Custom Bows

[Longstick]

Checkmate makes a great bow for the money for sure, I shot my Checkmate Hunter II today in a 3d and was very saisfied as this is the first time Ive had it out for anything other than backyard..saw some on www.tradgang.com and you can get one at a descent price usually

[chrisk]

I wouldn't limit yourself to just Texas, there are too many fine bow makers out there. But if I was to limit my search to Texas, I would say Bob Sarrel. Met him and thought he was one hell of a guy. If out of Texas, go with Dan Toelke (montanabows.com).
Chris Kiefner

[loco cacahuate]

I'd go with a Horne or a Sarrels

http://www.hornesarchery.com/

[Vulcanman]

Trad bows

Thanks guys! I have a feeling I might have another addiction after I buy one. That was the case when I bought my first bow 5 years ago. Now 5 years and 7 bows later, Im gonna give trad. gear a shot.
Thanks for the links. Looks like I have some homework to do.

[jmack]

I too shoot a Sarrels recurve, but if you're looking for a custom shop near home, then Dryad Bows out of Weatherford might be your best bet. They don't use any glass or carbon in their limbs, so performance might be a little less that what you can get for cheaper from other custom bowyers, but man them horn limbs sure are pretty! I would seriously suggest a Sarrels or Bob Lee though, I just wish they had shops closer to home that I could visit. You might try the classifieds over at tradgang.com - HUGE selection of bows, and you can be sure you'll get quality equipment as opposed to trying your luck with ebay.

[Longstick]

Thanks guys! I have a feeling I might have another addiction after I buy one. That was the case when I bought my first bow 5 years ago. Now 5 years and 7 bows later, Im gonna give trad. gear a shot.
Thanks for the links. Looks like I have some homework to do.

been there as have most of us..as a matter of fact I just bought myself a black widow

[Texas5o]

I also shoot Sarrels bows. I have several of them and it truly is an addiction. Every time he comes out with a new model, I think I have to have one (or two). There are several good bowyers out there. I don't think you'll find a better looking, better shooting bow for the price than Sarrels, though.......plus, as has already been said, he is a great guy to do business with.

[stykshooter]

I agree with chrisk don't limit yourself to Texas Bowyers. I think the best way is to make a couple of 3D shoots and try different bows. I've just order another bow and second set of limbs for another bow, the addiction continues.

[splitfinger]

Vulcanman:

If you become interested in a Bob Sarrels, I have a 61" longbow for sale. It is 50# @ 28" and is in like new condition ($350.00 shipped to your door ). E-mail me for pics if you are interested. dkey111 at aol dot com

I'm going on a bear hunt in May and need some cash!

Thanks,

Doug Key

[Bill]

I would start with a nice Wing Archery recurve off eBay for under a $100.00 in a very low poundage.

Nice, old, Wing bow. Mine are 35 and 40 years old and shoot like they were new.

I recommend you find or borrow a 35 or 40 # trad bow to shoot initially and learn good form and technique. A trad archer I hunt with wife told me "the only nut you can adjust on Marks bow is the one shooting it". Then move into a hunting weight bow. Its easier to learn right the first time than have to unlearn bad shooting form.

[tx-bowhunter]

Id go with the Sarrels

[LostHawg]

Bob Sarrels

no question about it.

[treed]

If you can, go to the Hilll Country shoot out in Vanderpool, Tx the second week end of April. There will be several of the custom bow builders,listed above, set up with their wares, and will let you try them out. Bought my Bob Sarrels long bow that a-way. Great bunch of people there and a very challenging, but fun shoot

[tinman]

Don't fear the Darkside...

[edwardv]

Don't let yourself be pressured by all these guys. Go around and play with as many of the bows as you can before you make a decision.

But, if your like me, no matter what you get, you'll always wonder, "What if I bought ......? Would I like it better? Would I shoot it better?"

Once you come to the traditional side, you will always be tempted by "the fruits of another." Trad bows are so beautiful you will always wonder, "What if.....?"

You'll go to a 3D shoot or to your local pro shop and see a bow by a bowyer that you've admired for some time and you'll ask the owner to shoot their bow and they will let you and your hooked. You'll begin to do the math in your head, "If I sell this bow and that bow for this amount, could I get one of those bows?" You will be pulled deeper into the fold and then there's no hope for you. You'll be like the rest of us. Forever trapped in the endless chase of the perfect bow. The bow with a perfect grip no matter the weather, forgiving to shoot but with blazing speed and quiet as death itself no matter the weight of the arrows, short in length but smooth to my draw length, beautiful to look at and deadly in the woods, as much a priceless piece of art as an precision hunting weapon.

You see, there is no escape. There is only the pursuit of perfection.

Later,
Edward