Hey all,
Seeing pics of all these great bows over the past couple of days has caused me to look around at a possible replacement for the bow I have now. Right now I shoot a Barta Longbow at 45 pounds. I have had it for a couple of years and it has been a great bow. It shoots good and is comfortable, sometimes though you just get the hankering for something new....or different.
Some of the bows I have admired and thought about in the past are the Tomahawk by 3 Rivers, the Thunderstick MOAB, Howard Hill bow, and a few others that I can't recall right now. I would be looking for a 1 piece that is under $500-$550 or so.
What other bows would you recommend I check out? Which one would you pick from my list and why? Do you have any experience with any of them?
Thanks for your time.
Nalajr
the tomahwaks are great bows.. i like great norhtern longbows but you may check out crow creek bows.. they are also great bows you should check out the dalton it around the price you want to spend.. Good luck
EagleWing Onepiece. God Bless and Have a great Thanksgiving. steve
These three longbows are very good:)
Firefly longbow
Centaur longbow
Hawk Hunter from Border bows
Margly
I love my MOAB! You can't go wrong with one, although I'm sure that the same could be said by dozens of others as well.
Before this thread is finished you will probably end up with a list of twenty or more bows. And you won't be any closer to knowing what you want than you were when the thought first crossed your mind. I'll throw my suggestion out and say take a look at a Dwyer. The MOAB is a great bow as well.
Any chance of getting to one of the larger shoots or shows to give some a try? Or is there anyone in your area that has a number of bows you could try out?
There are big differences in shooting style between some of the bows you have already mentioned and the only way to know which one you might prefer is to actually try them.
Another option might be to use the classifieds here and buy a bow to try. If it isn't exactly what you want you can resell it with little or no loss of money, and then try another. When you finally find "The One" go ahead and order yourself a brand new custom bow.
Tomahawk, MOAB and a Hill ... Three great bows and you can't go wrong with any of them. If you can't get to a shoot to try some maybe just go with your instinct and get the one that really sings out to you.
Some of us , the cool kids who sit up the back of the bus ... we shoot Hills !
You have to decide what type of longbow. There is a HUGE difference between a Hill and say Centaur. For me I like a bow with as much R/D and still maintain a D shape. I have tried MOST. I am shooting a Dwyer original and LOVE it. BILL
You mentioned Hill bows. You owe it to yourself to at least try one.
(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff187/GingivitisKahn/20101117_ac_04.jpg)
Take a look at Lynn Harrelson Archery. He is a sponsor here.
Are there any major shoots within driving distance?
I would suggest that you find the nearest major trade show or shoot and plan yourself a road trip vacation.
If it's possible go early, stay late and make it at least a to day trial period for yourself so you have the time to go back to whatever bows feel "right" so you can shoot them multiple times.
I will add another name to consider just in case you aren't able to follow the above advice.
Don't overlook these 3: Bama Hunter by Nathan Steele, Spirit bow by Bryan Holley, and 7 Lakes by Mike(?).
Every bow mentioned in this thread are worthy of the recommendations they have received.
As the day wears on the list is likely to just grow longer. Most of these recommendations are based on the personal experiences of the poster.
All are valid!!!!
God bless, Mudd
PS: "Warning" This kind of thinking can be one of the causes of "Bowaholicism"...lol
Not to long ago I was in the market for a Longbow I was only getting one to go to the Longbow Safari and I bought a Pronghorn and now I love it sweet shooting and I will be use it on all my hunts. To quote Tred Barta " I am a Longbowman " find a Longbow you like buy it and then keep looking for a new one it is almost like hunting. I love this stuff
"find a Longbow you like buy it and then keep looking for a new one it is almost like hunting. I love this stuff"...CA BOWHUNTER
Here is one classic example of a symptom of "Bowaholicism"....lol
God bless,Mudd
Look into a Big River Longbow, right in your price range as well! No handshock and quiet as a church mouse!
All the bows listed above are good examples of longbows that I'm sure you could be happy with,,I would also look closely at Northern Mist,Great Northern, and Holm-Made. 3 more to add to the list.
I too like an R/D bow that still retains that "traditional" D shape. Dwyer and Mohawk are two I like. The advice to shoot as many as possible might save you some $$ in the end; but isn't always practical or even possible. All the opinions here should help you sort through all the possiblities and options. Good luck and have fun!
There are many great bows to choose from but I.M.O. Dan Toelke makes the best d/r longbow available today. You can see his Whips on www.montanadows.com (http://www.montanadows.com) and I noticed there is a used, recently made Pau Ferro/Black Glass very classy looking Whip in the classifieds with stringer, bow sock, extra string and I believe a Thunderhorn leather quiver for $450.00
A couple fine examples of Michigan craftsmanship are http://stjoeriverbows.com/longbows.html and http://www.twotracksbow.com/
Why don't you plan on taking a break from all that nice Floriday sunshine, and visit us up here in Michigan at the end of January for the Kalamazoo Traditional Expo. http://www.gnbco.com/ You will find so many funtional pieces of art that you will be in hyperoverload. And you can test drive just about every model on the floor.
I'll second Dan Toelke. If you are looking for a d/r bow he has the Whip/Classic whip (thumbrest handle/leather wrapped locator grip). If Hill bows are your thing Dan makes a great one called the super d. There were a few in classifieds last I checked at some great prices...Mike
I do not have any experience with some of the other probably just as great bows mentioned, or on your list. However, I can truly recommend a MOAB, for mine is fantastic. Longbows have given me "problems" for years - constantly trying to find one I liked, but always returning to my recurve. Long story short, Jim's MOAB seems to have solved my issues and he really worked with me to get what I thought was needed. It shoots fantastic, and has made meat this season, so I am happy.
My two favorites are Leon Stewart and Fox Archery for R/D bow.....and a Hill is a Hill but a different animal all together.
Look at the Lost Creek longbows. You get way more than what you pay for. I do not think you can find a better shooting bow for the price or maybe for twice the price. It will be right in your price range. Chad is also a sponsor here. Waiting on my 56 inch NAT for a blind.
Are you going heavier or staying the same draw weight? Longer & heavier straight handled Hills only for me for 30+ years. Suits me perfect with smoother draws, forgiving releases, easy to control & carry & most beautiful to the performance eye. IMO, everything good in a LB. Maybe not for you. Ain't it great? You get to shop one home. Bet money, if you give Hill enough time, you'll agree.
Looking for Brand New?
For that price point you can get a tricked out Brand New Bama Bow, and never look back.
Other than that, I love Arnold Smit's V Archer and Howard Hill.
Above that price point there is a bunch of good ones.
Used? You can get a lot of great choices on the TG Classifieds for $500.
Matt
Lots of choices. I have owned several and prefer the D-shaped bows rather than those with more visible curvature in the limbs. I currently own and shoot a one piece Mohawk with a bocote riser and double cane limbs. It is light as a feather and is rated for 53# at 28" and in my draw length of 27", it is actually about a 50# draw weight. I'm very impressed with the Mohawk and the wait time was considerably less than other instances where I've ordered a "custom" bow. Lot of guys in this forum shoot them and I've never heard any bad comments on them. You don't see the 1 peice M's for sale very often either.
Hey all,
WHEW!! LOTS of recommendations to check out. I too prefer the "D" shaped look, but with as much performance as I can get because I shoot such a low draw weight. I need all the help I can get.
I would most likely have to go with a USED bow because before I get one I would have to sell or trade mine.
Going to check out websites....
If you have pics, please post those as well.
Nalajr
Jim that's a great photo, makes me want to look into a hill bow.
Here is my Dan Toelke Classic Whip. I prefer the "classic" locator grip to the thumbrest on the regular whip. Mine is macassar ebony riser with yew veneers over bamboo cores...Mike
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee104/mooseman76/classic002-1.jpg)
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee104/mooseman76/classic006-2.jpg)
Two more pics I found of some my old Whips so you can see the difference in grips. Top is classic whip bottom is standard whip...Mike
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee104/mooseman76/classic006-1.jpg)
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee104/mooseman76/whip004-2.jpg)
You can check out my website and it'll save you a bundle. New and custom. This particular one is a midsized longbow, 60" 45#@ 28". riser is pecanna negra, maple limbs and black fiberglass. (Just ignore me that's me trying to make my best salesman face) Anyhoo, this model shipped to your door, is $209.25
(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f301/jillanmike/Archery%20Stuff/auctionbow.jpg)
Thunderstick. MOAB. You'll save yourself a lot of money trying out other bows. Buy one of these, and you'll be spoiled from the first arrow.
QuoteOriginally posted by Red Tailed Hawk:
Jim that's a great photo, makes me want to look into a hill bow.
Thanks much - my son's quite the photographer. :D
For the price range you stated go with the Mohawk. Vince makes an awesome D shaped bow. Sweet shooting, nice looking and priced right. You can pay alot more and not get as nice a bow.
Give John McDonald a call (Big River Bows) The best $475.00 you will ever spend.
How about a BigJims Buffalo Bow??Got one on order
What I been reading on tradgang can,t do WRONG!!!!!!
Mohawk. :archer: :archer2:
You will not go wrong with any bow you mentioned. I have owned a Thunder stick Mag and for this to be a short bow it is incredible. I have heard great things about the MOAB. I have a Fedora xcellerator that is just incredible. It is marked at 57#@28" and today is the first time I was able to go to the range with this bow.
I had the draw weight checked and it was exactly 57 1/4#'s on three seperate pulls. Feels like 50# no stack and smokes a 570 grain arrow. Great find for me had not shot one until I traded for this one. Find the one you like, most bows being made are very good for someone just find yours. Good luck.
You should check out a Kota. They just about the price range you mentioned. My dad and I each have a 58" Prairie Fire and they are great.
Lone Wolf Autumn Storm by John Maus--- Period!!!
i own two takedowns and 1 one piece longbow plus a td recurve, all from neil jacobson at bears paw bows in lakeside MT. the very best, fast,quiet and accurate. www.bpbows.com (http://www.bpbows.com)
QuoteOriginally posted by BowHuntingFool:
Look into a Big River Longbow, right in your price range as well! No handshock and quiet as a church mouse!
Good to see you back Joe.
I would second this!
Find a bow you like (as whip said) and then save up and go nuts. Get all the bells and whistles unless you are looking for a bare bones hunting bow.
Good Luck
QuoteOriginally posted by Earl Jeff:
Give John McDonald a call (Big River Bows) The best $475.00 you will ever spend.
Ok I guess my last post was wrong. I 3rd it. great bows.
What about that new sponsor-Protege Longbows?
Abbott stock bows are $450. Very nice mildly reflexed longbows. They are a joy to shoot and real purty to look at. I'm on my third one and am considering #4. Check them out.
I have always been particular to recurves but bought 2 longbows in the last year and love them both. I have a Toelke Whip and a D-shaped from BamaBows. I actually took my Bama as my primary bow on my elk hunt this year and killed a nice 6x7 for my first longbow bull...Shawn
take a look at northernmist
Here's a pic of the three McDonald Brothers!!
Sorry I had to do it.
(http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss115/earljeff/NewMcDonaldbow001.jpg)
Big River - in your price range (new) - great one piece bow!
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glenn
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=096475
Jason Kendall