Root Predator X114
Ernie Root's expertise in archery led to the creation of exceptional and reasonably priced bows by Shakespeare Archery from 1959 to 1976. Root Archery initially operated as a family business in suburban Chicago before settling in Big Rapids, MI. While many people believed that Shakespeare acquired Root Archery in the late 1960s, Lawrence Root, Ernie Root's son, clarified that it was more of a mutually beneficial merger. Root Archery has been producing bows for Shakespeare since 1959. In 1968-69, Shakespeare purchased the Root factories and production facilities, which were then referred to as "The Root Archery Division of the Shakespeare Company." By the end of 1969, the "Root" name was completely eliminated, but Ernie Root's design influence persisted. Mr. Root became a production consultant and manager. Shakespeare acquired numerous Root designs, which they modified and renamed. For instance, The Root Brush Master was rebranded as the Necedah X26 in 1964, initially as a 55" bow and later as a 58" bow. The Game Master, which was 62", was renamed the 62" Ocala x-17.
One of the bows created towards the end of Ernie Roots' tenure with Shakespeare from 1968-70 was named The Root Predator X114. It was an exceptional bow that was later rebranded as the Shakespeare Super Necedah, which became one of the top bows in the Shakespeare product line. When comparing the two, they look almost identical, except for the Zebra wood used in the Super Necedah and the "Root by Shakespeare" sticker.
I haven't yet acquired one of these bows because I shoot left-handed, and Root Archery has limited lefty options. However, Shakespeare offers more left-handed Super Necedah bows than Root Predator. I currently own a Necedah, Root Warrior, and two Super Necedah bows, which are among my top five hunting bows. In my experience, Root bows tend to perform better than Shakespeare bows. Based on this, I believe the Root Predator may be just as great as the Super Necedah. Tuning the Super Necedah requires time and a high brace height of 9 inches, whereas I estimate the Predator's brace height to be around 8-9 inches. I've also found that my Super Necedah bows require string silencers.
Root
Predator X114 1968-1970
- Limbs 2 inches wide
- 54” AMO
- Seduha riser
- Overlays Seduha laminate
- Brown Glass
- Sight window 3 ½
- Draw weights 35 lbs. – 60lbs
- Brace Height 8-9 inches (guess)