I've been looking into these two bows and bowyers and am looking for some help to decide between them. Any comment, good or bad is very welcome. I draw about 29.5" on longbow style grips (depends how straight it is). Also, if you think I'm missing other possible bowyers with similar bow designs, please recommend! I am open to anything at this point, just seeing what's out there.
Thanks! Pat
I can't wait to hear the feedback on this topic from our fellow tradgang members. I'm interested as well
I have no experience with Toelke, but I have two Northern Mist Shelton bows. They are smooth and light in the hand. I am a fan of Hill style bows and own seven. I like the NM bows as well as any I have owned or shot (and I have shot a lot of Hill style bows). In all honesty, I can't say NM is "better", but I can say that if you like Hill bows, you won't be disappointed in them.
I also have several DF/RF bows, but my preference is the Hill style, which means I prefer the NM over them, too.
Had a couple Hill style bows from a great bowyer but they didn't work for me. Tried a D bow from Dan and fell in love. Quick, quiet and a joy to shoot. Dan has a "try before you buy" option that would help you decide. Mike
I have a super D and like it. I have a long night from 7 Lakes and like it better.
A Northern Mist Superior is what I would compare to the Super D. The D has some very mild r/d in it unstrung like the Superior. You can't go wrong with either IMHO, though the D is notable for being super slender in both the handle and limbs, whereas the Superior would have a bit more mass/width to it. I really think it would come down to aesthetics. Both are a pleasure to shoot. If you want a true ASL then consider one of Steve's Classics or Sheltons.
QuoteOriginally posted by Alexander Traditional:
I have a super D and like it. I have a long night from 7 Lakes and like it better.
What makes you like it better?
It has a larger grip,and just feels much more stable for me upon release.
Pat, if you end up going for a Super D with that 29.5 draw you could go 66" or 68". I know you have done business with Dan so you know how great they are to work with. I love my 68s and there are some in stock I believe.
Another thing, I always have him make my grips long and slender. He has made them deeper on request.
That is good to know Todd!
I don't usually have problems with grips in general, I tend to get used to them but haven't been able to get used to straight grips and Dan's seem to be between that and his whip's grip which would work well for me.
I'll have to ask him what kind of grip can be accommodated on the super D. I'm not sure what kind of grip it is... If anybody knows compared to,for example, his whip standard grip I'm all ears!
Thanks for all your help so far!
Pat, I'll put up some pics here of my Super D grips in a few. I've tried a straight grip on another ASL type and didn't like it either.
Todd, I'm sure you'll be doing many of us a great favor by doing so. Thanks!
Here are two different grips. I prefer the grip on the black one overall as it has a low palm to it. Maybe at some point I'll see if Dan can sand the heel down again on the one with Honduran Rosewood.
I have a "Large" size hand meaning I wear large size gloves most often, just to size the picture up for you.
(https://i.imgur.com/2omrU5yl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/K3dQgR2l.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/JyjaHmxl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/t7ejl3il.jpg)
I love the look of the black one......micarta riser?
I think you could get about any grip on most any model that N.M makes within reason.He has so many choices in longbow models.Sounds like you are asking about Mild R&Ds.Maybe not though?
He has his newer models that include the Ramer reverse handle with string follow limbs.Its a stable,smooth shooting bow that is pleasure to shoot and not tempermental.He also has just introduced his American with a lot of reflex and or setback limbs.Folks seemed to like them at Kalamazoo.He sold a few.
The Superior,Barraga and Classic and Whisper have been around for long time.He certainly knows his way around longbows.
I had one Super D.It was an older one.Before he tweeked the design.Tzolk has the newer version and had the original as well I believe.I am sure its very nice!The grips does look great on his bows!I could wrap my hand around that.
Mine was smooth and very very quiet with a little thump or bump to the shot.I would like to try the new one ofcourse.
I'm certain Toelke bows are excellent.
But I have been shooting Northern Mist longbows for awhile now....absolutely perfect bows.
QuoteOriginally posted by joe vt:
I love the look of the black one......micarta riser?
You know it! Micarta and Yew veneers. Have a 62" Whip with the same . I bet Micarta and Juniper would be an awesome combo.
Pat, on the black one I requested all bamboo in the core in addition to the usual walnut accent strips. Ordinarily he adds a core of heat treated maple on the belly side.
(https://i.imgur.com/5Cowqkdl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/cWEOwOxl.jpg)
That Northern Mist Ramer that Steelhead mentioned looks like a nice stick too! I've seen some of Steve's bows with a locator grip so he's got you covered as well. Both Bowyer's are masters of their craft. Tough choice!
Can't go wrong with either, both great bows and good bowyers to deal with. Both have great fit and finish and Performance is as good as it gets with both.
This is going to be a fun decision to make. Thanks all and thank you Todd for the pics and explanation, it is very helpful.
Todd, one last question, What's the throat circumference measurement on your bows; just to compare.
Had the toelke whip for about a year and now the NM superior for almost a year. Both bows are smooth, quiet and accurate. Can't make a wrong decision either way. Probably boils down to which finish and look you like better. I'd be happy to pick up either and shoot.
The toelke may just fare a little better in the second hand market. You can also get it much faster.
The NM is highly customized to the shooter and you even get the name written on your bow made specifically for you by default.
For me I wanted to have the green glass so I went for the NM.
This is a great thread.
I want my next bow to be a Tolke and never considered a D until Todd's pics. I like the brown bow grip and really like the beavertail leather.
I saw a comment by Dan once where he was asked for a comparison and said the D was like a Cadillac and the Whip was a Corvette. The build time is a major draw on the Tolke.
Well I'm still on the fence, trying to find as much info as I can on asl hill style longbows with sculpted locator grips... There's so much out there, it's really hard to narrow it down to just one. The edge goes to the toelkes lead time for now but I'm not in a rush... The joys of new bow research :bigsmyl:
IMO having owned or currently owning and spending a lot of time with NM Superior, 7 Lakes Long Night, and Toelke Super D I don't really think your comparing apples to apples with those three. While the Super D does have a hint of R/D, it doesn't have nearly as much as the other two. To me the Super D is kind of a unique class of bow. All are great bows but at the end of the day for me the Toelke D just wants to shoot where I point it, only bow I own any more even though both of the others mentioned might do some things a little better.
Austin, in terms of noise on the shot, how would you rate them?
QuoteOriginally posted by Pat Ct:
Austin, in terms of noise on the shot, how would you rate them?
Properly tuned I don't think you could tell a difference in any of the three in that department, they are about as quiet as they come.