pika vs shrew vs elkheart

Mark Colangelo · July 17, 2017, 11:00:00 PM

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!

Michael Arnette · July 17, 2017, 11:04:00 PM

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.

MIBIGHNTR · July 18, 2017, 06:49:00 AM

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".

mikolay87 · July 18, 2017, 06:55:00 AM

I prefer my pika to my shrew. I havent shot an elkheart

Tater · July 18, 2017, 08:26:00 AM

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".

Guss · July 18, 2017, 08:39:00 AM

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.

Rando · July 18, 2017, 10:04:00 AM

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

Biathlonman · July 18, 2017, 11:19:00 AM

I've shot all 3, much preferred the Pika.

nineworlds9 · July 18, 2017, 04:24:00 PM

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.

rocketman · July 19, 2017, 09:05:00 AM

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.

old_goat2 · July 19, 2017, 11:38:00 AM

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.

July 20, 2017, 01:26:00 PM

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.

Ron LaClair · July 22, 2017, 01:39:00 PM

The Shrew Classic Hunter II has been improved.
https://youtu.be/4zPNYuJDVNs

Steve Clandinin · July 22, 2017, 09:01:00 PM

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

Warden609 · July 22, 2017, 09:34:00 PM

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.

All of these kills were a 58" super shrew and elite wood arrows. Have fun choosing.

KeganM · July 23, 2017, 12:30:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Ron LaClair:
The Shrew Classic Hunter II has been improved.
https://youtu.be/4zPNYuJDVNs

That is gorgeous!

Steve Clandinin · July 23, 2017, 02:35:00 PM

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

Bladepeek · July 24, 2017, 03:40:00 PM

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.

Roger Norris · July 24, 2017, 05:25:00 PM

Shrew Shrew Shrew. No disrespect to the Pika, it's a fine bow. But the Shrew is the way to go.

pete p · July 24, 2017, 06:21:00 PM

pika. test drive one. no disrespect to the shrew but the pika is the way to go...