Bow Presses

[dave the dog]

Guys,
i'm looking to invest in a bow press, was thinking of a bench mounted type rather than a portable one.
Anyone have any suggestions, the only 2 that i seem to be able to find are the apple and the sure loc, both seem to be about the same price, with the sure loc looking the better press.
Does anyone have either of these or any other suggestions for another make that is easily available, or even better where i can get a good deal on one?
thanks.

[Rik]

Hmmm. A quick look around shows bow presses from about £150 upwards...
Bowsports has 2 Apples (£150, £280) and a Sure-loc (£460!).
Merlin stocks the higher priced Apple (£298)
CBA stocks both Apples (£150 and £260)
As does Aardvark (POA)
Alternative stocks an (apparently) even more expensive Apple - no picture to compare models (£390) and a Spigarelli (£220)
Quicks stocks the Sure-loc (£395)

For comparison, Lancaster stocks a range of Apples ($280ish up to $490) and the Sure-loc ($550), which makes the Apples look like a good deal and the Sure-loc expensive over here...

[Watch_Man]

I've got the Ratchet-Loc ($89.99) and RAM Bow Holder ($26.99) I got them from Lancaster Archery. I think it is a very good value solution and better than the other portable presses I have seen. The RAM fits to a bench and uses the thread for the long rod to lock it into place. You can use the Ratchet-Loc independently.

I recently lent it to a friend who had been using the Bowmaster and he said he would never use the bowmaster again after using the ratchet-loc

[pyroarch57]

Dont forget though Dave, some of those aren`t able to press the new parallel limbed bows.

[OpaNL]

You could also build your own, or at least have it built..
Here is a pdf file with a description of mine:

http://www.xs4all.nl/~pdj/bp/Bowpress%20Opa.pdf

Cost were about 100 euro, made in stainless steel.



Opa

[Quadratus]

I have used the Spigarelli for about 2 years now and find it excellent. It clamps easily to the bench and doesn't need a hole in the work surface to function (watch that with the Apples). The simple double rope system is safe and adjustable to any sort of riser I can imagine. As for parallel limbs, I haven't tried many, but it presses a Mathews Switchback and Bowtech Allegiance perfectly well.

Hope this helps.

[OpaNL]

Forgot to mention: the 100 euro was for material, cutting, drilling and welding. I only did the design and the final assembly :-)

Opa

[jojo]

Have to say that yes thats a good looking bow press that, our club has the sureloc Xpress and its one of only a few bow presses that will do all compound bows and is especially good for those compound bows that have pararell limbs, hrmm canny spell me. But the picture below is basicly the same design as the sure loc, i would be careful of patents tho as that press is just too close.

Originally Posted by OpaNL

You could also build your own, or at least have it built..
Here is a pdf file with a description of mine:

http://www.xs4all.nl/~pdj/bp/Bowpress%20Opa.pdf

Cost were about 100 euro, made in stainless steel.



Opa

[ASW1973]

I have used the spigarelli for 4 years very heavily and am well impressed with it, good value for money. Replaced the whinch after 3 years but this was only £25 as it is a standard boat fitting, only had to replace it as a) it gets heavier than normal use in a club and B) why do people insist on winding bow presses or any whinch on the ratchet when it is under no pressure and wearing out the teeth

[del]

I Have The Apple Bow Press. The £150 One. It Works Fine And I Am Very Pleased With It.
We Have Used It On Hoyt.mathews And Bowtechs Bows
So Very Versatile .
A Good Home (and Club) Bow Press At The Right Price.