Best Classic "D" Shape Longbow Made?

[cahaba]

Mighty purdy bow there Shedrock.

Everybody is different and what bow feels right to one archer might not be satisfactory to another.

IMO don't think any one is a clear winner. Most of what I have shot I could only detect subtle differences from one brand bow to another.
 
 With that said I would have to say Northern Mist by Steve Turay has a slight advantage over the ones I have shot which is most of the big names and a few unknown bowyers that can hold thier own.

[David Mitchell]

Howard Hill and Northern Mist get my vote.  I have a few others that are pretty much the classic D shape when strung--or nearly so but show some D/R when unstrung. "Best" is definitely subjective.

[Moots]

I bought a Mohawk Sparrowhawk from Vince.  Very accurate and smooth draw.  And great guy to deal with.

[pdk25]

Definitely no one best one out there.  Only one that suits you the best. Never tried a pronghorn long enough for my draw, but I have heard good things.  Lots of folks swear by the mohawks.  For me, the best combination of speed, smoothness, silence, and lack of shock in a mild d/r d-shaped longbow is a toelke super d.  My critter gitter is pretty nice, but could ideally be a few inches longer for my draw.  Nice bow, though.  Can't believe they decided to stop making them.

[chris K.]

I had one of Dan Toelke's D bows. It had bamboo limbs and a bumbinga riser. Very sweet bow, another one of those kick in the backside. I was dumb and traded it off. Should of kept it.

[tzolk]

Here is a good close up of how Dan layers his cores on his Super D.  These are all tapered to the tips also. Smooth shooter even with light arrows.



 

[BCWV]

I just got the Hill style bug and went with a Northern Mist Shelton. I absolutly love it. It's smooth drawing and has no hand shock. I'm amazed how well I can shoot it already. Steve builds a fine bow!

[bentpole]

I have a soft spot for My Mohawks.     Allan Boice's Liberty's are shooting machines.  

[Steelhead]

I aquired a Fred Anderson Skookum special longbow recently.Its a new 2012 bow and rare find.I have owned probably 50 mild R&D bows that string into a D shape.So many good bows in this catagory.

This Skookum Special is the pinnacle of over 50 years of bow making experience.It has 6 laminations.brown glass back,pre stressed uni carbon under that.Three lams of very clean pre stressed yew in the core,clear glass belly

The bow has multiple (5) overlays  on the belly side of riser to form grip in yew and coco bolo.Yew and coco bolo on back of riser.Exhibition grade burl coco bolo riser.Tip overlays in polished sheep horn and white glass and black glass.Hand painted knapped arrowhead on one of the belly limbs.Chocolate colored wrapped leather grip.Not stitched.Has a seamless quality like it grew on the bow.Cobra skin arrow rest and strike plate.Gloss finish thats pefect and really makes this bow shine.Its marked "Fast and Furious" and signed by Fred Anderson.The bow came with a book signed by Mr.Anderson and authored by him.

Its an exquisite and  very elegant piece that ozzes with  perfection!!!

Its 68 inches and 46 #s at 29.It came with a 14 strand B-50 string.Its a sweet shooting bow and very smooth on the draw and release.Its soft in that hand,lightning fast and dead accurate.

This bows an heirloom and the finest crafted bow I have seen or owned.I believe this ones a keeper to be handed down to my boy.I think I will put my name on this one someday.Which is something I rarely do.Maybe some gold ink!

[Orion]

There you have it, 30 of the "Best" D shaped bows out there.  As others have said, you'll have to find what's best for you.  There are a lot of very good ones out there.  Good luck.

[DannyBows]

Mohawk, Northern Mist, BamaBows.

[Lamey]

Steelhead be sure and post some pics of that Skookum, maybe start a new thread with it.

[Sixby]

Those Fred Anderson bows are sure keepers and an example of the best of the bowyers art.

God bless you all, Steve

[jackdaw]

gus Delagaffo makes a bow he calls "Longriver" bow company. His bows are sooo nice and the people who know him are the longtime trad archers. He was a fixture at denton Hill for years...!I'll try to post a pic of a lonriver "elk" model.......they are sooo nice...

[longrifle]

I would have to say mine, because I made it.

[BRITTMAN]

My sparrowhawk sure is very nice , I couldnt imagine a D shaped bow that shot any better .

[WESTBROOK]

I've had/have Northern Mist Baraga's, Superiors, Classics and Sheltons. Nothing I've seen or shot has made me want to shop anywhere else for my mild D/R or Hill style longbows.

Eric

[Tradcat]

I can't believe that NO ONE has even mentioned Robertson Styk Bows at all ! Dick and Yote both make phenominal D shaped bows...smooth AND fast !

[Passage]

Great Northern and Northern Mist.

[tradgreenhorn]

Northern Mist---