Are Black Widows the Best Bows?

The best is relative. If you have a sammick and you shoot it the best out of an other bow then that's the best now for you. BW bows are good bows, along with many of the bows out there today.

If that's what you are most accurate with, yes. Depends on what fits you the best.

Nope

Hmmmmmm !!! This should be good. I’d say they are right up there with the best of them.

They might be for you, call them and they'll send you one to try.

All I know is Toby reinstated my catalog. He was going to cut me off for using their catalog as fire-starter material, but he didn't want to remove the company name from the hands of the Last Great Bowhunter.

Joe

They're well made, well finished, well warranteed. Some folks like 'em. You might, too.

The ones I've shot all performed well. It comes down to 'fit' and 'taste'.

Yes. They are the best. You absolutely must buy one. Go. Do it now.

Let the games begin!!

NOT A CHANCE NOWAY!!!!!!

Best is a big word. I'd say they are about as good as any, better than most, and have been for quite a while now . Probably will be for quite a while.

I’d say they’re one of the best! A lot of opinion goes into answering that one though.

A few things about Black Widow, they have been in business for years, longer than most. They have the right equipment to make their bows, they make them to last, and they stand behind them. The people there are great guys and you can count on them to do the right thing if you have any issues. They know what they are doing concerning the building of bows, running a business, and taking care of customers. Their product is top quality. Their bows have about the best resell value should a person decide to sell or trade. Is it the best bow? No such thing because of individual taste.

They well made bows. It comes down to your intention.

Are you looking to sport "the best" " the most expensive"? Are you looking for reliability? A combination of those..

Three things when buying a bow are that it appeals to YOUR eye, meets your " criteria and that you have a good fit.

A Samick, Morrison or Bear, is mute if the bow is not a good fit. You won't shoot any one much better than the other pound for pound. If you are over bowed you won't be happy, under bowed is not much better.

In golf they say, go get fit! Try before you buy.

Good luck

Subjective. Are they the best? There are many bows on the market and you can't try them all. They are a tad pricey, but like everything in life, you get what you pay for. The plus side is they are good to deal with and choices are abundant. They come with a 5 year warranty. If in the states you are able to trial a bow via mail. How many companies offer that? They are a sturdy well built bow that fits all the categories that i want in a bow. I have owned 3 longbows of which i now own 2. One broke after 8 years. I have no complaints as it was the only bow i shot in that period. Damn i put some arrows through it. One happy customer here.

Bowbubby only you can answer a question like that. Call Black Widow and get one of their try out bow.

Old Paul is kind of picking at folks a little.

I've been shooting game with them since 1997. It's best for me but a lot of good bows out there it's what's best for each of us

I'm a big fan of there bows, especially the MA/PMA models. But best ? That's up to the individual to decide.

"Best" is kinda like a unicorn, they don't exist. And like unicorns, if you find one send it to us. We will want to study it and replicate it. Quoted from the author of the crazy / hot scale.

They are great premium bows and worth every penny. Best? What does best mean. If you can only have 1 bow for the rest of your life, make it a Widow.

X2 what Sipsey River said. He is spot on.

Are any of them the best bow? All of the above and + some. Is this a trick question.

It's not a question of which bow is best. The question should be which bow is best for you, and only you can answer that.

I would be called a troll for this thread:)

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and bows are like wives. Try before you buy. When you find a good one, treat it like a treasure, don't lone it to anyone, keep it forever, and don't worry about what other people think of it. I bought a Widow in '96, shoot it every day and won't part with it until I can't shoot anymore. A Widow may not be for you. But you certainly should check them out before you make any decisions. They have an excellent try and buy program.

And no a Galaxy Black Ember is just as good

Lol! Loaded question.

They are a top tier bow. They have been around for ages. They will work with you. They have excellent selections. You can try them out first. There is a whole lot to like. If you go to their shop you can shoot all you can stand. Nothing is best for every one,we are to different. >>>>-----> Ken

Before he retired, Ken Beck told me that practically his whole product line got copied by Samick. To see that they are still going strong says something to me. I'll take a black widow over a Samick in any day.

I shoot a friends BW, and I just didn't care for it. There nice bows but it didn't work for me.

To the ones that say they don't care for them. They make a lot of models and sizes in both re-curve and longbows. >>>----> Ken

When it comes to company longevity, bomb proof bows, good warrenty, great customer interaction and satisfaction and high chance they will still be in business for another 60 years then they are the best. But that doesnt mean you can hit anything with it, thats up to you.

I've shot some and liked them. I have one on order now that will hopefully arrive in about a month. It won't kill anything any more dead than my Kodiak Hunter or my Super Kodiak. As others have said, the bow you shoot the best is the best bow (for you).

They are the best at having a cult following.

Yes

Isn't there a copyright on that sort of thing?

The only copyright I know on an archery bow limb is Ol Adcock's convave limb design patent copyright that John Havard currently owns (or owned).

I think if the "best" bow ever does hit the market, it will be copied like hotcakes.

They are for me!

I really like them. I got into a terrible habit of buying and selling bows, and have owned way to many bows.I think it has more to do with how a bow feels and how well you shoot it, instead of what brand it is. I can say one thing about them... my #46 PSA will sink a 450 and a 650 grain arrow in a bucket the exact same penetration distance ;) it Shoots where I look and is my favorite grey bark color. Just shoot what you like.

BW are they the best, that is a relative question, just look on how many bow companies have stayed and how many have gone, you may find the answer. Go shot one and you decide.

I never liked the forward riser design,but they are very well made and BW will stand behind them.I don't know how they rate with a Bear TD,Predator TD or Schaffer silvertip. I have never owned one.

Is this what is called 'throwin a little fat in the pan?

Yes.

Personal choice, I shoot a Bob Lee a lot but I do own two Blackwidow PSA. Nice bows.

RonL

Trolls...

I suspect you want an honest opinion from all so here's mine. I have shot countless recurves trying to find one to take any of my 3 Widows out of my hand and NONE....and I do mean NONE have ever even come close.They are the TOP of the TOP SHELF !!!!!!

nice bows. Same bow they made in the 50's just different wood in the riser. Not fast per pound for pound as some others but as good as any other in many ways.

Desperado, have you tried a Galaxy Ember yet?

I’d say there very good bows just like many other bows. You’ll definitely get a value out of them. Just depends on what ya like.

I've owned three, all recurves. I think they are terrific bows. They are not my favorite and the tipping point for me is purely aesthetic.

It might be the best, UNTIL you shoot one that you like better. Then it becomes second rate. People are always looking for the HOLY GRAIL of bows. Thing is, what is the HOLY GRAIL for one, ISN'T the HOLY GRAIL for someone else, and there are those still looking for the HOLY GRAIL if it even exists. DANNY

I think they are in the top five being made today! JMHO

I had a couple. I have also shot a bunch over the years. Some of the design don’t appeal to me but that’s me. I like their LB, just wish it was available in 68”.

bw has a test drive program, call them and try a couple. i have several, its only my opinion but the tf models seem to be their best shooters. service is 5 star at black widow bows......

It is what I hunt with so I guess so. Just killed a gobbler this morning.

They are good bows ...have shot one for years...the old schools are made well...but they are like trucks they all cost lots of $$$$$ but it’s what works best for you..

I remember a day when the Wall measured Black Widows by the barrel full.

Hookman' bow is a beauty . And I know it will kill turkeys.

YES, if YOU can shoot it well. NO, if YOU can't.

If by 'copyright' you mean 'patent', probably not. Hard to copyright or patent a 'look',and many foreign companies frankly have zero respect for US patents and copyrights (aka 'intellectual property.')

Other companies may duplicate the BW 'look' but how well do they control build quality, and will they stand behind their products? Saving money today may cost you more down the road.

It's been said elsewhere, many times, try as many bows as you can, see what fits you and performs well for you. And don't be afraid to spend a bit extra to get what you really want.

I've spent a pile of money on good equipment and never regretted a dime of it. Just the other day I was shooting a 20-guage shotgun I bought 38 years ago, and it missed just as good as the day I bought it ;-)

True that Dana C.

If you put it all in one package, bow, warranty ,customer service, etc.

They are in the top of the industry.

I don't believe there is any bow on the market that is best for everyone, but Black Widow Bows in my opinion are the smoothest shooting bows I've ever shot.

I'm an ASL guy

but hard to beat one of these

Hard-pressed to find another company that has sold more custom bows over the years then Black Widow.

Black Widow overpriced and overrated. The Mathews of trad bows

Lwander. How about Bear bows still going strong the last I new

What makes black widow such a great bow is more than just the quality. You canbe pretty confident that they will still be around in a couple years is you need something. They answer the phone. Return emails. Honour warranties. Stuff you cant get with a lot of other brands. There are some fantastic bows being made. I remember when compound shooters used to look at you like you were crazy for having a grand in your custom work of art hand made bow. Now compound shooters have more money tied up in their bow. I'm sick and tired of these widow debates. It is a top of the line bow in both quality and service. And no I dont own one. But I know a few who do. Not often you see a cracked limb on a widow.

Good bows, I have had a few. The best , well not for me. Excellent customer service, good turn around time, they stand behind their product. The best, depends on what you think is the best, do I still own one.......yes!!!

Gutpile, As good as Bear bows are, I never really realized they were custom.

Great bows.

Black Widows are very nice but they are relatively expensive. I would definitely buy a used one if it fit me & the price was right. However, do you HAVE to buy a BW if you wanted a really nice quality bow? Absolutely Not.

The OP didn't ask if BW was the best "custom" bow, only if they were the best. It has been argued here before if BW is really a custom bow or not.

There is no comparisom between the quality control at Widow vs Bear. You only see threads bashings widows for being identified as a pinnacle bow. I have never seen one about crappy finishes cracking, limbs not fitting, bows blowing up, inserts pulling out etc.. and they also build alot of bows.

I kind of wish I could go out to Lancaster or another large archery outfit and buy a new black widow off the shelf, that would be nice. But on the other hand I guess you can't go out and buy a signature bear TD off- the-shelf either. No arguments here just stating my thoughts.

I will add one to my collection one day.

I do not know why we argue about this stuf or even ask these questions. "If" the op is asking out of innocence, as a BW owner I can honestly say there is no "Best" bow as others have said and that ought to be enough said. Some like these threads becaus it is a chance to bash BW. Why? I have no idea. They are good bows and the guys that own/work for BW are the salt of our archery community. BW supports the sport and are trad guys themselves. They constatly donate bows to Compton and other charities.

I have other bows I enjoy shooting. They are top of the line bows along side my BW bows. So far I have not harvested any critter other than one bear (Bighorn recurve) with any bow other than my trusty BW. That is me, that is my "opinion".

By the way, I would never post up to condem another guys bow no matter the brand. I drive a Ram, some guys Ford or Chevy, who cares.

Enjoy the sport OP, we are fortunate to have plenty of great choices. Find the bow that fits you. You have to shoot them to figure that out. The internet won't teach you much except everyone has an opinion and weel, we know what that gets compared to. ha

Bill

All I have to say is that I hunted with training wheels for years and never killed anything. I started hunting with Traditional equipment and finally bought a Blackwidow PSA and have taken several deer, turkeys, coyote, squirrel and have used it for bow fishing. I love it and would not trade it for anything else. I even harvested a Pope & Young buck in 2009! This bow is like an extension of my arm! Awesome Bows!

I shot the same MAII for more years than I can figure. Damn fine bow for me.

I'm happy with mine. Never have I thought of selling it. Mines all done up with the bells and whistles too. The stacked designs doesnt lead to showing alot ot grain in the handle but I know its built like a tank. Probably be buried with the bow. Then some grave robber will probably shoot it for there lifetime too.

Are blondes the best-looking girls? Ask 10 people and you will likely get 10 different answers.

"Are blondes the best-looking girls?" Not every blonde, but yes the hottest girls are blonde.

There are others that are of equal quality but none of them hold their value as well. To me that’s worth something.

The "test drive" thing DOES cost money, and a portion is non refundable. Read this----"You like to test drive a car before you buy, right? Now you can test-drive a Black Widow before you buy! We now have a fleet of DEMO bows in our inventory for just that purpose. Here is how it works: 1. If you would like to get your hands on a Black Widow to try out for a week, just give us a call and together we can select a bow out of our DEMO fleet that is close to what you are interested in ordering. You may send a money order or we can charge your credit card for the price of that model of bow plus UPS 2nd day air shipping and insurance BOTH ways. Please give us a shipping address where there will be someone available to receive and sign for the bow. After you shoot the bow for one week simply affix the enclosed return shipping label and have UPS return it to us. Assuming the bow and components are returned to us in normal condition, we will then send you a refund check or credit your charge card for the price of the bow (you end up paying only the shipping and insurance). Or, if at that time you decide you want to order a Black Widow bow, we will transfer your payment to your new bow order and build one for you at the specifications you prefer and we will pay the shipping on your new bow when completed."

They are a good company, and their bows stand the test of time. They are now made on a multi-axis CNC, so the quality of build and repeatability is guaranteed.

The black (most common color), red (firefly model), pink, white, and off-white (ghost color) painted risered black widows (of the late fifties/early sixties) were some awful seriously good shooting bows. Many of the best shooters used them. I'd say they used to be bout as good as you could buy, but even then, they weren't the best. Hoyt, Damon Howatt, and Wing made some equals in great bows, but those early Wilson Brothers black widows gained a lot of popularity in the midwest for field archery and hunting too. Many folks had just one bow then, and many of the best had a Widow. No doubt, when a person ordered his widow with his name on it and specifications and paint color for the riser to match his interest, to him that bow was the best.

THERE ARE NO BEST BOWS AND DON'T CARE WHAT BOWYER YOU THINK. THATS THE FIRST STEP!

NOTHING IS THE BEST. THEY ALL HAVE ONE THING OR THE OTHER THAT ATTRACTS OTHERS AND LEEDS THEM TO SAY ITS THE BEST WHEN ITS NOT.

SAYING SOMETHING IS THE BEST AND WHAT IT REALLY IS ARE 2 ENTIRELY DIFFERENT THINGS DON'T YA THINK.

I just love to shoot my bows. I have Lee's, bears, hummingbirds, and widows. My psa just seems to hit were I look. My friend loves his Lee for the same reason. Variety is the spice of life.

Certainly one of the best. Flawless craftsmanship and quality.

I have tried many brands of bows at shows and shoots. When I try one and I slap arrows and break nocks, I have to get it. Because it’s the best bow out there. You know how many best bows I have from as many bowyers.???

https://www.google.com/url? sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiGhK7u_OnhAhULCaw KHSTDCvwQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv %3Du- rzxMFD9PM&psig=AOvVaw0tY4WO2CyP3lTUCbiPoGQJ&ust=1556238105568322

https://giphy.com/gifs/CPDbE8X0nEe3u/html5

Anyone that is interested should go to youtube and type in "how strong is a black widow bow" If any other builder is willing to do this I would love to see it. Enjoy and yes Im a black widow guy...... They may not be for you but you can't argue there success.

Kids......

I spent several years hunting bear with Don Ward, aka Bowdoc, in Quebec. Donny was a walking encyclopedia of archery history and bows. Through the years he’d shot, worked on and refinished some of the finest bows ever made. There was a special place in his heart for vintage Bear bows, with the Bear takedown being his favorite.

One night sitting around the campfire I asked him if he was going on a once in a lifetime hunt and could only take one bow, what would he take?

His answer took me by surprise. Without hesitation his answer was “a Widow, they’re bombproof”.

The best for some, and not so much for others .Just personal.They are nice bows, and have a good following.May be a lot of people resent them because of their price.

Matter of personal taste. Not my cup of tea due to heavy blocky riser. I still have one. Not worth delling for what I have in it. Didn't shoot any better than some of my lighter mass bows.

If you have already registered, please

sign in now

For new registrations

Click Here