Traditional Archery Discussions on the Leatherwall


anybody tried ilf and not like it ?

Messages posted to thread:
BOHO 31-Jul-18
fnshtr 31-Jul-18
Shawn Rackley 31-Jul-18
Anthrope 31-Jul-18
BOHO 01-Aug-18
Sam Dunham 01-Aug-18
NormF 01-Aug-18
Bassman 01-Aug-18
heydeerman 01-Aug-18
WB 01-Aug-18
BowAholic 01-Aug-18
Bassman 01-Aug-18
George D. Stout 01-Aug-18
Bowmania 01-Aug-18
Orion 01-Aug-18
George D. Stout 01-Aug-18
George D. Stout 01-Aug-18
David Mitchell 01-Aug-18
PEARL DRUMS 01-Aug-18
Burly 01-Aug-18
Nemophilist 01-Aug-18
gluetrap 01-Aug-18
Brad Lehmann 01-Aug-18
George D. Stout 01-Aug-18
jk 01-Aug-18
Orion 01-Aug-18
Jim Keller 01-Aug-18
spike78 01-Aug-18
Treeman 01-Aug-18
CStyles 01-Aug-18
oldgoat 01-Aug-18
Clydebow 01-Aug-18
ModernLongbow 01-Aug-18
Linecutter 01-Aug-18
Str8 Shooter 01-Aug-18
Babysaph 01-Aug-18
Sam Dunham 01-Aug-18
reddogge 02-Aug-18
jk 02-Aug-18
JusPassin 02-Aug-18
Matt R 02-Aug-18
GUTPILE PA 02-Aug-18
Danel 02-Aug-18
TradInOregon 02-Aug-18
TradInOregon 02-Aug-18
Thor 02-Aug-18
Oak 02-Aug-18
fdp 02-Aug-18
Tal McNeill 02-Aug-18
Tal McNeill 03-Aug-18
Bill Rickvalsky 03-Aug-18
jk 03-Aug-18
jk 03-Aug-18
Draven 03-Aug-18
Bill Rickvalsky 03-Aug-18
DanaC 03-Aug-18
jk 03-Aug-18
BOHO 04-Aug-18
fdp 04-Aug-18
westrayer 04-Aug-18
DaveP 04-Aug-18
DanaC 05-Aug-18
motherlode 05-Aug-18
Babysaph 05-Aug-18
DanaC 05-Aug-18
BOHO 06-Aug-18
mo bo hunter 06-Aug-18
Michael Schwister 06-Aug-18
Jarhead 06-Aug-18
BenMaher 06-Aug-18
TradInOregon 06-Aug-18
BenMaher 06-Aug-18
Ollie 06-Aug-18
BOHO 06-Aug-18
DanaC 07-Aug-18
The Whittler 07-Aug-18
BOHO 07-Aug-18
saxman 16-Nov-18
oscar11 16-Nov-18
stykman 17-Nov-18
George D. Stout 17-Nov-18
Ken Schwartz 17-Nov-18
Rick Barbee 17-Nov-18
deerhunt51 17-Nov-18
Claymore 17-Nov-18
Mountain Man 17-Nov-18
Biathlonman 18-Nov-18
westrayer 18-Nov-18
saw1 18-Nov-18
motherlode 18-Nov-18
Jacques Bonin 18-Nov-18
DanaC 18-Nov-18
Bowbldr 19-Nov-18
Bowbldr 19-Nov-18
3D Archery 19-Nov-18
ron w 19-Nov-18
sheepdogreno 23-Nov-18
Jon Simoneau 27-Nov-18
1/2miledrag 27-Nov-18
Iowacedarshooter 27-Nov-18
Adam Howard 27-Nov-18
Iwander 28-Nov-18
Barber 28-Nov-18
westrayer 28-Nov-18
George D. Stout 30-Jan-19
boatbuilder 30-Jan-19
SB 30-Jan-19
wmb238 30-Jan-19
From: BOHO
Date: 31-Jul-18




thinking of getting a new bow this fall and was considering ilf for the options. just something about a simple wood bow though. just wanted opinions and experiences from you guys. Thanks

From: fnshtr
Date: 31-Jul-18




I shot an ILF bow with radical limbs at ETAR. I was very impressed with the speed at which it sent my heavy hunting arrows to the target. However, after some thought I realized if I really am after speed, I might as well go back to a compound. I like the challenge of shooting simple equipment. It just depends on what you want.

From: Shawn Rackley
Date: 31-Jul-18




I had a nice ilf set up about 10 years ago. It was a 25"w&w Olympic riser with some of the first sets of dryad ilf longbow limbs. It was 68" or 70" and about 40#s at my draw length. This bow was amazing. Called it black magic. I had never shot a bow so accurately in my life. No sites or other junk on the bow. Just a magnetic flipper rest and a plunger. At this time I was going to a lot of 3d shoots and it didn't feel right having the mag rest and plunger. As I see that as an advantage to shooting off the shelf. I actually ended up trading off the bow because of these thoughts. Silly to think I got rid of a bow because I was too accurate with it. Lol I have thought about trying it again. But I like "long longbows" 68" or 70" and can't find a riser 25" that has a shelf for me to shoot off of, at that length they are all Olympic style (to my knowing) and will have to shoot off elevated rests. Just don't want to do that. So I guess I habe no business responding to this post since I infancy liked the bow. But all the same did trade it off for silly reasons I didn't like.

From: Anthrope
Date: 31-Jul-18




Funny you should ask this.

I have been shooting ILF exclusively for a year now. Had about 8- 9 pairs of limbs and 5 risers at one time. I felt like ILF was the best thing and could've sworn that I would never go back.

But, last month I decided to go back to bolt down bows. Just like that. I could not give you a reason why. Maybe aesthetics, maybe simplicity. Don't know, don't care. I just don't want to deal with ILF anymore. But, I do however, have to acknowledge the flexibility of ILF rigs.

By the way, I have a bunch of ILF limbs and couple of risers for sale, will be posting them up soon. Watch out for them! :)

From: BOHO
Date: 01-Aug-18




Haha. I’m a Longbow guy and found a compete new bow on amazon for 210.00 with full warranty so that’s tough to beat. I have a friend that lives close to me that can make me a great one piece tho for another 75.00. I do prefer elevated rests and vanes so that’s one reason I was leaning to ilf. Easier tuning but I was wondering if ilf had so much adjustability that it would be a pain to fool with.

From: Sam Dunham Professional Bowhunters Society - Associate Member
Date: 01-Aug-18

Sam Dunham's embedded Photo



Hey brothers I like em all! Hills and ILF and selfies,,wood, carbon and whatever I feel like shooting on any given day.Enjoy variety like a Bow Harem mannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn,,;lol

I am cutting a free conversion a week on BB risers for LW members,,Other side of OPhir pass,,

From: NormF
Date: 01-Aug-18




I have an ILF set up and I can shoot it pretty well but there's just something about my string follow longbows that makes me smile. ILF is OK at the range but for hunting I will probably use a longbow - much quieter.

From: Bassman Professional Bowhunters Society - Qualified Member
Date: 01-Aug-18




Bought an ilf 5 years ago ,and shot it pretty well.Took it to 20 yd. indoor shoot.All the guys were shooting there hunting rigs, vintage bows with quivers on them.I took a real pounding that night because i was shooting new olympic ilf bow against there hunting bows.Never took it to another match after that.Still own it,and shoot it a lot in my back yard, and like it.Now when i shoot 20 yd indoor or 3d i use a Samick Sage. No one seems to care.Truth be known i shoot it better than my ilf.End of story.

From: heydeerman Professional Bowhunters Society - Associate Member
Date: 01-Aug-18




I had a Hoyt Buffalo for a couple years and loved it. One of the finest bows I ever shot. Once the temperatures drop I couldn’t hold it in the woods. I don’t like wearing heavy gloves and did not want to wrap the grip. I sold it but it sure was a nice bow.

From: WB
Date: 01-Aug-18




I had a Buffalo and thought it was great once the set up/tuning was complete. I liked that it could be adjusted to my shooting style. About 1 year after it got sold a Satori came into my possession. Tuning that bow is a real pain in the neck, but the results are worth it, what a shooter! I like all bows, however. Simple all the way up to the wheeled variety.

From: BowAholic
Date: 01-Aug-18




Tom, you really need to find someone that has one for you to try. I did that and after a short time with the bow in my hands, I knew it wasn't for me. I know how much different your hunting is than mine, and it might work well for you. You can certainly get into ILF cheap enough to find out. It just has to be your choice. :)

From: Bassman Professional Bowhunters Society - Qualified Member
Date: 01-Aug-18




WB i like all bows also.I hunt 95 percent of the time with a sinew backed Osage with wood arrows, and obsidian stone point.Love that outfit.Got off subject. Sorry about that.BOHO ,as been said above you need to shoot some of the ilf,s.They might be the perfect fit for you.You can adjust poundage,move limbs left or right for line up,and if you like wood handles they have them.JMHO.

From: George D. Stout Compton's Traditional Bowhunters
Date: 01-Aug-18




Only thing different about ILF is the way the limb attaches. No magic, no hocus-pocus....just how the limb attaches. It was patented around 1980...38 years ago by Early Hoyt, so it's not even close being new. And, they make wood risers as well.

So why is there mystery here? It's just a takedown bow and lots of folks use them. It is not just for Olympic shooters, it's a great option for folks who want a takedown that you can replace limbs on very easily and at low cost if you prefer. You should shoot a few. Did I say they are just takedown bows?

From: Bowmania Professional Bowhunters Society - Associate Member Compton's Traditional Bowhunters
Date: 01-Aug-18




I started with ILF a few years back, just because I wanted to see what very one was talking about. Got that first set up for under 300 bucks and found out. It out shot everything I had and at that time I had a lot.

I kept shooting my longbow, because I don't necessarly choose the bow I shoot best. I might choose the bow I shoot worst and try to shoot it the best. Shoulder problems got worse where I had to drop down in poundage. I picked up a 24 pound set of limbs for under a 100 bucks. That was a really nice option.

Now, I have about 5 risers and numerous sets of limbs. It's all I use for coaching.

Bowmania

From: Orion Professional Bowhunters Society - Qualified Member Compton's Traditional Bowhunters
Date: 01-Aug-18




Tinkered with them a few times. Two things I didn't like. 1) The way the limbs flop around then the bow is unstrung. 2) Almost all metal risers and even most of the wood risers available are cut way past center. Fine if one is shooting a moveable, elevated rest, but I shoot off the shelf, which requires substantial building up of the side plate and even shelf. Can make it work, but looks ugly.

ILFs are good shooting bows when set up right, just not my cup of tea.

From: George D. Stout Compton's Traditional Bowhunters
Date: 01-Aug-18

George D. Stout's embedded Photo



The dark colored wood risers are ILF bows from Lancaster. They don't look ugly to me. The risers are slim and well fitting and the average wage earner can afford them.

From: George D. Stout Compton's Traditional Bowhunters
Date: 01-Aug-18

George D. Stout's embedded Photo



Some more ILF risers.

From: David Mitchell
Date: 01-Aug-18




I briefly had one but just found that for some basically unexplainable reason I didn't care for it. I don't mess around tinkering with my bows and adjusting this and that--just get them set up the way I want and they stay that way. That plus as someone else said, I didn't like the limbs flopping as they do when unstrung. A little thing I realize, but since I don't want or need all of the adjustability of ILF I didn't need to put up with it. I guess they are a traditional archer's dream though if you like to tinker with your gear.

From: PEARL DRUMS
Date: 01-Aug-18




I tried a few. I wont say I didn't like them. What I will say is the bows tuned just fine without ever needing to make any adjustments that ILF rigs allow. So in the end, for me, a 3 piece recurve is a 3 piece recurve.

From: Burly
Date: 01-Aug-18




Wow those are some nice looking risers George.

From: Nemophilist
Date: 01-Aug-18




The black and brown ilf risers look like Morrison risers.

From: gluetrap
Date: 01-Aug-18




if you hunt with 40lbs. and like short bows ilf has very little to offer YOU... if you don't hunt? ilf has it all. imo

From: Brad Lehmann
Date: 01-Aug-18




I'm still stuck on bolt on limbs. I do have a Buffalo and love it and have tried other ILF and Formula set ups. One thing that I will say is that there is a whole new set of sounds to get used to on those bows. It was fun, for awhile, trying to quiet the snap on limbs, and I had good success. I would be happy until I pulled out a one piece or bolt-on three piece and noticed how quiet they were. I guess that I'm a quiet freak of some sort.

From: George D. Stout Compton's Traditional Bowhunters
Date: 01-Aug-18




The handiness of ILF is in the universal mount, not proprietary limbs that are costly and sometimes take a while to get. Maybe they're not for you, but lots of folks take to them. What amazes me is people treating them like they are something other than just a different way of attaching limbs.

For the record, I don't even own one at this time..I gave my last one..a Warf 76'er riser model..to my granddaughter's boyfriend. It was very quiet matter of fact, and only 60" long in AMO measure. Quiet is part of tuning mostly.

From: jk
Date: 01-Aug-18




Two Hoyt Gold Medalists...true ILF...maybe 15 yrs old (got a 70" w/ silver riser to try out, traded a nice .22 to get shorter limbs with rare factory camo.

The mass weight makes them VERY different from wood bows. I like that. Also, they're beyond center shot which means I gotta' use flipper rest unless I want to do serious mods. Same reason as Satori off-shelf kit

Both have carbon/foam limbs. (I want to trade the 70" silver bow for a pair of Black Max or similar 45# mediums).

As quiet as any recurve ... 7.5" BH FF and cat whiskers.

From: Orion Professional Bowhunters Society - Qualified Member Compton's Traditional Bowhunters
Date: 01-Aug-18




George: I wasn't suggesting the entire set up was ugly, just the shelf/side plate area when it has to be built way out on a riser cut way past center. The Morrison wood riser is one of the few made to be shot off the shelf. Have to use large plastic wedges or gerry rig the shelf/side plate some other way if one wants to shoot a metal riser off the shelf. That's what looks ugly to me. Workable, but ugly. Of course, beauty, or ugly, is in the eye of the beholder.

From: Jim Keller
Date: 01-Aug-18




I have a Satori and love it. It's on the heavy side but that's one of the reasons I bought it. Also, I can use my kwikee kwivers. I take my quiver off on stand.

But one of the best features is since the draw weight is adjustable, I can get it exactly where I want it. I've had 3 customs and 2 bowyers missed weight by 4 lbs. one hit it right on. I really love that feature.

It's not as pretty as a blacktail but I'm happy with it.

From: spike78
Date: 01-Aug-18




I have an ILF and a Bear Grizzly and like and shoot the ILF better.

From: Treeman
Date: 01-Aug-18




I have a Satori and it is a great shooting bow, accurate and dead in the hand. But right now I am focused on my Bear Montana longbow. I dont know what it is, I dont love the Satori, maybe because its metal and in my mind it is not really a traditional bow. I cant put my finger on it! But eventually I will go back to it because it is a great shooting bow. For now its the longbow.

From: CStyles
Date: 01-Aug-18




I always hear them before I see them at my archery club. I know little about them, and I am sure they can be set up to shoot quietly. I just haven't seen a quiet one yet. I shot next to a guy in our indoor range one time, really loud, like whacking a metal trash can with an aluminum bat. I am guessing not set up right. They do seem really fast, I may try one one day.

From: oldgoat
Date: 01-Aug-18




I can't say that I don't like ilf, I just ended up setting to positive tiller and shooting it like a regular bow and not taking advantage of all it's tuning capability, so why not shoot a pretty bow instead!

From: Clydebow
Date: 01-Aug-18




I don't mess around tinkering with my bows and adjusting this and that--

"just get them set up the way I want and they stay that way."

That's exactly what I do with my all bows. Including my I.L.F.

From: ModernLongbow
Date: 01-Aug-18




Love ILF but im done with Wood ILF. If i want wood its a recurve or longbow from a bowyer i know will tiller to how i shoot like Ron King of Fox archery.

From: Linecutter
Date: 01-Aug-18




I don't own an ILF bow, but I do see some advantages. One is, you can have 3 different length bows by swapping out limbs. Two is, you get the riser of your choice and you can shoot anyones limbs one it. If the manufacture of the riser goes out of business, you are not stuck with a bow you can't get new limbs for. DANNY

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From: Str8 Shooter
Date: 01-Aug-18




My first ILF type now was a DAS Master riser (different connection but same ILF limbs). After I had it for a while and the "new" wore off I came to the realization that ILF doesn't automatically mean better tunes, or more speed, nor did it mean a noisy bow or any number of things you hear. It is like any other recurve but ILF offers a range of adjustability that traditional stickbows cannot and interchangeability with components.

When you find a riser that fits really well it's nice to have the option of purchasing inexpensive buf serviceable limbs to very expensive cutting edge limbs. You can tailor the bow to fit your preferences and budget.

I've gone back and forth between shooting ILF and not but it's hard to deny the practical advantages they offer. They aren't magic, they don't shoot themselves, they aren't the always the fastest bows... if you approach them like any other bow with added versatility you won't be disappointed.

From: Babysaph Professional Bowhunters Society - Associate Member
Date: 01-Aug-18




George is right. I think it's just a way to attach the limbs to a bow. Not sure what the advantage is. I have one bow and an extra set of limbs. They all attach fine.

From: Sam Dunham Professional Bowhunters Society - Associate Member
Date: 01-Aug-18




Yes, comparing ILF to a compound bow is silly.

From: reddogge Professional Bowhunters Society - Qualified Member
Date: 02-Aug-18




Lots of silly comments in this thread.

From: jk
Date: 02-Aug-18




ILF doesn't mean speed. Some folks like ILF for tinkering toys, but other folks like Hills for different approaches to tinkering. Some folks are constantly tinkering with POC arrows, maybe even more than need to tinker with carbon arrows.

Not sure I'd want an ILF who's mass weight was as light as most one piece recurves, am sure beyond-center-shot is valuable because it facilitates use of very light arrows with heavy front-of-center.

Not sure I'd want an ILF for hunting, I like 62" longbows, am sure I'd like a Satori (because of shelf) for 3-D)...but can't afford a Satori riser. Am sure my carbon/foam limbs are fast enough, would be happy to have latest carbon/wood but extra speed wouldn't help my archery.

From: JusPassin Compton's Traditional Bowhunters
Date: 02-Aug-18




Have two of them now and love them both. I shoot mostly one set up for 3d in the summer, a Hoyt Satori riser with a set of Uukha limbs on it, and yup it has a flipper rest and a plunger.

The one I hunt with has a Win Win carbon riser with trad tech limbs and that one shoots off the shelf just fine.

They are easy to tune and mine are quiet and accurate. I sure can't say I prefer them over any other style bow though. If I had the money my next bow would be a Border one piece.

From: Matt R
Date: 02-Aug-18




Had some, they were great shooters. Like others, just prefer the looks of some one piece bows and two piece bows better. I was able to shoot a Morrison 13" riser with medium max5 limbs, wow it was fast! Have nothing bad to say about ilf, just not for me.

From: GUTPILE PA
Date: 02-Aug-18




Have a couple and luv them and they are very quiet

From: Danel
Date: 02-Aug-18




I purchased a used ILF rig when I started having shoulder problems. I now have a RH and LH riser and 4 sets of limbs. The cost of limbs attracted me to ILF, knowing I would have to start light and work my way up in weight as my shoulder healed after surgery.

All that said, I hope to be hunting this year with one of my Longbows. It is all fun.

From: TradInOregon
Date: 02-Aug-18

TradInOregon's embedded Photo



I've had a number of ILF bows over the past years and really like the concept. The best one I owned was an original TT Titan. In a moment of dumbness, I sold it! Fast forward a number of years, I was fortunate to come across one for sell and snagged that bad boy real quick. Just got some Satori limbs in the mail today and mounted them to the Titan. LOVE IT!! Will not get rid of this one as long as I can still shoot!

From: TradInOregon
Date: 02-Aug-18

TradInOregon's embedded Photo



From: Thor
Date: 02-Aug-18




To me the ILF holds no appeal,they just seem to lean into the hi-tech thing a little to much for my taste.How ever they are becoming very popular among the top 3-d shooters,who take winning very seriously.So there must be advantages to shooting them accuracy wise.My self I will stick to my ASL s and back quiver.

From: Oak
Date: 02-Aug-18




I don’t think the limbs sliding in without tools is too high tech. Bear has done it for decades, just another way to attach limbs. I have to REALLY learn a riser well to shoot well and ILF allows me to shoot the same one all the time, but still play with different limbs...

I made my first ILF with a black bear warf, then jumped in and bought a Morrison Phoenix. Could not be happier! No tools to assemble is nice!

From: fdp
Date: 02-Aug-18




I've tried them and still have some. That said, I'm not as wild about them as many are. Not that they don't shoot well, because many of them do. I just like to be able to use any limbs that I want to on my favorite risers.

My favorite risers are the Bear Black Bear, and the old Pro Line. I was taught many years ago that the stability and shootability of a bow is mostly in the riser, and the performace is in the limbs.

So. I buy ILF limbs, remove the fittings, plug the hole woth a grommet, and use them as bolt down limbs. I modify my risers so that I center any limb without having to add shims.

In doing that, I can use any limb I choose.

Not for everybody, but it works just peachy for me.

From: Tal McNeill
Date: 02-Aug-18




Monkeyball: Speaking of ILF, I'm still diggin' your old Sky LB limbs. Right now they're on a riser just like the one in your hand. Sweet shooters!

From: Tal McNeill
Date: 03-Aug-18




LOL, now I see that. His hand has most of his face hidden. And I can't see squat without my glasses;).

From: Bill Rickvalsky
Date: 03-Aug-18




I have a Hoyt Gold Medalist riser with Sebastian Flute foam cored limbs that I got about 16 years ago. It is all set up as an Olympic target style recurve with sights, stabilizer, plunger, flipper rest and wrist strap. Every once in a while I enjoy getting it out and shooting at a FITA target. But somehow the joy of shooting just never stays with me when shooting it and it gets put away again for a while. I just get more joy and quiet relaxation out of shooting my single piece longbow sticks with their ultimate simplicity.

I understand the appeal of ILF risers and limbs to those who use them. They just don't completely satisfy my archery preferences. As a matter of fact I don't even care for a take down bow of any kind. Just me. YMMV.

From: jk
Date: 03-Aug-18




Bill...no need to marry your GM...However, you might love yours more without sights, stab, wrist sling (admittedly I don't understand slings and wouldn't feel safe in serious terrain with one).

My 50# camo GM is stripped down like that and it's become my fave.

However...I do wish GMs accepted that Satori-shoot-of-shelf kit. Also, fwiw, some plungers are lower profile and some flippers don't need plungers.

From: jk
Date: 03-Aug-18




.

From: Draven
Date: 03-Aug-18

Draven's embedded Photo



You have to try them to see what makes you click. I have 4 rigs: 2 warfs (Proline and Black Bear), one OA riser (Hoyt Aerotec) and a Satori. If you like something heavy in your hand, it is the way to go.

From: Bill Rickvalsky
Date: 03-Aug-18




jk,

I never really considered using my GM for anything except an Olympic style target recurve. That was the sole purpose I bought it for. I don't have any desire to strip it down. And as a possible hunting bow it is blue with white limbs and relatively noisy. Like I said I just never could snuggle up to it. I could shoot my longbows all day every day if health and other obligations didn't get in the way. Just sheer simplicity and contentment.

From: DanaC
Date: 03-Aug-18




I have two, and all my other bows mostly gather dust. The PSE riser with SF limbs is my indoor and form work bow, my Morrison combo is 3D and hunting. (G3 and Max 1's.)

I may buy one more set of lighter limbs and use the Morrison all winter, don't need anything crazy expensive to shoot 20 yards.

(And the Morrison is set up to shoot off the shelf, with the side adjustment pretty well hidden.)

From: jk
Date: 03-Aug-18




Bill..When I watch guys with full Olympic rigs I think about my old Winchester 52 and quarter inch groups.

Then I go out and satisfy myself with paper-plate groups and even occasional tennis-ball-size (Easton Carbon Ones with curly vanes), ...but nobody would believe so I can't brag.

And although I don't like it, I know why some associations don't allow flipper rests in Trad class.

Next time I get bitten by that rule I'll just say "OK" and shoot barebow. If I embarass myself Vs typical finger-wheelies with my simple GM I should give up.

From: BOHO
Date: 04-Aug-18




Thanks for all the posts guys. Lots of good info here. Keep it coming. I’m still on the fence. Lol

From: fdp
Date: 04-Aug-18




BOHO, it ultimately comes down to whether or not YOU think you need the tiller adjustment. That's about all.

Outside of the tiller adjustment, once the limbs are in the riser they are no different from any other takedown limb of comparable quality.

I decided a few years ago that I DON'T need the tiller adjustment. So as I mentioned, I take out the ILF fittings and use them as bolt ons.

From: westrayer
Date: 04-Aug-18




They are a tinker's dream. Very versatile. Both risers and limbs run from cheap basic to high performance. The metal risers offer the choice of grips. Take a look through classifieds here or tradtalk or archerytalk

From: DaveP
Date: 04-Aug-18




I have three ILF risers at present, a 21" Hoyt Excel, a 23" SF Forged + and a 19" Dorado along with six sets of limbs. I like them all and think they are a fine alternative to standard take down bows....DaveP

From: DanaC
Date: 05-Aug-18




All the above noted, ILF is just way less expensive IF you don't need top-shelf limbs for every application.

If you shoot a 'custom' or semi-custom, like a Widow, you are locked into their limb system *and prices.* $600 for a set of 'indoor target' limbs? Not this working stiff! $160 got me a set of Flute limbs that work just fine for 20-yard winter league.

I have a custom bow, that is now too heavy for my aging bones. Hard to justify the cost of lighter limbs. Just can't quite convince myself to sell it - yet...

From: motherlode
Date: 05-Aug-18




What isn't to like , if I wanted a takedown it would be ILF. With that said I have a large choice of vintage that I also enjoy.

From: Babysaph Professional Bowhunters Society - Associate Member
Date: 05-Aug-18




So if you buy a bow why would you want to keep changing the limbs??

From: DanaC
Date: 05-Aug-18




Cheaper than buying two! Or three! Or...

If you like a riser but want to shoot different poundages. If you just flat get too dam' old to draw the poundage you could twenty years ago.

From: BOHO
Date: 06-Aug-18




all good points. since I'm so poor I cant pay attention, Im gonna try the ilf. seems like a great option for the money. Thanks for everyones help !! God Bless

From: mo bo hunter
Date: 06-Aug-18




Never thought they would interest me, im pretty old school ,but I just traded for a 15" Morrison gen 2 with medium carbon foam limbs, got to say I'm very very impressed shoots amazing handles great ,it's not the way the limbs attach it's just the bow, never thought I would like a metal riser bow, but hey good is good.

From: Michael Schwister Professional Bowhunters Society - Associate Member
Date: 06-Aug-18




I have had two, one a true ILF custom made that had poor QC and could not be properly tuned, and a Hoyt Buffalo, which to me is the same system but folks here have called me an idiot for calling it ILF (because the mechanism dimensions are slightly different). I like the buffalo at first, as it was smooth and fast, easy to shoot initially, but the more I used it the more I came to despise it. Weight, noise, and when unstrung it was essentially a broken bow. I unstring my bows with a push pull method and toss them in a truck for movement to the next hunting area. Maybe a sleeve case, maybe not, but always unstrung (legal requirement in several states). That kind of use allows room for murphy to change your tune for you, and always at the wrong moment. Heavy, metal risers while not universal, seem to be the majority with ILFs. Which is not my thing and hunting in cold weather sucks. Heck I love the idea of the Fred Bear kodiak custom take down latches/system, but hate carrying that dang thing in the woods too (Gave my recent one to the PBS for a banquet donation). My ILF experience mimicks nearly exactly my personal archery dark ages from 77-81 when I tried to go with the flow and bought/sold 5 different compounds before going back to traditional bows. I nearly quite bowhunting completely I was so disheartened with those dang contraptions.

A decision like this is purely personal. Only you can decide what you prefer. For me it is a simple longbow (or selfbow), preferably built by myself. Light, easy to carry, quiet, dependable as the morning sunrise. I cannot even bring myself to get a bow bolt takedown as there is simply too much opportunity for failure IME. I have made several bows with the copper/metal sleeve takedown setup and do not like that either. I have high hopes for the glass socket/sleeve takedown and may make one of those soon.

ILF provides you with many options, but be forewarned, options and adjustable are a double edged sword.

My last concern is that ILF opens the door even further for mass produced archery equipment built in low wage countries. The small group of homegrown bowyer/artisans is a national treasure and ILF has already knocked a pile of those folks out of business. I know I know, by making my own I am not helping the matter. In my defense I do buy at least one custum a year, and my limited self production is not putting anyone out of business. One small factory in Asia can knock out every cottage industry bowyer in North America using the ILF concept of manufacture.

From: Jarhead
Date: 06-Aug-18




bought an ILF riser... bought two sets of limbs... shot them... hunted with success with them... and then kinda sorta realized that I was still not where I wanted to be.

Sold all my ILF stuff - bought a longbow (centaur)... and got out of the tinkering business.

I won't ever go back.

From: BenMaher
Date: 06-Aug-18

BenMaher's embedded Photo



I am a Longbow guy at heart ... but I also love my Titan’s . I have owned Morrison, SKY, DAS, and still have a Titan . Their functionality is brilliant . I call them my LEGO bows ... I can tinker away.

I have just set up my new Titan ... Trad Police beware ... it is shooting Blazer Vanes carbons off a flipper rest. I actually shoot this bow more accurately than any bow I have ever owned.

If I own recurves , they will be ILF ...

From: TradInOregon
Date: 06-Aug-18

TradInOregon's embedded Photo



Hey Ben, I got my original Titan pretty much all setup now!

From: BenMaher
Date: 06-Aug-18




TW - nice buddy ! Ya can’t keep a good man down - particularly when he has a Titan !

From: Ollie Professional Bowhunters Society - Qualified Member Compton's Traditional Bowhunters
Date: 06-Aug-18




George has it right...an ILF bow is nothing more than a take-down bow that is using a universal connection system which permits you to combine riser A with limbs from company C if you want. This permits you to customize your bow as never before. You like riser A but prefer the limbs of company C. No problem, you can have the best of both if you want. You can debate all day long if you prefer the connection system of a Bear take-down or those using screw in bolts, etc. You can buy some pretty radical limbs for ILF risers if you want to go that direction. You can also buy more-traditional limbs that will impress no one with their speed as well. There are plenty of trad bows that are cut way past center and permit you to use a plunger or to build out the shelf. You can also purchase riser/limb combinations that permit you to build a recurve or longbow that will be 60" or less in AMO length. So much for ILF only being for Olympic style target shooters!

From: BOHO
Date: 06-Aug-18




Y’all have some really nice rigs for sure. I’m looking at one in the classifieds for 200.00 or maybe a new one off amazon for the same price. That’s about all I can swing til next year.

From: DanaC
Date: 07-Aug-18




That's another thing about ILF - you can start on a budget and upgrade parts of the system. Any riser improves as you add better limbs. After you have a couple sets of limbs you might add a new riser.

And because so many use the ILF system, resale of older components is easier.

From: The Whittler
Date: 07-Aug-18




I if I can sell off a few bows and a guitar or two I can find out how well I like one. But why wouldn't I it's a bow and has one string and no cables. Time will tell.

From: BOHO
Date: 07-Aug-18




good point there. also hoping when I get good at the set up I may learn more about bows and set up.

From: saxman
Date: 16-Nov-18




I'm looking to trade my like new Bigfoot Sasquatch recurve takedown 64 inch 50# for a real nice ilf riser or whole set up. 337 441 5205.

From: oscar11
Date: 16-Nov-18




I like them but I like just about any single string bow. I have zero interest in compounds. ILF's make a fine bow IMO.

From: stykman
Date: 17-Nov-18




I'm presently hunting with a 17" Satori riser with Dryad's new limbs. Have taken a doe and buck with this setup.

I'm also shooting off the shelf. Centershot can be adjusted utilizing the shims for the sideplate. It's also very quiet.

What's not to like. Yes, the limbs are noisy and "floppy" when unstrung but no big deal. Just leave it strung.

From: George D. Stout Compton's Traditional Bowhunters
Date: 17-Nov-18




I think the mindset is if you can tinker with it, then you have to tinker with it. It's just a takedown to most of us and you can quiet them down just fine.

As for the 'loose limbs' when unstrung, so did the Herter's proprietary limbs back in the 1970's but when strung they were solid and fine. I'm not getting the mystery..again that noise, and tinker stuff is mostly self-imposed. It's a takedown system that has been available for near 40 years now. If you don't like it, don't use it. I like them for a lot of reasons.

From: Ken Schwartz
Date: 17-Nov-18




ILF for me has been great, if the inkling is I want a short bow I can change the limbs, I can tinker. I hunt my bows but the metal riser isn’t so friendly when -20 , so I use bat wrap and all is fine . Cost is always an issue I’m retired. So sometimes cheaper is better. And their are loads of limbs and risers to accommodate. Health issues come with age and pulling 60 # isn’t in the cards (shoulders) and I don’t need another pain issue. So stick to 50#’s and have fun. But only have to go to a set of lighter limbs and not change the whole bow. As for the looks and feel of the wood were satisfied as ,Now a lot of the bowyers have ILF risers and limbs. Ken

From: Rick Barbee
Date: 17-Nov-18




There's absolutely "NOTHING" to not like about ILF "IF" you have a good one in your hands, and know how to tune.

They will shoot the same as any other takedown.

You set it up, adjust it to fit you, get it tuned the way you want it, then "LeaveItAlone". LOL

They say - "Never Say Never", so I'll just say - "It's highly unlikely I will ever again shoot anything other than ILF as my primary bow."

YMMV

Rick

From: deerhunt51
Date: 17-Nov-18




I have longbows, recurves, takedowns, etc. I tried ILF and love it. I shoot my other bows every now and then, hunted with an old a Shakespeare recurve this year, but always take my ilf to shoot. It is my go to bow.

From: Claymore
Date: 17-Nov-18




Not only is the limb connections different they allow for a good bit of adjustment in poundage. I have two a Spigarelli and a SF Forged. Also I just like shooting 70”bows. George thanks for that pic. I have been looking at those and your pic is better than the ones in the catalog.

From: Mountain Man
Date: 17-Nov-18




I gave ILF a try and it wasn’t for me I won’t say I didn’t like it I think it’s a well thought out system with many options and benefits I had a Bosen longbow and a Hoyt Excell 19” riser with Tradtech limbs both were excellent set ups But I’m not a 3pc bow guy or even a recurve guy and stuck with my ASL’s I don’t shoot tournament style and I prefer a lighter bow and straighter grip I wanted to see what it was about and I try not to make judgement without educating myself and tryn something different once in awhile cements my real likes or preferred style and it made me emirs myself into sticking with the bows and styles I like and shoot best But ya never know if you’ll like it to you try it

From: Biathlonman
Date: 18-Nov-18




I tried it and went back to bolt down and one piece bows. Just seemed a little futsy to me.

From: westrayer
Date: 18-Nov-18




They are really nice. But I do prefer the bolt-down Covert Hunter. It took quite a while to sell my Satori riser and I stil have an all but brand new TradTech 19" Trident like the ones George shows in his photo.

I think that based on sales, guys who want them now have them.

From: saw1 Compton's Traditional Bowhunters
Date: 18-Nov-18




Seems like so many shooters I talk to think that ilf is always a long metal riser. I shoot a 13" wood riser and most times have to even point out to guys that it is an ilf bow. Like George has said, it's just a different type of takedown. The only tinkering I do, is enjoying finding different low cost limbs, of different weights and lengths, and giving them a try. My usual setup is a 58" bow and about 40#.

From: motherlode
Date: 18-Nov-18




I have one set up for target and string walking. Love it , plus it has made me a better shooter overall when I pick up one of my vintage.there really not much not to like .

From: Jacques Bonin
Date: 18-Nov-18

Jacques Bonin's embedded Photo



Like the performance, however the looks suckand didn't like the lousy feel in the hand! Had a Das Dalaa sixty inch sixty pound took a big buck in New Jersey with it, sold it a week later!!!! If l could find a decent riser, l might try it again!!! Humbly Jacques

From: DanaC
Date: 18-Nov-18




There are a wide range of ILF risers available now, from wood low-wrist to metal with interchangeable grips. Riser lengths from 13 to 27 inches accomodate every need.

Plus changing limbs between risers gives you versatility hard to get from regular TD's.

40 pound limbs on a 25" target riser become 48 pound limbs on a 17" 'hunting' riser. (Just one for-instance.)

From: Bowbldr
Date: 19-Nov-18




Been at this for sometime now, and Love ILF for no other reason is selection of Limbs from $80-$1250 new and used sometimes free, Longbow or recurve. Don't like to tinker, don't, tighten bolts down. Poundage, tiller will be what it is. At least your limbs will not rattle when unstrung. And you can learn how to shoot it as is. The only reason for not ILF is if your really wanting to shoot 1pcs bows. Its not against the law to have both. Picture like George posted can be real hard to tell ILF or not. I love to play with all of them, I like short stuff My hunting setups today are ILF recurve 52" 42#@26" and a longbow ILF 56" 45#@26". I also have a one pcs longbow that I shoot for fun. BTW your bowyer maybe able to convert your TD riser to ILF??

From: Bowbldr
Date: 19-Nov-18




Ask your bowyer before you try it. It will probably void warrantee.

From: 3D Archery
Date: 19-Nov-18




Shot them, nice bows, but they are just not for me. I can shoot just as good or bad with my 50 year old one piece wooden bow.

From: ron w
Date: 19-Nov-18




I think it's fun to mess around with different limbs and risers. I have a bunch of limbs and a bunch of risers in different lengths. Just part of the fun .......

From: sheepdogreno
Date: 23-Nov-18




I think like anything one item may not work for one person like it does the other...one thing I like about ilf is the ability to find a riser that is money and change the limbs for the occasion...want to work on form? slap on lightweight limbs and keep the same riser....want to bump to a shorter bow for a blind hunting? slap on shorts....want to move up in length for tree stand hunting or 3d...add long limbs...for someone like myself where the grip and riser feel is everything...being able to have an adjustable length for my needs is important..im shooting a BB warf (ilf) right now with mediums for a 64in bow out of my deer stand or still hunting...after deer season ill be going to a 17in riser so I can get down to a blind friendly 58in bow for turkey this spring...and then ill add length on limbs for summer 3d and into the following deer season...I think the options are there if that's your thing...but at the same time I love a one piece longbow or recurve vintage or new...

From: Jon Simoneau Professional Bowhunters Society - Associate Member
Date: 27-Nov-18




I was late getting into the ILF realm. I absolutely love it. I’m shooting a WF19 riser right now with a cheap pair of black max limbs that I bought used for $100. Killed a doe with it a few weeks ago. Worked like a charm. Reasons I like the riser is that it’s HEAVY. More mass weight and I shoot better. Jager grip is amazing. The WF19 has a built in “hump” for shooting off the shelf. Another thing I like is I can beat the hell out of this metal riser while hunting and not have to worry about it too much. The ease and speed of buying multiple limbs in different lengths is great. I’m shooting this bow (and all of my wood bows) with a fixed crawl setup for hunting. Bought light and inexpensive limbs for form work. I’ll be buying a bunch more ILF setups.

From: 1/2miledrag
Date: 27-Nov-18




It's not that I didn't "like" ILF, I just decided I enjoy shooting longbows more; mostly one piece wood bows, although I do shoot two take-downs frequently. Over the past year I sold or traded all of my recurves in favor of a handful of longbows and I could not be happier, at least for now.

From: Iowacedarshooter
Date: 27-Nov-18




ilf has heavy risers? i bet not as heavy as my old herters takedown recurve lol

From: Adam Howard
Date: 27-Nov-18




What David Mitchell said x2 .....

From: Iwander
Date: 28-Nov-18




Try as I might I always go back to the basics. There's something about minimal parts that just goes with my austerely simple brain.

From: Barber
Date: 28-Nov-18




They are nice bows, not putting them down at all. I just didn’t care much for them. I tried several and the Hoyt Satori was my favorite one I had. I just like the feel of and look of a one piece bow better . I will add I like an ASL the best. I say shoot what you like and have fun with it.

From: westrayer
Date: 28-Nov-18




I like them but just prefer my Covert Hunter. Border makes a Covert Hunter riser in ILF but I already have the bolt down .

From: George D. Stout Compton's Traditional Bowhunters
Date: 30-Jan-19




I like most all bows, ILF is just a different limb attachment. I was gonna ask about some Frankenbows on the classified, but the seller says "don't waste my time with unnecessary questions". Okay then.

From: boatbuilder
Date: 30-Jan-19




Me but i’m open minded enough to try again with the right riser, just don’t like the metal risers and the wood one I had didn’t fit me with to high of a wrist grip.

From: SB
Date: 30-Jan-19




Not real fond of the floppy limbs before they are strung. My wife has a warfed wooden compound riser,and I have a full blown Samick Olympic rig. No matter how crefull you are when stringing,something is always not quite seated properly,and the first time you draw either of these bows they go CLACK! A little unnerving!!

From: wmb238
Date: 30-Jan-19




I live in a condominium high rise. Many of my neighbors think that archery is cool and enjoy coming over for venison and wild pork. However, a few of my neighbors are a bit nervous about archery equiptment in the elevators. So I have a Morrison/TT (carbon foam limbs) ilf that I leave strung in my truck year round in Florida. I can't leave my vintage Bears exposed to the elements like that.





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