I originally asked about the Crusader lb, but have now switched (until I save up some money for another) to getting one of the recurves. I thought I had settled on the Raven, but then started looking at the TD Hunter II and the Firebird. Unfortunately, I cannot shoot these before buying them so I am relying on any users who might have experience owning and/or shooting these models. I am drawn to the size of the Raven, but if hte Hunter and Firebird are hat much "better", I might go that route and sacrifice a few inches.
Any and all info about the Raven, Hunter II and Firebird will be greatly appreciated.
I have not shot the Raven but I do have a 56" takedown hunter that is the best bow I have ever owned bar none.The 56" is smooth stable and fast.I have a firebird on the way (should get here today)Then I can compare the two.You cant go wrong with a checkmate for the money
Troy
Personally, I prefer the Hunter II (62" for me--near 32" draw on recurves) over the Firebird, but if you have a fairly long draw (up to 30" or so) and need a short bow for hunting in tight spots, the Firebird would be the one I reccomend, as it will handle a longer draw. If you draw 28" or so, the 58" Hunter II is the one I would go with.
I think the Hunter II is a bit more stable if you plan to compete (both from it being heavier {take-down} and by design), but if you need to go as short as possible for hunting, the Raven will work fine.
Hopefully I haven't completely confused you here!
Chad
Long Bows Rule!
__________________
"We can have no '50-50' allegiance in this country. Either a man is an American and nothing else, or he is not an American at all."-- Theodore Roosevelt
A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. Ecclesiasties 10:2
The last four letters in American..........I Can
The last four letters in Republican........I Can
The last four letters in Democrats.........Rats
I would go with the Hunter 2, a 58" hunter 2 will be a more versital bow in the long run because you can get different sets of limbs for it down the road. I had a raven and it was a really nice bow but the packability of the t/d combined with the versitility of different wieght and lenght limbs swayed me in that direction. Good luck.
I hate to confuse you more, but I own two CM's. One is a 62" Hunter ll,55lb @ 28",(three piece take-down) the other a 60" Falcon, 64lb @ 28", (one piece). I love 'em both, but I can buy two of the Falcons for the price of the Hunter ll, and the Hunter is a great bargain. That said, I think any Chek-Mate is a great buy, & you will probably love whichever CM you buy. Happy shopping!
I hate computers.......<img src=icon_smile_evil.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_angry.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_dissapprove.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_dead.gif border=0 align=middle>
Chad
Long Bows Rule!
__________________
"We can have no '50-50' allegiance in this country. Either a man is an American and nothing else, or he is not an American at all."-- Theodore Roosevelt
A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. Ecclesiasties 10:2
The last four letters in American..........I Can
The last four letters in Republican........I Can
The last four letters in Democrats.........Rats
I think that was Jason's needle that got stuck! You was the stuckee!! <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
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