The Shakespeare X17 has not always been "The Ocala" . by Larry Vienneau 1961 and 1964 X-17 62" From 195...
Saturday, May 13, 2017
SHAKESPEARE WONDERBOW- THE KAIBAB X27
Shakespeare Catalog May 1969
THE KAIBAB X27
by
Larry Vienneau
Like many of Shakespeare's Wonderbows, this bow is named after
a national forest, Kaibab National Forest in Arizona. The word Kaibab is a Native American word meaning "the mountain that lies down" referring to the Kaibab
Plateau.
1966-69 AMO 56 inch, 1970 AMO 58 inch, 1971 -56 inch
Weights 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60
Handle –Benge or Seduha and Zebrawood
Tips- Benge and Zebrawood
Semi pistol grip
Limbs- 2-inch wide, Black glass 1966, after 1967 – 1970 Dark
Olive Green, Black with white glass laminate 1971
Shakespeare's bows started resembling Root Archery's designs in 1964, after Ernie Root sold several of his designs to Shakespeare, which they modified and renamed. Shakespeare eventually acquired Root in 1967, with Ernie Root assuming a key role in Shakespeare's bow design. The initial bows after the acquisition were labeled "Root, by Shakespeare," but this was short-lived as Ernie Root joined Shakespeare's team, and the Root name was phased out completely. This particular bow serves as a testament to Ernie Root's design prowess. In the early 1960s, Root introduced the Root Brush Master, with black glass and a riser made of laminated Zebrawood and Seduha. The Kaibab, which is almost identical to the Brush Master, was introduced after Shakespeare acquired Root in 1967, with slight modifications to the riser. The Kaibab was available in dark green glass and was 58 inches long between 1967 and 1970. After 1971, Shakespeare offered 56 and 58-inch variants of the Kaibab with either dark green or black glass, as well as custom bows above 60 lbs. The Kaibab was considered a high-end bow, similar in quality to the Ocala, and was a primary competitor to Bear Archery.
I am thrilled with this bow! Over the years, I have owned a few different models, including a 1966 #50, a 1967 55+#, a 1969 55+#, and a 1970 -45#. The Kaibab is a superb bow that is both quiet and level, forgiving, and incredibly fast. Its accuracy is deadly, making it an excellent option for hunting or 3D shooting. Despite being short, the bow is consistent and reliable. Additionally, the graining lamination on the 1966 and 1967 models is stunningly beautiful.
1966 50# Kaibab
My Kaibab X27, 1967 55+#. note the wonderful wood grain
I haven't come across many Left-hand Kaibab bows, but if I happen to find an X27 in great condition, I plan on bidding on it. Additionally, the 1969 model is a 55+ pound bow that's shorter than the 1969 model with black fiberglass.
My 1969 55+# Kaibab X27
the 1970 Kaibab X27 also has black fiberglass and there is also glass lamination on the riser.
1970 Kaibab x27 with black fiberglass with black glass on riser
1970 top, 1969 middle, 1967 on bottom
Profiles of 1970, 1969, and 1967 Kaibab X27
I received a picture from Stephan Tongi of his Kaibab bow with a unique serial number, M52138R. Typically, the first letters of the serial number indicate the month the bow was made (A for January, B for February, etc.). However, since the last month of the year is represented by L, the letter "M" in this case likely designates a pre-production bow made for the 1966 catalog in late 1965. Interestingly, Stephan also owns another 1966 Kaibab bow with the same "M" designation.
Thanks Jeff, The Kaibab is a beauty. It was a "high-end" bow, I have seen it in auctions but not often. I think I would call it uncommon or scarce. I have a feeling there are many out there but most people hold on to them because they are beautiful bows and great shooters. Keep looking, the auctions cycle a lot. Right now there isn't much out there but in a month that might change
I bought a model x27 last year in the summer. I was on vacation in Minnesota and my father took me to an archery range. I was introduced to traditional archery there and became extremely interested in it. The following week I went back and dropped 200 dollars on the first wooden bow I saw hahaha. I am so thrilled now to know what a scarce and amazing piece I stumbled upon, and I will treasure it forever.
I am borrowing a Kaibab from a friend to learn how to shoot. All of the texts that I find states that this particular bow ranges from 40#-60#. Yet the one that I have states 65#. Where there not many of these made?
I have a Kaibab#27 in absolute excellent condition. I received it when my dad passed away. Can anyone tell me what the value of such a beautiful bow is. much appreciated. I am a bow hunter and am looking forward to hunting with it this year!
Condition and poundage have a lot to do with value. A mint 60 pound bow is worth more then a beat up 35 pound bow. Value is objective too. People pay WAY to much for Bear bows where Shakespeare and Root bows go for less. It has nothing to do with the quality of the bows either. My Roots shoot so much better then my Bear bows. It has more to do with name recognition. on eBay they go between $125 - $185 but I have seen mint ones sell for $250. send us a photo of the bow and if you have luck, with your deer harvested with the Kaibab. shakespeare.archer@aol.com
I love my Kaibab! My first "real" bow I saved for months to buy in 1981?! It was a long time but I've been back in traditional archery now for about five years now. I've slowly built up strength with other bows and now feel ready to revive my old friendship. Conventional wisdom says AMO minus four inches for string. My X-27 indicates 56" so a 52" B-50 is on the shopping list. Is that correct? I don't want to mistakenly use the wrong string on my old friend :)
Hi Gorbin I love mine as well, easily one of the most beautiful bows I own. you are correct, you need a 52" string B-50, no fast flight. Some people say fast flight is OK but I have read of many vintage bow breaking or snapping at the knock..ouch have fun and send a photo of you shooting. shakespeare.archer@aol.com
I just recieved a kaibab and it came with vintage arrows with first generation bear broadheads..i cant wait to take a deer out with it..i got it from a old man who i mowed the lawn for as payment
i have a kaibab 50# 58" D6782R olive green limbs 1 7/8" at widest point the riser looks like the RH shakespeare picture on left. scaled this bow at 48#. chronographed with 2013 shafts and 125 points. my draw 28" 180 fps. my friend's draw 29" 184 fps. thank you Larry for all your hard work. Larry Griffith
Hi Michael The correct arrow should match your draw length and the bow weight (45#). Standard draw length is 28 inch, mine is 27, yours may be more depending on how tall you are.
Hi Larry, thanks so much for creating this site! I have a Kiabab coming my way and was reading the above info you put together but I'm a little confused. Your bullet point states- 1966 -69 AMO 56 inch, 1970 AMO 58inch , 1971 -56 inch But your write up states- From 1967 – 1970, The Kaibab was 58 inch long and had dark green glass. Just wondering what yr my bow is since my bow looks identical to the Kaibab (58" zebra window) pictured next to the Root BM> Thanks Chuck
Good afternoon, Larry. I am very fortunate to have found your blog, and the photos of backward strung bows sure gave me a good laugh! I visited this site a few months ago looking to learn something about my old Shakespeare Wambaw 58" 45# (an X12 model) that I received from my uncle about a decade ago. As a kid, I had a fun time taking small game with it, but it wasn't until I took it to an archery shop this year that I found out that it was completely thrashed beyond repair. Twisted limbs, stress lines and cracks up and down the riser, has two mounting screws drilled into the riser to simulate sights, and other such damages. Nevertheless, this hadn't stopped me from having some fun with it in the summer time, being the adventurous kid that I was (which wasn't that long ago), but now I am looking into getting a new-to-me vintage Shakespeare bow––because I liked my Wambaw so much. The Kaibab caught my attention. So, may I ask, are you yourself willing to sell any of your bows? I am located in SE Wisconsin and have tons of family that love bow hunting turkey, bear, and of course whitetails, but I have always been the outlier that always preferred hunting upland with my 12 gauge and small game with my old, "unsafe to use' Wambaw. It wasn't until recently that I considered joining them up in the stands on a bow hunt, but of course, I'll need to find myself a new bow for those events. If you'd be able to give me any advice on where to find a Kaibab #55 or #60 preferably, in good condition, I'd surely appreciate it. Thank you. Mike
P.S. after reading about all of the various Shakespeare Wonderbow models on your site, it appears to me that 1967 was surely the "sweetspot" year for Shakespeare, in terms of the sheer beauty of their design. Your Kaibab sure is beaut.
Hi Michael Kaibab and Ocala are similar and a GREAT bows. my other favorites are Necedah and the super Necedah. My bows are my babies and I rarely sell them. I am also a left handed archer. If you are interested in Shakespeare Bows I do have a FaceBook group dedicated to all of Shakespeare and Root bows https://www.facebook.com/groups/Vintagebowcollectors/ Thanks!!!
Thank you for the speedy reply! I didn't mean to sound intrusive asking about your bows. I think I'll need to put in some more time scouring the web for the right bow, when the decision comes. It doesn't seem that the Kaibab is all that common! Thanks again
Also, if I may ask, what is the main difference between the Kaibab, Ocala, and Necedah bows? Are they specialized for different tasks or are they just a range of bows at different price points? I read up on your blog but couldn't find a reason for me to choose one over the other, of course except for the prettiness of the Kaibab. I also remember reading somewhere that the Wambaw, my broken bow, was a lower-end Shakespeare bow. Thank you
Also, if I may ask, what is the main difference between the Kaibab, Ocala, and Necedah bows? Are they specialized for different tasks or are they just a range of bows at different price points? I read up on your blog but couldn't find a reason for me to choose one over the other, of course except for the prettiness of the Kaibab. I also remember reading somewhere that the Wambaw, my broken bow, was a lower-end Shakespeare bow. Thank you
The Ocala was 62”, the Kaibab was 56”, Necedah was 55” and 58”, and the Super Necedah is 54”. All are excellent hunting bows so it depends what you Iike. The Ocala and Kaibab were more expensive, Super Necedah next then Necedah was least but all four are fast and accurate. So it is up to taste and hunting preferences. Ocala is a good overall bow for target and hunting. The others are good shorter hunting bows. I avoid the issue by owning all of them ;)
I have been fortunate to receive a Kaibab as a gift. The bow is in like new condition and doesn't appear to ever had a string on it. I would like to buy a string for the bow and would like your input. The serial # of the bow is J 0355R, and the bow is 56" and a draw weight of +45+ lbs. I am considering a string of B50 or B55. I would also like to know string length & number of strands. Thank you for help and any comments.
I have been fortunate to receive a Kaibab as a gift from a friend. The bow is in like new condition, and does not appear to have ever been strung. I wpuld like to buy a string for for the bow, and would like your input. The bow is marked as 56" in length and a +45+ bow, with a serial number J 0355R. I have considered a string of B50 or B55. I would also like to know what length string and how many strands in the string you would recommend. Thank you for your advice.
A week ag I was fortunate enough to receive a Kaibab as a gift from a friend. The bow is beautiful, and in like new condition. I cannot tell if the bow has ever had a string on it.The bow is marked as 56" and 45+ pounds and it has a J 0355R serial number. I would like to buy a string for the bow and would like your input. I have heard mention strings of B50 and B55. How many strands would you suggest, and what length (52" or 53"). Thank you for your help
Hello! I was curious if it's possible for a Shakespeare kaibab to have been produced as early as 1962 or 1963. My father has one he bought new when he was 12 which would have been 62 or 63. Thanks!
I have a 1967 Shakespeare X27 Kaibab in very good condition, I have had it for 4 years and did not pay too much for it. It is a sweet shooter. I will use it for hunting this fall. This is a very excellent site with invaluable information.
I have read all the comments and suggestions posted by the visitors for this article are very fine,We will wait for your next article so only.Thanks! youth bows reviews
I just received a Shakespeare model x27 for my grandfather with a 55# and serial number H 91339R With a 56" can someone give me some information on it I've been staring at this bow since I was 4 years old and I'm now 30 to be cool to have some information
After many years of absence from the bow hunting scene I "found" and dusted-off my long lost Shakespeare Kaibab and plan to "fix it up" with a new string and start shooting again. Didn't realize how special this bow is until I stumbled upon this site. Excellent information posted here!
Hi, so glad I stumbled upon this site! I recently pulled my Shakespeare Kaibab (X 27) out of the crawl space after decades of non-use. As I want to start shooting it again I need a new string. It is a 58" 45 pound pull (as I recall my draw is about 28"). Can you recommend a string (type and length)? Thanks!
Your Kaibab is a beauty!
ReplyDeleteI'm constantly trolling EBay, etc.. I don't remember seeing a Kaibab. Are these pretty rare?
Thanks Jeff, The Kaibab is a beauty. It was a "high-end" bow, I have seen it in auctions but not often. I think I would call it uncommon or scarce. I have a feeling there are many out there but most people hold on to them because they are beautiful bows and great shooters. Keep looking, the auctions cycle a lot. Right now there isn't much out there but in a month that might change
ReplyDeleteI bought a model x27 last year in the summer. I was on vacation in Minnesota and my father took me to an archery range. I was introduced to traditional archery there and became extremely interested in it. The following week I went back and dropped 200 dollars on the first wooden bow I saw hahaha. I am so thrilled now to know what a scarce and amazing piece I stumbled upon, and I will treasure it forever.
ReplyDeleteYou bought a beautiful bow, one of the best models that Shakespeare produced
ReplyDeleteI am borrowing a Kaibab from a friend to learn how to shoot. All of the texts that I find states that this particular bow ranges from 40#-60#. Yet the one that I have states 65#. Where there not many of these made?
ReplyDeleteThey did make 65# bow by special order so that is a pretty scare bow!! Nice!!
DeleteI have a Kaibab#27 in absolute excellent condition. I received it when my dad passed away. Can anyone tell me what the value of such a beautiful bow is. much appreciated. I am a bow hunter and am looking forward to hunting with it this year!
DeleteCondition and poundage have a lot to do with value. A mint 60 pound bow is worth more then a beat up 35 pound bow. Value is objective too. People pay WAY to much for Bear bows where Shakespeare and Root bows go for less. It has nothing to do with the quality of the bows either. My Roots shoot so much better then my Bear bows. It has more to do with name recognition. on eBay they go between $125 - $185 but I have seen mint ones sell for $250. send us a photo of the bow and if you have luck, with your deer harvested with the Kaibab.
Deleteshakespeare.archer@aol.com
cool, thank you
ReplyDeleteI love my Kaibab! My first "real" bow I saved for months to buy in 1981?! It was a long time but I've been back in traditional archery now for about five years now. I've slowly built up strength with other bows and now feel ready to revive my old friendship. Conventional wisdom says AMO minus four inches for string. My X-27 indicates 56" so a 52" B-50 is on the shopping list. Is that correct? I don't want to mistakenly use the wrong string on my old friend :)
ReplyDeleteThanks!!!!
-Gorbin
Hi Gorbin
DeleteI love mine as well, easily one of the most beautiful bows I own. you are correct, you need a 52" string B-50, no fast flight. Some people say fast flight is OK but I have read of many vintage bow breaking or snapping at the knock..ouch
have fun and send a photo of you shooting.
shakespeare.archer@aol.com
I have kaibab to letgo. Who are interested with the bow can,email ke at kimihafidz@hotmail.com
DeleteGeez you have one also. Very very nice. I sent you pics of mine
ReplyDeleteI found mine in a golf Club bin at Good will for $5 When I was 12. 58", 45 lbs at 28". A True treasure
ReplyDeleteThere are both a vintage Kaibab and an X16 Supreme for sale on e bay
ReplyDeleteI just recieved a kaibab and it came with vintage arrows with first generation bear broadheads..i cant wait to take a deer out with it..i got it from a old man who i mowed the lawn for as payment
ReplyDeletei have a kaibab 50# 58" D6782R olive green limbs 1 7/8" at widest point the riser looks like the RH shakespeare picture on left. scaled this bow at 48#. chronographed with 2013 shafts and 125 points. my draw 28" 180 fps. my friend's draw 29" 184 fps. thank you Larry for all your hard work. Larry Griffith
ReplyDeleteI love the Kaibab!! ( I own two) fast and beautiful bows
DeleteAnyone tell me the correct length arrow to use on my 58 inch 45# Root Shakespeare Kaibab? Bought her new in 1967...want to start shooting again.
ReplyDeleteHi Michael
ReplyDeleteThe correct arrow should match your draw length and the bow weight (45#). Standard draw length is 28 inch, mine is 27, yours may be more depending on how tall you are.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLarry, what kind of arrow rest do you get the best arrow flight on your Kaibabs?
ReplyDeleteI use feather rests. I make my own. The ones that 3Rivers is a bit smaller than the ones Root made. I make my own
ReplyDeleteHow muck would the kaibab x27 model be worth
ReplyDeleteIt depends on the draw weight and the condition. You might go to eBay and search past auctions.
DeleteHi Larry, thanks so much for creating this site! I have a Kiabab coming my way and was reading the above info you put together but I'm a little confused. Your bullet point states-
ReplyDelete1966 -69 AMO 56 inch, 1970 AMO 58inch , 1971 -56 inch
But your write up states-
From 1967 – 1970, The Kaibab was 58 inch long and had dark green glass.
Just wondering what yr my bow is since my bow looks identical to the Kaibab (58" zebra window) pictured next to the Root BM>
Thanks
Chuck
Good afternoon, Larry. I am very fortunate to have found your blog, and the photos of backward strung bows sure gave me a good laugh!
ReplyDeleteI visited this site a few months ago looking to learn something about my old Shakespeare Wambaw 58" 45# (an X12 model) that I received from my uncle about a decade ago. As a kid, I had a fun time taking small game with it, but it wasn't until I took it to an archery shop this year that I found out that it was completely thrashed beyond repair. Twisted limbs, stress lines and cracks up and down the riser, has two mounting screws drilled into the riser to simulate sights, and other such damages. Nevertheless, this hadn't stopped me from having some fun with it in the summer time, being the adventurous kid that I was (which wasn't that long ago), but now I am looking into getting a new-to-me vintage Shakespeare bow––because I liked my Wambaw so much. The Kaibab caught my attention.
So, may I ask, are you yourself willing to sell any of your bows? I am located in SE Wisconsin and have tons of family that love bow hunting turkey, bear, and of course whitetails, but I have always been the outlier that always preferred hunting upland with my 12 gauge and small game with my old, "unsafe to use' Wambaw. It wasn't until recently that I considered joining them up in the stands on a bow hunt, but of course, I'll need to find myself a new bow for those events. If you'd be able to give me any advice on where to find a Kaibab #55 or #60 preferably, in good condition, I'd surely appreciate it. Thank you.
Mike
P.S. after reading about all of the various Shakespeare Wonderbow models on your site, it appears to me that 1967 was surely the "sweetspot" year for Shakespeare, in terms of the sheer beauty of their design. Your Kaibab sure is beaut.
Hi Michael
ReplyDeleteKaibab and Ocala are similar and a GREAT bows. my other favorites are Necedah and the super Necedah. My bows are my babies and I rarely sell them. I am also a left handed archer. If you are interested in Shakespeare Bows I do have a FaceBook group dedicated to all of Shakespeare and Root bows https://www.facebook.com/groups/Vintagebowcollectors/
Thanks!!!
Thank you for the speedy reply! I didn't mean to sound intrusive asking about your bows. I think I'll need to put in some more time scouring the web for the right bow, when the decision comes. It doesn't seem that the Kaibab is all that common! Thanks again
DeleteAlso, if I may ask, what is the main difference between the Kaibab, Ocala, and Necedah bows? Are they specialized for different tasks or are they just a range of bows at different price points? I read up on your blog but couldn't find a reason for me to choose one over the other, of course except for the prettiness of the Kaibab. I also remember reading somewhere that the Wambaw, my broken bow, was a lower-end Shakespeare bow. Thank you
DeleteMike
Also, if I may ask, what is the main difference between the Kaibab, Ocala, and Necedah bows? Are they specialized for different tasks or are they just a range of bows at different price points? I read up on your blog but couldn't find a reason for me to choose one over the other, of course except for the prettiness of the Kaibab. I also remember reading somewhere that the Wambaw, my broken bow, was a lower-end Shakespeare bow. Thank you
Deletehttps://
Deleteshakespearearchery.blogspot.com/2015/02/shakespeare-x17-62-ocala-x-17-and-rare.html?m=1
https://shakespearearchery.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-kaibab.html?m=1
https://shakespearearchery.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-necedah-wonderbow.html?m=1
https://shakespearearchery.blogspot.com/2012/09/super-necedah-review.html?m=1
The Ocala was 62”, the Kaibab was 56”, Necedah was 55” and 58”, and the Super Necedah is 54”. All are excellent hunting bows so it depends what you Iike. The Ocala and Kaibab were more expensive, Super Necedah next then Necedah was least but all four are fast and accurate. So it is up to taste and hunting preferences. Ocala is a good overall bow for target and hunting. The others are good shorter hunting bows. I avoid the issue by owning all of them ;)
I have been fortunate to receive a Kaibab as a gift. The bow is in like new condition and doesn't appear to ever had a string on it. I would like to buy a string for the bow and would like your input. The serial # of the bow is J 0355R, and the bow is 56" and a draw weight of +45+ lbs. I am considering a string of B50 or B55. I would also like to know string length & number of strands. Thank you for help and any comments.
DeleteI have been fortunate to receive a Kaibab as a gift from a friend. The bow is in like new condition, and does not appear to have ever been strung. I wpuld like to buy a string for for the bow, and would like your input. The bow is marked as 56" in length and a +45+ bow, with a serial number J 0355R. I have considered a string of B50 or B55. I would also like to know what length string and how many strands in the string you would recommend.
DeleteThank you for your advice.
A week ag I was fortunate enough to receive a Kaibab as a gift from a friend. The bow is beautiful, and in like new condition. I cannot tell if the bow has ever had a string on it.The bow is marked as 56" and 45+ pounds and it has a J 0355R serial number. I would like to buy a string for the bow and would like your input. I have heard mention strings of B50 and B55. How many strands would you suggest, and what length (52" or 53"). Thank you for your help
ReplyDeleteI just aquired a 1969 58" Kaibab without a string. What length string should I put on this? I have a 29.5" draw length.
ReplyDeleteHello! I was curious if it's possible for a Shakespeare kaibab to have been produced as early as 1962 or 1963. My father has one he bought new when he was 12 which would have been 62 or 63. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI have a 1967 Shakespeare X27 Kaibab in very good condition, I have had it for 4 years and did not pay too much for it. It is a sweet shooter. I will use it for hunting this fall. This is a very excellent site with invaluable information.
ReplyDeleteI have read all the comments and suggestions posted by the visitors for this article are very fine,We will wait for your next article so only.Thanks! youth bows reviews
ReplyDeleteI just came into a kaibab model ×27. #45+.. 58" E61005R. was wondering a value and was possibly interested in selling.
ReplyDeleteI just received a Shakespeare model x27 for my grandfather with a 55# and serial number H
ReplyDelete91339R With a
56" can someone give me some information on it I've been staring at this bow since I was 4 years old and I'm now 30 to be cool to have some information
I own a 1970 58" Kaibab and I was wondering what length bow string it requires. Thanks, Jeff
ReplyDeleteAfter many years of absence from the bow hunting scene I "found" and dusted-off my long lost Shakespeare Kaibab and plan to "fix it up" with a new string and start shooting again. Didn't realize how special this bow is until I stumbled upon this site. Excellent information posted here!
ReplyDeleteHi, so glad I stumbled upon this site! I recently pulled my Shakespeare Kaibab (X 27) out of the crawl space after decades of non-use. As I want to start shooting it again I need a new string. It is a 58" 45 pound pull (as I recall my draw is about 28"). Can you recommend a string (type and length)? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi, we have this exact bow, could you please help me with what it might be worth?
ReplyDelete