Longbow shooters?

Magnum in Ms · August 21, 2009, 08:31:00 PM

Is there anything you don't like about the Black Widow PL longbow . I have had my eye on a osage PLX. I know some feel they are over priced and they maybe, but they seem like a very nice shooting bow to me. Is there anything other than the price?

ISP 5353 · August 21, 2009, 08:45:00 PM

They are a little pricey, but so are a lot of things these days. They are a good shooting bow made by a company that seems to give good customer service. If you like the way they shoot, then go for it and enjoy!

BRITTMAN · August 21, 2009, 09:25:00 PM

I picked up a used one on a trade this week and it shoots very good for me . I went to BW web site to take a look at what a new one would cost and I kind of had to put the brakes on .I think when Big Jim ( big jims bow co. ) gets up to feeling well I may test drive one of his bows . Alot of folks say they look and feel just like a PL and a better price . Dont let me give you the wrong impression of the BW though , its a top rate first class bow no dought but I just dont have the cash for a new one unless I saved up for a good year .

Lefty · August 21, 2009, 09:34:00 PM

I love my PLGA! I will always own at least one Black Widow no matter what. Customer service is second to none and the history behind them, to me at least, is very interesting. They also shoot very well for me. I have owned old ones from the Wilson Brothers, metal riser ones, hand crafted, precision crafted, both recurve and longbows and have liked them all. My favorite though are the PL's. One of the best bows out there in my opinion.

SteveMcD · August 21, 2009, 09:55:00 PM

Personally, I would not let the price be a factor. You can't go wrong with Black Widow. They are works of art in both performance and aesthetics. That one I know happens to be a sweet shooter.

Stan the bow man · August 21, 2009, 10:53:00 PM

I have 3 PL 1 is osage 56# @ 28 62" gotta love these bows

Smallwood · August 22, 2009, 10:14:00 AM

I really like mine, it is my favorite longbow I have had. It really is user friendly and pretty too. Mine is the PLV. Forgot to say that it's one of the quietest bows I've had.

frassettor · August 22, 2009, 10:20:00 AM

I love mine. They are "pricey" but well worth it in my opinion

George D. Stout · August 22, 2009, 10:21:00 AM

That longbow there is more recurve than longbow, as far as definitions go. It's really a hybrid, and a good one. They are great shooters, and some folks don't want anything else. That said, they are not the best for everyone, and you should shoot any bow before you buy it. I won't buy a $300.00 bow without knowing how it shoots, much less one over a thousand.

frassettor · August 22, 2009, 10:38:00 AM

Well said George...

Widowbender · August 22, 2009, 11:45:00 AM

I have a PLGA, which is basically a PLX Osage...Its a great shooter and very smooth...all in all a very nice, well made, quality bow that will serve you well for many, many years. I found mine used, so I saved in that regard. I feel they are worth the price and I'm not a rich man, money wise that is...
Black Widow customer service is second to none. I would also recommend shooting one first as well.

David

Overspined · August 24, 2009, 12:11:00 AM

yup, recurve w/ straight tips. Generally a "high wrist" shooting bow.

Jeremy · August 24, 2009, 07:52:00 AM

"Hybrid longbow" "Radical R/D longbow" "Non-contact recurve"... call it what you will, but it is a good performer.

I didn't like the way it shot for me. ymmv

Spike · August 24, 2009, 08:02:00 AM

Buy a used PL series, test drive it for as long as you like. If it works for you great if not you will be able to sell it for what you paid (they hold their value well). I have tried many LBs this way and the Pls are the only bows I still have now. They have the right mix of performance,reliability,comfortable grip and looks that works for me.

Clint B. · August 24, 2009, 10:03:00 PM

Here's one small price/quality factor to consider when you buy a new 1-pc. Black Widow longbow. It will come to you inside a nice bowsock made for BW by Neet Archery and inside a cool looking adjustable hard storage/travel case. All of this will be packed inside a shipping box. The bowsock & case together are worth about $75.00. When you buy a custom longbow elsewhere, it may or may not come with a bowsock, and it will be shipped to you inside a length of pvc tube or in some cases just a cardboard box. Keep your fingers crossed that a bow shipped only inside a cardboard box arrives in one piece.

Clint B. · August 24, 2009, 10:09:00 PM

I forgot to mention the new Widow will also come with a $13.00 bow stringer. Many other custom bows don't come with stringers, even though they recommend you use one.

LBR · August 25, 2009, 12:04:00 AM

Try one and see. For me, they are nice, and the folks at BW have a great reputation, but it's not my favorite longbow. A friend of mine has one due in soon--shoot me an e-mail and we'll try to set up a time where you can both come by my place and shoot his new BW, and maybe a couple other longbows.

As for shipping, I've had hundreds of bows shipped to me in cardboard boxes, and I've shipped hundreds all over the world in cardboard boxes, and to date I've never had one damaged. Proper packing goes a long way.

Chad