Home › Forums › Campfire Forum › Bow prototype — the Inferno

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    • JodyS
        October 11, 2012 at 1:50 am
        Post count: 114
        #3878

        I didn’t want to hijack Roger’s thread showing his nice doe kill from the weekend. Dave P and I had commented on Roger’s post about the great work of master-bowyer Gregg Coffey (he had made Roger’s bow).

        Many of you know Gregg as the bowyer who makes Shrew bows. He also makes his own line of bows at Java Man Archery.

        Gregg mentioned in Roger’s post a prototype bow –the Inferno– that he has designed. He has made three prototypes, and I have had the fortune of being his test-driver thus far.

        I have posted this because I know that many of you shoot bows made by Gregg and might be interested to know what he is up to. I can tell you that the Inferno is just that: fast and powerful. Gregg is making a “short” longbow (prototype #2 that I am shooting is 56 inches), that is smooth-drawing, extremely quiet, and very fast. It feels great in the hand and has no hand shock. In short, it is stunning in design, performance, and looks (koa limbs with cocobolo riser).

        Hopefully, Gregg will send #4 (he will be hunting with #3 for the next few weeks) to me in the next couple of weeks (hint, hint) to test out while hunting whitetails with a good buddy from this site (if my hunting buddy is lucky I may let him hold #4, but not shoot it as that would be bow-dultery). 😀

        Just a teaser…

        For the record, I own several bows made by Gregg and have paid for each of them. When the magical prototype model arrives that “speaks to me,” I will pay for it too. No free stuff involved, just so the record is clear: I am Gregg’s friend, but I am not on his payroll, do not get free bows, I pay him cash, and I don’t have anything to gain from test-driving his bows (other than unlimited fun). 😀

        Jody

      • David Petersen
        Member
          October 11, 2012 at 2:33 am
          Post count: 2749
          #24674

          Danged that Java Man. I keep thinking I’ve bought my “last” bow, then he comes up with another one I just have to have. With no disrepect to the great many superb bowyers working today, IMHO Gregg is the best in the known universe and a humble, darn good man. This is why I try always to buy from “mom and pop” trad businesses … they do it for love as much or more than for money. Gregg has a full-time job, two teenagers and still finds time to build A+++ bows … in a garage workshop, start to finish by himself. Now that’s traditional! 😀

        • Roger Norris
            October 11, 2012 at 3:04 pm
            Post count: 91
            #25193

            I am a lucky man….Gregg stops by the house once in awhile with a handful of bows and says “here…shoot these”:D

            I shot his Duo Flex the other day….it was a 49# bow, and it was zipping a 650 grain arrow so fast I thought the “49#” was a typo!

            He pays close attention to finish, also. I am not a “pretty bow” guy. So if a bow is not completely dull and shine free, I spray it with flat paint. I have never sprayed one of Greggs bows! They bridge the gap between show piece and hunting tool!!

            P.S….I pay for my bows also. I currently have a 60# Duo Flex on order.

          • lyagooshka
              October 11, 2012 at 4:45 pm
              Post count: 600
              #25262

              Since you are on the topic… ❓ Does anyone have a review / opinion on the “American”? Truth is, I don’t need another bow. I just wanted a heavier one-piece for the off months and for further down the line. I was thinking a 70/70 (“/#). I am doing better with my 62″/50# hybrid TD. Didn’t think I would get out hunting with it due to skill, but I am confident within 10 yards (saw one at 20 few days ago, so they’re getting closer [or just used to my stench 😆 ]). Any input is appreciated. How long of a process? Thanks all!

              Alex

              😀

            • JodyS
                October 16, 2012 at 3:14 pm
                Post count: 114
                #30702

                I know that we all enjoy looking at pics of sweet bows.

                Just in case you are curious to see Gregg’s new bows, he sent a link to some photos of his new prototypes of the “Inferno” line. The link is http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/javamanarchery/Inferno%20Hybrid%20LB/.

                Hopefully, the cherry/bubinga prototype #4 is coming to stay with me for a while…I love being the test-driver! 😀

                Jody

              • Gregg Coffey
                Member
                  October 16, 2012 at 5:09 pm
                  Post count: 13
                  #30783

                  I believe its “Production Ready” now.

                  Gregg

                  attached file
                • Roger Norris
                    October 16, 2012 at 8:07 pm
                    Post count: 91
                    #30893

                    Awesome!!!!:!:

                  • David Petersen
                    Member
                      October 16, 2012 at 10:56 pm
                      Post count: 2749
                      #31024

                      While I’ve no doubt whatsoever that every single bow Gregg makes is a masterpiece of art and efficiency, we are now happily in a world where most truly custom-made stickbows are lovely and super-efficient. Thus it largely comes down to personal preference in appearance. My preference is strongly with the forward-handle look, as per the Shrew Classic Hunter. That’s the bow design I’m holding my breath for see and shoot: An even better-shooting, prettier “Classic Hunter” (if such is possible) with the Java Man logo on it. The grip would have to be virtually identical, esp. the little thumb shelf that allows a shooter to return to precisely the same grip every time without thought. Pure self-indulgence, and why not? 😛

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