#9 on this list
Silvertip Takedown
Schafer Bows
The Schafer Bows Silvertip Takedown is an heirloom choice, designed for the bowhunter who values timeless beauty, exceptional craftsmanship, and proven hunting performance that can be passed down through generations. This custom takedown recurve is lauded for its exquisite finish, smooth draw, and excellent shootability, earning it a loyal following among traditional bowhunters who appreciate classic design and meticulous attention to detail. Construction is characterized by stunning wood combinations, often featuring striking riser woods paired with finely crafted limbs. The fit and finish are exceptional, with a level of refinement that stands out even among other high-end custom bows. Each Silvertip is built to order, allowing the customer to specify draw weight, draw length, and aesthetic preferences, ensuring a truly personalized bow. The takedown design makes it practical for transport, while the precision of the limb pockets maintains superb alignment. The main trade-offs are the significant investment and the extended lead times, but the Silvertip's reputation for longevity and its status as a highly desirable piece of archery history make it a worthwhile commitment. **Highlights** * Heirloom quality and exquisite finish * Stunning wood combinations and craftsmanship * Smooth drawing and highly shootable * Proven performance for hunting applications * Precise takedown system for consistent alignment **Watch-outs** * High-end price point * Extended lead times for custom orders * May require more careful handling due to fine finish
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#10 on this list
Covert Hunter with HEX/CV Limbs
Border Archery
The Border Archery Covert Hunter with HEX/CV Limbs is the pick for the archer whose top priority is maximum performance and speed, without compromise. Hailing from Scotland, Border Archery has pioneered advanced limb technology, and their HEX and CV carbon limbs are renowned for delivering exceptional cast, a smooth draw, and minimal hand shock. This custom takedown recurve is engineered for efficiency and speed, often appealing to competitive shooters and hunters who demand every last foot per second. Construction centers around a meticulously machined riser, often with adjustable limb pockets for fine-tuning tiller and alignment, paired with their proprietary high-performance carbon limbs. The HEX and CV limb profiles are complex, designed to store energy efficiently and release it with incredible smoothness, resisting stacking even at longer draw lengths. Customization includes riser length, limb configuration, and specific draw weight. The trade-offs include a higher price tag due to the advanced materials and engineering, and lead times for these specialized components can be longer. The aesthetic is often more modern and technical than traditional wood bows, which might not appeal to all, but the performance is undeniably top-tier. **Highlights** * Maximum performance and arrow speed * Advanced HEX/CV carbon limb technology * Smooth draw and minimal hand shock * Machined riser with adjustable features * Exceptional energy efficiency and cast **Watch-outs** * Highest price point on this list * Modern, technical aesthetic may not suit all tastes * Lead times can be substantial for specialized limbs * Tuning can be more sensitive due to high performance
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Silvertip Takedown | Covert Hunter with HEX/CV Limbs |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Takedown Recurve | Takedown Recurve |
| Construction | Custom Wood Riser & Laminated Limbs | — |
| Personalization | Draw weight, length, grip, wood choice | — |
| Resale Value | High | — |
| Category | Heirloom Quality Bow | — |
| Maker | — | Border Archery |
| Key Feature | — | HEX/CV Limb Technology |
| Focus | — | Maximum Performance & Speed |
| Origin | — | Scotland |
| Aesthetic | — | Modern, Technical |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Silvertip Takedown
- Heirloom quality and exceptional craftsmanship
- Superb shooting characteristics: smooth draw, stable, quiet
- Highly customizable to individual archer's specs
- Excellent resale value and desirability
- Classic aesthetics and stunning wood combinations
- Significant lead times for custom orders
- High investment, not for budget-conscious buyers
- Fine finish requires careful handling in the field
Covert Hunter with HEX/CV Limbs
- Unmatched arrow speed and energy efficiency
- Exceptionally smooth draw cycle with minimal stacking
- Superb accuracy and consistent shot placement
- Minimal hand shock for a high-performance bow
- Highly customizable to individual archer's needs
- High price point due to advanced materials and engineering
- Modern, technical aesthetic not suitable for all tastes
- Longer lead times for specialized limbs and custom work
- Can be more sensitive to tuning adjustments
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.