I'm doing legwork for a longbow and figured it would save some time if anyone had info.

What longbows are in the:
1- 200-300 price range, new
2- 300-400 range
3- 400- 500 range

not including classifieds, what makers of longbows both custom and or mass produced fall into these ranges for a starter quality longbow to hunt with.

I got a Dryad Hunter for about $500. I haven't seen much for less unless you buy used.

A new Thunderstick MOAB is $515.00.I shot mine through my chronograph today, and believe it or not, it's actually faster than my Palmer double carbon.

I would say that most fall into the $500 and up new. Try a Howard Hill @ $525 new shipped.

A Turkey Creek starts at $475.

First thing I would do is shoot a few different bows and find one that shoots for you. Then, if money is an issue, keep an eye out for a used one.

I see you're in NJ. Whereabouts? I have a new TC ordered. Once I get it, you're welcome to try it out, provided you're left-handed.

Kohannah Bows - Bob makes a couple styles all in the $400 - $500 price range. Excellent quality for a working mans price.
  www.kohannahbows.com

$475- 500 and up starts getting you into some good quality bows.  Exactly which one is a matter of personal preference as to style. (D shape, hybred, grip, etc.
Best value for the money is to look through the classifieds here.  For $300 - 500 you can find some real deals on bows that are just like new.  And if you change your mind later and want to try something else you can always resell it and recover most if not all of your money.

Bear Montana, $299 brand new. A sweet little bow.

Treadway $450.00

Thanks guys,  I got a little homework to do now.

timber ghost $620 awesome bows

black creek bows start at $375.

Kanati by JK Traditions is an excellent custom longbow for $455. Wait time is currently 16 weeks though, which means I have about 11 to go   :(

Don't forget the Martin Savannah. They're great bows, still my go to bow after all the ones that have come and gone since I've started shooting. I think they sell new for around $400 something, but it's been a while since I priced them.

You might as well remove category 1 and just about 2.

Nala

Renegade Spirit I longbow starts at $375

I know you said to skip the classifieds but its too good of a place to pass up.

I've never bought a "new" bow but I have bough several really nice used ones that would have cost me double or more if ordered "new".

Just something to think about.

I second or third the classifieds.  Buying bows there is great.  If you are patient you can get a great deal.  If you then try and don't like the bow, you can sell it for what you paid for it (if not more).  By doing this you can buy and try several bows until you find one you like.  If you buy a bow new and don't like it, you are going to probably lose a couple hundred dollars if you try to sell it.

200-300 range, take a look at the "Super Racli" it is an Italian longbow, and pretty decent for the price. Also, you can get the Internature viper for under 300 new. Someone here did a field test on them awhile back, if you do a search.

Agree with classifieds.  Unless your Uncle Money Bags, there are too many very good used bows available for me to pay full price.  But take in mind, I never pay retail for hunting stuff.  Always wait for the deals/sales.

Of course I am probably a bowyers worst nightmare...

HTH