I have a terrible problem...I have started to think about several models from the Check-mate line and can't afford them all. I need to make the choice between the Raven, TD Hunter 56 and TD Hunter II. I really like the size of the Raven, and at my 28" draw finger pinch shouldn't be a problem. Wondering about the performance of the above mentioned...any info appreciated.

Thanks again...sorry for being annoying with all the Check-mate questions...I hate making decisions...

Brian

I have a Check-Mate Hunter. I have a 62" model with two sets of limbs, 45#-55#. I prefer the longer bows because of the smoothness of the draw. I've owned 56' and 58" bows and although finger pinch isn't a problem at my 28" draw, I find the shorter bows less stable and less consistent. (through the chrono) I do have a little more problems shooting out of a treestand but nothing that really bothers me. The Hunter II is also a great bow although a bit slower. (3-4fps) Not much to worry about in my book.
Hope I haven't confussed you more. Bows come in all shapes and sizes. Try and shoot as many bows as you can get your hands on. It seems that everybody likes something different.
Dick

I'm for the longer bows too. Smooth and stable are much more important to me that a little more speed with the shorter limb. Most would consider my 66" Crusader too long for my shortish 28" draw, but I like how it pulls and it's a sweet shooter for me. Don't have any problems shooting it in thick stuff either.

Make em sharp and shoot em straight, or leave em home.

Hi bjk I personally love the shorter bows.My 56" hunter shoots right where I look no questions asked no doubts in my mind.I recently acquired another 56" bow ( a chackmate firebird ) that is also quite nice.Only you can decide what feels best for you.My pot of gold may be your piece of trash and vice versa! Any checkmate you go with will be a win win situation though

SHOOT STRAIGHT

I was talking to the bowyer last night, and I asked him what he thought. He said the Raven would most likely be the fastest of the threee, but not by a lot, and a 58" Hunter II the easiest to shoot (most forgiving). He reccomended the Hunter II.

Chad

Long Bows Rule!

About the Hunter versus Hunter II...

I've shot both, Dick's shot both. I prefer the Hunter II, Dick prefers the Hunter. One of these days I'm going to hang my bow next to his on the rack and see if they fight to the death.

JRW

I have a Firebird T/D 56" and really like it. I draw 28" and the short length of the bow is not a problem. It's very smooth drawing and fast. I hate to do it, but I just listed it in the classifieds. I need the money and now I make my own take-down bows I decided it was one that had to go. But I would definitely own another Chek-Mate and I have been really considering trying one of their longbows.

Jason,
You forget! You have a 32" draw. Mine is only 28.5" The Hunter II is a much better design for a long draw shooter. And by the way......




"My Bow can beat up your bow!"
Dick
PS. Why am I posting that? I must be entering my second childhood. Oh Boy!~ More toys!

bjk - I own a 52&quot; Raven and draw 29&quot;. Its short length and great performance are what sold me. However, the other guys have very valid points. It is much more sensitive to form than a longer bow. I'm not sure what I'm going to do next as I like the one-piece bows, but I'm anxious to try the Hunter II and Hunter. I spent some time with the 56&quot; Firebird and have to say it seemed more stable than the Raven. Not trying to detract from the Raven, but its ultra-light weight and lack of mass are a consideration. I thought it was worth the tradeoff since I am a tree stand guy who hunts an area of dense timber. If Chek-mate can give me a 56&quot; or 58&quot; one piece Hunter II style bow, I wouldn't hesitate to order one sight unseen. Like you, I wish I could afford one of each. <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

True Position,
Chek-Mate makes the Atilla one piece recurve in 56&quot; and 58&quot;. Sounds like just what you wished for. And like all C-M's it's a great value for the asking price.

Darrel