I'm thinking about buying a longbow and I want to stay around $400 or less. It sounds like the majority of people prefer the Savannah over the Bear Montana. Does anyone have any experience (pros and cons) between the Tred Barta bow from 3Rivers and the Martin Savannah?

I had the Barta bow  and it was a solid bow, but I wasn't a fan of the grip.  Pretty fast though.

Jsimon....this doesnt really answer your question...but i would keep a eye on the bow classifieds and youll probably come up with a nicer custom bow for the same money....good luck... I see your from portland , mi.... we'll be posting a bunny hunt sometime soon in St Johns.... it will be in february...we'd love to have ya....steve

After talking with Larry Hatfield. The Barta bow is the very close to the Martin Bushmaster ML-18
different woods on the Barta bow. I Own a Bushmaster,Savanah, and a Vision. I like the 64" bow Barta bow/Bushmaster a little better...Mark

The Barta Bow is a virtual copy of the Shadow, which Martin (Howatt) made in the early-mid 1990's.  It was a sort of "Plain Jane" version of the Bushmaster, with laminated birch riser and black glass limbs in place of the Amazakoue riser and clear glass on the Bushmaster.  The Barta grip has been refined a bit to make it more comfortable, but other than that it's the same bow.

I didn't care for the grip on the Bushmaster/Shadow (although I still have a couple).  The Barta is an improvement, but of the two I prefer the Savannah.....and I LOVE my Visions!

Howattman

Thanks everyone for the help!

Go to the Classifeids, look for RER Vortex, an older Widow and many others as well for around $400. Of the choices you gave the Savannah is by far th ebetter performer. It is quicker by a lot and very quiet and has a nice grip, but like with everything I like chocolate and others vanilla! Shawn

I like my Savannah a lot but have limited experience with others...I did like ti much better than the Bear Montana.

Josh