I love every bow I own, even the ones I make myself but I wanted something different. Something to reflect my individuality, something that there were "like bows" but not compleltly the same if I came across another. You get my drift.
Well, infact my Son in Law came across the Falco Storm first and after much diliberation & research ordered one for himself with his choice of exotic woods - four weeks later I couldn't resist (or could hardly contain myself) and ordered my own after watching a review with Grey Archer on YouTube.
I just knew it was for me - somewhere between primitive, Flatbow, Horse bow & Fieldbow but not being completely either. Unique & individual, more importantly rare, especially for the UK.
My Son in Laws" bow arrived after 9 weeks and it soon became apparent that I was wasn't going to get my little gem for the Christmas 2013 milestone. Infact I was a little unlucky and my bow got caught in a backlog of orders destined for distribution through out Europe. It happens - Falco bows have rocketed in popularity accross the continent. The Estonian firm is going from strength to strength I am relaibly informed by the owner, Siim Talmar.
However, I am happy to report that it is now safely in my hands and has had morethan just a "trot around the paddock". Hence this review.
Choice of woods... where do I start? I wanted mine to stand out so I went for Curly Birch on the back of the limbs. The riser is predonimantly Dark Cocobolo with an Ebony feature band runing through the centre. The belly of the limbs are overlaid with Bubinga (pronounced Bewbinga)
I went for the high gloss finish and double carbon reinforcement.
What I have ended up with is a 55lb piece of fine furniture! It looks that good you wouldn't think it out of place in a high end motor yacht galley.
The build quality is 1st class and the hand crafted details are easliy spotted.
I wish I could up-load some photos to show you.( Jason get a better picture for the web catalogue LOL!)
It is a little stiff at first but after a few weeks and once bedded in it will soften in the draw. I know this becasue Greigs' Storm is a little older. (We thought it had lost some draw weight at first but it is still bang on the 50lb he ordered).
I've carried out tests with 5/16, & 11/32 woodies and Bamboo they all shoot straight when properly spined and balanced for point weight. There is no discernable diffreence in accuracy with my Easton Eclipse 1814's either. Shoot your choice of arrows.
One thing that is painfully obvious is the speed - noticeably fast.
I don't recommend this bow for standard Target Archery its not really built for that. It is only 54'' long, just a little longer than my KTB Windfighter Korean Bow so ideal for 3D / field or "Stumping". Oh it weighs nothing - hold it all day long. The dimemsions are diminutive - hard to believe such power and accuracy could come from something this small.
Be warned that this will not suit you if you have a genuine draw length over 28". You must not exceed 28" so this is ideal for vertically challenged individuals of both sexes and juniors. If you have a long or "standard AMO" draw length go for the Spirit or one of the others in the Vintage range.
(The Spirit is also a fine bow even in standard trim. Our friend has two!)
So if you want your own custom designed oddity go for the Storm Vintage; but be prepared to wait if you order in the Falco busy periods. I reccommend the extras such as carbon and high gloss...it makes a big difference.
Come visit us or see you at the next BWFAC open shoot later this year - we might let you have ago.
