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Why ILF?

5.7K views 74 replies 20 participants last post by  Supraspinatus  
#1 ·
Why the popularity in ILF bows? What am I missing?

I get that you can interchange limbs to increase or decrease poundage. But other then that, what's the attraction?

With the cost of ILF risers and limbs, why not just buy inexpensive bows at different weights instead?

Please, what am I missing?
 
#3 ·
It's basically a prototyping platform for building a bow perfectly tuned to you, your needs, the way you shoot. Once you have found that configuration you lock it down and leave it alone.

Of course that's the idea. What really happens to most of us is that we then fix something that's not broken, tweaking endlessly for no good reason.
 
#5 · (Edited)
Why not?! :)

Ok, not to be snarky and this being your first post, I don't want to come off as an azzhat. But, the system has been around for long time now and, with todays modern Super Highway called the Web, a quick search would have yielded you a plethora of information to answer that question. Now if your question was to field individual thoughts, that's going to be subjective at best!:coffee:
 
#6 ·
I used to own several custom bows .
Most had to be tweaked to suit me .
And have dreamed of owning a Black Widow .
But when I got back into shooting I got into ILF and I’m glad I did .
I can build a bow to the specs I want, right down to the exact draw weight I want on my fingers .
And tillered to my kind of shooting.
I can build a bow for target or build one for shooting out of a blind .
Options are endless .
I once paid over $750 for a custom bow . That was the price twenty years ago .
When I got it it was four pounds over weight and had the wrong grip .
It was a beautiful bow , but I couldn’t shoot it . I never thought about checking the tiller on it until one day a friend of mine who shot three fingers under , shot the heck out it . When I checked, it was even tiller . Set for three under .
I sent it back to the bowyer , and paid another $125 plus shipping to have the poundage reduced and have the tiller fixed . It came back even tillered ,and only about 1 1/2# less than before , with a note that said that was the best he could do , but I could order a new set of limbs if I wanted to .
I had close to $900 in a bow I couldn’t shoot .
I sold it for $400 and moved on .
Thats why I like ILF .
 
#7 ·
I used to own several custom bows .
Most had to be tweaked to suit me .
And have dreamed of owning a Black Widow .
But when I got back into shooting I got into ILF and I’m glad I did .
I can build a bow to the specs I want, right down to the exact draw weight I want on my fingers .
And tillered to my kind of shooting.
I can build a bow for target or build one for shooting out of a blind .
Options are endless .
I once paid over $750 for a custom bow . That was the price twenty years ago .
When I got it it was four pounds over weight and had the wrong grip .
It was a beautiful bow , but I couldn’t shoot it . I never thought about checking the tiller on it until one day a friend of mine who shot three fingers under , shot the heck out it . When I checked, it was even tiller . Set for three under .
I sent it back to the bowyer , and paid another $125 plus shipping to have the poundage reduced and have the tiller fixed . It came back even tillered ,and only about 1 1/2# less than before , with a note that said that was the best he could do , but I could order a new set of limbs if I wanted to .
I had close to $900 in a bow I couldn’t shoot .
I sold it for $400 and moved on .
Thats why I like ILF .
Very well said and put! 👍
 
#8 · (Edited)
Why the popularity in ILF bows? What am I missing?

I get that you can interchange limbs to increase or decrease poundage. But other then that, what's the attraction?
Quick answer : with ILF you get tool-less takedown. Long answer: you have better chances to tune your bow to a favourite arrow than “normal” takedown and if you like metal risers you transform your bow into a Lego-bow: from getting the limbs you want, to getting the handle you like.

With the cost of ILF risers and limbs, why not just buy inexpensive bows at different weights instead?

Please, what am I missing?
Why buying inexpensive bows when you can buy the limbs you want on the riser you really like? If you would have asked me : why buying ILF when you can get takedown limbs from the bowyer who made the custom one for you, I don’t have a clear answer. I ordered a second pair of limbs for a takedown just because, and I’ve got what I asked for that works with the riser I like. But you didn’t asked this.
 
#74 ·
Quick answer : with ILF you get tool-less takedown. Long answer: you have better chances to tune your bow to a favourite arrow than “normal” takedown and if you like metal risers you transform your bow into a Lego-bow: from getting the limbs you want, to getting the handle you like. .....
got to this thread late and only read some of the posts, so if this has already been mentioned, sorry. but in addition to "Draven O's" point, the ability to do a tool-less takedown also comes in handy if you're into hiking with a bow. the compact size as a result of the takedown allows for a much easier transport. also saves on shipping costs should you ever have to mail it out for repairs or if you have to pack it for travel (ie, on a plane, bus, or train).
 
#9 ·
You also get to choose between a wood and metal riser . Imagine slamming in a door or running over an end etc of a purty as a rose $1500 and up custom bow . With ILF if you break a limb , discard an order what you want . If your riser didnt get damaged . Even the Gillo risers with there I believe 30 per cent pretty new concept adjustable in theory limb pads out there to broaden ones limb weight and angle poundage . If we are discussing ILF , in my opinon the Das Dalla limb pad should be brought into the mix . Same limb basic change over concept and yes I "am aware about the original Hoyt's system .
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#10 ·
There is no substitute for a custom bow that you fits you perfectly and shoots perfectly for you and your style… problem is your prolly gonna go through 100 bows that range from 400-1200$ trying to find it… ILF, go through 10-15 risers and find what you like and build off it…I rather shoot wood bow… but if I commit to my das, I will prolly shoot it better than anything else…

if you can’t see reason in that, than lucky you, because you found a perfect custom the first time around!!!
 
#11 ·
Love my ILFs. But the one thing no ILF bow has over a custom (single piece or TD) is charm. ILF bows are not really objects of their own, more like temporary builds, projects. The posh French term would be assemblage.
 
#13 ·
ILF bows are not really objects of their own, more like temporary builds, projects. The posh French term would be assemblage.
I disagree to a certain degree. All the custom bowyers who make ILF rigs are making them as “a unit” not an assemblage. Especially on the wood riser side. Even the Black Wolf with Black Wolf limbs has its personality and the design is thought as a unit.
 
#12 ·
Tread topic also reminded me of last years hunt season . Theres a gent on here who's handle escapes me , that damaged a das connection / ilf riser ? limb on his hunt out west . Made a call to a excellent bow shop on here and I forgot the time fame but it was quick , recieved a set of limbs to continue to enjoy his hunt .
 
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#19 ·
Probably me,
Was really an eye opener for me. Adjustability/tuning/grip choices. The fact you can run your bow over and be back in the woods a few days later . All big sellers for why I like ilf.
Ill have some longbows again someday and will probably hunt em. But for down right versatility and reliability Id be hard pressed to outdo an ilf
 
#15 · (Edited)
With the cost of ILF risers and limbs, why not just buy inexpensive bows at different weights instead?
You can get great limbs between $280 (Nika N3) or $320 (Uukha). You can get a good riser for several hundred bucks. If you are a competition shooter and you feel you need the best you can spend a lot.

What kind of inexpensive bows are you talking about?

I like the idea of ILF to be able to interchange limbs and risers, but I do not like ILF. I find ILF is not a standard but a suggestion. Some plates fit limbs loosely, some tight, some are quiet, some are loud.

I only hunt and I prefer Das. You can use ILF limbs by easily swapping the ILF bushing for Das. The Das connection is positive and quiet.

I have purchased expensive limbs up to nearly $900, longbows to $1500 and custom recurves to $1300. Getting additional limbs for custom bows are nearly as expensive as buying another bow.

ILF/Das is the most versatile and cheapest alternative I have found.

Check out this link and look around at ILF risers amd ILF limbs.

 
#18 · (Edited)
I wouldn’t try any other limb on Border wood than Border limbs. On Tempest I use Nika waiting for the CV5. I am looking hard for a Morrison 15” wood.
The entire discussion started with “ILF are assemblies” where I said is true with a caveat: there are few bowyers who make ILF as a whole. What and how I mix and match risers is not the subject. I said long time ago I prefer riser to match the limb - same manufacturer - but this is personal preference based on my experience. Dryad longbow limbs feel at home on Dryad riser. And this is another custom bowyer who makes an ILF rig as a whole. I have the feeling that Bosen longbow limbs feel at home on Bosen riser also, without high brace height as on other risers.
 
#21 ·
also with adjustable limb bolts you can adjust a stacking limb to delay it sometimes PAST your anchor....instead of stacking before and at your anchor.
 
#24 ·
Funny! Another thread had multiple people recommending that bow, so of course I had to investigate. :cool:

Reason I'm asking is trying to figure out a new bow for hunting. Have 2 custom recurves, both are getting harder to pull (60 & 64lbs.) as I get older. Do I buy another custom with 10 pounds less weight, or look into ILF or Das?

I handled a 50lb Hoyt Satori the other day, but did not shoot it. First thought, that riser was heavy. Besides spending lots of cash, how does anyone take the leap into ILF or Das? Admittingly, I haven't searched much on this topic. I watched one review recommending budget riser and limbs from three rivers, but I'm skeptical. Which is why I thought asking here would provide more real life experiences.

How does anyone decide on a riser and limb without spending lots of money? What type of performance can I expect from this style of bow? As good as custom, or better?

I did read where someone said their ILF bow shot better then the custom. Is this normal?

I'm really interested in learning more and finding a bow that shoots good. I've read all the replies and taking notes, thank you!
 
#25 · (Edited)
Another thought, do you have any recommendations on a riser and limbs for a 58" to 60" length recurve that's 50lbs @ 28"? Prefer to shoot off the shelf, total package under 1k US dollars. What about a different setup under $500? And should that be ILF or Das?
 
#26 ·
Another thought, do you have any recommendations on a riser and limbs for a 58" to 60" length recurve that's 50lbs @ 28"? Prefer to shoot off the shelf,
The problem is, with the advancement of technology, and the multiple variations one can come up with, it's pretty easy to make a good hunting setup nowadays. You'll get a multitude of answers with that also! From my own personal experience, the DAS Dalaa is my favorite bow, followed by this Trad Tech Titan II I put together. Both bows 60", 40# @ my 28" draw. You can put 50# limbs on no worries. Other options out there that would make excellent setups even less than these two. I.E. the EXE Scream with a good setup of limbs. Good luck in your search and hope you will post pics of your setup when you decide on one. If you go the ILF route that is. 👍

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#27 ·
Having had many customs and the same ilf/DAS risers I’ll pick ilf every time for adjustability, tune ability just a few reasons.
ilf, I can take a few pounds off the draw weight, bolt down custom can’t do it.
ilf, I can drop my grains per inch below 8 and still be within manufactures warranty, and still tune to a quiet hunting bow. Bolt down custom can’t do it, well you can and void your warranty.

give you an example, two weeks from a shoot I look forward to every year, my top limb cracks, yes a disappointment and let down but a trip home and grab another set of limbs and I’m shooting again within 20 minutes. Can you do that with a custom yes if you order a spare set of limbs when you place your order.
I sent the cracked limbs back, had replacement limbs in two weeks and they didn’t have them in stock when I sent the cracked limbs back.

I still have custom bows, don’t shoot them much honestly. Still have a custom on order.
what I shoot 98% of the time is an ilf/DAS, oh and I’m talking hunting and target.

Chad
 
#30 ·
Ahhww yes and how can we forget after 29 post the "limitations " of shooting recycled plastic vanes off the shelf of those custom high dollar to some prone to termite damage wood bows . :) When with ILF , one has another option and can install an elevated rest (s) etc and truly utilize plastic vanes more efficiently . BTW I don't own any plastic vanes . Nothing against them . Just enjoying thread .
Thanks to the Troglodyte and his wooden bow , we have evolved as a species and can now be discussing ILF here .
 
#31 ·
As much as i like my ilf’s, i had a reasonable amount of experience and frustration tuning and shooting a bunch of recurves and longbows that were non ilf before I went down that road. I think that has helped me considerably with my ilf experience. I think they are the way to go for most. I just think you need to like to tinker a bit. For a new shooter who wants a quicker solution and doesn’t want to tinker I think a bolt down setup off the shelf might be a better choice as there is alot less tuning to deal with. I remember getting my first bow from Twig Archery some years back. All setup for 3 under with matching arrows and a quiver. I was shooting within 20 minutes of getting it. I reflect on that being a very positive beginning to this whole traditional thing and honestly, very cost effective too. For most new comers, I think an ilf may be alot to deal with unless you have a real trad shop close by.
 
#35 ·
metal risers, with a lot of ILF and DAS risers, you have some GRIP CHOICES, easy to swap grips in & out until you find HOME.
tough to do with custom bows for the most part.
 
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#44 ·
Really like the looks of this riser!!

So I've checked out Lancaster and Three Rivers, and appears people use Ali Express and also shopping UK websites. I guess Amazon, too. Is there anywhere else I should look for ILF and DAS bows? How is buying and shipping from China?

I don't have any Trad stores here (Oregon) and saw just the one Satori at a Hoyt dealer. So options are limited to shopping online.

I found the Nika N3 limbs, but only saw 44lbs. limbs, do they make 50lbs?

Truth be, I was just about to buy a Bear one piece bow. I do like simple and light weight for carrying all day. And this will be a hunting bow that I'll carry for miles in the back country chasing elk. Any and all advice is welcome, so thank you all!!
 
#37 ·
I use to own a beautiful OMP Carbon Z15 ILF riser . Paid @ the time $306 delivered for it . Really nice wood riser . Just not cut past center . The ZI5 means 15" . If you check on AMZN sometimes for brief periods , they really drop the prices on them . One off the big outfits in the US sells them for $428 .
 
#39 ·
Isn't the White Feather Lark the same riser as the Carbon Z, but available in 17", 19", 21" and 23"?

Beautiful, lightweight riser, but some forum members have reported cracks with strong limbs.
IMO at least its made in the same factory (china) . OMP , Oct Mountain Products brands that one . I have always thought its definatly related to the " Sektor " riser and WFL . Really coundnt tell you , I never seen them side to side .
I can tell you theres a big price jump from the ones you mentioned , to the Carbon Z15 . Maybe the Carbon Z15 is thicker who knows . Hopefully someone on here can school us on this . A guy I know who would see me shoot mine , made me a really fantastic offer on the Carbon Z15 and I sold it to him . That was my last wooden ILF riser at least for the time being . Like the next day I ordered a WF19 in od green .
 
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#40 ·
For me it’s all of the adjustments and versatility. ILF limbs are widely available and they are so popular you can buy high quality limbs used for cheap. There are many good quality ILF risers available for cheap also, two that come to mind is the TBow and the Scream (also sold under other names). With either riser you can buy one and be done. These and other low priced good risers have been vetted by very experienced archers on here and elsewhere.
 
#48 ·
Yes.

Generally, the riser material and model will make more difference to weight than the length.

Wood risers can be either light or heavy (if they incorporate a lot of resinous materials like micarta), and are your best bet.

The Win & Win Black Wolf 17" riser is about as light as the lighter wood ILF risers.

In aluminum, there isn't much. Your best bet would be the Samick Discovery 17" riser, which is pretty light for aluminum. A Discovery and Medium (60" bow) or Long (62") Nika N3 limbs would be light and very high performing.

I happen to think that 21" ILF risers are the most versatile. Short limbs make a 62" bow, long limbs a 66". Huge sight window. But if you know you want a shorter bow, 17" and 19" would be a bit lighter.

Here is a list of some of the lightest ILF risers on the market that I put together in my own search:

Black Wolf carbon 17” 814g
Satori 19” aluminum 1154g
Tbow 19”. alu 1085g
Junxing H7 alu 1267g
Samick Discovery 21” alu 1045 g
White Feather Lark 19” wood 847g
Lark 21” wood 942 g
Samick Discovery 17 alu (850 g)
Nika ET-10 19” alu 805 g
Nika ET-9 carbon 793g 25”
Fiber Bow 5.9 23”carbon 630g
Black Elk 21” alu 1000g
Fiberbow 5.8 23”carbon 630g
Pat Norris 19” wood 849g

If you haven't already, I would look at that Pat Norris wood riser. Sold by well-respected American gentleman. There are copies being sold by a Chinese company in various lengths, but I would be tempted to go with Pat.

Keep in mind that, apart from carrying in-hand for hours in the woods, there is not much to gain from light weight. Heavier risers will improve your accuracy. On the other hand, a heavy ILF setup might make switching back to your one-piece bows tricky.

There is some variation in limb weights, but not as much as in risers. Nika N3 limbs are not the lightest, for example, but they are only about an ounce heavier than the lighter end of the spectrum.