First Long Bow

[KWB]

#7279

Hello everyone,

New to the board here. I am new to archery altogether, but figured I might as well start out with what I really am interested in, which is traditional long bows. I am looking for your opinions on a good company or builder for a very high quality custom long bow. My thinking is I might as well do it right the first time, so money is not really an issue. Now I don’t mean I need the absolute most expensive thing I can buy, but I want to make sure I get a very good quality bow, and I don’t mind paying top dollar to make sure I get that. I am 25 years old, so I plan on using this thing for a very long time. Any advice you could give me on custom builders I should look into would really be appreciated. I look forward to learning a lot from you guys here and thank you for your time.

[LadyHawk]

#63132

If I was in your shoes, I would go out and shoot as many different bows as I could. Go to a local trad shop or hit a rondy this summer. If you are like most of us, you will get the bow sickness and always be looking and trading your bows. I would not go top dollar on your first bow. Used bows are a great way to get the feel of what you like. Chances are you will change your likes.
Katie

[Killdeer]

#10092

Ditto.
What I like in a bow and grip type may be a hundred and eighty degrees out from what your preferences are, and may evolve to be.

The best way to make a smart purchase is to try a bunch of bows. Warm weather is here, and the archery rendezvous are going to take place all over the country. They can be found listed in TBM or on other traditional archery websites. Attend them, they are filled with enthusiastic people and vendors selling the wares that you want to try… and they will let you try them! A nicer bunch of folks are hard to find.

Don’t be intimidated by a lack of experience or not knowing exactly what to look for or ask about. Jump in with open eyes and mind. I truly enjoy helping new folks out at a shoot, and most folks love to introduce someone to their favorite bow.

It would be a shame for you to drop 750 to 1300 dollars on a bow, based on our say-so, when your true love may be a 200 dollar “sleeper” on someone’s used bow rack. Personally, having grown up with recurves, when I shoot a longbow I like a higher grip such as that found on a Centaur or ACS. You, however, may enjoy the simple elegance of a true Hill style longbow.
To each his own.
Happy searching!

Killdeer:D

[crittergitter]

#26398

do you live close to minnesota.even if you dont the footed shaft could most likely find a great used bow for you at a great price.the footed shaft 507 288 7581 if he does not have whate you need ha can give you the number to other friends in the same business as him,ps i got my current bow for a great price 250, a robertson mystical longbow 60 pound at 28 in my draw 26 so about 54 pounds,i baught it 2 years ago.one more thing he can be bargained with at the footed shaft for instance a 250 dollar bow you might ask him to throw in 4 to 6 used cedar arrows he did for me.

[Frank V]

#27131

KWB, Killdeers advise is good about trying to shoot as many bows as you can then you can make a decision based on what feels good to you. I would like to suggest that if you haven’t shot a bow much not to buy one that is too heavy it will lead to all sorts of problems when you are learning. Hope this helps some. Frank

[JDinCO]

#27325

KWB
Welcome to archery! If you are just starting out I wouldn’t reccomend spending a lot quite yet. First find someone who is willing to take the time to teach you the basics. There are some good books out there: The Traditioinal Bowhunter’s Handbook by TJ Conrads and Shooting the Stickbow by Anthony Camera are two very good books. I also think starting out with a light bow about 35# to build your form then move up to 50# and above. But be prepared for a lot of opinions and advice and remember archery is something where you will always learn something new everyday. Good luck!

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