Looking for a great custom recurve.

[ArtisticWildlife]

I have been shooting a Hoyt gamemaster with 47 lbs at full draw. This past weekend, I guided some bowhunters from PA. One came equiped with an Eisenhammer(sp?) shooting 60 lbs.. He let me shoot it, and I was grouping better at any distance than I have ever with my Hoyt. It was even easier to draw and shoot. I am now looking for a good custom recurve.. My question is, do any of you guys have someone that you would reccommend here in Texas? THx...

[Tejas Raz]

Bob Lee or Palmer? Horne's too.

[bm22]

sure rick's makes a great bow called a sweptwing. or you could go with boblee. mike palmer they say these bows are nice, i have not shot one yet.
the best thing to do is to go to a 3-d shoot and shoot as many bows as you can to decide what you like the best.
right now i shoot a boblee and it has been nice,but i have a sweptwing on the way. i really like the feel of the grip and it has a differen't draw to it that i also like. plus they are fairly cheap. but you are going to wait if you get a sweptwing.

[Chunky]

I think it is safe to say all the big name custom recurves are good bows. It is just a matter of individual pref.

I think the name of bow you shot starts with an A and not an E, but can't be sure. Someone else might group better with your Hoyt.

They gave you good advice above when they said, shoot a bunch if you can and see what fits you. Even the individual bowyers make several models, lengths, grips, and other variables.

I just ordered a second Bob Lee, but I have a bow addiction problem. Check the other thread on this page saying specials at Bob Lee.....300 for a new bow is a good deal.

[broken arrow]

If I was going with a texas bowyer, it would either be a Rick Erdman Sweptwing (recurve) or a Roy Hall Navajo (longbow)

[Buff]

I thought they only made bows in Missouri???

[stykshooter]

My guess it was Assenheimer, http://www.stickbow.com/assenheimer/hunters.html and he makes a good bow and very reasonable. He's been in business along time and good people.

[Frontloader]

As others have said, try out as many as you can before you buy or look for a good used bow and save a little money and still get a performer.

Another factor is how soon you want the bow. Production times vary depending on the bowyer. Bob Lee is quick. Mike Palmer will take forever (year or more) and cost you $1200+tax.

Mark Horne and Bob Sarrels make excellent bows. I have one from each of these fellows. Great Plains in Pampa does great work. Have one of their take down long bows. Sweptwing may take a while but are nice. One of these is on my want list.

This should keep you busy for a while. Bowsite Traditional has a classified section as well as Tradgang. Check them out for good used bows. Some guys buy and sell bows like watermelons. Lots of choices. Price and time to obtain one is the big factor in getting one.

Good luck in your quest. Keep us posted.

[BowBuddy]

Black Widow

[LostHawg]

Don't pass up a chance to shoot a Great Plains or Sarrels. But, as was mentioned, personal preference will play a big role in what you find as suitable to you.

If you're going to go custom, you really need to shoot the grip you find attractive to your eyes. Just because it looks good, doesn't mean its gonna suit you. Just because it doesn't look good, doesn't mean it won't be the perfect bow for you.

I don't know anything about Assenheimer, but I've heard really good reports about them. Hoyt's got a good history. Bear and Bob Lee are classic tried and true bows. Both have been around for more than 40 years, more like 50. Even I can shoot a Bear recurve, which is saying something.

Don't forget the lesser known bowyers either. Like David Oakes. That man can put together a pretty bow. If it shoots for you, you won't be disappointed.

Hard to recommend a custom bowyer. Personally, I'd have to say look to Pampa, Tx. Missouri is too far away.

[brettmccown]

If I were looking for a custom recurve from Texas I would look at the Great Plains SR Swift. It has gotten good reviews.

[BowBuddy]

Honestly I have heard great things about David Oakes bows, but wasnot all that impressed when I shot em. I thought they where maybe in the same league as my martin Dream Catcher, I thought the DC had less hand shock. So my objective opinion on Oakes Bows. They put an arrow where ya looked.

[royal_fox]

Why Texas? Don't limit yourself you just shot one of the best, Assenheimer, I have one, they are very smooth and very forgiving.

[chrisk]

how did I miss my plug for Dan Toelke! Dang it, next time.
montanabows.com
Chris Kiefner

[Graybow]

Losthawg beat me to it. Great Plains are good bows. Made up in Pampa. I've been shooting mine for years now. It's my 'go to" bow.