Trad Gang

Who's making the best "D" shaped longbows out there? I need to place an order for one soon...

Robertson, Miller, Steve Schulz

Robertson

I've got an Apex Predator Cumberland on order...66" D style.

Josh

Depends on what you think makes one bow better than another...the Howard Hill bows are always a good choice when it comes to D bows and Steve Turay of Northern Mist makes a fine Hill style bow. Tom Parsons of KimSha Archery also makes a fine shooting D bow.

The Z-64 of Zach Fergusons making is very good to, it´s the bow I shoot best with of all I had. But a Howard Hill longbow is never wrong, it gets a plus for it´s looks.

It's hard to beat a Northern Mist by Steve Turay when it comes to a D style bow. His classic is an excellent shooting bow. Steve is also a fine man to deal with. Check out his web site at  http://www.northernmistlongbows.com/  or check his bows out at the Baltimore Classic traditional shoot in May. God bless, Scott.

Craig at Howard Hill makes a fine reliable bow with many options and the price is always good inc a great build time . But don't forget Jim Belcher's Union Jack or any of Dave Miller of Miller longbows designs ...both those men make a fine shooting bow ...

Howard Hill Archery is my bias.

Craig Ekin at Howard Hill archery, more bow for the money hands down.

I find my Toelke D bows to be exceptionally good by any mesure, they are smooth drawing, very fast and very quiet, handshock is almost non-existant, and they are beautifully crafted. You can see them on  www.montanabows.com, (http://www.montanabows.com,)  go to the top right of the home page, click "current bow inventory", scroll down to bottom right to "D bows".

Howard Hill   :thumbsup:

John McDonald "Big River" bows from Wisconsin Rapids, WI.

QuoteOriginally posted by String Cutter:
Who's making the best "D" shaped longbows out there? I need to place an order for one soon...

argggghhh, there's that danged 'BEST' word yet again!!!!  ain't no such thing as a general 'best' anything.  wish that word wasn't used so darned often,  

there are two flavors of 'D' braced longbows ...

'hill style' - either straight limbed or with some reflex near the tips, some even have limb follow through (why?). (hill, sunset, and lotsa others)

mild r/d - got some snake to the stick when unbraced, yet perfectly 'D' shape when strung up. (mohawk, horne, and others).

aggressive STEALTH r/d - 21st edge, acs, and a few others.  trick longbows that are far closer to a recurve.

very typically, mild r/d longbows have a performance advantage over straight/reflex longbows.

no substitute for trying as many as you can, 'cause words alone can't do any bow shootin' justice.      :readit:    

i'll rate this thread a 5 outta 10 on the cabin fever meter.      :D

MOHAWK!!!!!SWEET SHOOTERS

Robertson's are great!

the best one ive shot is the Toelke "Super" D.

I love shootng my Hill's and my Green Mountain Classic a mild R/D but strings up to a nice D-shape bow.

Another vote for Craig at  http://www.howardhillarchery.com/

Try Harrelson Archery. Their a sponsor here on the gang. Lynn makes a good solid bow!

Thanks for starting this thread because it opened the way for the different question posed by Rick James. (Paraphrase)"It depends on what you think makes one bow better than another?"

I would really be interested in reading the thoughts out there of the "why's" of placing one longbow over another.

I know for me the overall look is what draws me to pick one up and that's likely the least reason to be judging bow and its abilities.

So exactly what are those things that make a longbow "the best one"?

I know there are bows made by different folks that look alike but with subtle differences that make them uniquely a(whatever maker named) bow.

What I am asking is a really hard question if I try to quantify exactly what it is that makes "that bow" one I would add to my "keepers"

I have to confess that about all I've ever done has been trial and error purchases/trades. That's one of the main causes of the "regret" threads.

Anybody got any answers?

I'd sure love to read them. I'm sorry I didn't have any answers but this thread has at least started me to thinking.

Man! This could be dangerous!!!! Maybe it will be more fun if I don't figure it out and just keep shooting, trading, and/or buying bows just because I'd like to try "that one".

God bless,Mudd

QuoteOriginally posted by Mudd:
Thanks for starting this thread because it opened the way for the different question posed by Rick James. (Paraphrase)"It depends on what you think makes one bow better than another?"

ah, rick lends a voice of reason

I would really be interested in reading the thoughts out there of the "why's" of placing one longbow over another.

those 'whys' are purely subjective as the 'whys' of some won't be the same as the 'whys' of others.  it comes down to *personal preference*.  

I know for me the overall look is what draws me to pick one up and that's likely the least reason to be judging bow and its abilities.

So exactly what are those things that make a longbow "the best one"?

PERSONAL PREFERENCE

I know there are bows made by different folks that look alike but with subtle differences that make them uniquely a(whatever maker named) bow.

aside from the AESTHETIC LOOKS of design, materials and workmanship, the word is PERFORMANCE AS IT APPLIES TO YOU

What I am asking is a really hard question if I try to quantify exactly what it is that makes "that bow" one I would add to my "keepers"

NOT at all a hard question to answer from my viewpoint, put the following in the order that makes one feel most comfy ...

looks/aesthetic
build/feel
materials/workmanship
performance as perceived by the shooter
cost/delivery time

dat's it.  easy, eh?

I have to confess that about all I've ever done has been trial and error purchases/trades. That's one of the main causes of the "regret" threads.

Anybody got any answers?

yeah, try before you buy.  anything else will be a crap shoot of sorts.

I'd sure love to read them. I'm sorry I didn't have any answers but this thread has at least started me to thinking.

Man! This could be dangerous!!!! Maybe it will be more fun if I don't figure it out and just keep shooting, trading, and/or buying bows just because I'd like to try "that one".

the classifieds are full of bows that didn't live up to their current owners idea of the 'BEST' bow.  :D  

God bless,Mudd

....

Like Rob says, it depends on what you mean by a "D" bow.  I picked up a Black Swan last weekend in a trade that meets my qualifications for a "D" bow.  Has maybe an inch of reflex unstrung.  It shoots as fast and almost as smoothly as a radical R/D.  I'm very impressed.

Howard Hill Bows.  H

Thanks Rob.. I had those thoughts too but that seemed too simple and too logical to be true..lol I do appreciate your voice of reason.

Living in an area where there aren't any trad shops is a serious draw back to trying out a lot of bows although it might be cheaper to spend some gas money and travel to one than spend the money it takes just for shipping alone when trying one out.

Then again if I have one here I can shoot it several days in a row for a more in-depth trial.

There are trade-offs either way.

Thanks again Rob! I am as serious as a snake bite when I tell you that. I really do appreciate you!

God bless,Mudd

Can't be of any help.  I only have "second best" bows which were other people's "best" bows when they bought them untried and usually sight unseen at other people's advice.  

QuoteOriginally posted by Mudd:
Thanks Rob.. I had those thoughts too but that seemed too simple and too logical to be true..lol I do appreciate your voice of reason.

Living in an area where there aren't any trad shops is a serious draw back to trying out a lot of bows although it might be cheaper to spend some gas money and travel to one than spend the money it takes just for shipping alone when trying one out.

Then again if I have one here I can shoot it several days in a row for a more in-depth trial.

There are trade-offs either way.

Thanks again Rob! I am as serious as a snake bite when I tell you that. I really do appreciate you!

God bless,Mudd

for those folks who truly have little or no access for trying out bows, they should seek out sellers who will allow try outs or at least a grace period to return the bow unscathed and the potential buy pays the shipping both ways.  at least a few (maybe more) bowyers will send out a loaner.  most good sellers will offer a few dayze for a try out.  those are the folks you wanna deal with, imo.

tough row to hoe, but it is what it is.  

too many people these dayze are looking for the mcdonald's fast food way out of everything when they should be thinking of, or receiving info about, viable alternatives to just others opinions.

I have a Kim-Sha, Northern Mist,Great Northern, Jerry Hill, Green Mt., Ron Foley, 2 Mahaskas, and a Bear Montana. I have a Apex Predator "Cumberland" bow blank comeing soon. All have the basic "D" shape, all shoot very well. Its a matter of grip style and what you like or need in a longbow. I guess I just need a bunch...lol!!!!! I'm Not that fussy because I also have a few R/D/Hybrid longbows as well. Best advise is to try all you can before you order or buy!

I like my carbon/boo St. Joe!!!

 (http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g128/ad2877/bows/Darksidebowstrung.jpg)

These threads only create more questions.  There is no universal "best" of anything.  The more you post a brand name, the more confusion there is, because everyone has a different opinion.  Good for chewing over, but buying sight unseen, or on someone's opinion, is why the classified section is chocked so full of bows.

Ohhhhhhhhhhh....there you go, the classifieds.

If you can, try a JD Berry bow. I'm sure a trial can be arranged.

Mohawk and Pronghorn for me.  Ken

7 Lakes is a nice mild R/D  (D shape when strung) longbow with bamboo cores. I enjoy mine.
Mike has a great return policy too, if for some  reason you don't like a smooth drawing, shooting, quick Longbow. ;0)

Worth checking out at the least.

Joshua

IMHO the best I have shot is a MOHAWK.

I can't say which one is the best because I haven't shot too many.  I,ve got a Crow Creek Dalton and I sure do love it.

I've read quite a bit about most of the bows listed already, but of those, the only one I have actually shot is Howard Hill.  I do have a couple of Sentman's bows and a couple of Liberty bows neither of which has been mentioned but could certainly be added to the list.  I suspect I would like any of these bows as long as the grip is a straight grip or only slightly dished or locator.  In my experience, though, I do much better making a determination of how well I like a bow by shooting it off and on for a week or two rather than a one-time opportunity.  That way I can compare it with other bows on the rack, try different arrows, etc. It's sort of like buying a new pair of boots.  By the time I've worn them for a month or two I know whether they really fit right. If they don't, another pair gets donated to good-will.  At least with bows you can sell one if it doesn't fit right. My advice is to figure out first the style of grip you like. The shootability of all of these bows is good if you like the grip.

Northern Mist

The most forgiving and accurate(from my personal observations at least)is a bow I gave to a friend, made by Mike Belenger. 51lbs. 68" deflexed in the grip with a long working R/D limb and really nice tillering with the belly ending up wider than the back towards the tips. If I did not have to go left handed it would have been my favorite bow for life. Not a D bow exactly but it functioned as good as any of them with a few perks added. It may be  a mistake to quantify the shape of the bow as the starting point and consider the function second.

Maybe we should list the qualities that we expect from a D profile bow. Here are mine:

Smooth drawing
Quiet on release
Efficient limb design (Which reduces recoil)
Stable and forgiving of release inconsistencies
Classic lines
Outstanding craftsmanship
Grace and beauty

With these considerations there are some really great choices available, and many, "bests".

Having said that here are my picks.

Liberty "English" (If you can find one)
Massie Traditional (ditto above)
Great Northern Bushbow
Great Northern Traditional
Kim Sha Mattawoman I and II
Deathwish
Howard Hill
Dwyer (although it is quite reflexed)
Northern Mist

I have had a bunch of "D" shaped longbows. I love their stability and ability to shoot where pointed. Unfortunately, I did not like other qualities in them and no longer have any. I do like a mild R/D longbow however. The Sunbear that I had was the quietest and most hand shock free classic style longbow that I ever had.

The only D bows I've shot are Howard Hill bows. My latest is an example of getting one that works with you. The narrow grip for me has reduced the hand/grip area, and I feel that it has reduced the felt handshock. To be honest I never really noticed much handshock in my Hills but it is really absent with this one. Not sure if the length having a contribution to the smoothness, but I do appreciate the bow being 60" long. For my height 5'5" it works real well with me.

Mohawk, Spirit, Strunk, Howard Hill

I like my Fox.

My Personal Favorite is MOHAWK. [How's that Rob]   :readit:   Seems like people must think "How good could it be it's only 475.00".   :thumbsup:

Shoot a Kimsha Mattawoman II, by Tom Parsons....then you won't have to choice or make a decison anymore..

Mike

Vince @ Mohawk is a really nice guy. I really wish him the best.
Has anyone shot the Dwyer Origanal??  I have the r/d Dauntless and his workmanship is great.
Was also thinking of the HH with a straight grip.. How hard is it to learn to shoot it??

One of the lesser known is also one of my favorites. A Yellowstone longbow by Rich Wormington. Excellent workmanship and finish. Great guy to deal with. I have 2 of them.

I heard a fellow by the name of Frank San Marco made/makes a nice D Bow.

Dan Toelke, I had one of his d-style bows. It was pretty light but pretty quick. I wish it would of been a heavier draw weight.
Chris Kiefner

Robertson!

If you can find one? Fredrick

my super whizbang 'd' braced longbow is better and faster and purtier lookin' than anyone else's longbow.   :D

Rob...mine would beat yours in a fight though.....  :biglaugh:

Would that be a fair fight???   :jumper:

Mohawk gets my vote
LA

I've had a Yellowstone longbow.. and his Halfbreed t/d. he does make a really nice bow. But kinda pricey I think??

I think a particuler persons shooting "style" has a lot to do with which longbow he likes the best.I draw and shoot kinda in the Shulze Style I picked up from his book and video.I had shot simuler to that in the past. For me this method works well but I tend to do better with longbows with length to`m.I shoot recurves decent but for some unknown reason and without thinking I shoot slower d style longbows better and have made my best hunting shots with these bows.I`ve never shot a Mohawk but am really thinking about trying one but I gotta say I love the Hill bows with a heavy arrow. BUT the best I`ve shot to date was an Apex Cumberland built by Marty.RC

Wallace Mountain made by Dave Wallace in Marietta , OH makes an outstanding longbow. He's won several IBO World titles with one.

Hey Tommy, how have you been?  I picked up a NM Baraga that I am really liking a lot.  Sweet shooter and quiet. D-shape when strung.  Dunno about best, but I think Northern Mist would crack the top 5 in a survey here.. Several models to suit your fancy!

Jason

I went ahead and ordered a Yellowstone longbow. With bacote/coco riser, bacote veneers, bambo cores and antler tipps.. Now for the 4 month wait???   :pray:

The answer to that question is the one you shoot and like the best, a lot of good bowyers out there. For the ones I have shot my money would be on Steve Turay of Northern Mist longbows, good luck, Jerry.

Great Northern has a few you might like. Sweet shooters.

James of J D Berry has been building custom Longbows for 30 years now and builds one of the best D shape bows out there. Take a look at is web at  www.berrygamecalls.com (http://www.berrygamecalls.com)  once there click on links then J D Berry bows. A real work of art and the bow shoots the way a longbow should shoot. Good luck and happy shooting.