Contemplating first custom longbow - need help

[BowHunterGA]

Hi all!

I am contemplating my first Custom Longbow. It will be a Hill Style, straight grip, 68-70" and draw weight will be in the 70-75@28 range. I am leaning towards Bamboo limbs, most likely clear backing on the limbs. My biggest quandry at this point is deciding on a riser wood to accent the bamboo. As this will be my first custom longbow I want the bow to be a shooter first and foremost but I do want the bow to be pleasing to the eye as well.

I would like to hear suggestions on wood combinations and would love to see pics if you have them handy of your favorite combination.

[Terry Green]

What bowyer are you contemplating?

Burgundy riser with orangish lams look good...

As does red cedar lams with burgundy riser.

[684Kevin]

Why are you getting such a high draw weight when all your recurves are in the mid 50's?  20# increase in draw is big.  I start to suffer in accuracy/consistency when I jump from 58# to just 64#.  Hope you have experienced shooting a 70# bow.  Back to your question, I have always liked a native wood such as a high grade curly maple on the thinner one piece longbows like a Hill.  It really takes a highly contrasting grain in the wood to stand out on the thin profile of longbow limbs/riser.  Leon Stewart one piece longbows are famous for gorgeous wood combinations.  You may look at some on his web site to get ideas.

[Thebear_78]

I have always liked the bamboo/cocobolo combo's.

[lpcjon2]

Go to the Howard Hill website and see some of the selections it has to offer.

[BowHunterGA]

Originally posted by Terry Green:
What bowyer are you contemplating?

Burgundy riser with orangish lams look good...

As does red cedar lams with burgundy riser.

Northern Mist, probably a Classic...perhaps another Shelton. I have also looked at Hill Archery. If you have other suggestions please share!

Originally posted by 684Kevin:
Why are you getting such a high draw weight when all your recurves are in the mid 50's?  20# increase in draw is big.  I start to suffer in accuracy/consistency when I jump from 58# to just 64#.  Hope you have experienced shooting a 70# bow.  Back to your question, I have always liked a native wood such as a high grade curly maple on the thinner one piece longbows like a Hill.  It really takes a highly contrasting grain in the wood to stand out on the thin profile of longbow limbs/riser.  Leon Stewart one piece longbows are famous for gorgeous wood combinations.  You may look at some on his web site to get ideas.

My Trophy Hunter is 59@ 27 and I pull 29.5" So I calculate that to be 65# or better and I shoot that easily. Same with my Recurves, yes they are 55# at 28 but closer to 60# at my draw. I know the 70# is a step up but I plan to excercise and work into it slowly same as I did with the Schulz. Thanks for the advice on the site to check, I will do that now.