The best one for you to start with is the one I have for sale.    

You got some good info above.  I would also say look at something with a locator or low grip to start.  It could be a little easier to make the change.

Man what a great community I have gotten so much information and offers to help it is like nothing I have ever experienced. I have decided to try to buy a used bow that way I don't have to spend that much since things are kind of tight right now and also help a fellow member out. I have talked to a few guys and trying to get rid of my recurve to help fund the transition. I just want to say thanks again to everyone and keep the info and suggestions coming.

Yep.  Bear Montana.

QuoteHow 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.

I think the Hunter has 3 laminations. The Royal has four or five. That may be why they are cheaper - I honestly don't know. The glass and seems are great, lams are strong, and they really sling an arrow.

I do know that Nate chooses all of the wood. shapes the risers, crowns and centers the shelf, and tillers the bow by hand. I assumed they were machined because of the price and I actually talked to him to confirm they were not.

There is no way I can answer this without being biased as I love my bow and my Dad's is every bit its equal.

Obviously if you compare it to a high end bow like a Widow it is going to fall short in a few areas - laminations being one of them. They are also not reflex-deflex and they have a very slim/light design. If you like big risers, this isn't your bow. On the other hand they are super quiet and extremely light.

Personally, I would put mine up against any bow because it works for ME. Realistically, I would match it up with any bow in the $300-$500 price range. I would definitely take them over a mass-manufactured bow.

It is what it is, a solid, durable, no-frills working mans bow. A hunter's bow. I had pass-through on a moving doe at 25 yards with mine and I hold my own in league. That is good enough for me.

Again, my opinions, my experiences. I may have a better comparison after going to the Kzoo bow show.

I agree with Butch! My first longbow was Bear Montana 64" 45@28 shoots real good for a 45# longbow. Matter afact I seen my Montana on the classifieds a few days ago!

Nice looking longbows, great prices for newbie longbowmen.

http://www.siegeworkcreations.com/longbows.htm

Take a look at White Wolf bows. tony is offering a super basic long bow for $ 225.00 I can vouch for the quality of Tony's bows and customer service. Ihave been his shooter rep for over a year and his bows are real winners. if you look him up mention Don

I started with a Montana, great bow!!!!!!! Another great bow is the Mohawk, can't go wring with either! I must admit that my go to bow is my Big River, amazing bow, dead quiet, no hand shock and excellent craftsmanship for an outstanding price! Just a work of art!!!!

QuoteTake a look at White Wolf bows. tony is offering a super basic long bow for $ 225.00 I can vouch for the quality of Tony's bows and customer service. Ihave been his shooter rep for over a year and his bows are real winners. if you look him up mention Don

I debated on buying a White Wolf also. They didn't have the model I wanted in stock at the time.

They are beautiful bows.

Mohawk.

Sweet shooters, easy on form mistakes. Nice price.

Whisper Stik has some really nice custom long bows and a great starting price also.  Go light on the poundage.  I made the mistake of going from a 70# compound to a 65# recurve.  I hated it and wanted to go back to shooting compound until a friend let me shot a 45# black Widow for a week, ordered one the next week and sold all of my compound gear..

You can get a brand new big river bow from John McDonald for $475. they also happen to be my favorite.  :p

Here is my John MacDonald Big River, like Earl Jeff said, a great price and you don't have to wait forever to get one, got mine in about 2 months time. My buddy just got his in 4.5 weeks time!

Another pic...

bowhuntingfool, how does it shoot?

Check out Montana Bows & Navajo Bows before you decide. You can't go wrong with either.

BOWHUNTINGFOOL ...nice bow !

Another good option in an affordable production bow is the pse sequoia, my nephew has one and it shoots well and is dead quiet. If you want a custom, Zach Ferguson (Byron's son) makes a great bow, the Z64, you can order it to your specs and if you chose the hunter model it is only $400.00.

The nice thing is that  there are lot of great  American made Longbows out there to choose from! I have a Bama 50lb Hunter model and I love it! Very light, well made and easy to shoot and it was priced  well under $300! I also thought about a Maddog bow!

There are alot of great bows out there today. We are truely blessed with all the bowyers in the US.
I would recommand going to a Trad Expo, or Trad shoot, and shoot everybow you can.
Don't look at price or worry about "big names", for your final decision.
When I was in the market for my first custom bow, I had two criteria I was looking for; First, how the bow felt in my hand, did it "point" well. Second how smooth was the bow. I shot alot of bows, finally I decided on "the one". That was 17years ago, and I still shoot that bow today.
Good luck, and have fun shooting.

chris <><