A year ago, when I knew I was a couple of months away from shoulder replacement surgery (surgery date 11/7/16) and I parted ways with some of my collection of Bear recurves and Bear TDs so I could move down in draw weight.
I picked up two Centaur bows, a Chimera and a Triple Carbon Elite -- both 43# at 29". They are amazing bows and they shoot an arrow like my 50# bows did. I am impressed with the performance gains in the design of these hot-rod R/D bows.
I also picked up a pair of Border aftermarket limbs for one of my few remaining Bear TD risers. These limbs are 42# at 28" -- I draw close to 29" so perhaps they are 44# or so. These limbs launch a 525 gr arrow like is is being shot out of a rocket launcher. That's well over 12 gpp and it is shooting like Bear limbs 10 pounds heavier. I am so impressed with the performance of these limbs -- they are in a class by themselves.
I am hunting with the Centaurs now, but I am fiddling with the Border a bit. It is bare shaft tuned to shoot right on the money, and I am hearing some post-shot limb hum that is not coming from the string. The Border limb tips are very skinny and I am convinced the low-pitched hum is from them. I am not worried about it very much. By the time the hum becomes evident the arrow is already in the target.
Just wanted to do a shout out on the impressive Centaur longbows and the Border limbs for the Bear TD -- I am impressed.
I agree about the Border limbs. Have shot them a coupe times. Not shot the Centar bows. Looked at the triple carbon model as my "forever" bow but not sure if I would live long enough for delivery!!
To bad Border doesn't make the Bear limbs anymore. To much variation in risers. Would have to be custom fitted according to what I read. The ILF limbs are as good or better.
Borders are definitely smokers. Not loud, but the several sets I tried did definitely have a tuning fork post shot quality to them. Not my cup of tea.
Centaurs, now those are special. Top of the heap. You could own a loaded Centaur and never want for another bow, hands down.
But we all know the reality of that notion. LOL
Ozyclint made a post in regards to this noise. His solution was a latex tubing which he put on the limbs tips. I liked the idea as it works like a protector at the same time. Needless to say it takes out the twang as well.
On my Border Black Douglas BB2 it wasn't so much a noise but more a humm after the shot.
Here is a photo of my bow with the tubing installed with about 1/2-3/4" over hang.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/5052ih5319pya0t/Photo%2010-9-17%2C%2017%2017%2047.jpg?raw=1)
Thought this was going to be a Kim Jong-un thread.
LOL
QuoteOriginally posted by kadbow:
Thought this was going to be a Kim Jong-un thread.
Yeah hope Jim Neaves has a better since of humor than Kim Jung!
In my opinion, a Centaur bow is worth the time it takes to get one from Jim Neaves. Jim's bows are smooth, quiet, fast and stable. And, if you want a beautiful bow, Jim can make your bow beautiful -- he offers lots of custom features.
I have two Centaur bows and they are very impressive -- and Jim Neaves is a terrific guy to work with in the design and making of a custom bow. With my Triple Carbon Elite, the grip wasn't "just right" for my hand. Jim offered to alter it for free but I insisted on paying him at least a little something. It is "just right" now.
A number of folks have dropped draw weight with no loss in energy. The latex tubing tip works. Hope ever one has a safe,productive season.>>>---> Ken
Good Luck this season Joe!
Off topic but Andreas, where did u get the kuiu fletch cover?
Thanks, Andreas, for the photo of your Border bow. I remember Ozy's post about using a bit of rubber tube to reduce the limb tip vibration, and it is instructive to see a photo.
Charlie, best of luck with your season as well. I love Wisconsin -- one of the truly beautiful parts of the upper midwest.