I currently shoot a Samick SLB #40 for 3D and I really like the bow, but I want a new one for hunting (deer, elk, black bear) in a heavier weight. I have shot several custom longbows and honestly I don't feel they shoot better enought to justify their $600+++ price tag... I was thinking of getting another SLB but I have been also looking at the Samick verna, anyone shoot a verna before? Can anyone give a comparison of the 2?

Buy a heavyer set of limbs for your bow.

I would but it's a 1 piece longbow.

I can't give you any input about the bows you mentioned, but a couple hundred dollars can get you a really nice used bow. It's worth becoming a contributing member here just for the classifieds. I've had pretty good luck with the big auction site too.

Happy hunting.    

i have read some pretty good reviews about the verna,a basic longbow,nothing fancy, some compare it to the martin, i see them used going for less than $200.00, rich pyle

as mentioned...i was looking through classifieds here and the other site and saw quite a few VERY NICE used longbows from top builders....Robertson, Great Northern, Northern Mist, Mohawk, Leon Stewart, Wes Wallace, etc.

and as far as "custom bows not shooting good enough for the cost"....haha...I remember when I first started traditional and got my very first recurve..Jeffery Royal Hunter.  Not the prettiest or the fastest but she was all mine.  I told my wife and my friends...I will never need another bow and would never pay the money they are asking for Black Widows or some of the others.  THis was early 1991 I think....BW was around $600 then I think...hahaha.

My how my thinking has changed the past 24 years. LOL

Do a search for Jimmy Blackmon's (RangerB) review of the Samick Verna. Very interesting video.

I will look up that video for sure, thanks...


Brock, not sure how to take your 2nd statement? Are you saying I'm wet behind the ears??? Yes when you go to ILF limbs and risers with carbon/foam yes you will get a huge jump in performance... As far as a 3D/hunting bow there really isn't enough differance for ME between mid range and more expensive bows. I have shot quite a few trad bows and by no means am I new to the sport nor am I unqualified in my shooting abilitys to base my opinion about this. I see no difference between a cheap bow or a expensive bow shooting the same 240 on a NFAA 300 round... And I cirtenly would not pay a extra $500-$800 just for a extra 15 fps...

LOL...no I was recounting my exact thoughts and comments when I bought my first bow and have heard the exact same comment from dozens...maybe hundreds of others that went through the same exact evolution as myself.


that being said...I have never bought a bow for an increase in speed.  I have ONLY bought bows because first I liked how they looked, I respected the bowyer, I liked how I shot them....and if I could afford it.


speed has never been a requirement for ANY of my bows EVER....never will be as I dont care about competition, scores or keeping up with the guy next door.  I only buy what brings me pleasure visually and while shooting.

wasnt a slam on you at all....just an observation over my years....but if shoe fits....enjoy. LOL

" And I cirtenly would not pay a extra $500-$800 just for a extra 15 fps"

I would, that's like an increase of 7 pounds of draw weight.

That's the problem with forums and texting and e mails, you can never tell someone's tone, sorry if I came off defensive Brock...

Check out the St Jude's Auction. There are a few pretty sweet bows there.

http://auction1.tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=200;t=000045

I'd suggest you look at the Bear Montana longbow.
I shot one several years ago & remember it was a pretty nice shooting bow.

Life is to short to shoot cheap bows IMO....

Some guys go their whole life diving a volkswagen back and forth to work and are quite content....

But once you've slipped behind the wheel of a Ferrari.... You'll never be the same brutha...

Oh sure... it doesn't get you to work and back any better than the volkswagen does.... But man you are going in style, and the ride you get is much smoother and a hell of a lot faster. LOL

LOL....

Bear Montana would be my choice for a production bow. But as others have said the used market is also really nice.

If you are capable of sanding and spraying finish I would look into the 7 Lakes long night. For $300 you can get a custom bow blank that turns out to be a great bow.

Lots of options I guess, thanks for the input guys... I have shot a Montana and like my SLB better but I have seen the Asuble (guess thats the right spelling) and might check that out.

flashy isnt my sytle really so even if I had the $ I would still just drive a pickup lol

I've heard good things about Samick- I was going to buy a phantom but they were on backorder so I got the Bear instead.  You can always buy a Verna and sell it if you don't like it.  I know it's more of a hassle, but it should be an easy enough sell when they get to see it and try it.  Looks like a nice bow- same design as the Birdseye Banshee without the extra $200

I think I am going to try it, the 2 Samicks I own are decent for them money...

Good luck! And do us a favor and post a review once you've gotten to know it so that the next guy has a dependable opinion!