Got my Cari-bow Tuktu in a few weeks ago... but have been traveling. Finally took a few pics and here's my take:
1. Working with Abe - he patiently endured my endless questions. Sent me lots of emails with pictures of wood veneers as options. Built me a custom grip based on pictures I sent him and measurements. We'd done some back and forth and I finally said - "Abe I kinda like the look of the one on your web-page. Can you just build me that one with B&W Ebony veneers?" "Sure - no problem." I think it was about 5 months from start of discussion to it arriving... pretty fast.
2. The bow - 65# at 30". I got the 60" bow in a take-down model.
3. Performance - apologies up front - I was not able to shoot it at 28" and 10 gpi… so you'll have to do your own interpretation. I shot a 577 grain arrow at 203 and 201 at the range the other day. My personal interpretation of the bow's performance is "Oh damn... this thing will run right through an elk."
4. Shooting - the bow gains a lot in the first few inches of draw. But... toward the back it gets much easier/inch. You can look at the Tuktu draw-force curve on the Cari-bow website and see what I mean. I've pulled it past 30 just to see what it does... it keeps going with no hint of stack. It's smooth and quiet... despite the arrow weight I'm shooting. I'd imagine I could get it ever more quiet with some brace height tinkering and 10 gpi. There's zero hand shock... the bow is light... so I was kinda expecting some... there's none. This is my first static recurve. I don't know how to describe the feel... other than - "it's different."
5. I got the beaver tail grip... it's really nice. Very grippy and has a nice feel to it.
6. The takedown feature is easy and secure. So nice when traveling with it.
7. The finish - come on... it's Abe Penner. The finish is spectacular.
Overall - I don't really know what could improve the bow. It's a joy to shoot and easy on the eyes. If you're in the market for a new recurve - Abe builds a tremendous bow. Send questions if you have any.
