Hey TG'ers,
I'm considering the purchase of a new longbow. Not in any particular order, here is my list. I cannot decide which bow I like the best. Any help and info would be appreciated. Who among you, guys and gals, own these bows? What do you like and dislike about them?
Humming bird Kingfisher longbow
JD Berry Renessanace (with arrow inlays)
Pronghorn (with burnt limb art on the belly).
Thunderhorn.
Here are my lists of specifications desired:
1. 3 piece bow construction.
2. I like a narrow grip. Currently, I am shooting a Toekle Super D and love the grip.
3. 64"-66," #50@28".
4. Zero stacking at 29," and a smooth draw with low hand shock.
5. As for the wood selection, I would love ideas and pictures.
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Pardon my misspelling. I meant the JD Renaissance!
3 piece JD Berry???
I know the thunderhorn is a performer for sure. Very high quality in the craftsmanship. I don't believe these will disappoint you in any way. Good luck on your quest.
Goshawkin- My bad, the JD Berry is not a 3 piece. Thanks for catching that!
Scott, I love the craftsmanship of the Thunderhorn. Do you know how big the handle is compared to the Toelke SD?
if you like narrow grips, try a dryad.
Stewart 3pc Slammer
Btw, just picked up a Super D and I love it! My new favorite Toelke model. I'll always love Whips but the Super D is just that, super!
QuoteOriginally posted by longbow fanatic 1:
Goshawkin- My bad, the JD Berry is not a 3 piece. Thanks for catching that!
I wasn't sure if James was making a takedown now or not.(glad to hear he isn't,I don't want to buy another bow! :D )
If you can live without the 3 piece,Berry bows are great shooters.
I gotta say, can't go wrong with that list. The only one on that list I have is the Pronghorn. It will be buried with me when it's my time to pass from this earth :)
It's not the fastest bow I own, but there's something magic about the way it shoots. Mine is 58@28, 60". Very smooth draw (but I don't draw 29). SUPER quiet. The thing that gets me every time I shoot it though is how that broomstick of a grip lets me get away with so much. One day I can put some heel into it, shoots great. Next day, my wrist goes a little higher, still shoots where I look. Most forgiving bow I have ever shot.
Even on days where I know my form isn't good, it seems like that Pronghorn picks up some of my slack like an old war buddy, hot or cold, and together we make the shot.
(That part about it being buried with me ain't exactly true but when I pass it on to my son, I'll haunt him if he don't take care of it!!!)
Not trying to throw a wrench but, Toelke Lynx and have Dan duplicate the grip you have and love.
I understand Thunderhorn is not taking orders. This through a friend who has one. You might double check it may have changed.
58
Three piece longbows are my current favorite and have several premium makes. I completely agree with Kyodai...Tom
Of those listed, Pronghorn. Very quiet and good performer. I have had three. Currently am shooting at my draw length a 58# three piece, 60". Made of zebra wood and Tonkin bamboo. I don't care too much about pretty bows, but this one is a real beauty.
I would have to go with the Pronghorn myself. Stable solid shoot where you look bow.
Pronghorn ; great bowyer ; great bow...my go to bows !
It's not on your list but I can highly recommend the Caribow Silver Fox. I draw 29.5" and it is very smooth to draw with no stacking and zero hand shock. Just my two cents.
Jonathan
It's not on your list but I can highly recommend the Caribow Silver Fox. I draw 29.5" and it is very smooth to draw with no stacking and zero hand shock. Just my two cents.
Jonathan
Not on your list but CENTAUR!
I would recommend the JD Berry. I recently picked up a wonderful Morningstar, and it's quieter, lighter, quicker, etc. than any of my other bows. JD's a fantastic guy to work with, and he's got great prices, too. I'm more accurate with my Morningstar than even my Bowtech Specialist compound with a sight and release, which I think should say something (even though I am more of a traditional longbow archer than a compound archer).
I know you're not looking at a Morningstar in particular, but I don't think you can go wrong with any of JD's bows. I've done a large amount of research, compiled a list of longbow makers that's the largest I've found on the internet (griffonvulture on another archery forum), and checked out even more bowyers since compiling that list, and JD's my choice, at least until I start making my own ;) . Choosing a bow is of course a very personal thing, though, so "your miles may vary", as they say.
I'm working on a website now where I'll include a nice video and pics evidencing how nice JD's creations are. I'll likely post on tradgang when it's up.
Have a good one and happy shopping!
Prometheus
I shoot a Hummingbird Kingfisher. It's my preeminent bow. I'll shoot it for as long as I can shoot. Ben Graham not only makes superb bows, he makes them beautiful as well.
Based on the other comments in this thread, the general theme is this: you can't go wrong with any of the bows you listed. All of them are fantastic, well-made, and great shooters. What it really comes down to is this: Which one do -you- shoot the best? Which one feels best in your hand? Which one seems the most forgiving to you?
At this level, all the bows are great, and it's entirely subjective as to which one works best for you. I wish you the best of luck in your search, and I'm sure you won't go wrong.
Hurry up - thunderhorn in classifieds!
I'd have to go with the pronghorn
QuoteOriginally posted by bradglaza:
I shoot a Hummingbird Kingfisher. It's my preeminent bow. I'll shoot it for as long as I can shoot. Ben Graham not only makes superb bows, he makes them beautiful as well.
Based on the other comments in this thread, the general theme is this: you can't go wrong with any of the bows you listed. All of them are fantastic, well-made, and great shooters. What it really comes down to is this: Which one do -you- shoot the best? Which one feels best in your hand? Which one seems the most forgiving to you?
At this level, all the bows are great, and it's entirely subjective as to which one works best for you. I wish you the best of luck in your search, and I'm sure you won't go wrong.
So true, Bradglaza! I wish I could shoot each one before making my decision. I guess the knowledge that I can't go wrong with any one of them is a relief!
I like the way Promethius thinks. My Berries are phenomenal.