Toelke Classic Whip vs JD Berry Taipan

[gdc23]

I have been a long time bowhunter (35 yrs) and now at age 52 am thinking of giving traditional archery a try. Never being one to jump in slowly I am thinking of both looking in the classified section and possibly having a custom bow built. I have always preferred the look of the longbow and after reading many posts and looking at many styles the two that seem to catch my eye due to both looks and their ability to be shooter friendly are the Toelke Classic Whip and the JD Berry Taipan. Any input on how these bows compare, to my eye it seems the Taipan is ever so slightly more towards the traditional D style. Does either enjoy a speed, noise, handshock, advantage. Any help or opinions is greatly appreciated.

[Tradcat]

I'm curious as well

[bsv]

I think James is only making ASL's now,but you can check with him to be sure

[shedhunta]

Never shot a JD Berry but I do know I love my whip.  I have the standard grip.  If you take the route od the whip i highly reccomend the 2 piece upgrade.

[akdd]

I really like my Whips. Both the one piece and the 2 piece. I have the standard grip. You will not find a better person to deal with that Dan Toelke. I have never been around the JD Berry,

[The Whittler]

I have a JD and I have shot a Whip. I would go with the Whip hands down.

The JD has hand shock the whip was a mild thump not enough to talk about but you should know.

Don't get me wrong the JD is a very nice bow but I have arthritis so I feel the HS probably more so then others.

[Brianlocal3]

Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with either. Now personally I have never owned a whip but have borrowed one for a few months, and I do own a taipan, and owned another.

I am self admittedly A JD Berry fan boy, I believe James to be one of the finest bowyers to build a bow. My 62" taipan is the bow by which all others are measured. Quick, silent, forgiving, and no hand shock that I can tell. My taipan is the quietest bow I've ever owned or shot, and tha includes the 25+ ASL's that I have owned.

Now with that said, James is focusing on his ASL's so I'm not sure if he is Even taking orders for the Taipan. You would need to call to find out.

jThe wait time may be a conservation when picking custom bow as well, or not.  Dan Toelke has a reputation of getting them out fairly quick.  Saying that I am ever most patiently laying in wait for my next James Berry asl, the two that I have makes the wait much more bearable. I am having an absolute ball hunting with the prototype switch hitter.  It kind of depends on how you want to shoot, whether an asl or a bow like a Tiapan or a Whip would be a better choice.  Nothing wrong with going either way.

[gdc23]

Thanks for the responses, Brian it was your videos on the Taipan that got me interested in that particular bow. I hope to have one by spring time so I will continue to watch the classifieds for now.
Thanks again everyone

[Brianlocal3]

Well Glenn, I can say the wait will be worth it if James decides to build the taipan. I would give him a call for sure, the taipan is the one that knocked me out of my ASL wheelhouse so to speak. It basically solidified what kind of bow I prefer to shoot.
The forward riser really does make this a naturally pointing shooter

[tzolk]

Glenn,
You put yourself in a tough spot trying to decide between two bows from top shelf Bowyers. What poundage at what draw are you looking for?

[Chromebuck]

I have read This Vs. That post countless times on this site, but I have to say someone did their research in asking this question!

Both bowyers cannot be faulted in any category imaginable.  You need to try both bowyers and decide for yourself.

You can see from my signature what I own today, but I have owned four Toelke bows in the past.  Dan even gave me marriage counseling in one of our phone calls.  I have shipped halibut to JD.  It's a toss up.  With Dan having his son Jared involved their turnaround on orders is phenomenal.  What you get from JD is heirloom quality with matching lethality.  

If I was in your situation the choice would be easy.  Order a Toelke and a Taipan you will get the Toelke in less than half the wait time and then when your Taipan makes it to your door compare for yourself. Both have great resale value.

The reverse handle of the Taipan is something you need to feel for yourself it cannot truly be conveyed by the written word, but many have tried.

Best,

~CB

[Michael Arnette]

you can't go wrong with a whip! that being said I would check out the classifieds first. Then find what you like and order a custom bow for next year.

[jedway]

Dan just built a new bow for me with very very satisfactory look.I love it very much! He is a nice man.

[jedway]

Dan just built a new bow for me with very very satisfactory look.I love it very much! He is a nice man.