Thunder Stick MOAB vs Big Jim Thunderchild--My Review

[PistolPete]

Hi All,

I've been away from TG for a while, but thought I might have a comparison on my hands that many folks here would be interested in. This is the kind of knowledge I have gleaned from here for years, so I might be able to contribute in a small way.

Since these 2 bows are some of the most popular around, and since I have them both at the moment, I wanted to post a comparison for those who may not be as privileged as myself. I do not intend to crown a winner, but simply to point out differences that I would not have known had I not shot both bows. I will be comparing a 60" 53@28 MOAB to a 58" 52@28 TC.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

     

MOAB - It's so small! Slim and trim all the way around. Riser and limbs look like there's no way they'll make a 50+ pound bow. But they do. I like slim and trim, but those who like more mass may not. The bow is beautiful, but certainly more plain than the TC.

     

TC - Gorgeous! Jim's craftsmanship is evident from the start. He obviously takes such pride in creating a beautiful work of art. I love the beaver tail grip and the overlays. The riser is heftier and the limbs are wider than the MOAB for more mass all around. The larger grip does not fit my smaller hands as well, but I'm not the first owner of this bow. I know Jim can custom make just about any grip layout.

More coming!

Pete

[Elkchaser]

Very nice looking bows Pete and thanks for the review.      
Any comments on how each of the bows shoot?
Quietness, stability, forgiveness, etc?    

[LostNation_Larry]

The MOAB has bamboo limb cores.  I don't know what the ThunderChild has.  Let us know if you feel that makes a difference.

[PistolPete]

Please forgive the delays in posting more details; I'm watching my 16 month-old daughter today. I'll get there!

 

DRAW

Both bows draw very smoothly. I might give the slight edge in my subjective "smoothness" rating to the TC. One large difference is in brace height. I have the MOAB at 6.75, which is as low as I like to go. The TC on the other hand is sitting at 8. Big difference.
     

You can tell that these bows are not really comparable in design. The TC has a much more deflexed riser (thus the higher brace), whereas the MOAB has a more "standard" riser shape, but with those straight sections in the last few inches of the limb.

[PistolPete]

 

THE SHOT

For me, the MOAB has less vibration and thump. However, I've got a skinny string on the MOAB.

ACCURACY

I honestly can't tell a difference here. I want to lean to the TC, but I can't say for sure. I do think the TC may be slightly more forgiving with the higher brace height.

PERFORMANCE

I don't have a chrono. Both bows deliver the arrow with authority, though I'd bet the MOAB is a smidge faster.

[PistolPete]

Each of these bows are fantastic in their own way. This particular MOAB has some very nice antler tips. And the TC has Big Jim's takedown system, which I am convinced is the best in the industry BY FAR.

 
 
I draw 29.5", and both of these bows work well for me. The MOAB will pinch my finger if I place it too close to the nock.

The bows balance very differently; it's hard to explain. The TC seems to have more weight nearer the string, while the MOAB seems to balance more toward the riser--at least that's the best way I can put it.

CONCLUSION

The TC is an absolute work of art; however, FOR ME, I prefer shooting the MOAB. Probably because the grip on my individual MOAB suits my smaller hand better than the grip on *THIS* TC--I'll probably end up selling it due to this. You could do no wrong with either bow, but they do have their differences. I hope this information is helpful to future prospective buyers of either bow.

Thanks,

Pete

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Nice thread! I am anxiously waiting for a TC.

Congrats on your Daughter.

[frassettor]

Great comparison, Thanks for the info

[S.C. Hunter]

Nice to know been looking at the MOAB.

[Elkchaser]

Thank you for filling in all of the details.
Great review.

[Wudstix]

That was a good read.  I find that my MOAB shoots better at a 6.25" brace, quieter and smoother.  Never shot a TC and probably never will get to.

[Mike Mongelli]

I'm pretty sure you got my old MOAB.  It's a good little bow.  

[bentpole]

[Tajue17]

I didn't care for the MOAB I ordered one of the 1st before Jim advertised them and sold it the night I received it after waiting 7 months for it,,,,,, I immediately noticed how he slimmed the grip more compared to his Thunderstick 3 and it didn't draw as smooth as my other T3's.  

I'm curious about the sound from these two bows, I know the Moab is pretty quiet but does that TC have any limb slap at all at the shot,, wondering if the nock grooves would need to be padded OR are the string loops already padded from Jim?

the mother of all bows has a big following and my friend shoots one but I'd take that Thunder child over it in a heartbeat.

[PistolPete]

It's tough to compare noise because I didn't take the time to twist up one of my strings for the TC, but I used one on the MOAB (4 strand DF97)--and the string makes a big difference in noise. I'd say the MOAB is a little quieter, but that could be all string difference.

[Terry Green]

Apples and Oranges....two totally different bows....

But I like Apples AND Oranges....I have both, and both are great bows.

[Tajue17]

wow 4-strand on the MOAB that's crazy I didn't know the strings came down that far.

[Wudstix]

I guess I was lucky with the grip, Jim sanded mine smooth and wrapped it to make it big enough for my taste.  He said him don't take off any wood except to make the pistol grip.  Love it !!!!
   

[mark Willoughby]

Good read brother