From: RJH1
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Date: 16-Apr-20 |
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For fun, what is in your opinion the best production bow? I know people are going to depends on usage, blah, blah, blah. So list the one that is in your opinion the best for how you use it, don't take it too seriously, this is just for fun.
I will start:
Howatt Hunter with the Bear Super K runner up
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From: fdp
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Date: 16-Apr-20 |
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Howatt Hunter followed by the Howatt Super Diablo.
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From: Wudstix
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Date: 16-Apr-20 |
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Damon Howatt Hunter, move along there’s nothing to see here.
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From: Skeets
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Date: 16-Apr-20 |
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What fdp said!
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From: Geezer
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Date: 16-Apr-20 |
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Bear SK.
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From: Dry Bones
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Date: 16-Apr-20 |
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Bear Grizzly, anyone can shoot those bows.
-Bones
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From: Tree
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Date: 16-Apr-20 |
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Wing Thunderbird and Redwing hunter.
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From: GF
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Date: 16-Apr-20 |
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I’ve got to agree with Frank… If you look at the number of years in continuous production - with nary a change in the design save for the woods in the riser - the number of bows produced, and the overall quality of the bow itself… I know the Bear fans will protest, but I don’t care. The Howatt Hunter. No question.
It’s the Pre ‘64 Winchester of Archery. Coveted by many; equaled by none.
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From: HerbJohnston
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Date: 16-Apr-20 |
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Hoyt pro medalist Has a pretty impressive list of accomplishments
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From: Frisky
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Date: 16-Apr-20 |
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That's easy! The best production bow of all time, based on quality, design and shooting characteristics, is the Bear Custom Kodiak TD bow. Second would be the Hoyt Pro Medalist, if we're talking sissy target bows.
Joe
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From: mangonboat
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Date: 16-Apr-20 |
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Just to be ornery, I own or have owned and like all those mentioned, and agree with the thinking on all of them, but, taking a liberal definition of what constitutes a "production" bow, the one that I'd reach for as the "best, pound for pound, is a Drake Firedrake.
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From: grizz
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Date: 16-Apr-20 |
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Bear Grizzly from the first one ever to the last one today.
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From: Mike E
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Date: 16-Apr-20 |
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How about which company had the most best production bows.
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From: bigdog21
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Date: 16-Apr-20 |
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Howard Hill longbows, Hoyt Gold Medalist, Blackwidow
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From: MStyles
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Date: 16-Apr-20 |
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The 1956 Dual Shelf Bear Kodiak for best production recurve, Howard Hill Big Five for a ASL.
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From: Gray Goose Shaft
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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The Bear Grizzly is to archery what the 30/30 is to deer rifles, the Mitchel 300 is to fishing reels, and the Adams trout fly is to fly fishing.
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From: Babysaph
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Black widow
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From: Mortis Sagittas
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Well I am taking the route no one will agree with. Ben Pearson Colt 7070. Stable as granite, fast enough, forgiving of lots of mistakes and cheap. Unsung hero and gotta be dollar for dollar best big production bow. Not my favorite but great,great,great.
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From: Trad Rick
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Gray Goose said it best.
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From: BenMaher
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Howatt Hunter
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From: Keefers
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Howatt Hunter
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From: Nemophilist
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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There are a lot of great bows to pick from. My pick would be the Bear Super Kodiak.
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From: WATERMOCCASIN
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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How about anything made by Ben Pearson.
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From: Phil
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Yamaha Alpha Ex
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From: Bassman
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Damon Howatt Hunter,and Bear Kodiak. Both still in production, and highly sought after.
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From: Homey88
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Bear Kodiak Hunter or Bear 1963 Dogleg
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From: Danielb
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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I'm thinking a lot like Frisky, Bear Custom Kodiak TD.
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From: Little Delta
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Bear Grizzly....a nice shooter with ageless styling.
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From: T4HALO
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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I hate to argue with you Howatt lovers, but I have owned a lot of 62" Hunters and don't have them any more. But, I do own what I believe to be the prettiest and best shooting production recurve. Early 60's, 62', tiny tip, rosewood Red Wing Hunter. Never been a better one made. Ha!
T4
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From: msinc
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Super Kodiak, one piece or takedown.....
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From: Dennis in Virginia
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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toss up between the Howatt Hunter and the Bear Grizzly. Both have stood the test of time, and both would be working folks bows. Have owned both, and let them go, but would own again.
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From: 5ks
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Pearson cougar
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From: ScoutII
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Bear Grizzly, working mans bow.
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From: Babbling Bob
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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For what? Hunting, target shooting, best looking, best takedown, best fishing bow, best bow to climb a tree with, to attend a serious tournament with?
My 1963 Tamerlane was the best looking I ever saw, though not the best performing. It was great for field archery, but there were many others then just as stable and smooth back then. Bear made them ugly in 1964 when they put the sight windows in them, so was so glad I bought one the begiining of their first year. It was fun to own, but have no use for one now. Have enough to polish.
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From: Tater
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Bear Kodiak Hunter
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From: Boker
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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having I got only shot limited number of bows.
I suggest y’all send me your favorite so I can test it out to see if it’s the best or not ??
Seriously , I cant see any bow getting much better than a Bear T/D
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From: Surveyor61
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Bear 59er for me. Both the original and the remake are tops in my opinion.
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From: 76aggie
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Favorite all time, all around production is Howatt Hunter.
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From: Bellaodin
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Howatt Hunter
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From: PECO
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Bear Grizzly. Affordable, great shooting bow that is easily available. If you have to order one, pay top dollar and wait a long time for it, I don't consider that a "production" bow.
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From: Lowcountry
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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I've never shot a Howatt. I'm going with Root/Shakespeare Necedah or Bear Kodiak Hunter.
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From: Heat
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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I am big fan of the Bear Kodiak.
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From: HUMPY
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Bear Kodiak
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From: Pdiddly
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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The Howatt Hunter was made from 1959 to 2011 without ever changing the limb lamination design and layup or takeoff angle from the riser.
That design was legendary in terms of performance...smooth, excellent cast and stable. Howatt was the only company to produce double tapered laminations and that is the secret to the Hunter's performance.
They have always been popular and have a high resale value.
They were offered in 66" lengths before 1961 and in a 58" length in the early 80's. But they always produced the 62" length, which is the perfect one size fits all length.
All of the above is why I feel the Howatt Hunter is the best production bow.
The Bear Grizzly has been made for some time but went through all sorts of changes...there was not a consistent design, it came in different lengths and the limb design changed. It was a name, not a design.
And any Grizzly, while generally a nice bow to shoot ( I did not like the 56" models), cannot hold a candle to the Howatt Hunter's performance.
Same goes for the Kodiak...all sorts of manifestations and design changes. a good bow but never the same. And again its performance cannot compare to the Howatt.
The Super Kodiak would never make my list...smooth but slow.
T4HALO has a good choice with the RWH and I love them, but it did not have the consistency in design that the Howatt Hunter had.
I love my Drake's but they did not have the longevity that the Hunter had...they were an excellent design and stayed consistent.
Therefore the Howatt Hunter has to get the nod.
The picture in the post is a 1961 Hunter beside a 1992 Hunter. One picture says it all...if it is not broken no need to fix it.
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From: stagetek
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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msinc, that center S.K.really looks nice !
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From: MikeT
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Kodiak Hunter
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From: D.Lewis aka tonto59
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Or is it the one that is most Sought after today? Some production bows were so good the guys that have them tend to hold on to them. They Rarely if ever come up for sale. Can you think of any like that?
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From: George D. Stout
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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This is one instance where personal bias is invited and relevant, at least to the one touting their "best" bow. All are probably right and all are probably wrong. ;)). Fred Bear's company likely made ten times the amount of Grizzly model than Howatt did the hunter, and they were pushed more in advertising media back here in the eastern part of the US. You didn't see Howatt Hunters hanging in sports shops in Pennsylvania back in the day or maybe they would be even more popular. Bear is still the most sought-after bow as a production model. That pretty much tells you about popularity...fair or not. Then there was Pearson who's company likely made more laminated bows than any other over their time in business.
Innovators like Ernie Root managed to come up with the "best" metal riser takedown in the mid 60's. Bob Lee probably had one of the smoothest and fastest hunting bow models in the 58" Red Wing Hunter. The atomic age brought us bows like Tice and Watts and Groves with their "computer designs" and Hoyt had really no equal on the target and field range for a good number of years.
So keep telling us about your best an why you think as you do. I can't argue with any answer really since in any given day we know what can happen. And if you want to talk Damon Howatt, us field archery guys would tell you not to forget the Del Rey, since this is about bows and not just hunting bows which we tend to gravitate to. And then there's the Wing Presentation, and .....................
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From: Babbling Bob
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Yes D Lewis. Saw a 35lb, 56-inch, '59 Kodiak up for auction once but never saw one like it again, except some 56-inchers in photos in collections. That'a'been a good'un.
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From: reb
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Ben Pearson Colt.
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From: Pdiddly
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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D. Lewis
The Howatt Saber...those who own them, keep them. A real performance bow only made for four years.
I have only seen them come up for sale three times. I bought all three.
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From: Pdiddly
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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I, for one, wasn't " touting my best bow."
The OP's question was " What is the best production bow?"
Not the "most popular" or "my best" as in a personal favourite.
My best bow is not the Howatt Hunter. My best is likely a Check-Mate Hunter, Howatt Saber or a Root Brushmaster.
A bow is not a name. It is a design. If a model survives for over 50 years with a limb design that is UNALTERED that to me is a glowing testimonial to its quality and its status.
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From: SteveD
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Root/Shakespeare Necedah with "secret strings" will shoot with the best of them out there. Ernie root new how to make bows that are underrated in the archery circle today.
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From: George D. Stout
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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SteveD, I concur on the Root/Shakespeare and have owned quite a few over the years. The Ocala stands out for sure as a superb recurve bow in overall performance and that strange "shootability" thing.
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From: DanaC
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Martin Dreamcatcher.
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From: Babbling Bob
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Best looking older recurve - 1963 Tamerlane Best performing older recurve - 1960 painted risered Black Widows
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From: NY Yankee
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Bear Kodiak Takedown. Or Super K.
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From: crookedstix
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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I think I see a 1959 60" Swift Wing in the middle of D. Lewis's rack of bows, and a FASCO off to the right of it...and those are two superb production bows. That Swift Wing might be the fastest classic bow ever made, at least by anybody not named Drake.
But I too will cast my lot with the Howatt Hunter, and in particular the 1962 Howatt Hunter, as being the all-around "best"--a word which takes in design, performance, workmanship, looks, durability, influence on other bowyers, and history.
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From: yorktown5
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Even before reading the first response, I said the Howatt Hunter is going to get a lot of mention, but I was still surprised at how often others named it (especially since I replaced my own Hunter with a Super Diablo). As usual, George brings some common sense to the thread, but I can't help but shake my head at the minority who opined because they have owned too few bows to have an informed opinion and cite specimens that would NEVER make the cut in head to head comparisons.
For whatever its worth, I've often explained that because I have had hands on with just about every production classic, having offered fix ups as a hobby business for years; but also since I don't have a collector mentality only kept a bow until a specimen best- for-me was better than one I already owned. Early on, my small harem changed members a lot.
Over time the changes became fewer and fewer until now when its been several seasons since the last substitution. So for whatever its worth: The hidey hole shortie ended up being a Browning Cobra instead of a Kodiak Magnum. As a practical matter I couldn't come up with the need for another bow shorter than 56", but admit I swallowed hard when I let a 54" Howatt Hi-Speed get away. No finger pinch accuracy issues for me at 56" or longer. Mine is a Browning Explorer II. At 58" I only kept an AMF Wing slimline. Probably one of the least pretty bows out there I bought it as a recovery from heart surgery for a lower poundage strength builder, and it turned out to fit me and shoot so well it turned into my main 3D bow because performance trumps cosmetics. At the 58" length the Necedah family is rightfully noted. I call it a family not just because they came in several lengths and iterations but the bow's Root ancestors, Shakespeare cousins and design/performance twins (Grizzly?) are many.
Generally Bear bows would not make anyone's cut if the Fred Bear mistque wasn't there. They were built with a bit more focus on user friendliness and durability at the expense of best performance (IE arrow speed). Yes there are exceptions though. So my 60" is the Howatt Super Diablo.
If I had much interest in field or target bows longer than 60" (overall hunting handiness drops off quickly as a specimen gets longer) the 62"er would most likely be a Howatt Hunter, and longer than that Kodiak Specials meant to compete in field archery kicked up the performance since slinging arrows out to 100 yards meant faster was better. RickR
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From: Dean
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Martin Saber, Hunter, Dream Catcher, Serengeti, and Venom are my favorites!
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From: sake3
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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So many great bows.I'd go with the HOWATTS-amazing pieces of art.i shoot the Hi-Power best;but will go with the Howatt Hunter.
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From: Darryl Payne
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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1. Bear takedown. 2.Bear K mag. 3.Bear superk. 1. Hoyt pro medalist 2.Bear Hc 300 3.Bear C riser for target bows.
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From: HerbP
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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I love those old Bear bows and they shoot OK, but the Shakespeare Necedah that I bought for practically nothing shoots as good today as it did years ago I'm sure. Taking it turkey hunting Saturday and the A&H hangs in the basement...
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From: Pdiddly
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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HerbP...the 1966 Necedah would be my second choice.
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From: Stubee
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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I don’t know what the best production ever bow made was or is. Even after shooting for nearly sixty years I still haven’t shot some of the contenders here and likely never will. I’m a left handed shooter and honestly have never even seen a number of those bows in LH and though I admired some, like the Hunter, I never gave one a test run. Heck, it’s hard even now to find LH examples of a number of cool old bows.
“Popular” of course doesn’t equal “best”, not even close but around mid-MI in the ‘60s the Bear Kodiaks, Kodiak Magnums and Grizzly were probably the bows I saw the most guys shoot, but that was a small circle and I frequented Erno’s Archery Shop and they sold Bear. I do know that by the 1990s the only two guys I knew at work who were still hunting with recurves (one from WI and one from MI) both shot Kodiak TD models they’d had for many years.
I love my Bear TD but won’t even pretend it’s the “best ever” production bow.
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From: RJH1
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Stubee, I see no reason why your Bear TD can't be the best production bow ever for you. I had a Bear Kodiak TD and it was a great bow. If someone thinks they are the best, they would get no argument from me. If they weren't so expensive i might buy another
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From: msinc
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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"msinc, that center S.K.really looks nice!"...…..
Thank you sir, you know something about that bow don't you!!!!
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From: wingman
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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For me it would be:
1. Wing Pll
2. Howatt Super Diablo
Sorry but could help myself and keep it at only one.
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From: Silverback
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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1. wing presentation 2, 2 Wing thunderbird.
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From: Tom McCool
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Bear Kodiak Hunter :)
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From: GLF
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Howatt hunter for me. In my part of ohio all you saw was howatts, pearson's, and Howard's in the late 60's and early to mid 70's. I always loved the look of Kodiaks and Super K's in their cats but once I owned a few I was still a hunter guy. At my long draw Kodiaks had looks but nothing I owned performed like the Hunters.
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From: Bob Hildenbrand
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Howatt Hunter followed closely by the Red Wing Hunter
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From: Dale Hajas
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Love my 60 Grizz then I bought an original 59 Kodiak. I’ve put the Grizzly down.
3 bows that have a lasting impression on me personally were:
3rd a Chekmate I shot at the man above me, Bob, his place of business.
2nd was a Howatt Hunter
The most impressive was a Hi Speed.
All great bows that would fit my uses perfectly.
Lots of Howatt lovers!
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From: RymanCat
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Date: 17-Apr-20 |
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Man I don't see how anyone in good faith can signal out the very best production bow. LOL
Taking into consideration of so many bows that have been built and designed its impossible I say because of the many variables.
I'd rather personally have any of my Big Horns over many other hundreds I shot and had. Its just my preference actually not what really is what I found to be the best.
Now any of my Drakes where definitely matches of equal character I'd say and so were many of my Bears and Howitt's the Rosewood Super D's I had.
Many I bought and sold and said now do I really want to part with this bow but then we can't keep them all on the racks.
When you start hording bows its trouble brewing then the next bow and the next one and so on down the line the train is runaway. LOL
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From: Horseman308
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Date: 18-Apr-20 |
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Bear Custom Kodiak TD - if you get the right grip to suit your preference.
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From: GF
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Date: 18-Apr-20 |
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Anybody who has not yet conceded Victory to the Howatt Hunter needs to go back and re-read PDiddly’s posts.
The Hunter has stood the test of time like no other; it’s as if you could go down to the Ford dealer and drive off the lot with a brand spanking new ‘64 Mustang or go to the Chevy dealer for a brand new ‘57. The Bear bows may be back up to snuff these days, but they aren’t necessarily a Bargain; on don’t get me started comparing them to those God-Awful 1970s Charlie’s Angels “mustangs”... Not that the ‘80s were much kinder....
And all the while, the Hunter has remained a bow that was not out of reach for the Average Joe; mine set me back to princely sum of $150, 30 years ago. And if I were fool enough, I could probably double my money on the used market.
Not to take anything away from the Wings and some of the others, but Same People, Same Product, Same Specifications for all those years and countless bows... There’s nothing really comparable.
It’s just a damn shame that they, too, are becoming “collectible”... What use is it to own something for its greatness and not even enjoy it doing what it was born to do?
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From: Hatrick
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Date: 18-Apr-20 |
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At one time or another I've owned and shot most of the great bows mentioned to include the Howatt Hunter, Super Diablo, Hoyt Pro Medalist, Black Widow, Shakespeare Ocala, Wing Thunderbirds (52 and 62), Red Wing Hunter (oringinal Wing), Bear Grizzly, Bear Kodiak Mag, Bear SK, and some others mentioned.
This is a great list, but If I had to pick one, and only one to spend the rest of my days with, it would have to be the Bear Kodiak TD. Now in it's 50th year of production and still available in different riser and limb configurations to suit just about any archers needs. A solid smooth shooting bow with good cast and a proven ingenious TD system that requires no tools.
I know, for what it's worth just another opinion but interesting thread non the less. Just killing some time this morning so I though I would weigh in.
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From: lonfitz
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Date: 20-Apr-20 |
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Mine would probably be the Browning Explorer I and II,then the Bear SK(67-69)or the Kodiak TD,then the Howatt super diablo.
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From: South Farm
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Date: 21-Apr-20 |
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I vote for the Bear Kodiak Magnum. Great little bow that has put many a meal on my table through the years!
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From: Kwikdraw
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Date: 21-Apr-20 |
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Original 58" Wing Red Wing Hunter (Brazilian Rosewood), and the 58" Howatt Hi-Speed, both ,fast and beautiful design!
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From: rare breed
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Date: 21-Apr-20 |
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Super Kodiak, Bear Custom TD, Howatt Super Diablo-- with the Wing PII and 62" Thunderbird as honorable mention. There. Fixed it for you, Leatherwall...
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From: casekiska
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Date: 21-Apr-20 |
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It's no secret, we all know the answer to the question. The best production bow is the one that feels right in my hand...the one that shoots an arrow as fast as I think it needs to go...the one that hits where I aim and that I can afford...and the one I own or used to own. It's the right length, the right draw weight, and looks like I think a bow should look. The name you ask, let's see, I've got it right here.....
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From: goldentrout_one
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Date: 21-Apr-20 |
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You have to take into four things:
a) Longevity
b) Numbers sold
c) Accessibility to the average working-class bloke (available, and not too expensive), and
d) Overall shooting characteristics
Based on this criteria, the Howatt Hunter wins, with the Wing Redwing Hunter coming in a close second. Obviously there are other great bow, but if they were relatively expensive back then, or made in small numbers, or made for a brief period of time, they really get disqualified.
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From: lost run
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Date: 21-Apr-20 |
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If I could only pick one production bow, it would be a Damon Howatt Super Diablo, any vintage.
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From: Saxbow
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Date: 21-Apr-20 |
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If they are made for stock inventory then that includes Northern Mist, Howard Hill and Damon Howatt, all awesome production bows that you can have custom made to your liking.
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From: goldentrout_one
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Date: 21-Apr-20 |
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Really, if you are talking 'production' bows, and from the Golden era of archery (1950s through the mid 1970s), you are limited to bows from Bear, Pearson, Wing, Shakespeare, Browning, and Howatt. Ok, maybe add Stemmler, Root, Indian Archery, Craviota, USA Archery, and American Archery. Did I miss anything? Anything beyond that would be too specialized, not wide-spread enough, not commonly available at a working-man's salary. Something you could by at a hardware store and not have to order at 2x the price....
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From: Trad PA
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Date: 21-Apr-20 |
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Surprised none of the Black Hunter guys are on here trying to sell their $90 bow as the greatest thing they’ve ever shot. ;)
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From: 3feathers
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Date: 21-Apr-20 |
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I think it is the one you can afford and shoot the best.
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From: reddogge
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Date: 21-Apr-20 |
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The '62 Kodiak I have is really one of the best shooting and best looking bows I've ever owned. It's 50# and pulls like it's less weight and throws a heavy arrow with authority.
In 1970 or '71 when DH came out with the new Super Diablo that was one bow that made me pant and sweat and gave me the hots until I bought one. Being in MD not dealers around so I had to go directly to DH and they shipped it to me from Yakima.
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From: Geezer
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Date: 21-Apr-20 |
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The best production bow was the AP's question. Very few of us could just answer simply by naming "a" bow. I think we tend to complicate most topics. No offense intended; I just think a direct answer from everyone would have been more interesting and easier to read.
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From: swampwalker
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Date: 21-Apr-20 |
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Best production bow? Probably the Howatt Hunter. My, fav the '62 Kodiak.
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From: lamb
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Date: 21-Apr-20 |
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really geezer???? i find all the posts interesting
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From: Geezer
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Date: 21-Apr-20 |
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Yep,really
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From: Draven
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Date: 21-Apr-20 |
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Damon Howatt Mamba is my “standard” I compare the rest with when I talk about best production “one piece” bow. Black Wolf and Border Hex 6.5 for “takedown”
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From: Frisky
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Date: 22-Apr-20 |
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I gotta agree with bluesman. The limb and riser and grip combos add up to the most versatile bow. The TD system is the best made. It has a compass, so you can't get lost (unless you're a Norwegian). It has been around for 50 years and has easily outsold the Howatt Hunter. The shooting qualities and workmanship are far superior, at least in my bow, to my Howatt Hunter. My bow both shoots and looks flawless. Now, it made that creaking sound, a major flaw, but it took 5 minutes for a permanent fix. It's back to flawless! My hunter had poorly sanded underlays that caught the string and tore off a small splinter I had to glue back on. I could see it was a hurried sanding job. Nobody likes the bladed grip shape. I did fix it with a bow saddle. That keeps it from torquing in my hand. It came off the form with a slight twist in the lower fadeout. As you draw, you can see it twist. It does return to the string groove as you let up on the string. It's a loud, shocky, crappy shooting bow too. To fix that, I had to raise the brace height way up close to 9" and load up on arrow weight. That got it shooting pretty good. I think a fast flight string would also be a big help. The way everybody in the world but Howatt scales a bow, it's marked 4 pounds lighter than it actually pulls. The 62" length is limiting too. At least compared to the variety of lengths you can get with the Bear. On the plus side, the purpleheart is beautiful! I also really like the flat black limbs. Same as on my Bear TD.
Joe
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From: Backcountry
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Date: 22-Apr-20 |
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As usual, Frisky Joe is totally wrong on this. My ‘65 Hunter is marked 50# but scaled out at 53#. That’s only a 3# difference, not 4 as he wildly claims.
Just for fun, I scaled my ‘73 curved stripe that is marked 55# at 28”. It came in at 54.9. So ya, there’s two examples of mismarked bows.
There may have been a few other Howatts that slipped through with incorrect poundages marked. I chalk that up to the rare days that Larry may have taken off to punch cows or something.
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From: Backcountry
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Date: 22-Apr-20 |
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Actually, it is somewhat misleading to call Howatts “production” bows. With their individual bowyers, grip options, and stylistic flair, they are much more like semi- custom... Not to mention their vastly superior performance over any old mass- produced Bear Takedown.
I will admit, the Bear special edition takedowns are very nice but don’t see how they could out perform a Howatt, pound for pound.
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From: GF
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Date: 22-Apr-20 |
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Just send that crappy old Hunter my way, Joe. I’ll toss it in the Burn Barrel with all those Widdas I’ve been saving for a chilly evening...
Damn Swedes are too dumb to even figger out that Norwegians don’t NEED a sense of direction because mountains and valleys always come out at the same place they took you in. Duh.
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From: Wudstix
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Date: 23-Apr-20 |
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My Damon Howatt Hunter @65# shot within 2-3 fps of my semi-custom Big River of about the same draw weight. Pdiddly is right to go that many years with o major design changes speaks for itself. I pray that my DHH comes back to some day, some how.
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From: RJH2
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Date: 13-May-20 |
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Been shooting a super k a bit more and am beginning to wonder if it might take the place of my Howatt hunter as the greatest production bow. I think if all i could own were super ks or howatt hunter I dont think I would be missing anything
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From: Joe2Crow
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Date: 13-May-20 |
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Based on the criteria already discussed I think it’s correct to come down to the final 3 of Howatt Hunter, Bear Grizzly and Red Wing Hunter (58”). Based on current sales and ownership, I think the edge goes to the Grizzly, though it never did much for me (except the zebrawood models). In its heyday, the RWH was being produced at 300 bows a day and probably influenced more bow designs than any other bow, including the Grizzly. Like Tony, I love the rosewood, tiny tip models and would love to find a 62” one like his. But they made their name on the 58” model. The Howatt Hunter is my pick because of its longevity and performance. I find the longer length more comfortable and it is stable and fast for a dacron string bow. The rosewood and purpleheart risers were things of beauty. But they did have their ugly years. But even their “plywood” models were shooters.
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From: Brad Lehmann
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Date: 13-May-20 |
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I'm late to the party, as usual. My nod goes to the Howatt Hunter. I still have one on the rack. A 1961. Simple and elegant. I'm looking for a newer one. Perhaps a 1964.
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From: Valleysnyper
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Date: 13-May-20 |
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Anything not a bear in my opinion
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From: grizzly
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Date: 13-May-20 |
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Howatt Hunter without a doubt
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From: Wildhog
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Date: 13-May-20 |
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Bear TD
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From: fredbearfan
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Date: 14-May-20 |
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I have had many bows come and go. Bear, Black widow, Robertson, Caribow, Silvertip etc. Some I wished I never sold but we all make mistakes.
Without a doubt the best production bow ever produced is the Bear Take Down.
My 1970 type 1 shoots smoother, faster, quieter and with no hand shock better than any other bow I have ever shot even all of the custom bows.
Fred Bear knew what he was doing.
In the wind he is still alive !!!!!!!!!!
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From: RymanCat
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Date: 14-May-20 |
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BEARS TD'S ALL MODELS AND YEARS FROM THE BEGINING TO THE END ALL ELSE IS SECONDARY!
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From: brianbfree
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Date: 14-May-20 |
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I have shot or owned most of the Howatt bows in the Larry Hatfield Slam and love them all. I like the Bear Tamerlane, and anything in the Ben Person Gold or Silver sovereign, his take down bows(two piece). The question hard to answer . and if we are making a bow Black Widow should be on it.
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From: The last savage
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Date: 14-May-20 |
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Ok who has a howatt they wanna sell me?? Lol
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From: Robbie59
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Date: 14-May-20 |
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1. Browning Explorer I 2. Bear Super Kodiak
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From: bigman
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Date: 14-May-20 |
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The Quinn Stallion is still today the best production bow for a metal handle take down. The quinn was a inexpensive bow and came in many lengths and in my opinion was a great overall hunting bowfishing and 3d bow you could ask for. The bow was manufactured in Texas and came in my models to outfit the whole family. It was sad when they shut down.I wish they had made longbow limbs.... oh well.
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From: muley40
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Date: 15-May-20 |
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Super Kodiak and Wing Red Wing Hunter.
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From: JMartin
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Date: 15-May-20 |
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Martin Dream Catcher.
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From: Daven
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Date: 15-May-20 |
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Out of the fairly limited bows I have shot - 1960 Grizzly.
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From: recurve ron
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Date: 15-May-20 |
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Had a Howatt hunter that i killed a few critters with and, it was a great bow . Recently i aquired a martin Hatfield with two sets of limbs that is in brand new condition . IN my opinion the hatfield has way more of a custom look to it . Sooo , Hatfield for me .
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From: stumpshtr
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Date: 16-May-20 |
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Honesty Hunter
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From: Soby
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Date: 16-May-20 |
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Being left handed my selection will be limited had a Bear Grizzly that I liked it was stolen. But the very first bow I bought in 1991 was a Black Widow,and always come back to that bow time after time.So Black Widow it is.
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From: JimBow
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Date: 02-Jun-20 |
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I have decided to reduce my collection of classic bows. Can anyone give me some idea of what I can sell the following bows for? Browning Explorer, 45lbs 56 in Damon Howatt Ventura, 37 lbs 66 in Damon Howett Del Ray, 40 lbs 66 in Red Wing Hunter 45 lbs 58 in. All in good shape
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From: Muddyboots
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Date: 02-Jun-20 |
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Will give nod slightly to Howatt Hunter, with Bear Kodiak Hunter close behind.
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From: Frisky
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Date: 02-Jun-20 |
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Long after the last Howatt Hunter is tossed in the trash, the Bear TDs will still be going strong. That said, the Martin Dream Catcher is one of the most beautiful production recurves ever made. At least the early models, before they started using Actionwood type of material in the riser. The Dream Catcher is just a very aesthetically pleasing bow!
Joe
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From: Frisky
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Date: 02-Jun-20 |
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JimBow- Go to eBay and type in each model name and then look at the left side column and find Completed Listings. You'll see what that model has been selling for.
Joe
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From: redheadlover
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Date: 02-Jun-20 |
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From my experience hard to pick just one.
(1) what Fred shot before the SK and the takedowns-the Kodiak
(2) Kodiak Hunter
(3) D/H Mamba
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From: Ollie
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Date: 02-Jun-20 |
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Which car is the best.? Which girl is the prettiest? It is all subjective!
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From: MikeT
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Date: 02-Jun-20 |
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Its been nice to see how many say "Kodiak Hunter"....its a fine production bow. They should bring it back!!
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From: twostrings
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Date: 05-Jun-20 |
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The one true bow that shoots the one true arrow that flies the one true parabolic and hits whatever my whimsy demands. That's my favorite, who's got it?
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From: BOWNUT
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Date: 05-Jun-20 |
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I grew up shooting a 67 Bear Grizzly but I like the Howatt Hunter better.
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From: buci 313
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Date: 05-Jun-20 |
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Red Wing Slimline Pro. 58" 48' @ 28"
Great looking, smooth shooting, quick and quiet.
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From: Babysaph
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Date: 05-Jun-20 |
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Hard to beat a widow
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From: Hutch
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Date: 05-Jun-20 |
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oh saph, you are killin me!!
BEAR Cheyenne....what more needs to be said???!
Hutch
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From: Nordicarcher
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Date: 06-Jun-20 |
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While at the traditional show in eastern Oregon in the late '90's, I sat down and had a hot dog lunch with the late Glenn St. Charles, and I asked him that very question. He thought for a minute, and then said that in his opinion, the pre-AMF Red Wing Hunter was the smoothest production bow. I am an avid Bear bow fan, but I found and purchased one such RW Hunter about a year later, and Ill admit, it is a very smooth shooter.
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From: bigman
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Date: 06-Jun-20 |
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Quinn stallion best metal riser production bow ever made. Fishing bow, 3d bow and hunting bow that did not break the bank. Compact take down that was a great for all around use. Made in America and built in Texas what a deal.
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From: cut it out
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Date: 06-Jun-20 |
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Gotta be the BEAR TD I suppose.
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From: Jimbob
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Date: 06-Jun-20 |
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I love the Kodiak Hunter, I know not the fastest out there, but mine has been good to me and its is bomb proof. Dry fired, dropped out of trees, fell off 4 wheeler, and keeps on going.
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From: Barber
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Date: 07-Jun-20 |
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Bear Super Kodiak and the Hoyt Buffalo
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From: mahantango
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Date: 07-Jun-20 |
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Lot of good opinions here, but there definitely is a strong consensus - Hatfield era Howatt and early Wing. Owning or having owned examples of both, I would have to agree. Quinn is an interesting entry. Not nearly as common, but a buddy of mine has a couple and swears by them. Won't win any beauty contest but what a solid performing, well designed bow.
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From: Bearcurve59
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Date: 24-Aug-21 |
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Great thread I enjoyed from start to finish, about a favorite subject! I know of all the great custom bows out there, but its the bows mentioned here that really made the sport! I've got my opinion also, but probably like most it's limited in the bows I've used. But I got to mention it. I learned to shoot with a borrowed Bear Cub 1969-71. My first bow was a Ben Pearson, can't remember which but it was similar in design to a Bear Grizzly. Shot another Pearson in high school, Dandy bow! Got my first Bear in 1980, a 45# Super Grizzly, had it a lot of years. And my peak in shooting was probably with that bow. A guy moved next to me in 1982, from Ohio. He found out I shot, and he started shooting with me often. He shot a Howatt Hunter, and I shot it a lot. He felt about his bow that my Griz was a league behind his? It was a fast bow! Way faster, I doubt it per pound, but? Kept the Grizz a Lotta years, and had another Grizzly and a Red Wing Hunter, but only #40 didn't really use it much. In 2002 I got a Bear Kodiak Hunter #45 made in 1971 like new. I believe I've equalled the Super Griz in performance, I'm hunting with it this fall again. I also had a custom longbow made in 2004, a hybrid, liked it! But the question was what's the best Production Bow, and that probably means performance wise in the field! Well, I sure won't argue the answers on here, in fact I agree with most them! I wanted a Super Diablo a long time but never got one. I never owned a Super Kodiak (not yet anyways). And in the 1970's, 80's, and still, $'s mattered very much. So from my circumstances, I got to say the Bear Grizzly has done more for the sport of bowhunting than any other bow,because it put a very good bow In the hands of even high school boys who barely had the money, and made everyone who wanted to be a good bow shot, and it's still doing it. Lot of these graduated to the Super K and got even better! But! We're looking for one winner? So at that, for me it's the Kodiak Hunter, which I know is as good a bow as the Super K! Winner=Bear Kodiak Hunter! Plenty fast enough, and has been throwing both aluminum and wood arrows with judos, fp's, & BH's in the same spot when I do my part all week. I've been away for sometime, but the Kodiak Hunter is helping me back! But now if I get another, and I'm 62, so thinking of getting a 40#. I've been eyeing the new 59 Kodiak, but it'll probably be a Super K or Super Grizzly! But I'll hunt with the Kodiak Hunter as long as my body can stand it!
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From: Don T. Lewis
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Date: 24-Aug-21 |
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Was is one of the inexpensive all fiberglass bows? Like the Shakespeare Para bow. Or maybe the Green Paul Bunyan? Just because they were fun to shoot and reasonably priced. And got a lot of people into archery. Some people are still enjoying those all fiberglass bows today!
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From: Don T. Lewis
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Date: 24-Aug-21 |
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Then again maybe it was the Hoyt PM. I have heard on here that this bow had won more medals and first places back in the day!then any other bow. So Maybe it is a candidate For best production bow.
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From: grizz
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Date: 24-Aug-21 |
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Around 300 posts and a lot of great bows mentioned. Still the Grizzly for me. I’ve had a few Kodiak Hunters and loved them too. For a bow only made for ten years, they’ve got a huge following. I think that alone should tell Bear Archery that bow needs to come back into production.
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From: A Tag
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Date: 24-Aug-21 |
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Black Widow, not sure everybody considers it a production bow but I do. No disrespect to Black widow calling them a production bow. I think they’ are excellent bows with excellent craftsmanship and performance. Hard to beat a Widow
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From: Blue Duck
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Date: 24-Aug-21 |
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I had a Bear Kodiak Hunter and a Howatt Hunter at the same time. The KH is the one I kept. (But I like shorter bows. Been shooting a Mamba lately - the 58” version of the Howatt Hunter. It’s finicky, but it may want heavier arrows.).
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From: Babysaph
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Date: 25-Aug-21 |
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I thought it was a BW but I now lean toward Sunset Hill
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From: Frisky
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Date: 25-Aug-21 |
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Looks like the Bear TD was the winner! Best for performance and versatility. Still being made. I remember Blackie Collins speed tested a Bear TD. It was 3fps slower than the fastest bows he tested. That was before Bear redesigned the limbs, making them sleeker and faster. It's a myth the Bear TD is slow. It's smoking fast! Mine is as fast or faster than my Howatt Hunter and quieter too! Quietness is one of the most important factors when judging performance, at least of hunting bows.
Joe
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From: grizz
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Date: 25-Aug-21 |
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Oops, meant to say 150 posts.
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From: lost run
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Date: 25-Aug-21 |
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Damon Howatt Super Diablo.
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From: Altitude Sickness
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Date: 25-Aug-21 |
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I have other Bows I prefer. Buy must agree, that because of the perimeters listed many times above all factored in. DH Hunter
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From: Bassmaster
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Date: 25-Aug-21 |
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Early Damon Howatt Hunter.
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From: Dartwick
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Date: 25-Aug-21 |
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For performance without sacrificing shootability wise the pre- fire Howatts that are FF compatible are going to beat the Bears.
But this poll seems mostly about favorites.
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From: Fiddler
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Date: 25-Aug-21 |
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Another vote for the Howatt Hunter.
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From: Wispershot
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Date: 25-Aug-21 |
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I’d have to say the bear sktd. To me it’s like the browning automatic pistol of bows so innovative for it’s time and still as popular as ever.
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From: Tobpitbull
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Date: 25-Aug-21 |
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Earl Hoyt JR. No doubt made the best production in my opinion… his Skyhawks still today outshoot anything on the market, compare them…
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From: Hoosierf
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Date: 25-Aug-21 |
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St Charles Thunderbird.
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From: longbow1968
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Date: 25-Aug-21 |
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Bear Montana, because they will shoot into one hole. See picture for reference.
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From: Altitude Sickness
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Date: 25-Aug-21 |
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Hoosierf, The StCharles Thunderbird would have to go down as one of the most influential designs that’s for sure.
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From: Boker
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Date: 25-Aug-21 |
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Can only speak for the bows I have shot but my fav is the 59 Kodiak
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From: Don T. Lewis
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Date: 25-Aug-21 |
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Let’s not forget the ole semi curves like the Bear cub and polar those were underrated hunting bows.;)
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From: Bruin
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Date: 26-Aug-21 |
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Nothing has the draw and shoot ability of a Bruin. Those that own a Bruin know the magic of which I speak.
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