Shakespeare Supreme X16

Shakespeare Model X16 and 
The Supreme X16
by Larry Vienneau 

Shakespeare Model X16 1963-65

Ernie Root oversaw the production of exceptional competition and target bows by Shakespeare. One such bow was the Model X16, which was introduced in 1963 as a top-quality target bow. This 66" bow featured exquisite Benge hardwood and ivory-white fiberglass and included a feather rest and calf hair arrow plate. Available in right or left hand, it could be purchased in weight options of 30-50 lbs. The new Supreme X16 was released in 1966 and had a consistent design throughout its production from 1966-1971. Competition bows from 1960-70 had longer AMOs and lower draw weights, allowing for smoother draws, less string pinch, and a stable release. The AMO was 66 inches but reduced to 64 inches in 1970 before returning to 66 inches in 1971. Draw weights varied from year to year and ranged between 20-50 pounds.

Shakespeare Supreme X16 1967-71

 The Shakespeare Supreme X16 was an exceptional tournament bow available at an affordable price point. Shakespeare crafted three models of competition bows, with the Professional X10 being their top-of-the-line option, the Titan X15 as their mid-level choice, and the Supreme X16 serving as their entry-level model. All three models were expertly designed with exquisite craftsmanship by Ernie Root, earning admiration from even the most discerning archers. The Supreme X16 was available in seven different draw weights, ensuring it could meet the needs of any archer. It boasted incredibly stable shooting ease and pinpoint accuracy, outperforming other bows in its price range. Notable features include its exotic and maple wood risers, white glass, and three-layer exotic and maple wood construction. The Supreme X16 was originally designed in 1970 for the Junior Olympics, with lower draw weights and shorter draw lengths.

There is limited information available about this exceptional bow. Typically, Competition Bows are sold through auctions and tend to fetch a higher price point than hunting bows. I believe that traditional shooters can benefit from practicing with a competition bow during the off-season. Although it is on my "Want List," it has been challenging to find a desirable left-handed option to add to my collection. Therefore, I am living vicariously through my right-handed friend, Lewis Kent, who possesses an impressive collection and skillfully restores bows. Recently, he acquired a stunning Supreme and generously shared it with me. I am grateful for his kindness and enthusiasm for archery. 

Lewis Kent's Supreme X16

UPDATE: March 2015
This piece was initially written back in May 2013. Recently, I managed to come across a left-handed Supreme X16 - a rare find for a competition bow in good condition. What's more, it was a first-year production model from 1966 and was in pristine condition. Although it required a new rest and string, it still shoots exceptionally well at 40#. Interestingly, it matches my 1966 Professional X10 and performs just as well as a target bow. It's lightweight yet stable upon release, and I've noticed no major differences between it and the Professional X10. With consistent groups and arrow flight, it's now one of my top competition bows.

My lucky find: a Lefty Supreme model X-16

1966 Catalog

Supreme X16 1966-1971

66” AMO (1966-69)

64” AMO (1970)

66” AMO (1971)

Draw weights:

25-50 pounds (1967)

25-45 pounds (1968, 1969)

20-40 pounds (1970)

25-40 pounds (1971)

Limbs:

1 ¾ inch (1967)

2 inch (1968-1971)

Sight window:

 7 inch (1967-1970)

6 ½ inch (1971)

Arrow rest:

Vertical feathers, calf hair plate (1967-69)

Adjustable Plate and Flipper rest (1970-71)

Brace height: 8 ½

Riser:

Benge and Maple wood Riser (1967)  

Maple, Bubinga, and Rosewood (1968- 1971)

Fiberglass: White

Triple tip overlays:

1967 Benge and Maple,

1968-1971 Maple and Bubinga

M16 Stabilizer mount- 1968-1971

© Copyright, Larry Vienneau Jr.

All rights reserved.

Shakespeare Trident X25

THE BEAUTIFUL TRIDENT X-25

By Larry Vienneau

The term "trident" originates from the French word trident, which has its roots in the Latin word tridens or tridentis: tri meaning "three" and dentes meaning "teeth". In ancient times, the trident was recognized as the weapon of choice for Poseidon and Neptune, the deities of the sea in Greek and Roman mythology, and in India, it served as the traditional weapon for the Hindu god Shiva. The trident was highly valued as a weapon due to its extended range and its capability to deliver blows from a distance. I am a NERD.

Ernie Root's unmistakable design is on full display in the Trident X25, featuring stunning lines and clever use of contrasting woods that are both eye-catching and one-of-a-kind. It's easy to see the similarities between the Trident X25 and the "Butcher Block" Game Master Root when you compare them side by side.

The Trident X25 is a stunningly designed Shakespeare target bow that falls under the Field/Hunter bow category. With a length of 64 inches from nock to nock, it provides the perfect balance between precision and ease of use for both field rounds and hunting purposes. This bow is highly effective and provides a great shooting experience. While there is limited information available online regarding this bow, it was featured in Shakespeare catalogs from 1966-68 and there is also a reference to a 1965 model. According to the catalog, it was described as follows:

“Trident x25 is everything ever wanted in a fine performing, truly all-purpose bow. Trident is smart, smooth, and exceptionally well-stabilized. With speed to spare, it casts arrow after arrow with machine-like speed and undiminished agility”

variations of the Trident X25

The Trident X25 bow was expertly crafted and fell within the mid-price range. It was versatile, and suitable for both target shooting and hunting. The 1965 model featured green fiberglass and was likely intended for hunting purposes. While most catalog photos showcase a multi-laminated riser, it's worth noting that the 1965 model may have been the only one to feature a solid Imbuya riser before it was potentially replaced later that year with an Imbuya and maple riser. The 1966-68 models, on the other hand, were white-glassed and typically used for target shooting, but this particular bow could have easily been used for hunting as well due to its exceptional quality.

from the 1966 catalog: "The Trident combined the ultimate in appearance with the unique versatility of performance. Trident is a fast bow, the 64-inch length is comfortable to handle in the field, yet long enough to guarantee the smoothness of cast so desired for tournament shooting and a comfortable handle, custom-contoured of Imbuya and Maple wood; face and back of sandalwood (cream white) fiberglass; shock absorbing upright arrow rest, and Calf Hair strike plate."

Lewis Kent's Beautiful Trident X25

The Trident X-25 Bow is a stunning, high-performing, and reliable multi-purpose weapon. I've got a "Want List," and the Trident X25 is definitely on it! As a left-handed shooter, finding good examples of this bow is a challenge. So, I wait patiently and scour auctions, classifieds, and online trading sites. Fortunately, my right-handed friend, Lewis Kent, shares my passion for the Trident Bow and was able to acquire a great one. Although it required some work, Lewis has a passion for woodworking and restoring bows. He did a remarkable job restoring this bow!

In May 2013, I published an article about my journey in finding the perfect Left Hand Trident X-25 bow. It took me years to find one, but I eventually stumbled upon a nice one on eBay. However, it needed some refinishing as it appeared to have been painted black and the previous owner removed most of the paint. After adding a few layers of finish and a new calf hair and feather rest, the Trident was finally ready to be tested. I was impressed with its speed and accuracy, hitting 4 out of 6 arrows in the gold during my first six shots. To test its arrow speed, I shot a 412-gr. arrow 12 times, with an average speed of 177.79, which is very fast for a -40# bow.

Recently, in 2017, I won a second Trident, which was made in 1967. It is a beautiful bow with I-Beam construction and two exotic woods with distinct graining. The bow also features "sandalwood" glass, which is a cream color that is hard to appreciate in photos. Like my other bow, it is a wonderful shooter.

February 15, 2020: I shoot competitively with the Society of Creative Anachronisms. The distances are 20, 30, and 40 yards, shooting six arrows at each with an additional timed 30-second round with as many arrows as you can shoot. I have bounced around between heavier and lighter bows, target and hunting bows, and I keep coming back to my 1967 Trident. Of all my dozens of bows, the Trident is my most consistent shooter. Don't let anyone disparage this bow, it is an outstanding shooter, and it is reliable and accurate!!! It has been my tournament bow for the past three years.

my long-awaited LH Trident X-25

 

details of my 1968 Trident X-25

my second Trident X25 1967. this one is a beauty!! 

TRIDENT X25 1965-68

• 64 AMO
• Limbs 1 ¾
• Sight window 5”
• Arrow rest vertical feathers
• Arrow plate calf hair
• tip overlays
• Brace height 7 ¾
• Weights 25-45 lbs.

Glass:

• white belly, the greenback
• white “sandalwood” belly and back

Riser:

• 1965  Imbuya
• 1966 Imbuya and maple 
  
• 1967- 68 Imbuya and “exotic” woods

© Copyright, Larry Vienneau Jr.

All rights reserved.