Allen Boice is making his "Liberty" longbows again. Ive been waiting for him to get back in the shop, as he stopped making about the time I started traditional archery. I got in touch with Allen right as I heard he was getting back to it, that was maybe 3 weeks ago. He told me he would send a bow to shoot, and purchase if it worked for me. The bow arrived yesterday about 2:30, but I had to wait till about 5 to shoot it and take a few pics (had to finish work).
First impression- was really blown away by the piece of Cocobola used in the riser, as this is his "base" hunting bow NOT one of the "Elite" series that he uses better woods in. The Yew is also very nice, great color and grain, im sure with some age it will look even better.
The grip, while bigger than some longbows of this style, fits me well. The grip can be made in S, M, and L sizes, im pretty sure this is a L. It is hand filling but with a distinct locator radius that works well.
The finish is spot on, flat without being "coarse", no deep sanding scratches, file marks, etc. Alot of attention obviously put into the small stuff here.
Ive not shot it a bunch, but initial impressions were very good, No shock, No thump, VERY smooth, quiet, and fantastic "cast".
Will be posting more as I spend time with the bow, just wanted to get some pics and initial impressions. Will let the pics speak more-
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Nice!
That is nice !His bows always had great quality.Maybe someday!
Beautiful woods in that bow.
Always heard good things about Liberty longbows. I hope to shoot one someday. Glad to hear Allen is building again.
Allen builds a great bow! I've owned a couple of Contenders, and an English, and all were sweet shooters.
Very Nice.
GREAT,ENJOY...
Allen makes a beautiful bow.
I can't wait for mine to get here. I ordered a similar one, the only diff being boo cores instead of yew.
John
Sweet looking bow! Looking forward to hearing more as you get into her.
he make a nice bow for sure. :)
That is sweet! My Edge LB should be here next week. Ken
BEAUTIFUL !! Im still totally impressed with my English "Elite" !! I can only imagine yours !! Allen's definately at the Top of his Game !!
Well, I googled Liberty bows and got a web site for the most bizarre compound bow I've ever seen. Does he have a site?
Tom, I've talked to Allen a few times since he's been back, he & his son are working on a new Site, for now you have to call or Email him, he gets back to ya real quick ... Good Man, No Doubt ...
Allen makes some great looking and great performing longbows. Man that is nice.
Man that's a pretty bow! Good luck with it.
Allen, builds a really great bow. He is also just a great guy to deal with.
After shooting the bow a day it really is a sweet shooter. For its draw # it has amazing "cast" and speed, im not a chrono guy or into the high performance agenda, but I know enough to say this bow is a performer for sure.
The more I look it over the more I appreciate the fit/finish, just spot on in every way.
Took a few pics of the tips-
Top-
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5097/5534740286_4a9cfbce76_z.jpg)
Bottom-
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Couple more showing off that AMAZING Cocobola-
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Very nice!! Allen called last night and said he was finishing mine up this weekend, he mentioned that the riser wood came from a piece close to yours. I can't wait!!
John, he must have had a real big piece of that Cocobola, as I know at least 3 risers came out of the same board. This one in the photos, yours, and a 62" Contender.
Going to enjoy the weekend shooting this bow some more!
Sure is a sweet one. Looking forward to shooting one.
I have a 64" all Yew, Coco riser, TD ordered. Thanks to Matt Lamey for the advice and report on the bow he just received. My bow will likely look a lot like Matt's. Matt, what weight did you end up with? Allen said he dropped the weight from 54# by trapping the back of the limbs.
Good to see Fishone posting. Craig; I was going to call you on the Liberty to see if you have ever had one and what you thought compared to my GN Bushbow or CGitter. I gotta have a mild R/D bow but can't do the handshock or my cyst just may come back.
Allen is one of those rare bowyers who has an uncanny sense of design, performance, craftsmanship, and artistry. It is great to have him back!
Outstanding Looker! :archer:
Beautiful bow to be sure! Like Michigan, Oregon has its share of great traditional bowyers. Hope you have many years of companionship with it. :thumbsup:
Ed (maxplan) , this bow is a #51, and the limbs have what I would call a "reverse trap"? Which means the back is narrower and the belly (compression) side is wider. Its the reverse of what I have seen from other bowyers when they trap a limb..... seems to work though, this bow shoots beyond good.
Matt:
Thanks for the updates. When I talked to Allen he had said he reversed Trapped your limbs. He likes th take the bevel on the back vs. belly because of compression stress on the belly. New one for me too but I'm sure it works fine. Can't wait. I was shootong my GN today and I just keep coming back to the mild R/D and I shoot them best. Talk in a couple weeks when I return from a trip south. - Ed
Maxplan,Ed,
Sorry I missed your reply to me. You cannot beat an Allen Boice bow. The are top performers, wood combinations, fit and finish 2nd to none. I have purchase two new Chief's from Allen and have had several other used ones. I never had one that did't shoot great and that was not easy on the eye's. Send me some photos when you receive yours. If you get a chance, give me a call.
Craig
Very nice looking bow. Congrats.
Nice wood combination!
nice bow he makes on the cleanest great shooting longbows out there!
The CocoBola has started to get a really nice rich/dark look to it, looking even better with the Yew.
Since he is just getting back in the shop his turnaround is quick, and he is real easy to work and communicate with.
Having Allen back is a boon to trad bowhunting. This is good for our sport. To echo Lamey, he is easy to talk to and is more than fair to work with.
Allen called and said my new Contender is being shipped Tuesday.
Really great service and delivery time not to mention his great demeanor. He is sending me an English to try out along with my Contender. It's gonna be a busy week end coming up.
Allens web page is up libertybows.net
This is GREAT! I've been waiting for him to get back up & running.
Does anyone have Allen's phone number? Thanks
here is one better, his new web site-
http://www.libertybows.net/
Lamey sent me this bow and I could not put it down. Unfortunately I had to send it back to Allen today. My order has been placed.
My first shot had me wondering. There ain't no way this bow is 51 lbs. The bow is marked 51@28. I shoot 27" so it's about 48 in my draw. I went to the basement and pulled out my Easton digital scale. Dead nuts on 51 lbs at 28". WOW!!!! The performance was better than 48 lbs. let me tell you.
I like heavier weights but almost kept this one.
Dead in the hand,stable to shoot, smooth on the draw. I cant say enough about Allens bow. There isn't a flaw in the finish or woodwork. Like Lamey, the grip was just a smidge to big for me but it still was comfortable to shoot.
Better get your orders in folks cause since Allen has become a sponsor his 5 week lead time is gonna go up real soon once word gets out.
I have a chief elite and an English . There is not a better bowyer. Some as good but none better. A very fine gentleman who is very honest in all he does.
The quality in the provided pictures is the same in all he does. Yeah I like his bows
Oh wow that's a beauty!
I have an older Contender that is 64" and 54#@28". Smooth as butter and a great shooter. Worksmanship, finish, and performance are outstanding. Allen is a true artist!
DB