So I have narrowed down my "short" r/d longbow build down to three choices. I would like to shoot one of each, but may not get that opportunity. Anyone have shot multiple or possibly all of these and have thoughts? I may only get to test drive a toelke pika. I am hoping to try a Javaman as well. Doesn't look like I will be testing the Shrew. Which should I try first, or is one clearly better in same way? Thanks guys!
Man it's hard to beat the pika. Take a look at primal tech bows as well if you have a chance Randy builds a bow that is on par with any of those in my experience.
I've been very impressed with the Two Tracks Ogemaw as well. Shot a couple at Compton and they were smooth out to my 30" draw and are available in 54" & 56".
I prefer my pika to my shrew. I havent shot an elkheart
I have not shot a Pika, but I am sure they are nice, I have shot the Shrew Classic Hunter, and the Elkheart. My go to bow is now the Elkheart, I never thought a short bow could be so smooth.
I have 2 54".
I"ve owned several of all three, my favorite of those was the Pika...but my go to short R/D longbow is the 56" Kanati.
I've shot an older Shrew and currently own an Elkheart which is my go-to bow... can't say enough about how well that bow fits me and performs!
Randy
I've shot all 3, much preferred the Pika.
Pika shoots as good as the other two, arguably quieter than the other two, but the Elk and Shrew (OLD Shrew, Coffey or before) are a little more critical of tuning for sound/silencer type/placement IMHO. Elk/Shrew might be a tad zippier.
I'll be frank, with Dan Toelke's average 6-8 week wait honestly it's hard to not go with the Toelke in my book. I love Gregg and his bows, but I just can't do a 1 year+ wait if I can't either buy a spot or sell it if needed. Now if buying used that makes things more flexible. I really enjoy all 3 bows mentioned but am always on the hunt for more riser mass, so I currently have a 3pc 56" Hill Country Bobcat and it's everything these 3 bows are, just more mass. Roman also just released an even more compact 3pc bow, the Badger.
Tough choice! I've shot all 3, bought and still own both the Pika and Elkheart, mainly because I just couldn't decide between them, still haven't.
I'd really like to shoot the Pika once, I know I like Dan's grip so it would be the only one I'd buy without shooting it first.
Haven't shot the Pika but currently have a Java Man Elkheart and a Shrew (my 2nd) and the Elkheart is
amazing. Both were made by Gregg Coffey. Smooth (mine is 54" for my 28" draw ) and not an ounce of stack. I also have Thunderchild which is NO SLOUCH.
The Shrew Classic Hunter II has been improved.
https://youtu.be/4zPNYuJDVNs
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/shrew-classic-hunter-2-1.jpg)
After having shot most everything I would definitely add Big Jims Thunderchild. In all reality as good as they all are it's your choice.Chevy,Ford or Dodge get the picture lol
I have never had any issues with my Shrews. They have always been quiet and great shooters. The proof is in the work they do.
(http://i.imgur.com/9SaTdgE.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/jkDFRfy.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/ng9k21L.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/NbuSB51.jpg)
All of these kills were a 58" super shrew and elite wood arrows. Have fun choosing.
QuoteOriginally posted by Ron LaClair:
The Shrew Classic Hunter II has been improved.
https://youtu.be/4zPNYuJDVNs
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/shrew-classic-hunter-2-1.jpg)
That is gorgeous!
After having shot most everything I would definitely add Big Jims Thunderchild. In all reality as good as they all are it's your choice.Chevy,Ford or Dodge get the picture lol
I've tried all but the Pika.
I would guess they are all very similar. What it boils down to is usually one will feel a little "snappier", or steadier on the release, or the grip just fits better.
I tried the Java Man Elk Heart and Helms Deep at the same time, same draw weight, and same distance. I couldn't have told any difference with my eyes closed, so I got the Elk Heart. I hate the thought of finding myself out in the woods with a recurve and no stringer. The main reason I bought a Java Man over the other bows I tried? The grip is simply the best for me of any bow I've ever shot.
Shrew Shrew Shrew. No disrespect to the Pika, it's a fine bow. But the Shrew is the way to go.
pika. test drive one. no disrespect to the shrew but the pika is the way to go...
oh wait, go for the elkheart or the thunderchild. see what im getting at? they are all going to be right there as far as performance. comes done to personal preference. see if you can try before you buy. all great bows
Ron, what changes were made to the Classic Hunter?
Haven't shot the pika, but have shot the shrew and the elkheart. My elkheart is my go to bow, I love everything about it, it's an axcellent bow and Gregg is a top notch guy. That being said, everyone has their own opinion and if you get to shoot all 3, go with what fits you best.
QuoteRon, what changes were made to the classic hunter?
The new Limb design as Jim explains in the video
web page (https://youtu.be/4zPNYuJDVNs)
double post :rolleyes:
I think that I would try the shrew first if a test bow was possible based on looks alone (Ron, the bow you posted earlier in this thread was nothing short of a masterpiece). I am hoping Gregg will still have a lefty I can try after ETAR. If not a will be trying the Toelke. I am still considering all 3. Thanks for all the help!
I shoot and hunt both the Pika & the Shrew CH. Both are great and I have multiples of each. Man can't live by just one bow...tippit
mark..pm sent
Gregg Coffey sent an Elkheart to me that was a pure masterpiece to try. Now it will be a long 9 months before I get mine...but I am very happy with my decision. Never felt a grip feel so perfect.