I'm about as new as it gets to longbows... I can barely tell you the difference between reflex and deflex.  I was calling the nock in the arrow 'the notch' until someone corrected me.  So I'm pretty new to this.

I had an opportunity to shoot a couple traditional Robertson bows and thought they were nice.  I also shot a couple self bows.  Not bad either.

This traditional longbow thing is growing on me.  I think I know what I want.  Somewhere in the range of 62" 55# and 28".

So here's the question...  In my shoes would you buy new?...  used?...  custom?...  mass produced?...  or any combination thereof.  Or maybe a different way to ask the same question... If you could only own 1 traditional longbow with which to learn from, what would it be?

Thanks for the input.

Jon

Welcome Jon,

I'm fairly new to trad shooting, having lucked my way into a nice Bear Montana Longbow really cheap on an auction site. Didn't know about this website until I got to looking for more info.

Again, I was lucky to start with something inexpensive (under 200 bucks) with a draw weight of 50lbs.

I'd say go cheap and light, learn to shoot it well, develop good habits and move on. If you find out it's not for you, you're not out much.

I now have a Mohawk 55lb beauty and still enjoy the heck out of shooting the longbow.

Best of luck to you.

Dan

Dan,

Nice suggestion, thank you.  

I wish I could find some used bows for sale in my area.  Unfortunately, I'd probably have a better chance finding a celacamp in my backyard than a used bow within 100 miles...

Jon

What part of Va are you livin in Jon?

Virginia Beach

bear montana would be a good one or a martin of some kind

Check out the Va section of the Trad Clubs forum here. You have TradGang buddies close to home. Another thing to do is check out trad shoots in VA and NC. (Check out the Trad Events forum, maybe do searches on VA and North Cackalackie.)You could try out dozens of bows at the trad shoots instead of merely jumping at something that looks good now.

Killdeer  

get a bow that fits you,and do not over bow yourself.  good luck

Robertsons are great longbows and have been among my favorites for many years but there are many other very good bows, too.  62-64", low 50's draw wt, moderate deflex/reflex will get you off to a great start.  Better to go light on the weight than too heavy.  Browse the classifieds here and other sites and you will likely find some great bows at reasonable prices.  Take some time to find what you like before dropping the bucks for a new custom.

Enjoy the journey; Welcome to the Gang!    

Get some place you can shoot tons of bows. I agree with Killie, check the events forum and get to a shoot. It doesn't matter if you even have a bow. I would bet my next paycheck everyone there(at a trad shoot) will let you shoot their bow.

Why?

A)Because most folks on here are good people and want to help out.

B) Because we all think our bows are the best and want other people to think so too! As a result, we let other people shoot them to let them see first hand how nice our bows shoot!

Finally, there are so many choices you should shoot many bows first and definitely start with a used bow.

Then you can decide;
1. Recurve vs. longbow vs. hybrid
2. Take down vs. one piece
3. High, medium, low or broken wrist grip.
4. Poundage (start somewhere in the 45-50 lb range)
5. This list could go on for some time.

Hang in there and just start learning, but try to keep it cheap until you really have an INFORMED idea of what you want.

Take Care,
Charlie

To all,

Great suggestions, thank you.

I'll definately go to the next trad shoot in this area.  Maybe I'll walk away with something.

I did have 3 that I was considering, 2 of them are the only ones being sold locally.  

1. Robertson traditional - 64" 56#-28"

2. Sky longbow (local sale) -  66" 50#-28"

3. 1959 Kodiak Deluxe (local sale) - 66" 38#


Jon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0b0YoExT7Q&feature=channel_page

Start off with a lower poundage bow perhaps 42-50# range so you dont overbow yourself.

trickshot is correct!

try as many as you can to see what feels best to you...grips - lengths and weights....there as so many great bows out there but what will feel good to you may not feel great to someone else..do what is good for you

Jer Bear

I definately wouldn't spend a alot of money just yet. Though, I have never shot one the Bear "Montana" gets alot of good reviews and it won't cost you a fortune. It just might be my next longbow aswell.

Got some good news for you. Dixie Bowmen  are having their rendezvous April 25-26... It's in Disputanta Va. probably less then 100 miles from you.... There will be hundreds of longbows there and really friendly people to let you shot them. If you are a lefty I only have about 6-7  nice ones for you to try out???
their website is dixiebowmen.org

String Cutter,

Thanks for the offer!  Fortunately or unfortunately I'm right handed.  I'm a bit ambidextrious so if the right handed thing doesn't pan out...

Disputanta is not that far from me.  I bought a motorcycle in Prince George.  It would be like a reunion of sorts.

I've never been to one of these events before.  Is this the 1 event of the year when people are looking to sell and/or trade their bows?  Do you have to be a member to attend?  How many people do you think will attend?

Thanks,

Jon

Bear Montana got me started.  Nice bow, won't break the bank.  Ditto the low draw weight.  Have fun!

Jon , anyones welcome...should be about 100 people or so. You can bring a tent or camper and stay there.
Should be lot of other peoples longbows to try out...People flint knapping ect.ect.Though I don't think there will be any bowyers setting up stands??   More of a big family gathering and everyone toting bows..