Got the itch for a new bow. since I don't own a widow longbow and have wanted one for a while, I think it's time to add one to the herd.
My question is , what have you noticed about the diff. in the bamboo versus other lams in the limbs. I don't own a longbow with bamboo, but have shot some(not widows) and they seem a bit crisper and smoother than say a maple or birch limb. just looking for feedback before making the plung. Also, bow length? I'm 6ft and draw an honest 28 3/4". thanks Don
Don,
I don't think you can go wrong with bamboo. I agree it is super smooth and though I have no proof, seems faster. I'm 6'4" and have a 31 1/4" draw and my 66" PL is the smoothest bow I've ever drawn. I like my bows long, but with a 28 3/4 draw, I bet you could get away with something shorter if you like. Certainly a 64" would fit you well. Widow has published recommended limb lengths. I'd refer you to them.
Good luck. You won't regret it. Great bow.
I have not shot the Autumn Oak or greybark personally.So i can really give you a comparison.I did have the ironwood model with all bamboo limbs and it was a solid shooting bow.mine was 66 inches as well and a 2 piece.I draw 29.5 to 30 inches and agree with Derwood that you could get by with a 64 incher at your draw.The bamboo is said to be a tad quicker.The PLV is a great choice IMO.These widow longbows are very tough and solid.
Don,Wally has a couple you might want to talk to him.
For me, I doubt if you can tell any difference in the BW bow.
Bamboo to me seems very smooth, as far as length talk to black widow and go with there idea -- bowyers seem to know their equipment best and they want happy customers!!! good luck I have a black widow longbow I got from Lamont at footed shaft and love it. Thanks Jerry.
Bamboo is definatly the way to go. Just my 0.2.
I've owned two Widow PL's.A current PLX with bamboo and a 04 model PLII both 62" and 55lbs at 28". Honestly I can't tell any difference.
I draw 29" and like the 62" bows.To me the longer bows seem to have more kick.It's not really handshock like a straight limbed longbow just moor kick.
i have had 3 widow longbows, i still own 2 of them.
1. autumn oak. 50 @ 28". 64" long.
2. plx birdseye maple w/ bamboo cores. 44 @ 28". 60" long.
3. plx tiger mirtle w/ bamboo cores. 50 @ 28'. 62" long.
i sold the autumn oak, but at the time i was shooting a psr at 50#. just wanted a longbow to match. i thought the autumn oak just didn't feel very springy(or crisp as you said). but i didn't know if it was the bow or it was my comparison to my psr or was it the 64" length. i really wanted to shoot the longbow and i thought the bamboo would do better. i next ordered my birdseye maple. wanting to shoot alot i got lower poundage but got a shorter length to help with that crisp feeling. shot it for a year and hunted with it for 1 season before deciding i wanted more poundage for hunting (not trying to start a debate about poundage-i just didn't feel comfortable with it). after getting the tiger mirtle bow my birdseye has set on the rack since. i pull just short of 28" and feel my 62" is perfect.
with all that said i will say that before i decided i wanted to shoot a longbow i was shooting the widow psr. i went through the same ordeal with it. a couple different models of different pounds and lengths b4 finding that i really liked the bamboo cores best.
my wife doesn't hunt but she shoots 3d with me. i got her a psa autumn oak 32# @ 24". she loved it. on our 10 year anniv. i got her a ptf 32# at 24" in tulip wood w/ bamboo cores. she says she likes the boo better. "it just feels and shoots a little better".
tim.
I think the boo feels better in the draw too. I also think it is just a little quicker, although I have no data to back that up personally. Maybe it is just in my head, but I always prefer the boo core bow. My PLGA is really nice to shoot!
BAMBOO!!!!!!!!!!!! what kind of grip?????
I've got a suggestion,stick with a recurve so i ain't gotta shoot against your butt all the time.lol.I've been curios about the pl longbows too.
I'm 6 ft and draw 28" to 29" depending on my anchor point. All my longbows are 62" I think bamboo is smoother and quicker also.
I am 6'1" and have a 29" draw and my 62" PLII is a very smooth shooting bow. In fact, it is the best bow I've shot to date and now have a PL X on order that is 64" 53# @ 29".
(http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp233/TradNut/misc002.jpg)