what’s a decent longbow in the $300 range.

[james ritter]

#150255

I’m just getting into traditional archery and would like to get a decent longbow. I don’t mean to seem like a cheapskate, but it seems most bowyers are in the $500 range and up. I’m sure they’re worth every penny, I just can’t afford one. I’ve got a 29″ draw and have been told to get something in the 66/68″, I’ve seen a couple in the 62/64 range and really like the looks of them. I’m 80 yrs old and figured to stay in the 35# range. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, THANK YOU.

 

 

[Stephen Graf]

#150258

The longer the bow, the easier to shoot.  That’s the general rule anyway.  From there you can start bending the rule with changes in bow design and archer form.  Which eventually brings you to the question, what is a longbow?

If you wish to shoot a straight end longbow like and english longbow or an american semi-longbow, then you will likely be happier sticking with a bow 68 to 70 inches.

If you wish to shoot a hybrid longbow that deflexes at the handle and reflexes at the tips, then you can surely have fun shooting a shorter bow.  These curvy bows usually have longer risers which help to make them more friendly in the hand and the reflexed tips help to reduce the string angle at full draw and help them shoot a zippy arrow reliably to the mark.

But then you have to ask yourself: “why do I want to shoot a bow?  Is it simply to put an arrow in the mark?  If so, you may be happier with a compound bow or a recurve dressed up with all it’s accurizing accessories like sights, stabilizers, arrow rests, and release aids.  If,  instead, you are interested in improving body and mind through archery, then it has been my experience that the more simple the bow, the more grand the adventure.

One advantage of archery is that it isn’t as serious or permanent as marriage.  If you eye a bow that excites you, then have a go with it.  If ( eventually) you lose interest in it or find that you are incompatible, there will be no hard feelings.  You can part ways and find another bow.

I don’t have any specific bow suggestions for you.  But if you have a creative bent, and are just a little handy, you can have fun making all sorts of bows from PVC, especially in your weight range.  Do an internet search on “PVC Archery Bow” and you will find everything from Mongol Horse Bows, to English Long bows, to Penobscot Indian Bows.  All can be made for the cost of a 10ft piece of PVC pipe.

[richard roop]

#150259

James, Greetings and Salutations from S.E. Arizona.

I’m assuming that you already have an entry level bow and want to upgrade ??  Couple of suggestions;

(1) Spend some time on eBay just to see what’s out there. A used bow could save you serious coin.  One may stand out from the crowd and say to you “I’m the one”.

(2) Take the money that you save on a new bow and spend it on a few coaching lessons. Far & away easier to not learn bad habits in the first place than suffer thru trying to un-learn them.  (Trust me on this one)

(3)  Join an archery club that has some Traditional members.  Good people / Good times.

Good luck and let us know how it’s working out.

[Raymond Coffman]

#150335

James Ritter

Welcome to the forum

If you are looking for a new bow, you might try perusing the Kustom king and 3 Rivers archery sites. They both sell some bows at or under the 300.00 price break. Good Co’s that back their products.  Let us know how it goes …..

Scout aka Ray

[Stix]

#150757

You may want to check out the Black Hunter line of recurves and longbows. They are takedowns with either red or grey actionwood risers, bamboo core with black glass limbs. The recurve/longbow limbs are interchangeble on the risers. The longbows are smooth to 30″, and the recurve are smooth to 29″. They are 60″ long. I have both and they shoot so well I sold all my high dollar customs. I’ve killed 3 deer and 1 bear with them in the past 3 years since I acquired them.

 

They are imported. There are a couple of US retailers that sell them for $200. Or you can order them for $100 from overseas with a 45 day shipping time. I won’t tell you the vendor names unless webmother gives me the ok. I don’t want to get into trouble for unpaid advertising.

[Robin Conrads]

#150848

The “free advertising” thing is if you are promoting your own product. This is different, and some have already mentioned business that sell bows. Feel free to share the builder or where someone might get this bow.

[Stix]

#150758

[Stix]

#150862

Thanks Robin.

The US internet retailers who are selling them are Lancaster Archery and Twig Archery.    Lancaster has rebranded them as Galaxy Ember longbows and recurves. Twig Archery simply calls them Black Hunters. Cost $200. Only available in the gray actionwood risers.

 

They can be bought for ~$100 on eBay directly from overseas. Only problem is that covid has caused very long shipping times. ~45 days. You can get the gray or red risers. Simply search Black Hunter longbow or recurve on ebay. This is where I ordered mine from to save some $$$.

 

Happy New Year to all!

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