QuoteOriginally posted by Barney:
Asking about a custom bow on here is like the whole ford, chevy, dodge debate.

I agree with the "shoot as many as you can" thing. Also buy used first.

I had a custom Bighorn built a long time ago. Cost a bunch then and probably more now. Bought 5 "used" Bighorns since and they all shoot good.

Ease your way into it. Black Widow makes a great bow, but one with your name on it will probably cost a bit more than your compound.

Im sure of that, i'll probably be mostly be lookin at used, and go from there.

the bow isn't as important as the arrow.

99% of all stick bows will be better than you.

while the aesthetics of stick bows is important, other factors are far more important and will either make you or break you in trad archery/bowhunting.

click on the 'new to trad archery?' link in my sig line ...

Done that already Rob, and printed it, Great info. Thanks my friend.

I would go on the sponsor site and just go through all the websites. Then just narrowing it down to your final choice.

Dwyer Longbows
Centaur Bows
Shrew Bows
Montana Bows
Great Plains Archery
BigJim Bows
Cari Bow
Black Widow
Bear
Martin
etc
etc
Most custom and trad bow companies are very good. =)

Great advice from everyone. But I think you should try to buy them all, LIKE the rest of us. My wife thinks I am a little obsessive. Good Luck

Don

To me its all about the grip, Silvertip has the recurve grip for me.

My wife is already complaining that i have an expensive hobby. I tell her it's not a hobby, it's a way of life. lol

Aint nuttin like going to a big shoot where many vendors including Widow are and testing till your fingers ache.New and used options are limitless and good deals as well.

I don't know how to find out if there are any big shoots as you mention in my area,

30 point,
I would highly recommend contacting Mike, at the Nocking Point, in Kansas. He is great with advice, and he is trustworthy. Maybe you can work a trade with him ?
In general, if you are interested in doing your own research, there are many threads about who considers, what, to be the best longbow. Some bowers work will appeal to you. Then you can ask a forum opinion. It's not a fast process.
Good luck !