Looking For Custom Recurve Recommendations

Osage1997 · December 17, 2021, 09:28:02 PM

Hello everyone, although I've lightly browsed this site for many years, I am a new member.

Currently considering ordering a custom recurve in late winter/early spring and would like some assistance in picking a bowyer.

I like to support small companies when I can, so I would love some recommendations outside of the big names like Black Widow and Bob Lee.

Looking for a relatively short recurve (56"-60"). My draw length is 28" on the dot and I intend to get a 60# bow. Would prefer a takedown for easier packing, but I am not totally opposed to a one-piece.

Thanks for the help,
Ryan

Current Bows:
Tomahawk Kiska SS 64#@28"
Bear Grizzly 56#@28"
Osage Selfbow 58#@28"

R. Fletcher · December 18, 2021, 06:13:12 AM

I had a Huntmaster Takedown from Bruin Custon Recurves made a few months ago. Turn around wasn't that long and Mike Steliga is good to work with. Just one of many options but I like his bows and is a great small company. I'm already planning my next one.

bowmaster12 · December 18, 2021, 06:42:01 AM

I would highly recomend a Tall Tines. He takes limited orders so he can focus on quality awhile still maintaining a reasonable lead time. Communication was great. Sent pictures of the wood he had picked out and the build process. Final product exceeded expectations. I would not hesitate to order another bow from him.

Jim Wright · December 18, 2021, 08:45:45 AM

You'll get many good suggestions but you could do no better than a Chinook by Dan Toelke, stable, fast, exceptionally quiet and beautifully made. The bow bolt option makes one a take-down.

Osage1997 · December 18, 2021, 12:03:08 PM

Thank you all very much for the replies so far. I'll check into all of them.

Blackstick · December 18, 2021, 05:25:41 PM

Unless you are looking for a 50's style bow, it would be hard to beat a Bear T/D. There is a reason that they have been around over 50 years and the new ones are as good as the ones made in Grayling. A large posting on them down the page a bit. It's worth a read!

Blackstick · December 18, 2021, 05:39:42 PM

I should also mention that if you are within driving distance of Kalamazoo, it would be worth the trip for the Expo end of January. A person can check out and shoot a 100 different bows if they had an inkling.

Car54 · December 18, 2021, 06:03:44 PM

Check out Wes Wallace bows. Wes has been making bows for decades, I really enjoy my 3pc Mentor.

Bowguy67 · December 18, 2021, 06:13:15 PM

Robertson makes some good ones as well. Why don't ya wait til a trad shoot and try a bunch? What I or we like may not suit you like something else

Osage1997 · December 18, 2021, 08:23:41 PM

Thanks for the further recommendations gents. I would definitely like to head to a shoot and check some out, but in my area they are a bit sparse. I may plan a spring trip to go to a larger one.

Brokearcher · December 18, 2021, 08:54:14 PM

I'll second the TallTines. I've gotten rid of all of my other bows and shoot this one exclusively now.

goingoldskool · December 18, 2021, 09:06:21 PM

If you do like the 50s style, Black Widow PSR is hard to beat!

Osage1997 · December 18, 2021, 09:50:52 PM

Quote from: goingoldskool on December 18, 2021, 09:06:21 PM
If you do like the 50s style, Black Widow PSR is hard to beat!

I can't say that I am a huge fan of the super shallow grips on recurves, although I do like it on a longbow.

Thanks for the reply!

MnFn · December 18, 2021, 10:48:54 PM

What, no photos?
I've owned quite a few, sold all of them in search of the perfect bow. I liked a few of them quite a bit.
I had a chance to buy this one back and am very glad I did.
It is a Tall Tines and I plan to keep it this time.

For shooting enjoyment and hunting these days, it will either be this one or a Tall Tines Stickflinger .

Osage1997 · December 18, 2021, 10:58:14 PM

Quote from: MnFn on December 18, 2021, 10:48:54 PM
What, no photos?
I've owned quite a few, sold all of them in search of the perfect bow. I liked a few of them quite a bit.
I had a chance to buy this one back and am very glad I did.
It is a Tall Tines and I plan to keep it this time.

For shooting enjoyment and hunting these days, it will either be this one or a Tall Tines Stickflinger .

Beautiful bow, thanks for sharing. Looks like tall tines is getting a ton of support. I was leaning on Wes Wallace but maybe I'll reconsider tall tines.

bowmaster12 · December 19, 2021, 08:37:24 AM

Pictures don't do it justice

BRONZ · December 19, 2021, 08:43:33 AM

Fox High Sierra made by Ron King with Fox Archery. I've been shooting one for years and is an amazing bow.
Ron is great to deal with. He's currently got a new set of limbs made for me.

Couple videos...

https://photos.app.goo.gl/DH2ag5qBGtWS439z8

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Hupdapkwjp4oB7ST9

Bow man · December 19, 2021, 09:51:17 AM

You may want to try and come to the Kalamazoo Trad Expo the last weekend of January and try some bows there. We will have a booth there as well as others. www.stjoeriverbows.com

Osage1997 · December 19, 2021, 10:12:10 AM

Quote from: BRONZ on December 19, 2021, 08:43:33 AM
Fox High Sierra made by Ron King with Fox Archery. I've been shooting one for years and is an amazing bow.
Ron is great to deal with. He's currently got a new set of limbs made for me.

Couple videos...

https://photos.app.goo.gl/DH2ag5qBGtWS439z8

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Hupdapkwjp4oB7ST9

I shot a friend of mines High Sierra and I can confidently say that it is by far the smoothest drawing and shooting recurve I have ever shot. Fox is definitely one of the companies I am considering. Thanks for the reply.

Osage1997 · December 19, 2021, 10:12:57 AM

Quote from: Bow man on December 19, 2021, 09:51:17 AM
You may want to try and come to the Kalamazoo Trad Expo the last weekend of January and try some bows there. We will have a booth there as well as others. www.stjoeriverbows.com

For everyone recommending the trip to Kalamazoo, I checked it out and its only about a 5-hour drive for me. I'll be there.