I have a 62", 49# Firefly that I shoot extremely well. However, I need 50# minimum to hunt elk here in Oregon. A good friend is telling me that the BW longbow is the way to go. I could order a set of 53# limbs for the Firefly, but to be honest with you I still have a bit of a problem with the TD recurve handle/longbow limb set-up aesthetically . Maybe it's the romantic in me, but I like the looks/lines of standard recurves and longbows.
So, that said, any real life opinions/comparisons of BW longbows would be greatly appreciated. Please, no BW bashing.
Thanks!
Jerry
Take this with a grain of salt because I've only had a PLG for about a month. For my shooting style and my money I think you can get something else that would be less expensive and shoot just as well. Just one of many examples - I think Jim Neaves is charging $800 for a Centaur Carbon Elite, which you'd have to wait for but is an awesome bow. My feeling thus far is that the widow is kind of "high strung" - it shoots hard but you feel it in both the draw and the shot. Like I said, though, I've only been shooting it about a month.
"My feeling thus far is that the widow is kind of "high strung" - it shoots hard but you feel it in both the draw and the shot."
Thanks Bowfiend. That's the kind of info I'm seeking.
I don't know Weasie, I just got ANOTHER BW longbow cause they seem so smooth to me. This one is Juniper, 66", 54#@32". I'm shooting 700gr carbons w/125gr Muzzy Phantoms.
Different guys have different feel but the only longbow I have that is smoother is my Great Northern Traditional Longbow. That may be because it's a 70"er.
I am shooting my 2nd PL V. I used to have a 64" 63#, and swapped it for a 62" 57#@28" that is absolutely perfect for me. IMO, It is a hard hitting, super smooth bow that is also built like a tank, to withstand the harshest environment, be it weather or terrain related, as well as the harshest treatment from its owners, or at least one of them, ME! I also think the bamboo in the PL V adds to the smooth draw.
Do yourself a favor and look at Dan Toelke "Whips"
(www.montanabows.com), as well mannered a bow as you will ever shoot. They are $700.00, superbly crafted of beautiful woods and the longest I've waited for delivery on a number of them has been 29 days. In addition you will find Dan the best guy in the world to deal with.
I have a PLX 62" 83#@29 which is very smooth provided you are used to pulling something like that. For most things I shoot what would be considered a light 8.1gpp arrow for the bow weighing in at 675 gr and is very fast and flat. Shooting something more in the 10gpp range is really quiet, smooth and hard hitting, which would likely be the case with any weight BW longbow with a 10 gpp arrow.
Weasel, Jay St.Charles can make you one that has all kinds of romantic appeal, and it will shoot great too. Is the BW even a D-bow?
what jim wright said x2
I third Jim's comment. Dan is the best, IMO...Mike
Well, my Mom always said, "If you can't say anything nice..."
I've owned a few with a mix of the older LAG and the newer PL models, don't own one now, and won't in the future. I know there are a lot of folks who love them, great for them, just not my cup of tea... I do like the Widow recurve design, but don't happen to own any right now as I'm more of a longbow shooter.
Having had two, I think they are a fine bow. They are fast and forgiving. I really cut my teeth as a bowhunter with them, taking my first goats, pigs and a camel. However, these days, the romantic in me prefers to shoot Hills when the longbow bug bites.
I've owned BW Longbows in the past. There is no doubt they are a sweet shooting bow. However, for me, they are just a little on the heavy side.
My current favorite is a Mississippi Lake Longbow made by Jim Godden. He takes the time to listen to what you want and makes a great Longbow with little weight time. Also for less that any of the bows mentioned so far.
I have been through 24 trad bows in the last 8 years or so,trying lots of different designs. The PL is not the fastest or prettiest depending on the model, but I am down to 1 bow and that is a PLV T/D 62" that I draw to 29" nicely. The PLV has the right combination of grip, performance, decent brace height to clear heavy jackets etc and is very forgiving and easy to setup/tune. It is also one of the best built/durable bows I have owned. You need to find one to shoot or do their "TEST DRIVE" to see if it is the bow for you. Used ones a couple of years old can be had also for a reasonable cost on teh classifieds and sold for what you paid if you determine you don't care for it.
After all the bows that I have owned and tried over the last 10 years I have finally gotten out of the buying, selling and trading. There are a few that I have owned that thinking back I maybe should have kept, (MOAB, Massie, to name two) but the two bows that I ended up keeping are my ACS CX and my PLGA. My ACS is hands down the best shooting bow I have ever shot and my Black Widow PLGA is not only a looker, but fast, smooth, forgiving and built to last. Not only are both of these bows great to shoot, but the customer service of both companies is outstanding.
Best advise would be to find one to shoot and see if it is for you. If not, there are many other great bow makers out there producing bows. If you have the time and the means, Kalamazoo is coming up in January and you could try out alot of bows from different bowyers.
I agree completely with you on the "looks/lines" comment Weasel. I like the BW's but I prefer the Border GL. Pete Ward did a review on www.peteward.com (http://www.peteward.com) if you'd like to check it out.
I agree with Lefty as I have both too. And have another A&H ACS CX on order.
I think BW still offers the test drive, where you can try out the model that you want. If your still leaning towards one you might try that.
I can't imagine a PL not being smooth. I do know that you want to get one made after they started putting carbon in the back of the limb. I have a 64" 60lb PLII and it is one of the best longbows I have ever shot. Light as a feather too. It feels like I'm drawing about a fifty pond bow.
I've had two B/W longbows. My b/w is my go to bow------right now.... I really do like it. Quiet fast very pointalbe (is that a word?) Killed two deer with it this year both pass throughs.... Joe
It may be wise to check out the Buffalo bow that Big Jim makes. I have owned a couple Widow longbows and shot them well. Had a chance to shoot a couple of Jims bows this year, very nice craftsmanship, excellent speed and shootability. Actually, the riser puts me in mind of the PL's. For half the price of a new Widow I feel sure it is one of the best values out there imo. Been thinking real hard on ordering one myself. Met him a couple times, real gentleman and has a handshake that would crack bone !!!
Lanier
treadway black swamp
Why does a question on BW longbows shooting characteristics to owners/past owners get responses from people to recommend another bow with no comment at all on the question asked? Guess people can't read, or just answer every post that their favorite bowyers products are best?
I love my BW PL. I was always a recurve guy until I got this bow. I actually think I might shoot it better than my recurves. I shot a lot of longbows that didn't fit me or weren't comfortable. I would order another one in a heartbeat.
I shot a widder but didn't like that much weight in my hand. It shot alright but didn't outshoot my Pronghorn. My Pronghorn was half the money too.
Jerry,
I've read a few of your articles in TBM, good stuff!!
I noticed in a couple articles, you had the LDB. If you like the vintage Bears, you may want to look at St. Joe River Bows. Their risers are similar to the old Bears, just tweaked a little, very comfy.
The risers for both their recurve and longbows are the same and their longbows perform extremely well!! Dave and Tracey are great people to talk with to boot. :thumbsup:
Thank you for all the replies! I just ordered one of Big Jim's Buffalo Bows.
Jerry
just pull your firefly back an extra 1/2 in.
I never had any problems with my PL's. There a real nice bow and are smooth...in fact I own 2 of them.
(http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn125/frassettor/DSC00496.jpg)
QuoteOriginally posted by Biggie Hoffman:
I don't know Weasie, I just got ANOTHER BW longbow cause they seem so smooth to me. This one is Juniper, 66", 54#@32". I'm shooting 700gr carbons w/125gr Muzzy Phantoms.
Different guys have different feel but the only longbow I have that is smoother is my Great Northern Traditional Longbow. That may be because it's a 70"er.
Come on Biggster...Lets see a pic :readit:
I would reccomend a pronghorn LB I absolutley love mine. and you can get them at a very reasonable price. I have shot black widow bows in the past even hunted with one part of this past season and I still personally like my pronghorn better.
Well I really think Weasel is eyeing a friend's BW and isn't interested in any other bow we may think is better 8^). I can't help with that one, I 've only shot the t/d model SA.
George, I ordered Big Jim's Buffalo Bow. BW qualities for 1/2 the price.
Jerry
I have two Fedora longbows - a one piece and a TD and both are smooth, good shooting bows. I recentle shot my buddy's BW PLII which is 62" AND 55@ 28". it is A TD and a sweet shooting bow.
May I recommend a NICON or perhaps a FUGJI Sureshot :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:
I own a BW LAG Model 64" 54# @ 28. When I fill the need to shoot a long bow The bow performs very smooth/fast. It dont get out very often. I'm more of a recurve Guy. " Wallace,Blacktail"
I like your comment Spike. I don't like to ask opinnions for that readon. I have 6 long bows the last two are BW PL's. They are my choice in the most shootable and tops in quality.
Hey Weasel, a report on it would be nice once you get it and spend some quality time in the woods.
Hey Weasel,check out the tomahawk longbows from 3rivers trad supply.They are made by great plains for 3rivers and they are beautiful bows and shoot great.They have no hand shock and are fast.I own one and love it!
Jerry, the best advice is to shoot one, then you will know. Do yourself a favor and try their loaner program, it will cost less than buying and not liking. So many bows so little time.
QuoteOriginally posted by Iron Bull:
May I recommend a NICON or perhaps a FUGJI Sureshot :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:
Um...Am I missing something here?
I was always a BW recurve fella... but longed to try a BW longbow. I was worried about making the move from shooting a BW recurve for ten + years to shooting a longbow.
I took the plunge... ordered a PLX in Kingwood, with the older LAG grip and a TD model, 66#@ my 29.5 draw and a 64" bow.
By far now this bow is my 'go to' bow... hands down! A fine shooter, hits hard, silent, fast and forgiving.
Best thing I ever done was order this bow.
Best of luck!
ak.
I have a SA, PTF and a PL.
It is very strange to me, the PL does not feel like it "fits" my hand but I shoot it better than the others. When people say they are forgiving I can only assume this is why I shoot it well.
Love my BW's
Love my Strikers too !
Save your money and keep the Firefly just pull it a 1/2 inch more and you have a 51# legal bow. Crazy law anyway, 1 pound of pull is going to matter anyway.
CJ
CJ, he already ordered a Buffalo Bow from Big Jim. Those are really sweet looking bows.
Jerry, good choice. If I was to use any bow other than the ones I build I would probably be getting one of Big Jims bows. Excellent craftsmanship. Good luck and let us know how it shoots. Steve