How does a horsebow shot in comparison to a recurve? I like the look of the horsebow, but am looking for something different than my recurve.

-Links

I've only shot one or two horsebows; they had very smooth draws, almost felt like a little let off as full draw is reached.  Didn't seem as quick as most recurves in the same weight range, but quick enough.

I've shot several horsebows and they seem faster then most recurves at the same weight. Most of them are very smooth to draw out to 29-30 inches or so. I have a Saluki that is fast, smooth, and surprisingly accurate for such a lightweight bow.

My Korean bow is smoother than my Samick takedown hunter recurve.
Gil

I've checked out horsebows.com, any other places you would recommend I look?

-Links

James Parker had one that he made when he and Saluki built bows together, at the Hickory, NC shoot last year. Using a thumb ring he shot a carbon arrow through a chrono at 260fps and a 600grain cane hunting arrow through at 185fps...this was a 50# bow.    Pat

Pat B,

If that's accurate...I need that man's contact info!!  That's extraordinary speed, even for a horsebow....which are generally (depending on builder) better performers than the bulk of western style bows.  

links0311,

Here's some sites to peruse:

www.atarn.org/
www.spitfirehorsebows.com/
www.horsebackarchery.com/index_eng.php
www.grozerarchery.com/
www.horsebows.com/
www.recurvebowshop.com/
www.classic-bow.com/catalog/index.php
www.eastern-archery.com/unitedstates.html
www.koreanarchery.org/

There's a few others out there, too....several in different languages if you speak.

-Rob

Rob, James lives near Boone NC but I don't have contact info. He should be at the Hickory shoot this year or at ATAR. I wouldn't have believed the speed if I weren't there to see for myself.      Pat

What was the draw length used for those numbers Pat?

Oh, I certainly believe it's possible....I just want him to build me one...LOL.
-Rob

The draw length was pretty long; 31" or 32"...back to his ear.   Pat

It´s not the bow that has to be accurate-but you.Horsebows shoot as well any bow, just look at that Kassai guy how shoots moving target while riding on horseback.There is some interesting fotage on you tube.

31"-32" will get good speed out of just about any well designed bow,,, what was the weight of the arrow used to get 260fps?

It was a light carbon arrow. I don't know the physical weight.
 The bow that James used was very short and could be pulled beyond the 32", where he shot it. I don't know the dimensions of the bow.  I'm sure the thumb ring, with its clean release, helps get the speed that was achieved. When I shot the bow I used fingers and it was obvious the arrow didn't go as fast.
  I said nothing about accuracy. Every bow is inherently accurate. Its the shooters that make a shot accurate or not.  Pat

Pat,
Is James still with Lukas at Saluki?  I knew Lukas moved to NC, and I also heard that he had some "assistant bowyers"...but no other details.  Can you shed any light?

I also already shoot the ring (not great, but not too bad when I pay attention to the technique) and can attest to the unbelievable crispness of this release method.

Here's a pic of my latest ring...been using clear Lexan from a scrap chunk to build these:

Rob, James spent time in Ohio when Saluki was there and then Saluki moved to NC. He and James worked together for a while but I guess that didn't work out(egos) James and Becca, his wife, and their son moved somewhere near Boone NC. I have talked to them once since their move. I don't think you can call them directly.
  James was using a sterling thumb ring(his redneck bling-bling)and Lucas gave him a solid gold thumb ring. I have shot a few times with a thumb ring but felt very awkward doing so. I would like to make one and try it again.     Pat

I have noted, also, that when I shoot my horsebow with fingers, I don't get the speed that I see when shooting with the ring.

The ring, actually, works like a caliper release. When you get it right (the release) the speed difference is markedly different. A good, clean release really shows in speed.

If one had a longbow, with no arrow shelf, it may be possible to use a ring with that style longbow. YOu would have to shoot off the right side of the riser, though. (for a dexterous person)