Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: david murnan on December 02, 2011, 07:44:00 AM

Title: Open to suggestions
Post by: david murnan on December 02, 2011, 07:44:00 AM
Hello all, this is my first official post on here. Hopefully I placed it in the right forum.
I am in the market for a new long bow. I have never owned one... I currently have a Black Widow PSA recurve. I am seeking suggestions on long bow makers. I would really like a two piece take down.

Thank You,
DAVE
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: brian brooks on December 02, 2011, 07:50:00 AM
Brian Wessel @ TallTines archery has got a beautiful three piece that is a heck of a shooter and looker.Call him next week.Poor guy's in Kansas this week hunting.He will fix you up with a bow you will love,but it is three piece
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: carpenter on December 02, 2011, 08:26:00 AM
Jim Reynolds  Thunder Stick Archery.All of his bows are top notch. If I could have only one bow it would have to be a MOAB!
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: emt137 on December 02, 2011, 08:41:00 AM
I would recommend Nate of Bama Bows.  I just got one of his take down longbows and it is amazing.  He's great to work with and has the fairest price I've seen.  His turn around time is one of the best also.

Pat
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on December 02, 2011, 08:42:00 AM
You will have 100 different recommendations before this is done.

You would be doing yourself a favor by being patient and trying out bows until you find one that "fits".  

Usually there are gatherings and festivals all summer where you will have the opportunity to try numerous bows.  Sooner or later you will shoot one that you just cannot miss with.

Good luck, keep it fun.
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: LONGSTYKES on December 02, 2011, 08:54:00 AM
Charlie's suggestion sounds the best, take your time and try a few others out. Other Trad shooters, can help. If they will let you try a bow or two. You are in a great location for a lot of the Trad events coming up. This will save on your budget and the size and quantity of bow racks you fill. Enjoy
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: thunder1 on December 02, 2011, 09:04:00 AM
Your best bet is to shoot as many longbows as you can get your hands then decide. If your like me and don't have many trad. Shooters in your area you can go to one of the traditional archery expo's . Another option is the classified adds here. I bet I've bought and sold 30 bows over the past couple of years.  Just to get to the point that I have 4 bows that I really like and 2 that will never leave .
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: Bill Carlsen on December 02, 2011, 09:07:00 AM
I won a Stalker  Tracker longbow last Spring. I generally shoot recurves as I have trouble with longbows. But this one is sweet and fast and accurate. If I can shoot it anyone can.
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: centaur on December 02, 2011, 09:10:00 AM
A longbow isn't just a longbow. There are Hill style, reflex, reflex deflex, hybrids, selfbows, and probably others that I am forgetting. They will have very different characteristics, both in looks and in performance. If you have a chance to try various styles, you might be able to make a better decision. I see you live in Georgia; Big Jim is there, is a sponsor here, and maybe you could visit him and test one of his bows. Nobody makes a prettier bow than Jim, and they perform with the best of them, but the styles that he makes may or may not be your cup of tea. The bottom line is that you may end up with several different bows before you find just what suits you to a tee, and that isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: Fletcher on December 02, 2011, 09:14:00 AM
Charlie's recommendations are right on line.  There are so many styles, designs and great longbowbows available now that it will really pay you to try a bunch before you spring for a new bow.  If you really want to start shooting a longbow now, start with a used bow from the classifieds and sell or swap until you get the chance to test drive several.  Also, keep the draw weight low to reasonable.

My suggestion, unless you already have an idea of what you want, would be to start with a mild deflex/reflex style in the 62-66 inch range and experiment out from there.  Most of all have fun and savor the journey.
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: b.glass on December 02, 2011, 09:25:00 AM
I went with a Fox longbow mainly because Ron listened and seemed to understand what I was looking for. He was probably rolling his eyes in his mind the whole time I was talking. That's been a few years ago. I've learned alot since then.  :)
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: BCWV on December 02, 2011, 09:31:00 AM
Dave,
What the others have posted is dead on. Try as many different bows as possible. Most Trad folks are more than happy to let you shoot a few arrows from their favorite.
I've found my favorite more than once!(I thought)What works best for me may not be the bow for you.
Try em all!
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: on December 02, 2011, 09:43:00 AM
If you areopen to a 3 piece then i would give a look at a Sarels Blueridge tskedown longbow. That is my go-to bow now and I love it. You should really try a lot of different ones as this is a personal preference question you are asking and your personal preference might not be the same as that of others.

Bisch
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: Tom Leemans on December 02, 2011, 09:57:00 AM
If you could get to an event like Kalamazoo or Cloverdale, you'd be able to try a bunch of different bows.
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: david murnan on December 02, 2011, 11:57:00 AM
My initial post must have been to vague. I really want a two piece take down. In my very limited research I have found only a few people that make them... Big Jim, A and H makes one... and maybe Black Widow. Are there any others?
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: TRAD101 on December 02, 2011, 01:00:00 PM
cari-bow archery makes a two piece, abe does real nice work. he is a sponsor here.
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: centaur on December 02, 2011, 01:22:00 PM
If you like the style of the Big Jim Thunderchild, you really can't go wrong with a bow from the Big Guy. I absolutely love mine, and it is a two piece takedown.
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: david murnan on December 02, 2011, 03:51:00 PM
Has anyone shot the A and H acs? How would that compare to the thunderchild? I talked to Big Jim... he said i would be looking at a year. The A and H folks told me about 10 weeks.
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: David Yukon on December 02, 2011, 04:02:00 PM
I heard MOAB are the greatest... Never shot one or seen one in real... also a realy sweet looking bow is the thunderhorn heart stoper 2 pc take down, I never seen something that sweet!!
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: Jim Wright on December 02, 2011, 04:06:00 PM
Since you seemed to be specifically interested in a 2 pc. take-down long bow I would suggest you consider Dan Toelke's 2 pc. Whip. I believe he has one you can see on his website  www.montanabows.com (http://www.montanabows.com)  under "current inventory". Dan uses the unobtrusive Bowbolt system and his bows are superbly made and delivered in about a month from the day ordered.
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: Rob DiStefano on December 02, 2011, 04:20:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by david murnan:
Hello all, this is my first official post on here. Hopefully I placed it in the right forum.
I am in the market for a new long bow. I have never owned one... I currently have a Black Widow PSA recurve. I am seeking suggestions on long bow makers. I would really like a two piece take down.

Thank You,
DAVE
welcome to trad gang!

a good intro to trad archery tackle for bowhunters is the link article in my signature.  read it all!  it will lay down the foundation for a solid path towards good trad archery/bowhunting.

there is NO substitute for understanding about stick bows and trying before buying!  anything else will be a gamble of sorts.  good luck!
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: stujay on December 02, 2011, 05:56:00 PM
Dave, welcome to trad gang.
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: limbshaker on December 02, 2011, 06:13:00 PM
Decide on a grip style you think you may like, then search the interweb for all the bowyers till somethin catches your eye. If they dont offer a 2 piece, it wouldn't hurt to ask if they could make one with a "bow bolt" takedown device. I would say go shoot several before you buy, but if you're like me, there aint that much traditional type gatherings around my neck of the woods. My best piece of advice would be to buy used. I did and couldn't be happier. Ive bought a few bows off here, and everyone has been awesome, and most even offered a refund if I didn't like it!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: DannyBows on December 02, 2011, 06:15:00 PM
Welcome to the 'Gang!

Another vote for Nate at BamaBows. He builds an awesome 2 pc Hill style, and a sweet 2pc Hybrid.
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: paoloi on December 02, 2011, 06:40:00 PM
My buddy has the Fox Triple Crown and I think it is the best long bow that I've shot. Though reading his post I am becoming interested in Kirk's bow at Bigfoot Bows.
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: JamesKerr on December 02, 2011, 07:21:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Cyclic-Rivers:
You will have 100 different recommendations before this is done.

You would be doing yourself a favor by being patient and trying out bows until you find one that "fits".  

Usually there are gatherings and festivals all summer where you will have the opportunity to try numerous bows.  Sooner or later you will shoot one that you just cannot miss with.

Good luck, keep it fun.
X2
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: BCWV on December 02, 2011, 07:31:00 PM
Dave,
I don't think anyone has mentioned the Shrew bows to you yet. Ron and Gregg have a long waiting list though.
I was lucky enough to pick up a used 2 pc with the the bow bolt so it is possible, but they don't come along used very often.
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: BigJim on December 02, 2011, 10:00:00 PM
David, depending on what size you are looking for (both are 58" and one is 54# and the other is 51#), I have two Thunderchild take down bows on hand right now. I had two orders that I missed weight on have them both ready at this time.

thanks, bigjim
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: David Mitchell on December 02, 2011, 10:15:00 PM
David, Navajo bows makes a two piece TD.  Roy Hall, the bowyer, is a super guy to deal with.
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: Terry Lightle on December 03, 2011, 06:19:00 AM
I am partial to Abe Penner Cari- Bows
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: YORNOC on December 03, 2011, 08:55:00 AM
Buy one of each.
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: daveycrockett on February 05, 2012, 10:08:00 AM
Cari-bow, Abe Penner makes a nice 2-piece.
Title: Re: Open to suggestions
Post by: Rob DiStefano on February 05, 2012, 10:18:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by Cyclic-Rivers:
You will have 100 different recommendations before this is done.

You would be doing yourself a favor by being patient and trying out bows until you find one that "fits".  

Usually there are gatherings and festivals all summer where you will have the opportunity to try numerous bows.  Sooner or later you will shoot one that you just cannot miss with.

Good luck, keep it fun.
heed charlie's post, it's gospel.  anything else will be a gamble of both money and time.  take it slow, do it right.  enjoy the journey, too!   :wavey:   :campfire: