I have found a used Best Friend Longbow 62" 47lbs @ 28" it is the Sidekick model. Comes with some nice accessories. I have never owned a Traditional Bow but have been hunting with a compound for 3 years. Any advice about buying this as a first bow? I do not know anything about Best Friend Bows?
Thanks
Alan
That's a new one to me. Is the bowyer in AL?
http://www.bestfriendbows.com/
I have no thoughts other than I see them in TBM advertising.
There are ALOT of good bows out there ally of people don't hear about.
Here at TG we keep our topics about sponsors, and since they do not sponsor here that is why you won't read much about them. I'd suggest talking with the bowyer and also become a contributingbet here and take a look at the classifieds.
Good luck brother, it's fun and addicting
If there's one piece of advice I have - don't spend a lot. Your first bow should be cheap (whatever you consider "cheap" anyways).
You might decide traditional is not for you, and the last thing you want is a $400 piece of wood hanging on the wall that you can't sell. The market for selling bows is not the greatest right now, so keep that in mind.
As for a first bow, I love directing people in the direction of takedowns. The Samick Sage makes a great takedown that allows you to get lower poundage limbs to really focus on your form, but offers the ability to buy heavier limbs to hunt with whenever you feel ready - and all at a very affordable price.
47# is a little heavy to start out in my opinion but would work great as a hunting bow also.
Good luck!
Thanks Brian I would not know what to ask the bowyer. I did not even know that is what one calls a bow maker lol. I will consider very hard joining if I get into the sport.
Dual tips, never saw that before.
I took a look at the link and saw his II model, interesting.
I agree with sponsoring here. Would be a wise business decision.
Thanks Alex. The Sage was what I was going to buy.
I just like the idea of having a bow made by hand. I also like things made local as in USA. The Sage seems like a great bow however.
Bout all I have heard. I also have seen some pics of one for sale a while back on another forum and it looked like a nicely made bow.
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=115578
Thanks Nineworlds
QuoteHere at TG we keep our topics about sponsors, and since they do not sponsor here that is why you won't read much about them.
Not really--and that, IMO, is a good thing.
I say not really because there's at least a few non-sponsor string makers that get talked about on here pretty regularly, one who's name isn't even allowed to be posted. He probably gets more advertising here than any other non-sponsor. Never saw anyone get chastised over it.
I say it's a good thing because in spite of the above the good outweighs the bad--in my opinion anyway. Someone just getting started out may have their heart and soul and every spare dime invested, and don't even know yet if they really want to have a business. Forcing them to sign up/pay up right away, or black-balling them because they don't, won't help the sport any.
Discussing everyone could help that person get their feet on the ground and result in a new sponsor...or, if they aren't all they are cracked up to be, it could keep someone here from loosing money on them.
Freeloaders are going to freeload. No way around it. At least when you can discuss different products, word gets around.
I feel at least most of us (sponsors) here are comfortable and confident enough with their reputation and product that talking about someone you never heard of isn't going to worry them too much.
Shoot...I've got two videos showing folks how I make strings, even plans for the same board and stretcher I use. I'll tell you what my favorite string material and serving is, and why, and where to get it. I don't have any secrets or "proprietary measures". When I used to set up at tournaments I'd teach anyone who wanted to sit by me how to make a string.
It's worked for me for about 20 years now.
Best Friend Longbows are made here in Iowa. I've never shot one, but I gave them a close look. The workmanship was very good. The bowyer always sets up a booth at our annual Iowa Trad. shoot. I've visited with him different times. He seemed like real nice guy. There were a few guys there at the shoot using his bows, a never heard any negative comments.
LBR I like your perspective!I think this is the economic perspective that our founders had. I know who I am going to check with when I need a string. ;-)
Thanks Soap
Alan- if the price is right go for it! My brother and i shoot bloodbrother longbows. The sidekick is more of a r/d bow. Sott Rentschler is the bowyer, out of Volga,Iowa. Great guy and awesome bows. I have owned a quite a few high price/grade bows and would rather shoot Scott's bows than any of them. I just like them that much. And he will stand behind his bow if you ever have a problem!!
Here are a few photos of me and my brother's Bloodbrother Longbows. Awesome bows! (http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r603/DonEggleston/bbrother9.jpg) (http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r603/DonEggleston/bloodbrother7.jpg) (http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r603/DonEggleston/bbrother16.jpg)
Thanks Longbow I bought it! Beautiful bows! What is a r/d bow? Wait reflex deflex what does that do to the bow?
Every Blessing
Alan
Nice looking bows with a very friendly price. Worth looking into.
Alan- r/d bows- in comparison to a more standard d style longbow may be a little quicker and smoother on draw (but not always). Just a different style and shape when braced. I was really looking for the d style longbow so his bloodbrother line caught my eye. It should shoot nice and quick for you.