top 5 classic D-style longbows/pics

bentpole · January 18, 2009, 11:25:00 AM

MOHAWK and Horne's Traditionalist. Dollar for dollar I don't care what d style longbow you will not beat the quality and shootability of a MOHAWK!

AdamH · January 18, 2009, 11:32:00 AM

I have to agree with Swamp Pygmy, first you need to decide which "Design" of L/B you want, All in all I only feel there are 4 for all practical purposes,,, Straight, String Follow, Mild R/D, Hybrid,, which ever Design you choose, there's not much difference in who builds it, as long as he or she knows what they're doing .... Good Luck,, there's a "TON" of "GOOD" ones out there ....

Swamp Pygmy · January 18, 2009, 11:56:00 AM

I agree with adam, apples to apples is a great way to put it.

People always say they have handshock, or are slow, etc. But that is compared to what? Completely different designed bows. It seems many people assume the longbow will shoot like their old recurve did. It's no more sensible than thinking your sports car will handle similar to your 4wd truck. They are built going after different goals.

I always wonder why you don't see posts about recurves saying "This thing is a ton of bricks, it's also loud, and twigs catch under my recurved tips!" But you routinely see people amazed that the longbow didn't have the virtues of a recurve.

WESTBROOK · January 18, 2009, 02:35:00 PM

Adam and Pygmy, I'm with ya. Anymore when someone starts asking "Longbow" questions its a big bag-o-worms. Just what kind of LB you talkin' about......

I shoot all of them, from 56" Shrew, 66" Robertson mild R/D, to 68" Northern Mist straight and string follow bows. I love all of them equally for different reasons. But I would go with the string follow over staight limb, they are smooth as butter.

Yep, Longbow is a broad topic anymore!

Eric

shade seeker · January 18, 2009, 02:46:00 PM

Thanks for all the great info on longbows gentlemen.
I'm liking the looks of a mild r/d at this point. I will be looking to trade in my 54lb @29" (Check Mate Hunter 2)for a longbow closer to the 45lb range @29.5" draw.
Next stop trad gang's classifieds!

Irish Archer · January 18, 2009, 03:47:00 PM

Tippit,
Are you speaking of Dave Johnson from Linton, Indiana, thats sells the Thunderbird finish? I understand that there is another Dave Johnson that builds longbows also.

Bigriver · January 18, 2009, 04:01:00 PM

These pics are my Bigrivers, shows the profile differences pretty good

shade seeker · January 18, 2009, 06:10:00 PM

Hi Bigriver! I tried to google Bigriver bows but was not able to locate the site... Could you shoot me the link?
-------->

Steelhead · January 18, 2009, 07:03:00 PM

I like the Horne Traditionalist,Black Swan classic and Mohawk.Frederick Longbows was another I really liked and cut my teeth on.No longer made.The Berry longbow is very similar though.GN critter getter is very nice.Thiers alot of good ones in this category.I have tried to own all of the mild R and Ds over the years.Liberty contender is nice as well excellant craftsmanship

Bigriver · January 18, 2009, 07:29:00 PM

The maker of my Bigrivers (John McDonald) can hardly use his cell phone let alone a computer

He does make an awesome bow though.

centaur · January 18, 2009, 09:00:00 PM

Northern Mist baraga; a sweet bow

Jim Wright · January 18, 2009, 09:57:00 PM

I shot the same Toelke D bow mentioned in the earlier reply. I then had Dan make me a 64" Texas Ebony/Fiddleback Myrtle bow that besides being gorgeous shoots like Mooseman 76 says: super smooth and ultra quiet. Dan had told me that I might feel a little hand shock but I am shooting 655 gr. Douglas Firs out of my 57 lbs. @ 29 1/2" draw bow and if there is any I can't find it. I believe Dan still has that "test drive" bow. You can contact him at (406) 676-5150 his web is www.montanabows.com. I might add that I had to wait less than a month to receive my bow!