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Centaur Chimera / Triple Carbon

The Centaur Chimera, specifically the Triple Carbon variant, stands out in the traditional bow market as a true hybrid longbow. It's a design that blurs the lines between a longbow's inherent stability and a recurve's speed, offering a compelling package for archers seeking a high-performance stick. Its carbon-laminated limbs are the heart of its performance, delivering an efficiency and smoothness that belies its traditional aesthetic. This isn't a bow for someone just dabbling; it's an investm

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Topic summary

The Centaur Chimera, specifically the Triple Carbon variant, stands out in the traditional bow market as a true hybrid longbow. It's a design that blurs the lines between a longbow's inherent stability and a recurve's speed, offering a compelling package for archers seeking a high-performance stick. Its carbon-laminated limbs are the heart of its performance, delivering an efficiency and smoothness that belies its traditional aesthetic. This isn't a bow for someone just dabbling; it's an investm

Key takeaways

  • Reflex-deflex hybrid longbow limb geometry
  • Triple structural carbon lamination back, core, and belly
  • Custom ergonomic grip options with aggressive stippling available
  • Dense phenolic and hardwood riser composite construction
  • Handcrafted individually by bowyer Jim Neaves
  • Virtually zero hand shock paired with an exceptionally quiet release

Intended uses

  • Traditional big-game hunting
  • Dense timber spot-and-stalk
  • Competitive traditional 3D archery
  • Custom bow connoisseurs

Verification notes

Evidence: expert reviewed. Last verified October 16, 2026.

Catalog photo
Real product photography — no AI-generated or placeholder imagery.

Editorial take

Jim Neaves has spent decades refining the hybrid longbow, and the Chimera Triple Carbon represents the apex of that work. Built for dedicated traditional bowhunters who want modern recurve velocity without giving up the dead-in-hand silence of a longbow, this is a purpose-built field weapon rather than a wall-hanger. It is tailored for archers who demand maximum kinetic energy, flatter trajectories, and consistent limb recovery when taking ethical shots in tight brush.

The heart of the build is its aggressive reflex-deflex profile reinforced by three distinct layers of structural carbon. This layup delivers remarkable torsional rigidity, resisting limb twist and forgiving minor string torquing on fast releases. The draw cycle remains smooth and linear without noticeable stacking, even past a 29-inch draw. At the shot, the bow transfers energy into the arrow with brutal efficiency, leaving almost zero vibration or residual buzz at the grip.

Thanks to dense phenolic riser options and robust core materials, the bow carries enough mass weight to settle steadily on target while remaining nimble for long pack-ins. It competes directly at the highest tier of custom traditional archery alongside heavyweights like Schafer Silvertip and Robertson Stykbow. While custom lead times and premium pricing require commitment, few bows match its combination of raw speed, silence, and rugged durability.

Best for

  • Traditional big-game hunting
  • Dense timber spot-and-stalk
  • Competitive traditional 3D archery
  • Custom bow connoisseurs

Not ideal for

  • Substantial custom build wait times from a single-artisan shop
  • Premium custom pricing places it out of reach for casual archers
  • Requires careful arrow spine tuning to maximize limb efficiency
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Verified specifications

Key features
  • Reflex-deflex hybrid longbow limb geometry
  • Triple structural carbon lamination back, core, and belly
  • Custom ergonomic grip options with aggressive stippling available
  • Dense phenolic and hardwood riser composite construction
  • Handcrafted individually by bowyer Jim Neaves

Warranty and repair information: contact Centaur Archery directly for the most current terms.

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Data sources & verification

  • Last verified: 10/16/2026