In Search of a great longbow. Input wanted!

Luke Perring · November 23, 2016, 09:26:00 AM

This is my first season hunting with a traditional bow, I have been shooting a 62" 49# Spirit Longbow by Byan Holley. The bow has done the job, it would seem to be a pretty basic bow. I am in search for a great bow. I love the stories and legends of Paul Schafer so I am greatly interested in a Schafer longbow but I know they are known for recurves not longbows so I'm not sure about them. I lived in Montana for a decade so I am definitely drawn to a Montana made bow but it doesn't have to be. I am 6'4" and shoot a 30+" draw. I shoot 3 fingers under and have been anchoring underneath my eye, if any of that information is helpful. Thunderhorns and Toelkes are also options I have looked into. Please give me some input Longbow guys!

November 23, 2016, 09:32:00 AM

If you want a bow from Montana, I don't see how you could go wrong with a Toelke! I have never owned one, but they are made in Montana, and get rave reviews all the way around.

My personal favorite longbow (and my goto hunting bow) is a Sarrels Blueridge takedown longbow.

Good luck in your search!

Bisch

TradBrewSC · November 23, 2016, 09:41:00 AM

Dont forget Centaur being where you are from. Jim's bows will accommodate your draw length.

My current personal favorite, and a very stable and forgiving platform is the TALLTINES Stickflinger. This would be similar to the Schaffer with great performance in the hybrid limb design.

Warden609 · November 23, 2016, 09:42:00 AM

Can't go wrong with a Toelke!! I am a loyal Silvertip recurve shooter, but on the long bow side I would highly recommend a Toelke Whip. Have fun choosing a new bow.

Warden609 · November 23, 2016, 09:45:00 AM

I have owned several centaur long bows. Outstanding sticks!! Lots of great custom bow makers in Montana.

Michael Arnette · November 23, 2016, 09:45:00 AM

Toelke!

RJonesRCRV · November 23, 2016, 09:49:00 AM

Check Kimsha longbows.

tom cunningham · November 23, 2016, 10:04:00 AM

RMSG is a great source. And you can return it if it's not just right!

jwhitetail · November 23, 2016, 10:05:00 AM

JD Berry Archery Longbow... Taipan or Argos for duoflex or Vixen or Morning Star (or Heritage) for ASL. JD makes several other models that are great too...

ron w · November 23, 2016, 10:14:00 AM

The one you have is pretty darn good.....Check out Holm-Made, Chad Holm's Osprey and Goshawks are excellent longbows. I also like the Toelke Super "D" longbow. I like Kimsha also.....

Bullfrog 1 · November 23, 2016, 10:35:00 AM

Toelke for MANY reasons. Bill

joe ashton · November 23, 2016, 10:43:00 AM

Pronghornlongbows are excellent bows.. made in Wyoming that is close to Montana

Onions · November 23, 2016, 10:45:00 AM

I see your from Illinios, come to the Traditional Bowhunting Expo in Kalamazoo in late Jan. LOTS of bowyers there. St. Joe River Bows, Shrew bows, Great Northern Bows, A&H Longbows, Black Widow, Northern Mist, Zipper bows...plus many I have forgotten. This will give you a chance to "test drive" multiple bows to find what you really like.

I personally love my A&H longbow!! Can't go wrong with one of Larry's bows!

chris <><

dbd870 · November 23, 2016, 10:48:00 AM

I'm a recurve shooter but a couple or 3 guys at the Club really like their Timberhawks. However they are an IN company.

Bladepeek · November 23, 2016, 10:52:00 AM

I second coming to the K'zoo Trad Expo and shoot everything that catches your eye.

Having said that, I love my Java Man Elk Heart. I only draw 28", but my bow is only 54" and no stack at all. It's a highly deflex/reflex bow and Gregg makes them in longer lengths that will accommodate your long draw well.

Much as I love my high performance shorter bows, I'm anxiously awaiting my 66" Mohawk Sparrowhawk "D" type longbow. It is SLIGHTLY deflex/reflex, but strings up to a "D" shape and just feels right when shooting the Michigan Longbow shoots.

9 Shocks · November 23, 2016, 10:59:00 AM

TOELKE!

Daz · November 23, 2016, 11:12:00 AM

Give Neil at Bear's Paw a call in Lakeside
MT. Love my three piece, and now have the urge for a one piece from him.

Muttly · November 23, 2016, 11:29:00 AM

Scoshe shorter than you are, but 31" draw, same anchor, 3 under. Wes Wallace Royal. Takedown.
Go 68", 50-55 lbs at your draw, bet you're a happy camper..
He's over in Oregon, but I wouldn't hold that against him.

Car54 · November 23, 2016, 11:32:00 AM

I'm 6'4"..31+ draw.
I shoot..Pronghorn t/d(64"), Liberty Edge(66"). I Like the heck out of them.
Your best bet is to go to a big trad event to try some bows.

elkken · November 23, 2016, 11:40:00 AM

So many bows and so little time ...

Centaur and Caribow are two of my favorites