Although I shot Hickory and Yew longbows in my youth I really did not become really interested in archery until I got out of the service in 1968 due to the influence of a cousin. Since then, just archery back then, and now what has become commonly referred to as traditional archery has been my most favored outdoor passion. Over the years I have owned and shot many different makes of bows, both production and custom and like many of you I have never been satisfied with just one bow. Consequently with the exception of perhaps the first five or so years I have always had at least two and often times more of them in my possession.
I was (now retired) a carpenter by trade so consequently I have a natural affection for what I consider exceptional wood which in turn makes me a sucker for really nice looking custom bows. My dedication to the sport of archery and bowhunting along with my affection for exceptional wood always kept me looking for what I thought were exceptional bows, not only in looks but also performance. I have owned and shot many different bows over about a 50 year span and have settled on some of the ones I like best.
Up until about eight months ago I was always looking for another bow I might like to buy or trade for. I do have those favorites that I have owned for a number of years now and a few that will remain even when I can no longer shoot them. Hopefully when I am gone they will find their way into the hands of my grandchildren.
Anyway, I am saying all this to tell you I believe I have acquired the bow that has suppressed my desire to look any further. I know, many of you are now thinking that is a bold statement. I also realize what may satisfy me may not satisfy you.
I have owned this make of bow before just not this particular model and still have two others besides this new one I received about eight months ago. This bow has satisfied everything for me that I have looked and longed for in a bow and I emphasize for me because I realize it might not do for you what it does for me. I just wish I were younger so I could with previous skills and greater adequacy do justice to such a quality bow. However, while I can I will give it my best remaining shot.
Since receiving my custom ordered Blacktail Sitka T2 take down recurve it has become my most favorite go to bow. Yes, I have other bows including a Blacktail Snakebit I still like and enjoy shooting but my Blacktail Sitka is my favored son. I know other ones were my favorite at a point in time but never like this one is. For me there is something very special about this bow and it shoots lights out, fast, smooth, and forgiving. Norm told me when I ordered it that he believed it was his best performance wise and was what he personally was currently shooting.
To Norm Johnson and Alan Pope a most sincere thank you for your help, expertise, and professionalism. All you folks at Blacktail are tops.
(https://i.imgur.com/FzDRLfE.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ZkCN6xD.jpg)
That is a Very pretty bow and congratulations on finding one that suits you!
Blacktail really knows what woods look good together and if anyone ever wants to see two woods together just go cruise their website and you will see so many pretty woods that compliment each other! Again I love the wood combo you picked here it really is a looker and I bet it shoots just as good! :archer:
Wow, that is a great Looking bow! Congrats on finding the ONE.
I have owned a bunch of bows, but never had a blacktail yet. That one is a looker for sure.
Thank you Sir for stirring a dormant pot, I've tried to stick with my current bow and become a 1 bow man but pics of bows that beautiful piece of art just stirs my soul. Glad you found "the one"-just for giggles what are the specs?
Very nice!
That is a good one Louis. But I don't think you have any ugly ones. Ha Ha
A beauty no doubt.
That's definitely a looker!
Awesome bow
That's a fine looking stick indeed. Congrats
Congrat's on a great bow. I also recently picked up a Sitka. To be honest, it fits me better than any other wood bow (so far) including my Bear TD. Blacktail is without a doubt one of the finest organisations to work with on ordering/setting you up with a bow. Those bezels really set off that bow superbly!
Thanks guys for the compliments and kind remarks.
Tom, this one is a 60"AMO, 47#@28" draw. I decided on the 47# because of my age, now 73 years young. I am not disappointed I did as this bow shoots as hard and fast as my 50# bows shooting the same carbon 500's. I actually believe it performs better than my Snakebit that is a 64"AMO and 50#@28" draw. I have several other makes of bows and this Blacktail Sitka performs as well or better than any of them.
I like the Sitka so well I think some of my other bows will see little shooting time. I have thought about perhaps it is time to lessen the heard. A good bow needs to be shot and not just hanging on the wall. Also at 73 and a now 6 year long equilibrium problem I am not sure how many good shooting years I have left, but however long I plan on making the best of it.
I haven't had a longbow in quiet some time and I think I would like to find a good three piece longbow to shoot on occasion so I may look for one in the future. We shall see.
I dunno. I think you might need a back-up of the same model. :bigsmyl:
Yes the Blacktails are all awesome bows and excellent shooters. Like you I have a couple of Snakebit plus another pair of Elite every single one is an excellent companion.
I can't wait to try my new Sitka,thanks for the review.
It's good! Lol
very nice bow , congrats
I have a Sitka on order,sometime in April-May. I cant wait everyone seems to love the Sitka that has one on here
That B&W ebony is killer - awesome bow!
While waiting for the deer to show up, you can admire the beauty of that bow for hours.
Congrats and post pics next year of your hunting success with that bow prominently displayed.