Toelke Kestral

[D. Key]

I am considering a new Kestral from Dan Toelke and was wondering if anyone can provide feedback on this short 52" recurve.  I have a 26 1/2" draw length and realize that should not cause any problems for me.  Having owned a few of Dan's works of art in the past (Whips and Chinooks), I am aware of Dan's workmanship and his attention to detail, plus knowing his Engineering expertise, I feel this would be an excellent choice for me but I would like any feedback if possible.  Thanks.

[tippit]

I'll let you know in a couple of weeks as I have a used one coming.  I draw 27 and have always liked short bows...don't know if this one is going to be Too Short for stability.  I couldn't resist trying though.  I love Dan's bows too but there is a possibility the Kestral could be flying back to the Traditional Bows Classifieds   :rolleyes:  tippit

[D. Key]

What are the specs on the one you are buying?  I assume mid 40's and if so let me know if you decide to sell it.  I just might accommodate ya.  Thanks.

[Biathlonman]

I think you'll both like them.  Maybe a touch louder then your used to with a Toelke but certainly not objectionable.  I felt at 29" I was pushing the design, but they are good little bowa.

[Irish Archer]

I love the looks of that bow. I'd like to try one sometime as I have always liked shorter recurves also.

The problem is shorter (52 inch) bows don't work well with my 29" draw. At least the few I've tried.

[Irish Archer]

It should work great for shorter draws though. Good ground bow.

[SkottyBoy]

I am totally impressed with the performance of this bow. I have bought and sold many bows and after shooting this one I knew I had found something very special. IMHO it will perform with any recurve. This with the bow at 48" when strung. It does have a little "recurve" noise but not loud. It really pushes my 29" 605 grain arrows with authority. I have the locator grip and find it  very pleasing. Again IMHO, it is the perfect bow for hunting.

[nineworlds9]

The Kestrel will work great at your draw length.  Have him do a custom grip on yours with the Whip thumb rest and some nice palm swell, you'll love it.  I draw close to 29.5 and I ended up selling the Kestrel I had because I felt it was hitting its limit of smoothness at my draw and I'm not the type that likes a 'draw stop' type of feel in a bow.  The workmanship was top notch and the Kestrel is so cool, LOL proportions.  I have a Super D now and I've found my Toelke. Go for it!

[Jim Wright]

I draw 29" and have shot a couple of Kestrals at Dan's shop. I never found any stacking and the little bows were well-mannered like all Toelke bows and very quick. Pete Ward did an in depth review on one a few years ago and gave it very high marks across the board. There is an exceptionally nice one in Cocobolo/Myrtlewood on his website now.

[ChetterB]

I picked one up last week I have never been a fan of the shorter recurves and would like to become a fan so I picked one up. I am a huge fan know!!! The bow really performs is easier to shoot than I thought it would be. With good form I am able to shoot it very accurately. I draw about 27.25 and it is very smooth, no stacking or finger pinch at all. It is really fun to shoot, and with any luck this fall will help me put a Wisconsin whitetail in my freezer this fall. Good luck.

[TxAg]

Originally posted by Jim Wright:
I draw 29" and have shot a couple of Kestrals at Dan's shop. I never found any stacking and the little bows were well-mannered like all Toelke bows and very quick. Pete Ward did an in depth review on one a few years ago and gave it very high marks across the board. There is an exceptionally nice one in Cocobolo/Myrtlewood on his website now.

That coco/myrtle one is gorgeous. I've been eyeballing it for a while but it's too heavy for me.

Here is a link to Pete's review that you mentioned:  http://peteward.com/2007%20new%20pages/test.toelke52.1pc.html

[Bowhunter4life]

I owned one, and my draw is close to 30"... This one had the Whip grip on it.  Very quick for such a short bow, and I agree with normal recurve noise...  Jeff, it is a great shooter, I think you will be impressed.  If it was about 10# heavier I would probably still have it...

[nineworlds9]

I did a 6 strand SBD string on mine with wool wrapped ends and wool puffs, and put soft Velcro in the string grooves and that puppy with a 9-10 gpp arrow was about as quiet as you could get a recurve.  I was impressed.  It's a great short bow, if they made a 54" I'd be all over it.

[Pierre Lucas]

Dan does a great job with his Kestral.  It pulls smooth to my 28" draw and is very forgiving. One of the best performing recurves out there pound for pound period.   It is as quiet as any recurve I own with a 6 strand SBD string on it with recurve wraps and puff silencers.  I have a 2 piece and the phenolic riser with it mass weight helps it.  This is one bow that I will not sell.  It is pictured in my avatar.

God bless,   Pierre

[twistedlim]

I like everything abou the bow except for the grip. It is  a deeper throated grip and I like the flatter grips of the whip and lynx. I will most likely sell mine to fund more limbs for my Lynx. I still stand by my review of this bow in the "Reviews" forum.  The grip just is not for me. If you are a recurve shooter the grip is right up your ally .  For hunting my 43 lb bow loves a 30" AD lite, 100 gr brass insert and 300 gr pt.  700 gr of punch with almost 30% FOC.

[birddogdoc]

Here's mine.  50@ 28"  I love it and it shoots great!

Shawn

[TxAg]

^^^ that's a beauty

[D. Key]

Ordered mine today.  Dan is going to use red Cocobolo in the riser with a Medium/Low grip and he said he will surprise me with the limb veneers.  Dan told me to sit down when I open the box because it is going to be a looker.  Boo-Ya!!! I can't wait now.  I ordered it 45# @ 28" to accommodate my CE Heritage 150's and my new Kanati Hunter Quiver.

[SAVIOUR68]

Got a Super D from Dan a month ago and it had that red coco overlays of the riser front and limb tips, i think your gonna love it.

[TxAg]

Congrats Doug. Can't wait to see the pics.