buying a recurve bow part 2 – which riser · 2015-11-28 · the “view from the shed” 29 th...

The “View from the Shed”

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Sept 2014 The “View from the Shed” 009 Buying a Bow – Which Riser ?

Buying a Recurve Bow

Part 2 – Which Riser ?

Buying a Riser

Before I run through buying a riser I would just like to say that if you choose wisely and take care of it your riser will last a very long time. My riser is 8 years old and there are a number of older ones within the club. Remember it is not all about how pretty it looks, but all about how it feels in the hand.

If you are buying your first Riser take the time to go to one of the archery shops and get your hands on as many as possible. With a riser feel is everything. It needs to feel right, I can’t put it into words exactly what that means, however believe me when I say that when you pick up the right riser with the right grip you will know.


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Most of you will have been shooting for a while when you buy your first riser and the first thing you will note is that they are heavier than training bows, unfortunately unless you can afford the latest in carbon fibre technology what is a fact of life. It does have an upside the heavier riser / bow is much more stable when drawn, especially in windy conditions. Equipment from the major archery shops is a little more expensive, but touching and holding an item is worth the extra money you will pay. Before going to the shop make sure you have all the details such as draw length, current draw weight, size of bow and which size risers and limbs you are interested in. Make sure the shop has an indoor range, check the opening times, it may seem to be an odd thing to say but archery shops often have strange opening days and times.

Avoid lunchtimes, Friday afternoons and the weekends. That way you will not feel rushed and can take your time. Make sure you have lots of time. When you purchase your riser and limbs try, if at all possible, to buy them at the same time. Always ask politely if you can shoot the equipment you are interested in. Every combination of riser and limbs is slightly different so try them. As the book says “Become one with the Bow”. Listen to the staff in the shop as in nearly every case they will be archers themselves and have a wealth of experience kitting people out with bows. Remember when using their range all the same rules and etiquette apply as we use at the club, if in doubt ask. Remember you are an ambassador for the club. They will no-doubt ask at some point which club you shoot for. When I go to Apps Court (shown above) I often go mid-morning try the kit I want to buy then take a break for a pub lunch (No beer) returning in the afternoon to make my purchase, this gives me time to think about what I am buying away from the shop over lunch.

Quicks Archery Centre at Apps Court

near Walton on Thames

Quicks Indoor Range at Apps Court

near Walton on Thames


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Limb fittings. Not every limb will fit every Riser. There are three main types of fitting, unless you buy a bespoke bow with bespoke limbs. These types are:

1. The “Training Bow” type fitting. In this type of riser the limb is held in position by a limb pocket in which the limb sits, a bolt then screws into the riser though a hole in the limb.

2. The “ILF” (International Limb Fitting) style fitting. (Sometimes referred to as HDS [Hoyt Dovetail System] This fitting was designed by Hoyt and appeared in 1982 on their Gold Medallist riser. Since then it has been adopted by most major recurve bow manufacturers. It relies on a tapered post fitted into the limb which slides into a dovetail rebate in the riser limb pocket. A spring within the post forces a detent pin into a depression in the riser for a "click" fit. What this means to you the archer? Well if you own an ILF riser there are dozens of limbs to choose from not just those made by the Riser maker? However I do urge some caution, remember to check the riser and limbs are compatible before you part with your money.


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3. In 2010, Hoyt started introducing risers, branded as 'Formula'. These risers do not accept international fitting limbs. Hoyt have licensed the Formula fitting – and because of the extortionate royalties so far no other manufacturer has produced limbs with this fitting. This might have been acceptable if the Formula limbs matched the prices of other limbs, but again they far outweighed the other manufacturers on cost.

The “Formula” limb relies on a tapered post fitted into the limb which slides into a dovetail rebate in the riser limb pocket. The pivot point of these limbs is farther along the limb at the where a spring within the post forces a detent pin into a slot in the riser extension arm and clicks into place.

Do not fit ILF limbs on to a “Formula Riser” and draw the bow because the pivot point is farther away the limbs and the limbs will be damaged or destroyed.

Work out your budget Remember if you are buying for the first time you will need the following in order to actually shoot your new bow:

• A Riser

• A pair of Limbs

• A string

• A sight (often forgotten!)

• An arrow rest You probably aren't going to be able to buy all of the above for less than £350, even if you buy second hand. So if Santa has specified that you only get £200 to spend, then consider putting some of your own money into it Your budget is your ultimate constraint when buying equipment, and so it's best to plan your purchase carefully. Never spend more than you can afford – those of you at university WILL starve towards the latter half of the next academic term if you use your student grant to buy equipment. For the lucky few for whom money is not an issue, you should still plan your purchases carefully. If you like shooting competitions and want to win things, you might find yourself spending a bit more. Unfortunately, this is true of most sports. The quality of the equipment will certainly, to a


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degree, improve your scores. If you shoot for the fun of shooting - there is less pressure to spend a lot of money.

This is where you really want to be careful. You'll generally find that a good riser will last a lifetime. As a result, it is prudent recommendation that you start with best riser you can afford - rather than buying a cheap one and upgrading later (however, these are only guidelines).

I am not going to be drawn into the arguments concerning the Hoyt “formula system” verses ILF as it is unlikely that your first bow will be a “Formula bow” mainly due to the cost. I will for completeness review the Formula risers later in this dispatch. My personal view is that if you want value for money and choice, then the ILF system is the only option but in the end the choice is yours.

Budget for Riser and Limbs : £50 - £100

If your intention is purely to shoot for fun, as a past time, and you are not really intending to take the sport too seriously then buying what are referred to as a “training or club bows” like those used at the club is your safest bet. You will be familiar with how these are put together and how they will perform.

We currently use two types. The older risers are called “Wooden Entry level” risers and are made of wood laminate. These are robust and will last for ever if cared for. The newer type is the “Rolan” composite bows these are a moulded plastic riser. These bows are normally purchased as kits and come with limbs. The limbs can be replaced with a good choice of draw weights available should you wish to shoot farther.

One of the advantages of this type of bow package is they come with limbs and often a handful of promotional extras like arrow rests, strings and, occasionally buttons. Of course these extras are not of the best quality, but if you are on a tight budget every little helps.

“Wooden Entry level Kit” including

riser & limbs cost from £63

“Rolan Riser Kit” including riser & limbs cost from £70


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These bows are capable of reaching a target set at 60yds, but are difficult to tune having very little in the way of adjustment. I did find a small review on YouTube for the Rolan, but alas nothing for the Wooden bows.

Bow review of the Rolan www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNl6OzIHc9k

Budget for Riser : £100 - £150 Infitec Challenger (ILF) - £99 is very very similar to the old Cartel Fantom which had its share of knockers, but all of the flaws and issues have been addressed during this redesign according to a number of websites. It is aluminium and only available in 25” left or right handed version. Weighing in at 1180g it comes fitted with a rubberised grip and in seven colours. This is the cheapest budget riser I could find on general sale. Mybo Rio Supercast (ILF) –£129. This is a new riser that has had some good reviews in this price range. It main selling feature is that it is light, weighing in at 960g for the 23” & 1020g for the 25” riser, and made from magnesium which is 33% lighter than aluminium. The magnesium also helps with reducing vibration because of its metallic structure. The riser comes fitted with a soft rubberised grip and is powered coated; with tough clear gloss finish (I forgot to mention lots of pretty colours!! ) with LH and RH fitting in 23” and 25”


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Sebastien Flute Premium Plus - (ILF) –£118 This, again, is up rated version of an earlier riser that has had some good reviews in this price range. We have a number of these within the club, trace one down and ask the archer that owns it what he / she thinks. SF make a good reliable range of risers this being the cheapest. Only available in 25” but both left and right handed it weigh in at 1200g. Riser review for the Premium https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qvOpmtLuik

Budget for Riser : £150 - £250 Sebastien Flute SF Forged Plus - (ILF) - £175 This is Sebastien Flutes flagship riser (But made by Win &Win). It isn't the best quality you can buy - but don't let that fool you. It represents one of the longest standing best value risers available to archers since 2005. Available in both left and right handed for the 25” (1120g) but only RH for the 23” (1020g). Easy adjustment for tuning. Comes in a nice hardwearing anodised finish. Riser Review for the SF Forged Plus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epKU6zS1u7Y

Formula Excel- (Formula NOT ILF) - £180 This is the entry level of the Hoyt Formula style risers, it is a precision machined aluminium riser what weighs in at 1043g.

The Formula style bows are being used by archers who have always chosen Hoyt equipment, but the lack of limbs choices, and the cost of those limbs, is not convincing archers to swop to Hoyt.

Their build quality is very high indeed and the riser feels balanced and sturdy. They are available only in 25”, but in both left and right handed versions. They are nice to tune and we have at least one in the club.

Riser review for the Formula Excel http://youtu.be/kMjTErQXW_w


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Win & Win Rapido Riser - (ILF) - £220 This is the cheapest Win & Win Riser and is made from carbon with metal fittings and is therefore at the lighter end of the scale at 1100g available for LH & RH archers in six colours. Good limb adjustment for to help with tuning. Not many reviews for this one yet but equally no-one on the blogs is shouting that its rubbish. I would make just one comment the riser has only one cut out section and therefore may be susceptible to side winds when they blow against the large flattish side area. This issue could then be magnified by the lack of weight in the riser construction

Spiggarelli Spiga Revolution – (ILF) £220 Spiggarelli are an Italian company and they are one of the few manufacturers that consistently come up with products that push the boundaries, from one of the first CNC handles, to magnetic rests and clickers, tabs and much more. Their current offering looks like no other riser on the market being made from 3 metal bars joined by a number of bolts. But don’t let that fool you as this is a top quality piece of kit. The ILF limb pockets are fully adjustable for limb alignment, tiller and draw weight. Each riser is supplied with a zero tolerance rest & Wood grip

As with all Spiggarelli equipment this is a well-made riser if unconventional. The biggest issue people have with it is the price!! It’s considered too cheap to be on a par with Hoyt and Win & Win.

This is a good riser and those archers shooting it can't help feeling that they have beaten the system.

Note : CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control in English that means a computer controls the cutting machine that cut the riser from , giving ultra-high tolerances and precision.


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Budget for Riser : £250 - £450 Our wander through the catalogues and websites starts to move into the medium to high end risers and therefore every bow is fully adjustable, come in left and right handed version and in both 25”, 23” and some even in 27” sizes and all the colours of the rainbow. So from now on really it is all about how much money you are prepared to pay and what shape and colour will tempt you. So in this section I am only going to give bow name, price, type of limb, weight and a picture

Name : Spiggarelli Vision Price: £300 Limb Type: ILF Weight : 1133g @25” Makers video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtnwyR_IWlQ

Name : Win & Win Winex Price: £305 Limb Type: ILF Weight : 1280g @25” Riser review for the Winex https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUEMTb3tbmA


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Name : Kaya K7 carbon Price: £330 Limb Type: ILF

Weight : 1200g @25”

Sorry I couldn’t find a You Tube review for this bow

Name : Fiber bow 6.3 Price: £435 Limb Type: ILF Weight : 630g @25” The 6.3 riser is constructed from multiple layers of carbon fibre pre-impregnated and moulded in an autoclave. The lightest bow currently on the market Riser review for the Fiber bow 6.3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqYQyADmkCE


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Name : Hoyt GMX (Gold Medallist) Price: £450 Limb Type: ILF Weight : 1304g @25” This riser is to be discontinued in 2015 so some bargains may be had if you keep your eyes open. A number of club members shoot this bow if you want to ask additional questions Riser review for the Hoyt GMX http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gFhgzmrfW8

Budget for Riser : £450 – to an obscene amount At this point I would add a small note of caution: Risers at this level are perfect precision instruments and it is very unlikely that you will ever shoot well to enough to outperform your bow. Or put another way! Why buy car “A” when you know in your heart you are never going to drive it to its full potential, and you would be better buying car “B” and getting an I love archery sticker for the back bumper!!!

Car “A” Car “B”


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Name : Hoyt Formula RX riser Price: £480 Limb Type: Formula not ILF Weight : 1250g @25” Riser review for the Hoyt Formula RX At the heart of the Formula System is the Formula RX riser. With its new

Paralever stress-managing limb mounting system, improved perimeter mass,

enhanced hardlock alignment module and multiple grip options, the Formula RX

shatters the barriers of previous design to generate an ideal platform for the

swiftest, smoothest, most dynamically accurate recurve limbs ever. It’s also one of

the most durable and precise risers ever made.

Hoyt Formula RX risers accept Hoyt Formula limbs only. They will not accept any other limb.

Name : Win Inno CXT Price: £485 – 520 Limb Type: ILF Weight : 1250g @25” Carbon fibre riser Riser review for the Win Inno CXT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MnKrqtQdX8 At least one club member shoots this bow if you want to ask additional questions track him down


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Name : Win Inno Max Price: £520 Limb Type: ILF Weight : 1300g @25” Carbon fibre riser Riser review for the Win Inno CXT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr3t4aLut0I Inno Max is designed to minimize torque in drawing. The multi-axial carbon pattern applied on the riser prevents twisting and reduces any unnecessary movement at the moment of release. This special carbon pattern makes the riser absorb the vibration and shock quickly.

Name : Bernardini Aladin Price: £663 -720 Limb Type: ILF Weight : 1300g @25” Sorry I couldn’t find a You Tube review for this bow


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Second Hand Risers At the end of summer most of you bought new arrows and during that process we warned you about not buying arrows from E-bay because you could not be sure of the history of the arrows and whether they had been miss treated. Well this is not quite the same for Risers Modern risers are mostly made of aluminium, magnesium or carbon fibre and all of these materials are relatively soft and easily damaged if mistreated, so any damage stands out a mile! So I offer these words of advice if you intend to look “on line”, make sure the riser is undamaged (if the description doesn’t say ask?) make sure the pictures are of the item you are buying and not “stock photos”. Look very hard at each picture for any bents or scratches. Risers do get scratched but be sure it’s only superficial. Make sure it is the correct hand (right or left) for you. Is it the right size, Do your research, use the internet to find out how old the riser style is, check what the going rate for one is, by looking for other used risers that are for sale. Look at blog sites see what other archers have said about the riser and its good and bad points. And finally talk to the senior archers, ask for advice. Send me the link so I can have a look and if at any time you are unhappy step back and don’t bid. Don’t take a chance another riser will come along. The second hand market is always flooded after Christmas when people with new bows want to recoup some money from their old kit. Remember “Do not buy Arrows or Limbs in this way”!!!! You should now continue by reading “VFTS 010 Buying a bow - Which Limbs?” Shoot well & stay warm Ian E Bowyer

buying a recurve bow part 2 – which riser · 2015-11-28 · the “view from the shed” 29 th...

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