Riser: Which Riser

[AndrewK]

I have just got into the sport and have completed a beginners course, and I think I have the archery bug. Unfortunately my local club does not hire equipment out, so if I want to continue I have to go and purchase my own.

I was looking through the brochure of a local archery shop and was looking at getting a complete package, may save a little money.

From the package I have seen two which I like and can afford, and they seem to be the same, part from the riser. The risers in question are the KAP Winstar II or the Samick Mizar.

Just wondering what people had to say about them.

Thanks

[JeremyClifford]

I shoot a KAP Winstar II, bought cheap limbs at first then updated them an dmy arrows, been shooting quite happily for 3 years in a more or less straight line.

[DHBowman]

I would say the KAP Winstar II, good weight well made for the money, but I would try them both out, to see how they 'feel' to shoot. Archery is subjective its all down to how a set-up works for you.

Oh and welcome to archery you have chosen a fine sport full of friendly helpful people.

James

[AndrewK]

I was going to go down to the shop and try both but thought i would get peoples initial thoughts.

[LunkShooter]

The Mizar is 23" only

[Big Dave]

Originally Posted by LunkShooter

The Mizar is 23" only

23" is ok if you are of small build.

My otherhalf shoots one of these it has a nice shape grip, a vibration damping system in the limb pockets and the limb alignment system can be adjusted with the bow strung which make life Soooo much easier when tuning the bow. and if you are worried about chipping the paint just cover it with some of 3M anti chip film that they use on cars.

[Amateur Barbarian]

The Winstorm II is an excellent riser. My wife has one and has shot it both barebow and with a sight. If you are looking for an alternative to the Mizer at 25" try the Samick Agulla. It cost about the same as the Mizer and usually less than the Winstorm II. I agree with the comment to start with low cost limbs. I have seen folks shoot KAP T-REX limbs in competitions. They are low cost and easily upgraded (from a cost perspective) as you build strength and form. My wife also has a pair.

Most important is to buy inexpensive light limbs--they are easier to learn on. You see a lot of 40+ limbs for sale on the various archery forums. My son was progressing very well in Archery until he upgraded from 32 to 40 lbs limbs (31" draw length). His form has never been the same. There is the sense in the beginning that high draw weight is necessary. Quite the contrary, maintaining form for 144 arrows with a high draw weight is very difficult.

[AndrewK]

I was also looking at the Agulla, but the Winstar II and the Mizar were the front runners.

I was told to send the money on the rise and look at cheap limbs, which was the aim.

[Jethro]

I have used the Winstar 11 riser for the last 2 years and got to 1st class. I have just upgraded to a fiberbow. The Winstar riser is a great riser for a starter and it is lighter than some of the more expensive risers.

[Amateur Barbarian]

Originally Posted by AndrewK

I was also looking at the Agulla, but the Winstar II and the Mizar were the front runners.

I was told to send the money on the rise and look at cheap limbs, which was the aim.

If you have narrowed it down to those two then you are choosing between a 25" and 23" riser. Your choice will also affect the length limbs that you buy. To provide better input it is necessary to know your draw length and/or your height. This will help determine whether you need a 66, 68 or 70 inch bow and what riser/limb size combination is necessary.

[Bald Eagle]

Andrew, where in N. Yorks are you?

[AndrewK]

Live near Skipton, you?

[ozzy9039]

I would vote for the Winstar II, but I am a bit partial due to the fact that I shoot one. When I bought my recurve setup I asked some of these same questions and some you will be asking soon as well I bought the Winstar with a pair of Samick Athlete Carbon Foam Limbs after a lot of research and questions. I did not have the real advantage of "Trying" first due to mainly compound shooters and shops here, but I am very pleased with the decision. The grip on the Winstar has really helped with improving my bow grip (or lack there of I should say ). I think I will want to take that grip with me whenever I change risers, but that will be a while. Welcome to the wonderful world of Archery! Have Fun & be prepared to be addicted!

[AndrewK]

Thanks for the comments ozzy.

I am already addicted to it, just need the money to get more involved with it, as local club don't hire equipment, so need to buy my own.

[DaveA]

Have you thought about renting from elsewhere ? I've just finished my beginners course and had the same problem - but I have rented a bow from Steve Hallard at Stylist Bows (stylist-bows .com).

It's only £42 per 3 months, and he'll knock the rent off a purchase if you decide to buy in the first year. For me the biggest benefit is you can swap limbs at any time during the rental while you build up your draw weight.