#5 on this list
TD Recurve
Tall Tines Traditional Archery
The Tall Tines Traditional Archery TD Recurve is for the archer who appreciates a bespoke bow crafted with an eye for natural beauty and robust performance. This Kansas-based boutique shop has earned a reputation for incorporating stunning exotic woods into their designs, creating bows that are as much works of art as they are functional tools. The TD Recurve offers a versatile takedown platform, making it practical for travel and storage while maintaining the feel of a custom, handcrafted bow. Construction emphasizes the natural grain and coloration of premium woods, often with intricate laminations and overlays that showcase the bowyer's skill. Beyond aesthetics, these bows are built for serious shooting, offering a smooth draw cycle, stability, and good cast. Tall Tines provides clear, published options for customization, from riser woods to limb veneers, and operates with a transparent deposit system. The trade-off is the wait for a truly custom piece and the investment in such a unique item, but the result is a bow with exceptional character and proven field performance. **Highlights** * Exquisite use of exotic woods and laminations * Clear and published customization options * Smooth draw and stable shooting platform * Takedown design for portability * Strong visual appeal and craftsmanship **Watch-outs** * Boutique production means longer lead times * Higher price point reflecting premium materials and craftsmanship * Wood selections may be subject to availability
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#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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Specs side by side
| Spec | TD Recurve | Howler Recurve Takedown |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Tall Tines Traditional Archery | Robertson Stykbow (Dick Robertson) |
| Bow Type | Takedown Recurve | Takedown Recurve |
| Customization | Draw Weight, Length, Woods, Grip, Veneers | Draw Weight, Draw Length, Riser Woods, Grip |
| Key Feature | Exotic Wood Craftsmanship, Smooth Draw | — |
| Origin | Kansas, USA | Montana, USA |
| Specialty | — | Hunting Bow |
| Experience | — | 40+ years bowyer experience |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
TD Recurve
- Exceptional craftsmanship and visual appeal with exotic woods
- Smooth, consistent draw cycle and stable shooting platform
- Tailored to your specific draw weight and length
- Takedown design offers practicality for transport and storage
- Strong resale value due to reputation and quality
- Significant lead times (several months to a year) for custom orders
- Higher initial investment due to premium materials and labor
- Wood selections and options subject to material availability
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
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.