Strange question...I guess

[marshrat]

I know some companies loan out bows with a deposit so that you can try them out before buying. I am in the market for a new bow, but I want to try different grips, as it was suggested to me on another forum to just buy a good, form fitting, comfortably gripped riser and just add limbs to it.

Now the question: Does anyone know of a place that will loan out risers to help decide which grip is right for me?

I know that is kind of weird, but I have no bow shops or makers that I know of in at least an hour and a half radius around Stillwater, OK. All compound stuff. The only place that I even ran into that sells traditional, where I bought my Sage, only has the Sage and will barely keep arrows for it. Just taking a shot in the dark. If anyone has any suggestions, I'm all ears. I could really use the help. Thanks.

[moe monsarrat]

I've never heard of anyone doing that. Maybe you could go to a bowyer.....like say Bob Sarrells and put your hands on a bunch of his bows. Many have totally different shaped grips. If you find one you like you could have a riser or full bow built and go from there.

[agtex42]

Just my opinion, but it's hard to get a true estimate of what a bow will feel like with only the grip or riser section. I've attempted to do just what you're asking and found that it's very hard to "feel" how a grip will mate with your hand unless you have it at full draw because it's almost impossible to simulate the pressure that's transferred from the bow to your hand when the string is under tension.

Finding the right grip is very subjective, but after you've shot a few different bows you should have a pretty good idea of what will work and what won't. Your shooting style will probably also change a few times during the first couple of years and you might find that your grip preference changes with it.

In all honesty, that Sage your shooting will kill a deer just as good as any custom. I've been shooting mine (Sage) exclusively for the past four months and I'm just as profficient with it as I am with some of my "fancier" bows. If I were in your shoes I'd just plan a trip to the next big Traditional gathering within a 5 hour radius and sock away some money so you can write a check for "the one" when you find it!

[huntinpool]

I think Black Widow does test drives. You basically put up deposit , send the bow back and you get your money back. Keep it and its paid for already.

[jreyna920]

Just my opinion, but it's hard to get a true estimate of what a bow will feel like with only the grip or riser section. I've attempted to do just what you're asking and found that it's very hard to "feel" how a grip will mate with your hand unless you have it at full draw because it's almost impossible to simulate the pressure that's transferred from the bow to your hand when the string is under tension.

Finding the right grip is very subjective, but after you've shot a few different bows you should have a pretty good idea of what will work and what won't. Your shooting style will probably also change a few times during the first couple of years and you might find that your grip preference changes with it.

In all honesty, that Sage your shooting will kill a deer just as good as any custom. I've been shooting mine (Sage) exclusively for the past four months and I'm just as profficient with it as I am with some of my "fancier" bows. If I were in your shoes I'd just plan a trip to the next big Traditional gathering within a 5 hour radius and sock away some money so you can write a check for "the one" when you find it!

Bingo! What feels comfortable or fitted is rarely what you necassarily need, I couldn't make that call grabbing risers, spilt vs 3 under will change pressure points as well as tiller, and what naturally feels right for you. Some high wrist, some low wrist, all these factors will change how it seats in your hand, and in turn affect your influence on the bow, fitted grips spell torque for me!

Good luck! Find you a bowyer with a great rep and one that goes out of there way to get u what you want... You'll find your answer shooting bows, not grabbing risers

[marshrat]

OK. I feel better now, I guess. I'm just far away from anyone who does any traditional stuff. I tried finding some shooters in my area, but I haven't had any luck.

[TxAg]

Lots of bowyers offer a test drive program. Just do some snooping on their websites.

[Bowtechlady]

Take a trip south to Bob Sarrels shop. He will have plenty for you to try out

[agtex42]

OK. I feel better now, I guess. I'm just far away from anyone who does any traditional stuff. I tried finding some shooters in my area, but I haven't had any luck.

It sounds like you need to try to make it to some of the Trad only shoots next spring/summer. I did a quick google search for "oklahoma traditional archery" at it looks like you'll have some opportunities that are realtively close (Pawhuska & OKC). That'll be your best bet to try before you buy since there's typically vendors at some of the larger shoots.

[Texas5o]

There used to be a Trad shoot just outside of OKC at the OKC Gun Club. It was a big shoot with lots of vendors. There is also the Trad shoot at McAllester the first weekend in August every year. There are also vendors there. I'm sure there are more but those are the ones I've been to.