Help from Centaur folks

[TexasStick81]

I'm super pumped to have found a spot on Jim's list.  I've got tons of questions but I'll start with just a few.  I draw 29" and I'm trying to decide between a 60-62" model.  Jim says the performance difference is minimal and there shouldn't be a difference in draw smoothness.  Any thoughts on differences related to forgiveness of the shot/stability?  

I'm pretty sure I won't be opting for the dark matter but I'm open to feedback that might convince me otherwise.  

I'm going with a triple carbon and either cocobolo or possibly black and white ebony if I can locate some.  I don't think he's got any B&W currently.

Looking forward to the feedback.

[South MS Bowhunter]

Zane,

I have a 60" Chimera and draw 29" 3/8 or so and i have no problems at this draw length.  In Fact when the weather is bad or no time to shoot before dark I'll put the form master on and shoot in the house for form.  And can pull 30"+ with no finger pinch or noticeable stack.

I've own a 62" also and much prefer the shorter length for hunting.  There was a post just recently about a 58" and a 29"+ draw with no problems, do a search it may peak your interest.

[South MS Bowhunter]

By the way how's the wife and the baby doing?

[Guss]

I'm a firm believer in the Dark Matter and my riser only has a small amount...my next riser will be all DM...
Much better looking than most phenolic that has the grain in it, and heavier. Puts the weight right in the grip....bow still feels very light, but even with a Thunderhorn Small Fry strap on quiver and full of arrows the bow balances perfectly....no left or right. This is probably not due solely to the DM, I'm sure Jim's grip and thumbrest contribute also.
 I would also go with the XTL lam... Quieter bow IMO....
Jr.

[TexasStick81]

Hey South MS,

They're doing great.  He's almost three and you'd never know he was so early.  He's a wild man these days but a blast!  He likes to pull arrows with me when I'm practicing.

[nineworlds9]

We've talked Centaurs before Tex',
I've become a huge fan of the Dark Matter material.  It is heavier than phenolic and lends a great solidity in the hand to an otherwise feather light bow.  My personal opinion, if you're skipping the Dark Matter go with the 62" for the extra stability.  A 62" Dark Matter would be incredible if that can be said for what are incredible bows in any configuration.

[Scott E]

I agree with all above. Dark Matter and an XTL lamination are the way to go. You can get wood scales with the dark matter too.

60 vs 62" are you going to notice one inch on both limbs in the woods? I chose 62" for shot forgiveness but I don't know if there is a real difference.

You are going to like the bow no matter what. Jim is good people

[Biathlonman]

I've had a 58" and a 62", I draw about 29 and much preferred the 62". Then again I've never ordered a bow and later wished it was shorter.

[TxAg]

Zane, come shoot my 60"

[TexasStick81]

Hey Jeff,

I've got that 60" now, I need a 62" to compare it to!  But I want to shoot yours since it's the draw weight I'm wanting.

[4dogs]

If you close your eyes...all else being the same. You wont be able to tell the difference between the 60" and the 62"  I would recommend the XLT and the dark matter. The XLT being most important for stability. Dark matter is personal choice. I have five of Jims bows and been shooting them for years....you are gunna love that bow.   I really like the thumb rest too but again that's personal.

[riverrat 2]

4dogs hit the nail on the head. Jims bows are light in hand. If you like mass,you need to think about that dark matter a bit more. Congrats on the spot!  rat'

[TexasStick81]

I have a Chimera 60" 46@28 with XLT I picked up used that I'm really enjoying.  It's Bastogne walnut riser so I'm wondering how much different a cocobolo or ebony riser would feel?  I'm starting to get used to the mass of the bow.  I use an EFA quiver as well.

[Jwilliam]

You have already received a lot of great advice. I'm also a big fan of the Dark Matter. Well worth the extra cash. It adds just the right amount of mass weight right where you want it.       I also draw 29" and a 60" Triple Carbon is very smooth at my draw. I actually owned a 58" that handled my draw without any problems. So I wouldn't see any reason to go any longer then 60".


Bill

[TexasStick81]

So are some people getting partial dark matter?  Not fully DM in the riser but a portion of it?  If so, how much weight does it really add?  Is it the same upgrade price?

[wigeon]

I just got  a dark matter triple carbon xlt td a couple weeks from a fellow trad gang member and I love it.The dark matter put extra weight in the handle of the bow,I like one piece longbows but have always shot 3 piece longbows better due to the weight of the bow.The dark matter is in between the two and with a quiver on the bow its just perfect for me.

[TexasStick81]

Does anyone have pics of the dark matter with scales?  I'm wondering how closely it can look like a solid wood handle.

[South MS Bowhunter]

Do a search for Widowdublelung's Centaur, he had Bocote scale put on his.

[TexasStick81]

Hey South,

His is one of the ones I've been drooling over.

[4dogs]

I just got my latest from Jim. It is a dark matter with bacote scales. You can see a pic of it on Jims facebook page or I can send you one if you want to give me you e mail or cell phone #