandon stahl.

look hard at used bows too!  great bows in awesome condition are out there and well priced

[J-Shooter]

I would definately get a Warf or a Quinn, if you like to tinker and try different combos then get a Warf.  If you want to just get a bow and be done with it get a quinn.  

Sure they are ugly, but a deer doesnt care how much cocobolo or osage is in your bow.  I would much rather have a fast, accurate, smooth, and stable bow than a pretty one.

[Bill Turner]

I'm not sure what you mean by "high performance" but Bob Lee Archery produces outstanding bows for the buck spent. Better yet, they have been around for many years and you can find good buys in the TradGang classified section. Oh yea, their customer service is excellent.  

[tippit]

I'm not a recurve man...but just picked up a Shrew Li' Favorite 54" recurve and @ 27" no finger pinch for me.  Cool recurve if you're into Shrews or Griffin longbows...Doc

[SOS]

I've heard good things about the Quinns but not owned one. I am on my third ChekMate.  If you want a one piece my Falcon is my go to bow.  For takedown the Hunter 1 or 2 are nice and good performers.  Pretty bows at a good price - even better used.  Here are the two in my stable right now.  Steve
 

[BD]

I'd go with a Hoyt Gamemaster or an RER. I would also consider Rose Oak or a Marriah Thermal.

BD

[Shifting Shadow]

I've really enjoyed reading this thread. There is some good advice offered. I have shot RER, Quinn and  Check-Mate. Now I own the later two. Enjoy the search!