#6 on this list
Howler Recurve Takedown
Robertson Stykbow
The Robertson Stykbow Howler Recurve Takedown caters to the dedicated bowhunter seeking a reliable, custom-built takedown recurve from a bowyer with decades of experience. From Montana, this bowyer has been crafting hunting bows for over forty years, and the Howler reflects that deep understanding of what works in the field. It's a favorite among elk and whitetail hunters for its practical design, solid performance, and quiet operation. Construction focuses on durability and a refined hunting geometry. Risers are crafted from stable woods, often with phenolic or Dymondwood accents, designed for comfortable handling and consistent shooting. The takedown design is robust and precise, ensuring accurate limb alignment every time. Customers go through a dedicated custom order process to specify draw weight, draw length, and riser wood choices, resulting in a bow that feels like an extension of the archer. While not flashy, the Howler offers a subtle elegance and unwavering performance where it counts. The main trade-offs are the custom lead times and the financial investment, but it's an investment in a proven hunting companion. **Highlights** * Decades of bowhunting experience informing design * Robust and precise takedown system * Proven performance for elk and whitetail hunting * Quiet and consistent shot delivery * Dedicated custom order process for tailored fit **Watch-outs** * Lead times can be substantial for custom builds * Aesthetic is more utilitarian than ornate * Requires a commitment to the custom ordering process
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#7 on this list
Killum and Wolverine FXT ACS
Kota Bows / Stalker Stickbows
The Kota Bows / Stalker Stickbows Killum and Wolverine FXT ACS are built for the archer who needs a compact, powerful, and utterly dependable hunting recurve. These 60-inch custom bows are designed to hit hard and perform consistently in dense woods, often set to a hunting-ideal draw weight of 47-48 pounds at a standard draw. They are no-nonsense, hard-working tools crafted for serious field use, prioritizing shot execution and maneuverability. Construction focuses on a rugged build, utilizing sturdy wood combinations in the risers and performance-oriented limb cores. The compact 60-inch length is a key feature, making them easier to handle in tight cover or from a treestand, without sacrificing stability or cast. While specific aesthetics can be customized with various wood choices, the primary emphasis is on functional performance. These bows offer a smooth draw and a solid, quiet shot, which are critical attributes for a hunting recurve. The main trade-offs are the specialized nature of these bows, often optimized for specific hunting scenarios, and the custom build lead times. **Highlights** * Compact 60-inch length for maneuverability * Optimized for hunting performance * Hard-hitting and consistent shot delivery * Rugged construction for field durability * Smooth draw and quiet operation **Watch-outs** * Specialized length may not suit all draw lengths or preferences * Lead times for custom builds * Focus on utility over elaborate aesthetics
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Howler Recurve Takedown | Killum and Wolverine FXT ACS |
|---|---|---|
| Bow Type | Takedown Recurve | Custom Hunting Recurve |
| Maker | Robertson Stykbow (Dick Robertson) | — |
| Origin | Montana, USA | — |
| Specialty | Hunting Bow | — |
| Customization | Draw Weight, Draw Length, Riser Woods, Grip | — |
| Experience | 40+ years bowyer experience | — |
| Bowyer | — | Kota Bows / Stalker Stickbows |
| Models | — | Killum, Wolverine FXT ACS |
| Nominal Length | — | 60 inches |
| Draw Weight | — | Custom to draw length |
| Primary Use | — | Bowhunting |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Howler Recurve Takedown
- Decades of proven design for serious hunting applications
- Exceptional quietness and smooth draw cycle
- Robust and precise takedown system for consistent accuracy
- Fully customizable to archer's physical specs and preferences
- High resale value due to craftsmanship and reputation
- Substantial lead times due to custom, handcrafted nature
- Aesthetic is functional; less ornate than some custom bows
- Requires a financial commitment reflective of custom quality
Killum and Wolverine FXT ACS
- Extremely compact and maneuverable 60-inch length
- Rugged build quality for demanding field use
- Excellent energy transfer and quiet shot for hunting
- Custom draw weight and aesthetics ensure perfect fit
- Proven track record among serious bowhunters
- Specialized length may not suit very long draw lengths
- Lead times for custom builds can be extensive
- Focus is on utility, not elaborate aesthetics
- Not ideal for target archery stability
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