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.
