Matlock Predator X?

[dkw45]

I'm trying to find a little info about a bow I picked up used around 2002. I shot it on and off up until about 3 years ago.  I pulled it out of the safe last night for old times sake and decided to learn more about it. Matlock info on the web is pretty sparse based on my searches.  
Thanks
 

[Steelhead]

I cant tell you much about your particular bow.
But the Predator X was his 1st hybrid longbow I believe.

He later came out with an X-2 and then an X-3 that were supposed to be improvements on the original X.

They are known to be high performance from what I have read.

I had his Swift recurve that I bought from Bill just before he had his stroke.That was very unfortunate as he was an innovative bowyer.I dont know if he ever resumed bowbuilding seriously.I have heard rumers he was going to try again.But I dont know.

My Swift lived up to its name and was very fast and had a unique look to its design that was very cool and attractive.

That should be a nice well made bow and good performer.I hope you shoot it well!

[RC]

I`ve owned a Predator X and X2 and X3. Fine bows and were very quick.I know bill Matlock had a stroke and not sure about him now. I really liked the x2 most of all and would love to have another. RC

[DKdc]

I have a predator x. It shoots really fast. I don't know that much about Bill though. I love that the tips are thicker than they are wide. The entire bow is really narrow. I think that's what makes it so forgiving. I will follow this post.
Thanks
DK

[M60gunner]

I was not aware of his illness. I met him back in the mid 90's. He was doing a class on shooting longbows at a local archery store near where we lived in Ca. His bows smooth shooters as I remember. Seems like at that time he lived in NM?

[Mint]

Bill use to have a bow overhaul business where he would tweek you bows to get the best performance out of them. He was making D shaped bows called the Roadrunner I believe. Then he came out with the Predator Bows. First I think was the Predator which was a high reflex deflex bow. Then he came out with a Predator Too and I have one. It is fast and smooth and shoots heavy arrows well like all his bows.

Then came the Predator X series with minor improvements. I have a Predator X and a Predator X3. The Predator X3 has a weighted handle and is cut a little more to center. I little difference to the limbs. Great bows that shoot heavy arrows very very well.

Bill came out with a book on his shooting ideas and he was the first guy I ever heard telling people to leave the arrows longer since then you could get away with not having them perfectly spined.

[Lost Arra]

[njloco]

Someone always buys the right book !  Hey Arra, anything in there we should be ?

[dkw45]

Thanks for the input, guys.  I guess I was correct in assuming it was a Predator X?
 
I'm looking forward to shooting it again.  I've been stuck using a crossbow for a few years after having my elbow pinned and screwed back together.  I'm about to the point where I can, hopefully, use a regular bow again.

[joshua_lucas88]

I’m not sure if anyone on this thread follows it anymore but I am Bills son. I actually spent my entire childhood in the shop building bows with him. The bow pictured…wow. I remember I spent 2 weeks working on that design. I’ve actually got notebooks with rough drafts of that face design that is on the bow. This is a long shot but if that bow is for sale I would like to purchase it. Bill passed away a few years ago from another stroke and I’m searching for the bows we built together so I can remember him. If anyone has any information please email me or call me. Thank you so much. 505-592-9290 [email protected]  I am in Farmington NM now.

[highcountry]

Hello Josh, so sad to hear that news. My brother and I were good friends of Bill. He made us a few bows when you guys lived in the desert of southern AZ. Sierra Vista. He used to come up in the summer, play in the high country. He would bring a stash of bows to the Mormon Lake shoot. My brother had him make me one for a Christmas present. Has carbon in the limbs.  I'll send you pictures. One of my best shooters out of a very BIG collection.  He baked them in a car back them for his oven!! He made one for my brother, I thinks is the best shooting D-longbow I ever have shot. All bamboo. My brother took it to AK when he lived there, needs to be refinished. Hunted hard!
 Neither are X-bows.

[joshua_lucas88]

I remember the Mormon Lake shoot. I shot there many many many times. It’s amazing news to hear that our bows are still bringing people results all these years later. I would really like to see those pictures if you can. I’m actually searching for any bow that we made together if it’s for sale I would like to buy it. I’m trying to make a collection for the family. Give me a call if y’all need that bow refinished. I’m the one that took over the business when he passed away.