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Black Widow bows

Bowtie747

Bowtie747

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Joined
Aug 3, 2021
Messages
2,138
Location
Ohio
Looking to get a recurve. Have had several over the years. Shot a few black widows, never owned one and really liked them. Anyone here have one? Would like to see what you guys have. Any recommendations on which riser, grip and all that!
 
Traditional bows are all about the "fit and feel". I highly recommend that you physically put your hands on several of them to find the grip you like. Then make sure you shoot the bow, before buying it. ;)

If at all possible, wait until next year and go to several large archery events, where Black Widow will be setup and shoot the bow with the grip that you like. You may be in for a big surprise and find a grip and bow style that you really like....or not. :)

Compton Traditional Rendezvous, in Berrien Springs, Michigan is a good event. Depending on what part of Ohio you live, it may not be that far of a drive, but well worth it. I'm in N.W. Ohio and it's about a 3 hour drive. I've been there 3x and it is a great event. Also, coming up at the end of January is the Kalamazoo, Michigan Traditional Archery Show, at their fairgrounds.

If you're really set on Black Widow, it would be a good idea to contact them to find out where and when they're going to appear at events, for 2025.
If you're flexible on brands, take a look at ILF recurves (International Limb Fit). They offer a wide variety of limb and riser options. :cool: You can get into a bow that's very reasonable to start, then make additions or changes as you go. Just food for thought.
 
Black Widow also has a try before you buy program. They will send you a bow to try, they have a bunch of demo bows. Check their website out, if something catches your eye give them a call and try the bow. You cannot go wrong with the bow or the company, their Customer service and their bows are outstanding.

David
 
TreeCreep said:
Great suggestions above. I love my PCH.
I believe it has a standard grip, there is no substitute to getting your hands on one.
Click to expand...
That's what I have. I have the carbon limbs.
58" 49#@27 tillered 3 under.
It's not yet my hunting bow because I've not gotten arrows dialed in yet.
 
Allegheny Tom said:
That's what I have. I have the carbon limbs.
58" 49#@27 tillered 3 under.
It's not yet my hunting bow because I've not gotten arrows dialed in yet.
Click to expand...
That is probably going to be my first custom purchase, a Widow with carbon limbs. My bow is 47#@ 29
I’d like to shoot a few of their one pieces but Timberghost and Stalker whisper to me as well.
Debating trading some guns for sticks but I have to tread carefully or the whole “ investment “ logic to the wife comes into question.
 
Thanks for the replies guys!

I wonder if u can just visit the shop itself? Anyone ever done that?
 
I will say I can’t help but look at the Bear Takedown and Kodiak
 
So I tried a few Black Widows at ETAR recently. They are just not for me. To me, they were HEAVY. But that does add to stability but I like my trad bow to be in the 1-1.5lbs. I know this is like telling you to go 180, but also consider trying an ASL bow!
 
Just to complicate things a little more, take a look at ILF risers and limbs.
The beauty of ILF is there are many many different riser and limbs available from inexpensive to what ever your wallet can stand.
Visit used bow sites, there are many, many bows and limbs for sale.
 
You can’t go wrong with a Widow.
I have a 60” PCH with Asbel grip it shoots better than I can.
My 58” SA is now my backup.
Go to some Trad Shoots. Trad guys are always willing to help. Most will hand you there bow to try if you ask.
 
I agree with shooting some bows if you can before buying. Widow and Stalker Stickbows both let you test drive. There may be others too. Have shot a few different widows that friends owned and they were all nice. I shoot a Stalker, it fits me better than anything else I have tried.
 
I've had three t/d Widows. One was a PMA, the other two PSA's. I sold all three. I wouldn't mind owning one again, but I found that I shot aluminum riser/ILF bows more accurately. Not sure why, maybe it's my compound background. I'm finally old enough not to argue with myself.
Bowtie747 said:
I will say I can’t help but look at the Bear Takedown and Kodiak
Click to expand...

Had each of those as well. I still have a Kodiak. The thing to me is the long brace height. I like the string closer to the riser. I have short arms and I don't feel like I'm maximizing the draw.
 
I have a widow PCH with carbon limbs. Love it. The only thing would do differently next time is look more into G10 riser. And go lower pounds. Mine is 52 pounds at 28. Being honest. 45-48 lbs would be better for me with the right arrow set up. Cooling grip. 3 under tiller. Grey bark riser. About to order a PMA G10 with carbon limbs to have both ends of the take down spectrum. I tried their test drive program and it was great. Went through a PCH test bow and with their input on my likes and dislikes custom ordered a PCH. Full disclosure I was a compound guy and made full switch to traditional and still figuring out a lot each day. I do enjoy the bow and try to shoot at least a few arrows every day. 2 years in. This October will be 3.
 
TreeCreep said:
That is probably going to be my first custom purchase, a Widow with carbon limbs. My bow is 47#@ 29
I’d like to shoot a few of their one pieces but Timberghost and Stalker whisper to me as well.
Debating trading some guns for sticks but I have to tread carefully or the whole “ investment “ logic to the wife comes into question.
Click to expand...

Personally I would never trade guns for bows. You will go through a lot of bows in your trad journey. Keep the guns.
 
I am just the opposite of @Heydeerman, I sold 4 guns to fund the purchase of my Stalker. But other than a 22 for skwerls and my 870 for turkeys and ducks have no use for long guns. If you like to hunt with long guns though, I'd follow his advice and hang on to em.
 
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