Lone Wolf Kayapo Review

[Moots]

I just purchased this Lone Wolf Kayapo, 60" and 45# @ 28".  This is John Maus's 50's style recurve.  I have a 30 1/2" draw, and normally avoid bows this short, but I used to own a 62" Lone Wolf Autumn Storm, and I already knew that John Maus is a wizard at designing and building bows.

Some initial thoughts:
1. I have never seen a Kayapo for sale before.  These are rare birds.
2. The draw is incredibly smooth even with my longer draw.
3. The bow is quick for it's draw weight.  I am shooting Heritage 250's cut to 30 3/4" BOP, 200 gr. pt.; arrow weight - 568 gr.
4. This bow is not nearly as pretty as the Autumn Storm I owned.
5. The grip is terrific!  The swell on the left side of the grip fills my palm.  It reminds me of the Fox Breed.
6.  I shot some arrows at 30 yards and included a picture.  This wasn't my best outing with the bow.  I find the bow points well, and with more shooting, this will be a great bow for me.

Thanks for looking,
Rob

 

 

 

 

[Moots]

 

 

The bows pictured from bottom up are:
1. Lone Wolf Kayapo
2. A&H ACS
3. Fox Triple Crown
4. 21st Century Edge

[inferno]

Well said. It sure looks great in your stack! Glad you like it.
inferno

[Moots]

Thanks Deren.  Take care.

Rob

[Echo62]

Rob, thanks for the review. I have been very interested in this bow. I am more used to shooting a 62" recurve. Do you think this bow at 60" gives up anything in stability or smoothness to a 62" recurve? Thanks again for the review and pics.  Keith

[Moots]

Keith,

I'm no expert, but will do my best to give you my thoughts.  

I am primarily a longbow shooter.  But I have owned a Wes Wallace takedown recurve at 66" (Mentor).  Now the Wes Wallace had a much heavier riser and longer limbs.  And the Mentor would have slightly more stability and smoothness. But for a 60" bow, this Kayapo is amazing.  I have a 30 1/2" draw, and the Kayapo is very smooth with zero stacking.  It is a bow that I love to pick up and shoot.  It would be great in a blind, quick to point and shoot.

I have also owned a one-piece Acadian Woods carbon reflex recurve at 64".  (Those bows, all jazzed up, cost $1,400.)  I sold the Acadian because it was a little heavy for me.  The great thing about the Acadian was that it almost had some let off at the end of my draw, slightly smoother.  But the grip wasn't as good as the Kayapo.

So in summary, if you are talking about a 50's style recurve (apples to apples comparison), I think it would be very difficult for you to find a 62 inch recurve that would be smoother and more stable than a 60" Kayapo.

Like many of us, I have probably owned close to 50 bows.  I own and have shot some of the best out there.  I think that John Maus is a bit of a wizard.  The stability, smoothness, and performance/cast that he gets out of this 60" bow at only 45# draw at 28" is pretty remarkable.  I think  you would be impressed with a Kayapo.

Hope this helps,
Rob

[Echo62]

Rob, thanks for your insight. It is much appreciated and a real help.  Keith

[Steve Chappell]

John is a great bow making wizard indeed.  I picked up a Lone Wolf Kayapo used here on this site several years ago to use while I waited for John to finish the one he was making for me.  It is my favorite bow.  I only wish he'd go back to offering a take down model.  I am headed to Alaska Moose hunting this fall and will not be taking my Kayapo only because it in not a takedown and I do not want to deal with a over size item when traveling.  One day I want to get one of his longbows.

[Moots]

I just shot the Kayapo again tonight.  I am still amazed how smooth it draws out to 30 1/2" for a 60" AMO.  Great bow!

[Bowitis]

Great write up Rob. Sounds like a great little bow.

[JJB]

I really like that style, yours sounds and looks like a good one.
     
-Jay

[pete p]

i had one of Johns little banshee recurves, same riser woods as that one. the guy knows how to build a bow.

[Moots]

Thanks fellows.  

Bowitis, you will have to try this one next time we shoot together.  Hope all is well.

Moots.

[Bowitis]

I was hoping you'd say that.

I'm looking forward to it.

[Lineman72]

Hey Moots,
Hows that kayapo? I ordered mine about a year ago. Mr. Maus is sending mine out in the mail tuesday to confirm the grip. Now thats customer service! During the process of building my bow he was very informative. Pictures say a 1000 words, but I am really looking foward to testing this recurve out. I to am a longbow shooter. So it should be interesting.

Mike

[WildmanSC]

I just bought a used Kayapo from the classifieds on another website.  It looks just like the bow pictured above and has the same specs.  It should arrive tomorrow and I'm looking forward to shooting it. I've heard great things about Lone Wolf bows.

Moots,

What brace height do you use for your Kayapo?

Bill

[Bill Turner]

I've not shot a "Kayapo" but I have owned and shot several John Maus made "Autumn Storm" longbows. I have always said that John is one of the best kept secrets in the archery business. A retired Marine who has a plan and sticks with it when it comes to building bows. I will be surprised if you are not very happy with your purchase.    

[Lineman72]

Wildman, give john a call. Real down to earth kind of guy. Boatloads of knowledge. He can get you squared away, just a warning, he can talk!
Good luck, I shoot my Kayapo at 7&3/4

[ed cowden]

Bill;
      That is the bow and I got it off of Rob ( Moots ) a short time ago. I was selling it because the grip is a little too small for my tastes. I called John and got the string he recommends on the bow. I put the Brace height in the letter also. I sure hope you like it and it fits your hand. I know it shoots well and does not torque at all. John has studied fiberglass and the gluing process and if you talk to him you will learn what makes his bows special.

[WildmanSC]

Ed,

Thanks!  You should receive the Cashiers Check in payment Thursday.

Bill