1 (edited by Trident 2011-09-13 20:59:01)

Topic: Kaya KTB Bow First Look...

Just got my Kaya KTB Bow (50lb draw @31 Inches) in the other day.... Wow, it is nice! I can see that the leather on the limb tips and wrapping on the limbs and handle were all cut by hand, which doesn't look like mass produced bows, you can see slight irregularity, but it adds to the character knowing that one man, is making this bow by hand. (According to Kaya). It definitely was finished by hand. It is hand cut and finished. That just adds more appeal to me. As I have owned many production bows, yes they are perfect, and no soul... But this one kind of feels like it was custom made for me. I have heard complaints about the wrapping being uneven, etc.. But thats all they are, complaints. You can't make everyone happy. I must say though, that the rubber silencer on the bottom limb popped off (my fault) as I strung it the first time. I put some nail glue on it, Presto! Better than new! Remember, this bow is delicate, like the other korean bows, and should be treated as such, but no biggie! It is made of natural components, covering on the outside, which can be replaced or repaired easily over time with use... Really feels nice in the hand...

My bow was beautiful out the box, and hand made. That is worth the money I spent on it, totally... If you want a cookie cutter bow, be my guest. But I prefer them this way, finished by hand. The bow is very light, and feels natural in the hand. It is so smooth to draw, and does not stack at all! I was drawing in the mirror, and it looks awesome from the side, just beautiful. It does almost feel like a toy, as it is only ounces light, a big change from my High End, High Power compound that has more attachments than inspector gadget. Its a totally different feel. Just the Bow, the String, and the arrow. Organic. Raw. I haven't even had a chance to shoot this bad boy yet, but I am dying to try it out... Mine came with a neon green string, which is very cool! I love it. I asked about it, and I was told some of the newer ones have been coming with them, which is great that they are mixing it up a bit. Looks like I got a new production... The green string gives it a really sporting feel, and I also ordered a standard white string just for when I'm in the traditional mood... This is about the only thing you can customize without altering the actual bow, and expresses individuality, very cool, want to get other colors as well...

Check out the pics below!

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j351/hwarang1/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3701.jpg
Came with bow sock, string. Got the thumbring separately but it comes in a traditional sack as well, nice touch.

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j351/hwarang1/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_5695.jpg
Unstrung.

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j351/hwarang1/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1122.jpg
Yeah baby, she's sexy....

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j351/hwarang1/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_7580.jpg
Limb tip top

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j351/hwarang1/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_7383.jpg
Limb tip bottom

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j351/hwarang1/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1243.jpg
Top of outside limb, the pattern really is subtle and looks more beautiful than pics on the kaya site...

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j351/hwarang1/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_7659.jpg
The Grip has a slightly darker pattern tone, and is a fine size/shape for my hand..
All string wraps are done by hand, and can be replaced easily....

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j351/hwarang1/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_6674.jpg
Inside of upper limb.. Black finish..

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j351/hwarang1/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_6852.jpg
Inside of lower limb...

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j351/hwarang1/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_4089.jpg
This is the rubber silencer that I popped off while stringing by accident, but a little nail glue (crazy glue) and it was better than new!

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j351/hwarang1/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_5036.jpg
Inner side center of bow.

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j351/hwarang1/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3144.jpg
Side by side with my Khan... Profile is slightly different, but then again, the khan limits out about 29" or so...

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j351/hwarang1/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1106.jpg
Khan (55#) on the left, kaya (50#) on the right.

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j351/hwarang1/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_7213.jpg
Other side...

The khan is a different bow, although the lines are very similar... Its made for 3 finger draw with a rest and more solid heft. It only draws back to about 31" as I've tried to pull it back as much as I could... Its reason for being is to have the benefit of the korean horn bow's compact size, power, light weight, and speed, but be shot as a western type traditional bow, I love it. Different tools for different jobs.

The Kaya is meant for thumbring, but it can also be shot with a 3 finger draw, although I will be using this for thumbring exclusively, hence having the other bow (Or thats what I told my wife)... LOL... The kaya can be drawn back forever it seems, and is super smooth.... I am in love with both.... Now my only problem is going to be which one to take with me, I might as well bring them both!

Hope you enjoyed the pics and the initial review, will post more as I get to shoot it I am waiting for the correct arrows and will fletch them myself, also will attempt to build some bamboo arrows for the Kaya and Khan...

Other enthusiasts, please participate and share your experiences!! Thank you.

By the way, have a 50# Hwarang Bow on Order, will post when I get that in also... Beautiful bows that double as use, and can also be hung on my wall of weapons for display...

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Re: Kaya KTB Bow First Look...

Great!

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Re: Kaya KTB Bow First Look...

Thanks for the info.  The bow really looks nice.  I always have wondered about the paisley print. 

ENJOY!!!!  There are very few things that match the fun of a new bow.

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4 (edited by Trident 2011-09-14 05:08:05)

Re: Kaya KTB Bow First Look...

Hey jbl, thanks for your reply, we need feedback to get this forum going... You know, I was kind of not too fond of the paisley because everyone was complaining but hell, now I love it!
It looks unique.. And since I plan on owning a few Korean bows, not just one, it fits right in... But most important is how it shoots.. I actually like the paisley, it has grown on me.. It had to, I love this bow!, if kaya chooses to make the same bow, with a slightly different color or pattern, then that would be cool too... Some manufacturers make different camo patterns for virtually the same bow and charge more, the following year... If kaya did that, then I'm sure the naysayers would say they didn't mind the paisley why did kaya raise the prices $30 or $40 bucks? Ha... Just kidding! Kaya DO NOT RAISE YOUR PRICES!  Now on that note... They could make a bareback clean version with a darker color leather for $20 bucks less that would be interesting... I think they tried to do that with the dong yi, LOVE the name and by the pics it looked really nice but they didnt have the right length horn.. Shame.. Or have a contest for us forum members to come up with a winning color, or pattern design and the winner gets the first pre-production proto for free?... Some of the other forums I've been on have done naming or design contests would bena fun project to see how it turns out... For all those put there who aren't crazy about the print, do you have a better idea? If so say something instead of lurking!

jbl wrote:

Thanks for the info.  The bow really looks nice.  I always have wondered about the paisley print. 

ENJOY!!!!  There are very few things that match the fun of a new bow.

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Re: Kaya KTB Bow First Look...

bluelake wrote:

Great!

Thanks thomas! Now I'm gonna have to get a bow rack made for my growing collection... What started out as one compound bow grew to 2 compound bows over the summer, and recently 2 Korean bows with 2 more Korean bows on the way and growing... I'm sick!

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Re: Kaya KTB Bow First Look...

Trident wrote:

... Now I'm gonna have to get a bow rack made for my growing collection... What started out as one compound bow grew to 2 compound bows over the summer, and recently 2 Korean bows with 2 more Korean bows on the way and growing... I'm sick!

I agree, Bow Kaya KTB is amazing. I also deviation of the Korean bows ... (I have four Korean bows - Kaya KTB 55 lb, 60lb WindFighter, Hwarang 45 and 70lb). All are excellent. All love.

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Re: Kaya KTB Bow First Look...

Hey pal, can I ask you, how is it having all different draw weight bows? Yours go from 45-70 lb draw, mine are 50 and only the khan is 55 as that's the max for these kaya bows... Do you have a favorite or is there an advantage to having different weight bows? I'm curious because it's like having different caliber rifles for different shooting scenarios i
Wondering if this was your thinking? I am happy with the 50 and 55 but have been toying with even getting a 40 or 45lb draw as it would be less straining to shoot for a long time and fun also, let us know your thoughts on this...

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Re: Kaya KTB Bow First Look...

My next bow will be KTB.

Only problem is, local dealer says, it take few months to get one, but i think it is worth it...

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Re: Kaya KTB Bow First Look...

Hannu,

You're in Finland, right?  I can get you a KTB, if you'd like, and ship it there.  Let me know.


T

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Re: Kaya KTB Bow First Look...

Hannu, you should definitely get one from thomas, he's an awesome guy to deal with, and will get you set up correctly and quickly. Few months?? No way!

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11

Re: Kaya KTB Bow First Look...

I am thinking about getting a Kaya to add to my collection-it is just a matter of convincing the "Boss" I need another bow.

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Re: Kaya KTB Bow First Look...

jbl wrote:

I am thinking about getting a Kaya to add to my collection-it is just a matter of convincing the "Boss" I need another bow.

You need one as if that has anything at all to do with it. In truth they are really good and you're probably going to just drop over dead if you don't get one, well maybe hold your breath 'till you turn blue, or feel really badly for a while.
Take her out for a real nice dinner, and give her a new pair of earrings and you're golden.

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13

Re: Kaya KTB Bow First Look...

The old golden earrings for a bow trick.  It has worked before (when I got my Hwarang) maybe it will work again...can lightning strike twice I guess we shall see.

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Re: Kaya KTB Bow First Look...

Better yet get her one also.

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Re: Kaya KTB Bow First Look...

Lolol... Definitely worth every penny.. And then you can get a hwarang once you get a good feel for it... I plan on customizing my kaya (nothing permanent) In a little while, I believe the story is that each archer customized and in most cases built their own bows back in Korean history... So I am going to try something on the kaya soon... Stay tuned..

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Re: Kaya KTB Bow First Look...

Well, many most likely did make their own bows, but they weren't necessarily horn bows (which were expensive then, just as they are now; not something an enlisted archer could afford).

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Re: Kaya KTB Bow First Look...

I only wish Kaya can make a 60# @28" version of the Khan.

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Re: Kaya KTB Bow First Look...

Upon reading some history about korean warfare, it seems the average archer shot bamboo backed bows, (guk gung) which I'm told is also really smooth shooting just the same... Makes sense... They were probably more durable and are definitely easier to maintain and set up compared to horn bows From what I am learning... I'm also learning my thumb hurts like a sob as I get used to drawing with the thumbring, ha. But it gets easier every day..

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Re: Kaya KTB Bow First Look...

Trident wrote:

...the average archer shot bamboo backed bows, (guk gung) ...

You probably mean jukgung (죽궁), which is a bamboo bow.  Gukgung (국궁) means "national archery" (traditional archery).

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Re: Kaya KTB Bow First Look...

bluelake wrote:

Hannu,

You're in Finland, right?  I can get you a KTB, if you'd like, and ship it there.  Let me know.


T

Yes, in Finland.

Well, must think it. Only problem is customs, they want some money too... smile

What is price shipped? Local dealer sells 250$+ shipping, but i don´t like to wait so long...

I had Samick SKB, but i like to have real korean bow.
I have turkish bow, but it is 70#@28", little too heavy for Korean style. My draw lenght is ~27" with thumbring for this bow.
55# Kaya should be good for long draw, like 30" or more.

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Re: Kaya KTB Bow First Look...

Hannu,

Shipped is $315.

I asked about Finland because I used to have a girlfriend there (over thirty years ago); maybe I mentioned it before?  Her hometown is Kiiminki, near Oulu.  I visited her and her family back in 1980.  Beautiful country and really nice people...


T

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Re: Kaya KTB Bow First Look...

bluelake wrote:

Hannu,

Shipped is $315.

I asked about Finland because I used to have a girlfriend there (over thirty years ago); maybe I mentioned it before?  Her hometown is Kiiminki, near Oulu.  I visited her and her family back in 1980.  Beautiful country and really nice people...


T


Ok, that is not bad for shipped bow. I must think it, will send you a mail soon.

I was close to move in Kiiminki for job. There was place for ambulance, so i am a paramedic, but it is little too far for my family, 300 kilometers.

Now i live in Central Finland, in Jyväskylä. Not so cold in winter... smile

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Re: Kaya KTB Bow First Look...

Just let me know.

Also, Kiiminki is a small place; at least it was when I visited there.  Oulu, on the other hand, was pretty big.  My brother-in-law is an emergency medical technician (he's been one for many, many years).


T

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Re: Kaya KTB Bow First Look...

bluelake wrote:
Trident wrote:

...the average archer shot bamboo backed bows, (guk gung) ...

You probably mean jukgung (죽궁), which is a bamboo bow.  Gukgung (국궁) means "national archery" (traditional archery).

Oops I meant Juk Gung, but got mixed up with the G and J...

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Re: Kaya KTB Bow First Look...

I removed the grip covering and started to wrap it with some very nice ostritch leather pieces I got... And will update pics as I go along... the grip on the kaya is rubber. I plan to fully customize this bow, as it is affordable to do so, as a fun project.... going to try some crazy stuff... Stay tuned...

Grip on Kaya KTB comes off, peel carefully, its covered by Barge Cement...
http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j351/hwarang1/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1142.jpg

closer look
http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j351/hwarang1/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1142.jpg

Tools Needed: Scissors, knife, barge cement, plastic knife to spread glue and leather piece, cord..
Wrap leather whole piece around grip, score roughly with knife, and cut with scissor to approximate size. Try to stretch leather piece as some will stretch 1/4" to 1" depending on the type of leather used. Once dry fitting is done, spread barge cement, let dry for a min, and put on and squeeze ends together and wrap with cord. Will update as it is still drying, needs 24 hours to dry...
http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j351/hwarang1/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3026.jpg

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