I have always shot recurves since becoming involved in traditional bowhunting. I have shot a longbow only twice. The first was probably 17 or so years ago, I don't know the model or anything, but it had enough handshock to jar your fillings loose. As I recall, it was a D shaped longbow with a straight grip.
A few years ago, I shot a slightly reflex deflex longbow with a locator grip, and it was a pleasure to shoot.
My question is: if I have no real experience with a longbow, would it be wiser to start out with a locator grip. I am not so concerned with a D shaped versus a reflex deflex design, but want to shorten the time to getting consistent in accuracy. I have heard some people struggle with consistent hand placement on a straight grip.
I only know one other traditional archer nearby and he's a lefty while I'm right handed.
I also know each person has preferences as to what bow fits best, so I 'm not asking specific model recommendations, just thoughts on the grip question.
Tom, I think a natural progression would be towards a locator grip. Even with most locators you will notice an improvement in the bows manners with a lower wrist which is of great importance with a straight grip.
Tom, had the same talk with a guy that ordered a Taipan today, Best to git a pos. locater in your case....James
When I started shooting longbows I liked the locator grip for the same reasons. It helps with repeatable hand placement and accuracy.
Now it's 25 years later and all my longbows still have a locator type grip. Anything else just feels odd to me and my hand is all over the place.
Do it.
Gripping a bow really isn't rocket science. Shouldn't be any reason that you couldn't become proficient with a straight gripped bow in short order. That being said, folks do develop preferences for one style of grip over another. Always best to try before you buy if you can. Any trad shoots, vendors in your state where you might go to try some different styles?
Go to some TBW events and ask about peoples bows. Most are happy to tell you all about it and let you handle the bow a little. My lefties are no help.
QuoteOriginally posted by JDBerry:
Tom, had the same talk with a guy that ordered a Taipan today, Best to git a pos. locater in your case....James
What James said...X2
I shot a number of longbows with locater grips and then moved on to straight grips..
I much prefer the straight and use the arrow/ shelf as my locater. My index finger always is in a very close relationship with the arrow as it is being drawn. Seems to create a positive reference for my hand on the grip of the bow.
Do like the rest of us and get both!
I own two "D" type longbows. Both have locator grips. Both are very pleasant and accurate to shoot. I owned another longbow (a big-name, well respected maker) with a locator grip and it had that "loosening of dental fillings" effect you talked about. I owned an old Ben Pierson "Ol' Ben longbow with a straight grip. I sold it because it was just too heavy for me, but there was no appreciable hand shock.
Surely there must be a trad shoot or at least a trad group in your area where you can get your hands on a couple to try. I would never ask to shoot another guy's selfbow, but modern, laminated bows are pretty durable and I would gladly let anyone shoot mine regardless of their draw length.
I do think the easiest transition would be with a locator grip, but it would be nice if you could try a couple before buying. I'd loan you mine, but it's one of those leftys :)
I've always used a straight grip. I just like it better. I roll the top and bottom of the leather wrap to create a reference point for my hand. That little bump on top gives me a quick, positive placement everytime. I agree with everyone else, put your hands on some bows and try to get a feel for what you like. Good luck.
Those of us shooting the RER LXR know that a recurve and a longbow can have the same grip...it all depends on your reasons for wanting to add a longbow to your rack
DDave
Some folks see the longbow process as having a graduation of sorts. In other words you start with a "locator" style grip, maybe deflex/reflex and at some point "graduate" to a straight grip D style. I don't see it that way. It's just preference. Shooting is more than feel anyway. It is emotional to some; a connection to those who are the legends and probably gone. We do some things a certain way because that's the way our heroes did it.
I have 3 Howard Hill bows; one with a locator, one with a dished, and one with a straight grip. The difference, at least to me, is marginal. If I was buying a new D shape today, it would have a straight grip. I think that if you shoot a lot with a bow, you will get used to the grip, whatever that might be.
I know that handshock is a problem for some folks with D bows, but I only feel it when I am not gripping the bow properly; i.e., hold it like you would pick up a paint can or suitcase, and take a firm but not overpowering grip on it, and then push/pull during the shot. If I do everything right, all my D bows are sweet to shoot.
Thank you all for your advice. I am not sure when I might be able to afford a longbow. We have some financial challenges right now. I hope to go to a traditional shoot this winter and , hopefully, be able to handle some longbows to see what feels good. Fortunately, I do really like my recurves, just hoping to have both sometime.
I hope maybe I can find someone interested in trading or bartering. That is actually how I have gotten almost all my trad gear.
Thanks again to all.
There's a lot to be said for barter and trades. If that fails, though, I've had good luck buying used and selling my used bows in the classifieds here. I've never lost much on a trade and got to try a LOT of bows :)
The best deal out there is a used bow that someone has convinced themselves that they can't shoot worth a darn! :biglaugh: