I've been shooting recurves but I was thinking about giving longbows another shot.  I like the Savannah and almost everyone post great comments on them but when asked to pick the Savannah or another longbow everyone picks against it.  If I can get a new Savannah for about $400 with no wait is that as good as it gets or would you recommend something else?

Depends on what you like.  I was very un-impressed with the two different ones I've shot.  The owners are friends of mine, and they sold theirs not long after buying them.  You might love it though.

Chad

Shoot  a bunch of bows and buy the one you like most.  Otherwise you might get into frustrating trend of buying and selling bows (and arrows).  Find something that you shoot well.  Some bows have similar models which will give you some flexibility. Look for a style bow wood, grip and what not, not necessarily a specific brand.  For 400. bucks you can find a great bow on the classifieds (also no wait)!

I like the looks of the Savannah and it shoots nicely once you're used to it... BUT I think it is slightly stacky and it is not really a longbow per say... its a hybrid.  For your money there is a Robertson Stykbow Purist someone is selling in the classifieds for a GREAT price.  I had a Robertson that I sold for family expenses and LOVE them.  I think this is a better investment for your $$ and its less than $400!!

I have a Martin Savannah. It was the first trad bow that I ever purchased. Although I have since purchased several custom bows, I still have the Savannah and I love it. In my opinion it remains one of the best "production" bows out there. Let me put it this way: Heaven forbid, but for one reason or another there may come a time when I may sell one or two of my bows. If and when that time ever comes (and I hope it doesn't) the Savannah will not be among them. Some bows are a nice prime rib and lobster luxury. The Savannah is my meat and potatoes.

i had one.....gave it the boot......you asked i told  

......try a mohawk bro....great bow with a short wait

QuoteOriginally posted by elkherder:
i had one.....gave it the boot......you asked i told      

Yep. There's definitely no doubt where you stand on the Savannah issue. Isn't there an old saying about one man's treasure being another man's junk?   :D

i'm on a recurve binge right now and sold my mohawk knowing eventually i would buy another.awesome bow,priced great.makes the handle how you want it (very important)if you like a recurve type grip he puts a locater style grip on it.i have had three mohawks and every one of them was a sweet bow to shoot,never sold one because i didnt like it.loved all three.get the cocobolo handle with boo core and boo lams and you'll love it..i promise you will.mohawk compared to savannah?????mohawk hands down....larry

nope....  :D

check out the bezaleel bobcat at bezaleelbowworks
best long bow I have ever owned or shot
owned:2 wes wallace ,st charles, howatt bush master ,martin savannah,martin venom, shrew, fred anderson, fox,krammer, stewart, brack
shot:thunderstick habu whip widow tomahawk mahaska  and many more

I had one and it was one of the worst longbows I have ever owned.  It was poorly made and cost more than some of the customs I have had over the years.  A Martin Savannah would be the last longbow I would be looking at.

Look around and for second-hand or even new there is a lot to choose from in that price range.

sutto

I've shot the Savannha along with a lot of other strongly R/D bows.
After 4-5 years of messing with them I now prefer real longbows and real recurves.
These R/d things are neither and deliver the feel of neither.
From an older trad shooters point of view I dislike them more than compounds,,,in competition they are the cheats longbow.

I have one and I like it.It's fast and draws really smooth.I havent shot enough different bows to compare with.I would not hesitate to buy another one.

400 is a great price for a new Savannah. I own one and it's a great shooter, nice bow, I like the larger grip. I have a few other bows and the Savannah has been my hunting bow for a few years.

If you draw past 28" forget it.  It stacks up pretty hard.  I know I put one on a scale.  No bow shoots well when it is stacking.  Up to 28" I am sure it would be fine, thus the varying opinions.  I second the Mohawk.

I looked at one, along with a Bear Montana, a couple PSE and other brand bows on my last trip down to Cabelas. I didn't get to shoot it, so it may be the greatest shooting bow to ever be bent, but comparing it to what's available it seemed like you could get a lot more bow for a lot less money. Just one guys opinion...

It's a very good bow.  I had two of them.  I like my own bows better though!  

I have one and wouldn't hesitate to buy another one if the need arose. it hits where i look and that all i need.

http://coquinadaily.com/daily/htmldaily/080305.shtml

14th picture down--check it out, especially the last two archers in the picture.  Can anyone contend that they aren't shooting "real" bows?