I would like to get a one piece long bow 45@ 28" 64" long. I shot left handed and live in So-Cal so it's not easy for me to go and shot a few and decide. So guys please tell me who you would go to and why?
Thanks Robert
If you are looking for a RD style I don't think you can beat a Bob Lee Stick. Another great one is Thunderstick MOAB. Also If you have the coin to get one Black widow has a test drive program. Most established bowyers have quality products, however a bow one fella swears by is just a pretty stick in another guys hands. We are all built different and have different likes.
You will get a lot of answers here but three of the bowyers I have done business with that have been outstanding to work with are Dan Toelke (Montana Bows) Nate Steele (Bamabows) and Chad Holm (Holm-Made). I have also been on some long waiting lists but these guys put your bow out quickly, very quality work and excellent, personal service as well.
Jason from JK Traditions makes a fine bow called a Kanati. He is absolutely superb to deal with and I think they are the best value out there. He makes one model, and makes it right. There are so many good bowyers around that I dont think you could go wrong with any of them. I'd give a hybrid style a look for sure, but you have plenty of options and any suggestion you get on here should be a solid one :thumbsup:
Consider JD Berry.
(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z267/horatio1226/jd%20berry%20apollo/IMG_4351.jpg)
(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z267/horatio1226/jd%20berry%20apollo/IMG_4347.jpg)
(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z267/horatio1226/jd%20berry%20apollo/IMG_4344.jpg)
I second on Nate from BamaBows give him a call he is a great guy to talk to & builds a great bow!He builds d-Style and has a R/D called the Expedition!
I think that you should put Abbott bows on your list to call. Steve is a good guy and will assist you any way he can. Another plus is he is located in California. I have been shooting longbows for a lot of years and Steve makes one of the smoothest,good shooting bows you would want.
Vince at Mohawk Bows. My 2 cents.
But you really should try to find a trad shoot near you and go out and shoot some of them. Most guys at these evenets are good ol' boys and won't mind letting you get some string time.
Dan Toelke, Great Northern, Robertson all make excellent bows. You can't go wrong with either.
Oh yeah for the price and value Maddog archery.
Call Dave and Sue Dwyer. BILL
Dwyer, JD Berry, Norhern Mist are all really nice bows and nice bowyers to work with... But my all time favorite is Yellowstone Longbows. Every time I take her to the shoots people say how quiet she is. She also has very little hand shoke...Just wish I would have ordered her 5# heavier...
Northern Mist is a definite consideration. Smooth, nice to look at, reasonably priced.
It would depend on what style of longbow you wand, if you want one that strings to a D, but has some mild r/d (Mohawk, Northern Mist, Liberty), or a more radical r/d (Moab, Dwyer, Centaur), or a fwd. handle hybrid (Shrew, Griffin, Kanati).
A bunch of good choices, and this is the best place to do the research.
You are going to get as many answers as there are Bowyers. Selecting a bow is a very personal choice.
A couple Bowyers I have personal experience with are Dan Toelke (Montana Bows), Herb Meland (Pronghorn Bows).Both will spend time on the phone with you and help with your personal selection.
Good Luck in your search.!
This could be a long list......Chad Holms, Toelke, Great Northern, Northern Mist, Kohannah, Mahaska,Hill,Kota,Big river and that's just a few that I'm familiar with. All good quality and solid performers. Good luck in your search and have fun!! :wavey:
Quality, performance, and price...you would have a hard time beating Chuck Deshler's (TwoTracks) Longwalker!
I would go with either a Tomahawk, Black Widow PL, or a Mohawk.
QuoteOriginally posted by owlbait:
Quality, performance, and price...you would have a hard time beating Chuck Deshler's (TwoTracks) Longwalker!
X2!
With your specs for the money a 64" Northern Mist whisper, for the thrill of a high end bows looks and performance a 64" Robertson.
Get some bowyers to send you bows to try. Just because I like a particular bow does not mean it will work for you. That's the main reason there are so many. Go to a show, do some trials etc.
Another vote for BamaBows.
A J D Berry, its a bow that not only looks good, it's a bow that shoots the way a longbow should shoot.
QuoteOriginally posted by owlbait:
Quality, performance, and price...you would have a hard time beating Chuck Deshler's (TwoTracks) Longwalker!
x3
plus a heck of a guy too boot
Call Steve Turay at Northern Mist or Dan Toelke at Montana bows. Can't go wrong with either in my opinion.
I can't believe I havn't seen anyone mention Wes Wallace Royal longbows. I have 3 and love them. As good performance as any and you couldn't find a better guy to deal with. But as Bjorn said, very personal thing to do. I could pick out another woman for you too but probably have different ideas about that too. Take your time and go to the used market and enjoy the ride. You will definately start to form your own opinion as to what you like better. A lot of great bowyers out there. I sold a Dwyer that I will forever regret. Sold it with a clause that if he were to ever sell it, I get first dibs. I will hold him to it!
Wes Wallace Royal, Hot bows and a super cool guy!
Check out Bigfoot bows. I have a Yeti and it's a nice shooting bow. Kirk has a nice line of bows and you can try before you buy,which is nice.
I'm looking toward a Bama bow myself, but a two piece. My favoruite bowyers no longer craft; Earl Hoyt Jr and Jim Ploen and Buddy Stamper.
There are a ton of VERY talented bowyers out there and I don't think you can go wrong with any of the current suggestions.
Not a chance Ken! You sold it fair and square! Following the thread, I'll throw in my two cents for a Dwyer.
Leon Stewart and Wes Wallace
i love my st joe river affordable bow and very cool to work with they shoot great and fast. this is a 51 @29" on this pic
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u190/robslifts/4gbcard033.jpg)
here is my wifes 41 @ 28"
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u190/robslifts/DonnasRedElmTeakshelf.jpg)
There's lots of fantastic bowyers out there and many people have their favorites.
In my opinion, you won't find a better bowyer or a better bowyer to work with than Dan Toelke.
I'd strongly suggest you try a 64" Whip.
http://montanabows.com/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=55&Itemid=71
I love my St. Joe too! :archer:
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g128/ad2877/projects/003.jpg)
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g128/ad2877/Harvests/PA300007.jpg)
I'd like to add Big River bows. John McDonald
Steve Turay @ northern Mist also makes a fine bow.