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!
Came with bow sock, string. Got the thumbring separately but it comes in a traditional sack as well, nice touch.
Unstrung.
Yeah baby, she's sexy....
Limb tip top
Limb tip bottom
Top of outside limb, the pattern really is subtle and looks more beautiful than pics on the kaya site...
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....
Inside of upper limb.. Black finish..
Inside of lower limb...
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!
Inner side center of bow.
Side by side with my Khan... Profile is slightly different, but then again, the khan limits out about 29" or so...
Khan (55#) on the left, kaya (50#) on the right.
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...
