#9 on this list
SR Swift One Piece Recurve
Great Plains Traditional Bow Co.
The Great Plains Traditional Bow Co. SR Swift One Piece Recurve is the shorter, speed-oriented sibling to their B-Model. At 58 inches, this bow is tailored for archers who prioritize maneuverability in dense hunting environments and appreciate a quicker shot. It's an excellent choice for treestand or ground blind hunters, or anyone navigating thick cover where a compact bow is a distinct advantage. The SR Swift stands out with its offset center-shot window, a design feature aimed at enhancing tuneability and arrow flight for greater precision. Despite its shorter length, the SR Swift is engineered to deliver a smooth draw for its class, though those with very long draws (over 29 inches) may still experience some degree of stack. The offset window allows for a more forgiving setup and better arrow clearance, contributing to its speed and accuracy. Great Plains maintains its reputation for robust construction, ensuring this compact hunter is built to last. It’s quick off the string and, like all good one-piece recurves, inherently quiet. As with other custom or semi-custom builders, checking current lead times and order status directly with Great Plains is essential. This bow is a strong contender for archers seeking a nimble, fast, and accurate one-piece recurve. **Highlights** * Compact 58-inch length for superior maneuverability in tight spaces. * Speed-oriented design with good cast for its draw weight. * Offset center-shot window aids in tuneability and arrow flight. * Robust construction, typical of Great Plains Traditional Bow Co. * Well-suited for treestand hunting or dense brush. **Watch-outs** * Shorter length may lead to finger pinch or stack for long draw lengths. * Requires confirmation of current order status and lead times with the shop. * Focus on performance means aesthetics are functional rather than ornate.
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#10 on this list
Elite VL One-Piece
Blacktail Bow Company
The Blacktail Bow Company Elite VL One-Piece represents the zenith of custom recurve bows, a collector and hunter favorite known for its exquisite craftsmanship and tailored performance. This high-end one-piece is for the archer who demands nothing but the best, seeking a truly bespoke hunting instrument built precisely to their draw length and aesthetic preferences. Blacktail's reputation for combining stunning exotic wood risers with high-performance bamboo-core limbs is well-earned, creating bows that are both art and incredibly effective tools. Each Elite VL is meticulously hand-built, resulting in a bow that is incredibly smooth on the draw, remarkably stable, and exceptionally quick. The bamboo-core limbs contribute to a lively, efficient cast and superb vibration dampening, leading to an incredibly quiet shot. The footed exotic wood risers are not just beautiful but also contribute to the bow's mass weight and balance, promoting consistent accuracy. Being a custom build, the fit and finish are second to none. The trade-offs are significant: a substantial price tag reflecting the premium materials and bespoke labor, and a considerable lead time, often stretching into many months. But for those who make the investment, a Blacktail is a lifetime bow, often passed down through generations. **Highlights** * Ultimate custom craftsmanship with exquisite exotic wood risers. * High-performance bamboo-core limbs for speed and smooth draw. * Built precisely to the archer's draw length for optimal performance. * Exceptional stability, quietness, and accuracy. * Heirloom quality and finish, a true collector's item and hunting tool. **Watch-outs** * Very high price point, one of the most expensive options on the market. * Significant lead time due to the custom, hand-built nature. * Not suitable for those on a budget or needing a bow quickly. * Once built, draw weight and length are fixed.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | SR Swift One Piece Recurve | Elite VL One-Piece |
|---|---|---|
| Bow Length | 58 inches | — |
| Bow Type | One-Piece Recurve | One-Piece Recurve |
| Target Use | Hunting, Stump Shooting | — |
| Key Feature | Offset Center-Shot Window | — |
| Manufacturer | Great Plains Traditional Bow Co. | — |
| Speed Focus | High Cast | — |
| Construction | — | Custom Hand-Built |
| Riser Material | — | Exotic Footed Wood |
| Limb Core | — | Bamboo |
| Target User | — | Discriminating Hunter/Collector |
| Lead Time | — | Months (Variable) |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
SR Swift One Piece Recurve
- Exceptional maneuverability in tight hunting situations
- Fast cast and good arrow speed for its class
- Offset center-shot window aids in tuning and arrow flight
- Robust, field-tested construction for longevity
- Inherently quiet shot due to one-piece design
- Shorter length may lead to finger pinch/stack for long draws (>29 inches)
- Travel can be cumbersome due to one-piece construction
- Lead times for custom orders can vary
- Not suited for limb weight changes
Elite VL One-Piece
- Unmatched custom fit and tailored performance
- Exceptional quietness and smooth draw cycle
- Superb stability and consistent accuracy
- Heirloom quality craftsmanship and stunning aesthetics
- Excellent vibration dampening and minimal hand shock
- Very high price point, significant investment
- Long lead times due to custom, hand-built nature
- Fixed draw weight and length; no adjustability
- Harder to travel with than takedown bows
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