Over the last year or two been slowly zeroing in on the bows I feel do everything I want and that truly are special ones to me. The list is short. Back in July I got on the list for a Centaur. I had called Jim out of the blue after much online research and consideration. Used Centaurs, especially lefties, were far and few between. So I figured I'd take a leap of faith and get on the list for a new one. When I called, I still wasn't 100% sure, but after talking to Jim for a good while and being totally impressed, I put down my deposit. Fast forward to 3 weeks ago, I found a great deal on a used month and a half old lefty double carbon Elite 58". I decided to grab it to give a Centaur a test drive and I'm so happy I did. I was initially concerned about the length as my draw is a smidge over 29, but the bow proved to be superb and one of the finest bows I had ever shot to date. Well, I got lucky a week later, 2 weeks ago..just happened to stop by the sponsor's classifieds. Lo and behold, Jim had listed a glue up with specs that were spot on waiting for a shelf to be cut in and any grip customization. It was very close to what I envisioned for July 2014. Knowing I could sell my spot, I had to pounce.
The finished result is a 1pc 62" 56@28 Carbon Elite w/XTL, bocote riser, thumbrest, small stippling, a raven's head custom engraving and some gorgeous prairie rattler skins. It is a dream bow and a perfect counterpart to my 3pc Slammer.
The bow is so unbelievably smooth drawing, Jim nailed the grip--I had him match it to my Slammer. The speed and power is incredible, probably the highest performing bow cast/speed wise I've encountered. It definitely trumps the A&H I currently have in the stable. My Slammer has superb cast and is a just a hair quieter, hence my no.1, but it's 68" and a 3pc. This Centaur is perfect when I want something lighter and shorter.
The skin job is the finest I've seen. He coats the skins so they are so smooth and flush that they appear painted on, no joke. This means they will be safe from damage. I can't praise this bow enough. Thanks Jim!!!