Originally posted by threeunder:
This question is for not only the bowyers in the gang, but also those who have shot different samples of the same model.
I'll withhold the name of the bow...
About 3 year ago I bought a bow from a sponsor here (he was not the bowyer). I was completely blown away by that bow. So much so that I started looking for a backup bow of the same model and specs.
After searching, I found my second one. Got it to my house and was very disappointed in it. The smoothness of the draw, the handshock, my ability to hit with it...everything was just very wrong.
Both bows had the same grip, exact same model, exact length and the first was #52 @ 28" and the second was #51 @ 28". To say I was shocked was an understatment.
So, was that a complete lemon? Just me? Or has anyone else noticed something similar?
I often wonder why these kind of threads hit the open archery forums when a simple phone call to the bowyer would most likely answer your question.....
I could think of several reasons why two "Custom" bows of the same make, design, and draw weights would have considerably different shooting characteristics. If a bowyer builds a "Custom" bow draw length specific for a customer to increase performance and enhance the smoothness of the draw. That would do it right there....
I do this quite often with my Sasquatch hybrid long bow for customers with really long or really short draw lengths. That 60" bow can be built for a 26" draw or a 32" draw just my manipulating the tapers and wedges in the limb, and the choice of core woods used. The draw force curve is radically different even though the two bows look almost identical. One is going to stack up tight at 29" and the other will go clear to 32". If you were only drawing 28" the two bows would be night and day different.
The recommended brace height will typically be lower for the bow "custom built" for a shorter draw length too....
I always mark my custom builds at the draw length they were built for myself. Like 47 @ 27, or 52 @ 26"...... A lot of bowyers mark all their bows at 28"....
I have no idea what you have going there, but i suspect this may be what you are experiencing. I recommend contacting the bowyer and ask him.