I am considering purchasing a new bow from one of the custom bowyers but I find there are too many to choose from listed here on the Trad Gang.
I welcome any and all thoughts and recommendations on which bowyer to use.
I have been shooting vintage Bear and Shakespeare recurves in the 55 - 65 pound class. I have been active in traditional archery for about 3 years and I am entertaining the thought of purchasing a longbow but I am uncertain as to whether I would like a longbow as compared to a recurve.
If money was no object I would purchase a Black Widow bow but I want to keep the price under $750.00.
So, what are y'all's thoughts, and who should I choose???
You'll probably end up with as many suggestions as listed sponsors. However, with your price point, I'd suggest Holm-made. I own an Osprey and a River Runner, and both have a smooth draw, no hand shock, and great cast. All the performance you'd want with a beautifully crafted appearance.
A lot depends on how much you want to spend.
If you can go to indoor shoots or 3d shoots don't be afraid to go up and talk with any stickbow shooters and ask to try their bows out. Most trad guys will gladly help. Good luck.
Seeing that you want to keep the bow under the $750-ish range, you'd be hard pressed to find better wood options, quality design and craftsmanship than offered by TG sponsor Dan Toelke.
http://montanabows.blogspot.com/
The Whip, Classic Whip and Chinook Recurve are all incredible bows.
As far as wood combinations, a Toelke with cocobolo riser and juniper limbs is hard to beat.
Here's a pic of one of Toelke's cocobolo risers. That bow is in the $650 range. Many, if not most custom bowyers would charge $200 more for that type of work.
Give Dan a call. I'm sure he has one you can test drive, of any model. But be careful, because you will be buying one!
(http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z428/jaredtoelke/P1030235.jpg)
Would watch the used bows here on site. There some very good bows selling in your price range.
Keep any bow you order basic. its the fancy stuff that drives the cost up, and most people never get them cost back in resale.
For me the Dwyer long bow at its current price is great value. But you can wait a year to get one. Jd berry makes amazing looking and shooting long bows.
For recurves am with you all the way on Black Widow. before you order any bow, shoot as many different builders as you can
I would try to go to some of the larger trad shoots that have venders. It's a great place to try a lot of bows and pick brains. As far as going up to non venders and shooting private bows that is a crap shoot. I myself don't let people shoot my bows unless I know them real well.
I'm not antisocial but I have to much money invested and there are lots of well meaning but stupid people who don't think.
Like the well meaning yahoo that looks at your bow in an admiring way then dry fires it!
Over the past 3.5 I've gone through a variety of recurves. It has been fun and I still have more than ten. However, I'm moving some terrific bows out and will probably end up with less than 5.
I've just come in from my first 35-yard shooting session with a bow I picked up in January. It's not custom but it fits me and I shoot it better than anything I own or have owned. I would never have imagined that I would be practicing with a curve at my old favorite compound practice distance.
Of course this isn't all the bow. I shoot almost every day with the purpose of perfecting form and more importantly...mind.
My point is, with the proper form and mental approach one can probably shoot almost any recurve just fine. However, some will be smoother to draw. Some will have grips that promote ideal bow hand set. Some will have little or no hand-shock. Of course some will be higher performance (speed) than others but I've found this to be the least variable thing among most bows I've tried.
I could have saved a lot of money and some struggle had I known then what I've learned now. And I had already been shooting and teaching archery for 40 years before "then"!
Make sure your form is proper (yep, there are ways that won't work and some that will destroy your potential). Then try bows that you are drawn too. Hopefully, you'll find what you like sooner than later.
At the amount you are willing to spend you can pick up almost any brand bow if you will go to the classifieds. You can obtain bows that originally cost 1.5 to twice your budget. You could buy new metal riser ILF with wood/glass limbs very easily.
I can't even spell Longbeau (But out of respect for the LB fans notice I do capitalize the word!)
3 keepers I have all well within your price range are: Abbott, Kanati and Toelke longbows.
RER(Rivers Edge Recurves) ya can get a nice choice of woods for $750 and you could buy a T/D and could have add a set of limbs later. That way you both a recurve and a longbow with a grip you like. To me the grip makes the bow. Shawn
Look at Dan Toelke's website www.montanabows.com, (http://www.montanabows.com,) the standard and classic Whip longbows and some recurves meet your description. Dan's bows (all of them) are as well-mannered as any you will ever shoot, superbly crafted from beautiful woods, delivery time from order to arrival is a few weeks and you will never deal with better people than Dan and Jared Ioelke.
Just responding to what you posted, there are some very nice black widows in the used section that would be well under your price range. I would have no reservations about from Tradgang people. Just look at some of the posts of prospective sellers and you can get a feel for what kind of person you are dealing with. I have bought three bows via Tradgang and have been completely satisfied with all three transactions.
I know your perdicament. There are so many really good boyers out there that it is difficult to choose which one to go with. I have bought and sold some used bows to try out and am still in the process of figuring out which one is best for me. If I was starting again ehid is what I would do:
Call some of the boyers that are sponsors on this site that specialize in the type of bow you are interested in. Some of them will send you a bow to try out for a period of time. That way you can see what works for you and what fits your needs.
Go to one of the regional Rendevous or larger shoots. A lot of the boyers go to these and you talk to them in person and try out there bows. These gatherings are a lot of fun in themselves and you will find out more quicker that way than any other.
For recurves, I am torn between Fedoras, Wes Wallace, Blacktails and Assenheimer.
For long bows, Monarch and Wes Wallace.
If you are looking for a longbow, I have a 57# Monarch for sale on here.
For the money, I have a tough time buying a new Bear or Martin given the price of these compared to a custom bow with better looking woods.
For that money watch the classifieds and you could get a GREAT bow for that money. Plus if you don't like it you will not be out the extra price for new.
That being said....for that money new I would talk to Hill Country bill (ken yoder on Here). Wildcat and bobcat could be had for about that and they are a great bow for that money. Other I would highly recommend will be higher than that.
One other thought would be to talk to (sixby-eagle wing bows). His bows are higher than that BUT he hooked up a young friend of mine with a sweet leftover bow at an unbelievable price! If he has anything laying around you might get very lucky!!
Mike
You need to decide if you want a longbow or recurve. Most recurves will be a bit higher in the price but if you are into longbows, Northern Mist makes outstanding bows and Steve Turay is a pleasure to deal with. For recurves South Cox makes a great bow.
As mentioned, Northern Mist is another great suggestion. Steve is first class and the Baraga is an option that shoots like a dream.
Wow!!!
I didn't expect such a response. I greatly appreciate all the fine information and suggestions.
I have looked at the Holm-Made bows (very nice and reasonable), as well as the Kanati, Fedora's, and Great Plains bows. All are beautiful and impressive workmanship which makes choosing just one a somewhat impossible task.
I wish there were a few traditional shoots going on near where I live (DFW area in Texas). There was a traditional only 3D shoot put on by Cowtown Bowmen about 3 weeks ago but due to work constraints I was unable to attend. I'm thinking that having the opportunity for a bit of hands-on shopping would enable me to narrow the field a bit. If y'all know of any please fill me in on where and when.
As for buying a used bow I am willing to consider that as well. Specifically, I want a bow with a draw weight of 60-70 pounds, optimally 65 pounds at 28". If anyone has such a bow, longbow or recurve, with which you are willing to part, please let me know. Send me a PM with a few pics.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks again for all the responses.
Andrew
Dryad Bows (Sponsor here) is in Weatherford. You might want to take a drive over there. I don't own any of his bows, but was at his shop once and he makes some fine looking stuff.
I highly recomend 7 Lakes Longbows. Mike specializes in Longbows and in your price range you'll have money left over for arrows.
The fact you want to keep the cost under $750 eliminates most of the premier customs...at least for a new one. On top of that you don't really even know what you want. I'm not trying to be discouraging, but it's a roll of the dice ordering something you aren't familiar with and pretty sure of.
$750 in the classifeds will buy most if not all of the premier bows that are out of your range if bought new. And you don't have to wait 6 months to almost two years to get it.. ;)
The classifieds is the best place to find out exactly what you want in a custom. Buy, sell, trade, and explore. Assuming you don't trash the bow while you have it there will be very little value lost when you go to resell.
A premier custom from any of the top bowyers will be a great bow. It might not be a great bow for you though, each has it's own personality.
To end with an opinion, if you want a recurve my favorites are Blacktail, Schafer, and Dale Dye. You pick the order...and yeah, they're all different.
I like a very traditionally styled lonbow. I own 5 bows form Howard Hill archery, so I would recommend them if you like that style, Also, in the old school styling you should look at Northern Mist. I have shot them, but unfortunately, I don't own one yet.
One piece of advice I will pass on to you is to carefully consider the extra cost add-on features. On my custom Wesley Special Hill bow, I paid extra for bow tips made of Cape Buffalo horn. When you consider that my bow has a high gloss black finish and the tips don't show up at all, I wonder if it was woth it.
The suggestion to peruse the classified section sounds like a good idea.Lots of luck and have fun shopping around.
Although not for sale, both of my Wesley Specials draw 65# at 28 " draw. I like that draw weight in a longbow; however, due to a shoulder injury I have been shooting a 55# bow. It is easier to handle, and I don't really feel that I am giving up much at all in performance, so if you find a great deal in a slightly lower poundage, think twice before you pass it up solely on that lesser draw weight.
The best thing is to try to shoot one first. No matter how pretty a bow is, no one can say whether it will "fit" you or not, except you.
That being said, you might take a look at Sarrels Archery. Bob's Blureridge takedown longbow is IMHO the best longbow out there. He also makes a mean recurve too.
Bisch
Andrew,Texas State LB championship May 25 & 26 if you can wait.Lots of vendors and bowyers at this shoot.
Most bowyers start their bows in that range including me. However if you get a reputation for expensive bows then most of the sales become expensive bows lol. My onepiece d and r is in your price range and that is a very nice bow that is extremely quick and just as good a shooter as the ones costing twice as much. I believe you will find that with most bowyers and not just me.In other words the field is wide open for you to get just about any bow you want.
God bless, Steve
$750.00 just happens to be the base price of a Tall Tines T/D Recurve. I'd give Brian Wessel a call if I were you. You won't regret it.
Trap
You may want to try a hybrid bow if your more accustomed to a recurve. Browse the St. Joe River Bow site. ;)
This one is 60 inches long and 58@28.
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g128/ad2877/bows/115_zps8c9633a8.jpg)
Hill Country Harvest Master and Lost Creek bows. Under 650.00. Fast and quiet.
I asked the same question about this time last year and got a similar response to Easykeeper's. Over the course of six months I think I bought 20 bows from the classifieds. Basically, for about $50 shipping (both ways, buying and selling) you can try almost every imaginable bow. If you stick with the popular bows you shouldn't lose money.
QuoteOriginally posted by Easykeeper:
$750 in the classifeds will buy most if not all of the premier bows that are out of your range if bought new. And you don't have to wait 6 months to almost two years to get it.. ;)
The classifieds is the best place to find out exactly what you want in a custom. Buy, sell, trade, and explore. Assuming you don't trash the bow while you have it there will be very little value lost when you go to resell.
QuoteOriginally posted by BAPilot2:
Wow!!!
I didn't expect such a response. I greatly appreciate all the fine information and suggestions.
I have looked at the Holm-Made bows (very nice and reasonable), as well as the Kanati, Fedora's, and Great Plains bows. All are beautiful and impressive workmanship which makes choosing just one a somewhat impossible task.
I wish there were a few traditional shoots going on near where I live (DFW area in Texas). There was a traditional only 3D shoot put on by Cowtown Bowmen about 3 weeks ago but due to work constraints I was unable to attend. I'm thinking that having the opportunity for a bit of hands-on shopping would enable me to narrow the field a bit. If y'all know of any please fill me in on where and when.
As for buying a used bow I am willing to consider that as well. Specifically, I want a bow with a draw weight of 60-70 pounds, optimally 65 pounds at 28". If anyone has such a bow, longbow or recurve, with which you are willing to part, please let me know. Send me a PM with a few pics.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks again for all the responses.
Andrew
I live in Dallas and have a couple Toelke Whips you can shoot if you'd like. Shoot me a PM.
There are lots of great bows out there within your budget. Beware of custom bows you can't try before you buy. My preferences may not be yours-find out what YOU like and don't like.
Some bowyers will send you a bow to try out.............Toelke, Fedora, Schaefer, BW, Stalker-to name a few. Yes you will have to pay for shipping but that is a lot less than ending up with what you don't like. Shooting friends bows works great too!
For my money it is hands down JD Berry archery. GREAT bows, and a great bower who has been at it about 33 yrs
Stalker makes an unbeleivable recurve. Think South does some around 700 for a base model.
You can get a very nice Stalker recurve for $625.00 ! Give South a call, you wont regret it, plus his lead time is around 10 weeks ! Lots of different options too !
you can also check them out at stalkerstickbows.com
If you're in the DFW area you can check out Horne's Archery in Boyd 30 minutes northwest of Ft Worth. His longbows are in your price range. I have a recurve and a longbow made by Mark if you'd like to meet up sometime you can shoot mine.
I bet you are really confused now!!
I think Sixby gave you some good advice .... All bowyers have an entry level bow that shoots just as good as their high end fancy wood models. That really opens it up!
Would definetly start with used bows and end up trying them all. Buying and selling bows has been a big part of the addiction for me. There are some excellent deals to be had at the moment.
shoot all the bows you can at shoots an such.ask alot of questions.when you start to close in on what you want start looking in the classifieds.take your time.It will pay off in the end an you will be happy.I like silvertips.
First of all I would not place Black Widows up on a pedestal.. They are very fine bows but there are a lot of other bows that are equal to or better.
I must chime in again for Toelke. Wonderful bows (pick any) great service and fast build time.
Jerry at Great Northern is also near the top but there are a lot of great bowyers and a few lemon :)
Stalker Stickbows. Keep you under that price and about a two month wait :)
Gentlemen,
Sorry for the delayed response from me since my original posting and my one follow up a few days ago. Work has been running me ragged and I am only now able to make the time and revisit the Trad Gang.
I thank you for all the comments and the great suggestions. You have helped me realize that the best course of action is to not be in a hurry and to invest my time in going to some of the larger 3D shoots. I really like the idea of attending the Texas Longbow Championship held in May. I intend to make that shoot if able and I will be joining the Traditional Bowhunters Of Texas. They list numerous shoots here in Texas.
Likewise, I like the idea of buying a used bow from one of you here on the classifieds. I have been perusing a few of the bows listed herein and I must say I am very impressed with many, if not all, that are listed.
As for those who live near the DFW area, and have volunteered to let me put a few arrows down range with your bows, I will be sending you a PM. I thank you for your generous offers.
Thank you one and all.
Andrew
The best longbow I have shot is a JD Berry Vixen - and the price is definitely right. You can spend a lot more but you won't get a better hunting longbow. James will bend over backwards to make a bow that fits you perfectly.
I believe you will be pleased that you have decided to hold off a bit on ordering a full custom. There are so many choices that it becomes overwhelming until you really KNOW what you want. Hitting the shoots, checking the bowyers and buying used will give you the chance to figure things out without have to hock your house. Once in a while you will be shooting bows and one will just really click with you, buy THAT bow, don't just order another one like it. The other one may not have the same feel to it. Don't forget to smell the roses and enjoy the journey!
Wes Wallace builds a great bow. Both the Mentor and Royal look great and shoot great. Wes is a good one to deal with.