I am primarily a recurve shooter interested in learning how to shoot a longbow. I bought a Martin ML14 a couple of years ago but it "kicks" so much that I don't enjoy shooting it. I like Wes Wallaces Royal longbow and would like to know if it will have significantly less kick before I drop the bucks on it. I'd like to hear from anyone who has actually shot both of these bows.
Wes Wallace absolutely.
I have shot both and the Wallace is a much nicer bow in my opinion. The Martin is a good bow but you have to shoot it a bit differently. Try using more pressure with the heal of your hand and a heavy arrow, that will take some of the hand shock out.
It will have way less kick :)
I gotta special place in my heart for the Martin ML-14 having killed my first Trad Elk with mine. I learned you gotta shoot heavy arrows with the Martin. With that said they are not near the class as a Wes Wallace bow which will not have near the shock if tuned up right
wes wallace will BLOW the ML away. I say that with complete authority. I did the same thing and first bought an ML. Waste of time. Like shooting a .500 NITRO. Wes' bows are great. I mostly shoot Hill bows, but have one Royal too. You will not regret a Wes Wallace Royal unless you just get the wrong draw weight...
Looks like it's not just me; comparing the ML-14 to a .500 NITRO sounds about right! Effective yes, comfortable not so much.
I've played with brace height and arrow weight and been able to reduce the shock quite a bit; but it's still not fun to shoot. Quiet as a church mouse, fast enought and nice to look at; but still miserable to shoot.
I will also take a look at Mowhawk and Hill as well for a reasonably priced quality "D" longbow.
Thanks everyone
One more bow you should look at are the longbows from Northern Mist....real class act!!!
I would take the Wes Wallace over the Martin. But check out Vince at Mohawk .Talk to him. Can't beat the price and the easiest to shoot Longbow out there. My 2 cents.
i like my ML-14, yes there is some hand shock but i love the bow.
Wes Wallace all the way
Wallace for sure. If you call him to order tell him Clay said hello. The wife and I have ordered 5 royals from him and have two more planned for next year.