What is a good longbow to start out with?

evolknovel · January 12, 2010, 05:39:00 PM

Hello I was just wondering if anyone has a good recommendation for a first longbow? I have had a howatt x-200 recurve for awhile and I am looking to switch to a longbow but I cannot spend $600 or more on one just want something that will shoot good while I am adjusting to it and working on my form and such then after a year or so picking up a really nice one. I would like to have something around #45 at 29" any info at all would be greatly appreciated. I would love to trade the recurve for one anyone now a good place to post for trades? I am new to these forums so any info or leads again we be appreciated.

SveinD · January 12, 2010, 05:53:00 PM

You can get a good one (or three!) in the classifieds section at that price!
Link : http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?category=9 (Classifieds)

If you do not want a used bow, I know Vince at Mohawk Bows (Tradgang Sponsor) has a short waitinglist!
The run from 475$ and up, and lots of people here have nothing but good stuff to say!

Rob DiStefano has a review of his here :
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=31;t=000546

There are of course many other bows, but not too many I know of with less that 3 months waiting at that price!

Over&Under · January 12, 2010, 06:02:00 PM

I would recommend reading the link that SveinD posted, lots of good info.

I would try and find a longbow that you feel comfortable with and a grip that you like. Try and shoot a few different ones to help narrow down the search.

KentuckyTJ · January 12, 2010, 06:06:00 PM

Centaur

Buckeye Trad Hunter · January 12, 2010, 06:06:00 PM

If you don't have to have a custom bow you can pick up a Bear Montana relativly cheap. They're good bows at a good price. Less than $350. For a good price on a good custom try Mike Mecredy at Maddog bows. Good guy and good products.
www.maddogarchery.com

Butch Speer · January 12, 2010, 06:06:00 PM

I've been shooting a Bear Montana. for $339.00 you can't beat it with a stick. Quietest bow I've ever shot, dead in the hand shoots were you look & shoots a pretty decent arrow. You can pick them up used for $150-175. A great longbow to start off with.

bentpole · January 12, 2010, 06:08:00 PM

First Longbow Mohawk

Easy to shoot. Fast, quiet, and a real deal money wise.

pokeanhope · January 12, 2010, 06:09:00 PM

I just got a wolf long bow and it shoots amazing! Its a great looking bow, and they sell for around 100 new on there web site.

ishoot4thrills · January 12, 2010, 06:17:00 PM

Another vote for the Montana. I had one the year before last. You can get a used one for around 200 bucks. Or even better, get a used Beeler hybrid like the one I have now for around 300 bucks or a new one for 400.

LongbowGuy83 · January 12, 2010, 06:20:00 PM

I would have to agree with Buckeye and Butch. The Montana is a good shooting bow for little monies. I have one, but it's being loned out right now to another new trad shooter.

hawk4570 · January 12, 2010, 06:31:00 PM

Check the classifieds you can pick up a good longbow 200-300

lpcjon2 · January 12, 2010, 06:48:00 PM

Check out Mike @ Maddog bows he make a leftover longbow thats cheap priced.

evolknovel · January 12, 2010, 07:01:00 PM

Wow thanks alot for all the great info so far the Mohawks and Maddogs look really nice the Bear is nice to especially for the money. I wish I could try a few out but unfortunatly there are no traditional bow shops in my area only shops that deal in compound bows. The closest I know of is Blackwidow Bows in Nixa Mo. and I would love to have one of their bows one of these days I just can't afford it but they are on the wish list. Again thanks for all the info you have given me alot to think about and drool over.

straitera · January 12, 2010, 07:04:00 PM

How could a person pick just one bow out of the bunch? I chose Hill 30+ years ago & have shot nothing but since. Quillan, Northern Mist, American, etc, all have great bows as are many others. Do yourself a big favor & buy from the classifieds.

Rob DiStefano · January 12, 2010, 07:15:00 PM

it's a tough row to hoe, being a newbie of sorts and looking for a bow, any kinda stick bow. like most of us, if yer hooked on trad you'll find that buying, trading and selling all go together.

for most of us, finding that magic bow is a never ending don quixote quest.

each of us has an idea what will work best. sometimes you find that idea in the flesh, other times your magic bow hasta smack ya in the heck before you recognize it.

in a sweetly sick kinda way, bow chasing is part of the trad archery magic.

try as many as you can!

good luck!

oh yeah, definitely give a mohawk a try - that's MY magic bow! :D

January 12, 2010, 07:28:00 PM

You may feel the need to drop that draw length a little, depending on the grip. With straight gripped Hill style bows you may lose an inch of draw. With grips that are a closer match to your recurve of course you should see very little if any change. If you do not want to change your form much, it may be something to keep in mind.

VA Robinhood · January 13, 2010, 11:42:00 AM

Big Jim makes a great long bow, he is a sponser here.

LimbLover · January 13, 2010, 04:38:00 PM

A Hunter from Bama Bows

You can't beat them for the price. An American made bow with custom options. They are amazing and Nate backs every bow for life as long as you are the original owner.

My Dad and I both bought one for our first longbows. Absolutely hooked.

RUSTY1 · January 13, 2010, 06:44:00 PM

Check out Sarrels Archery. Bob makes a great bow, good price, and usually has a good selection of in stock bows! That's how I bought my "first" bow.

inn8hunter · January 13, 2010, 06:47:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by LimbLover:
A Hunter from Bama Bows

You can't beat them for the price. An American made bow with custom options. They are amazing and Nate backs every bow for life as long as you are the original owner.

My Dad and I both bought one for our first longbows. Absolutely hooked.

How are these bows? I am not ready for one yet, but the price seems very, very reasonable. Does he not have as many laminations and such? Does performance suffer? It just seems like a nice looking bow for under $300.

Tim