OK, I'll throw my tuppenceworth in.
When I was looking at what to get for my first bow, I didn't initially consider the SF riser (though I did like the look of it). My choices - based in part on cost - came down to a similar selection (Winstar II, Eclipse, Samick Agulla). The Agulla was on the list as that was what I had on loan from my club.
My other main consideration was finding a company with good customer service that I could deal with, especially as distance precluded travelling to any archery retailer to try things out (which I hasten to add, is still the best way to buy - there's no substitute for actually trying things out before you buy!).
I discovered that a shop were selling the SF riser at a price that was fairly competitive, so I added it to my list of candidates. Plus a shop had (have) an excellent reputation for customer service....I also recall a comment from Rhys that a shop knew how to properly setup SF bows. When I contacted a shop I was impressed with their attitude and responses and decided I would buy from them.
Through comments and advice on here I eventually decided to go for the SF riser. It was a close thing between it and the Eclipse, but I felt I preferred the SF. I've since had the chance to shoot an Eclipse and although it is a very nice bow, I still prefer the SF. I also went for the SF GSF limbs as a good compromise between cost and performance, again based on comments on here that they were much smoother than many comparably-priced limbs.
As to the SF itself: I find it has a good feel, isn't too heavy, and well made. I've not had much cause to play around with the adjusters but in terms of alignment the mechanism seems straightforward enough. The paint can get chipped if you're not careful (but that's something that a number of other risers suffer from as well). Overall I've not had any cause for complaint nor any regrets about my choice.
My GSF limbs weren't quite so lucky; my original set started to delaminate after a few months but were quickly replaced under warranty by a shop. The replacement set have thus far been fine. I've since bought a set of second-hand Hoyt M1s.
As this is (I assume) your
first bow, I'd recommend that you look to buy a decent riser, something that will last you for a while, and cheaper limbs. The limbs are the item you're most likely to want and need to replace as you improve. However, I personally wouldn't buy the most expensive riser and the cheapest limbs. If you can get to an archery retailer to try out different risers/limbs then do so, otherwise see if you can try bows belonging to club members for size.
The choice of riser is a very personal thing; what one person likes (both in terms of "reaction" and aesthetics) another won't, so I'm not going to say "you must buy a SF riser, it's the best there is". You need to decide that for yourself, but whatever you decide to go with I wish you all the best for your future archery career.
19-05-08, 02:01 PM
Though I do like the look of the alignment adjustment on the Samick Masters riser.
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