So my brother has been wanting to buy a longbow for a few years, but keeps putting it off since he's in the military, but is threatening to buy one when he comes home on leave.

I usually suggest the Samick Sage for beginners looking for a low cost bow, but not really sure what would be a good low cost longbow.
I started with an Internature/cartel Viper Deluxe myself, and it is a great shooting bow, if not the nicest fit/finish.

This is a list I have put together so far, but not sure if I'm missing any, or which is the better bow/deal.

Do you guys have any suggestions, or comments?

Internature(or Cartel, same company) Viper longbow - $230
Bear Montana Longbow - $330
Samick Verna - $300
Samick Redstag - $209

Bamabow Tracker - $360

It might help to know that our closest "bow shops" are Bass Pro and Predator's Archery. I think he's more likely to buy a bow if he can go fondle it in person and bring it home with him.

Hands down best choice is a Maddog archery prairie predator

275.00 including shipping !

My vote would be for a Bamabow or Mad Dog, or Seven Lakes (or maybe a New Wood or McBroom if the budget is there)

Factory wise, I'd skip the Internature, but the Samick offerings are decent.  

If he HAS to fondle one in person at the big box store the Bear Montana is a very decent bow, but don't buy it there.  Have him order one from Big Jim or get one for a discount on Fleabay.  

Better yet find a used custom on the classifieds!

I had a couple of Bear Montana longbows, good solid bow for the money......just don't get one to heavy no matter what you buy!

Mad Dog would be my vote as well.    
I own one and Mike is a great guy and a fine craftsman.

I love the bow in my signature. It's cheap, light, and as long as I'm not the one shooting it it's accurate.

DON'T know much about prairie predator, but for $275, for a custom bow including shipping, how can you go wrong! I had a Bear Montana , too much hand shock for me.

Good luck

I have a Maddog, great value!

Maddog

I have a Maddog, great value!

Some used Mohawk's are just outside of that range.

Upper level shooting experience with many other hi end archer appreciating attributes.

Mike makes a nice bow. Big jim also has some used ones.

I normally lean towards the customs, but viewed a video recently by "RangerB" Jimmy Blackmon on the Samick Verna and was very impressed by his review.

You can do a google search for his videos or go look at the "other" site that has all the squabble all the time lol.

My Prarie Predator is as good a value as anything on the market.

I love mine.

If you want an almost endless selection of nice decently priced used....talk to the guys at RMSG.
(Rocky Mountain Specialty Gear)

I haven't shot any of the others...but I have a Bear Montana and have no complaints. Very good shooting bow at a reasonable cost.

QuoteOriginally posted by beaunaro:
My Prarie Predator is as good a value as anything on the market.

I love mine.

If you want an almost endless selection of nice decently priced used....talk to the guys at RMSG.
(Rocky Mountain Specialty Gear)

Here is the link. Lots of low cost bows for sale.

http://www.rmsgear.com/bowshop_inventory.html#longbow

My first longbow was a Great Northern Fieldbow.  It was a very nice shooting bow and the craftsmanship was excellent... especially for $325.

Great guys, thanks for all the help. I will pass along all this information. This really helps!

Check the classifieds.  It is a buyer's bow market right now.  You might find a deal.