Hello everyone.
I'm looking for help to find a longbow with a minimum length of 72 inches. I'm not interested in a English style longbow. It must have a shelf. I know there must be people or companies out there that make them at that length but my searches online have not been so successful. I'm mainly interested in a laminated longbow but a takedown is a possibility but not my first, second or third choice.
Some things need to be known so your help is spot on.
1. I'm not greatly experienced in the knowledge or the lingo of bows.
2. My draw length is 30.5"
3. I'm looking for a bow that'll be for 3D shoots.
4. I'm looking for 43 to 45lbs at my draw length.
5. I only shoot wood shaft arrows.
6. I'm a gap shooter.
With that said I'm hoping for suggestions on where to buy a longbow at a 72" length or longer. I'm not looking to spend a thousand dollars but I'm not looking for something that is just a couple of hundred.
Hope this is enough information to get some help.
Thanks for looking.
Can you explain why it has to be 72"? Your draw of 30.5" is long but not all that long and there are plenty of shorter bows that could easily accomodate 30.5". If you made your upper limit 70" it would open up a nice selection. There are even plenty of 68 or 66" bows that would be more than adequate, and even quite a few shorter than that. So youre set on a 1pc? That will narrow the field quite a bit but you have quite a few excellent potential choices. Honestly if you go beyond a 70" bow, as few choices as there are above that range youd actually be losing performance. Your query kinda made me chuckle...its like you burst through the doors of the saloon and were like "hey! Fellas! Now you listen here I got somethin ta say and tell you a thing or two about a thing or two!" ...and a whole bunch of salty rough ridin cowboys just turned around with a look like "the heck you say?"
So tell us, what got your heart set on a 72"++ bow thats "not an english longbow"? Pull up a chair, stay a while pardner.
.........
Quote from: nineworlds9 on November 18, 2018, 10:06:28 PM
Can you explain why it has to be 72"? Your draw of 30.5" is long but not all that long and there are plenty of shorter bows that could easily accomodate 30.5". If you made your upper limit 70" it would open up a nice selection. There are even plenty of 68 or 66" bows that would be more than adequate, and even quite a few shorter than that. So youre set on a 1pc? That will narrow the field quite a bit but you have quite a few excellent potential choices. Honestly if you go beyond a 70" bow, as few choices as there are above that range youd actually be losing performance. Your query kinda made me chuckle...its like you burst through the doors of the saloon and were like "hey! Fellas! Now you listen here I got somethin ta say and tell you a thing or two about a thing or two!" ...and a whole bunch of salty rough ridin cowboys just turned around with a look like "the heck you say?"
So tell us, what got your heart set on a 72"++ bow thats "not an english longbow"? Pull up a chair, stay a while pardner.
Thanks for replying.
I shoot a 66" longbow but one day I got to shoot a friend's 78" English longbow that was the same #"s as mine and there was a huge difference in resistance which I liked. Like I said I am not experienced with bows but the one thing I do have experience with is forums and the need to get certain things across right from the beginning. It actually does help weed out the people with some helpful information and eliminate the people that want to give information that suits their needs. If this is rude then that's that but this is also the internet where things can easy be misconstrued as rudeness because one hasn't used a couple of hundred words to fully explain themselves.
I am open to suggestions and education about longbows. From the searching I have done on the internet it does seem like the length I'm looking for is a long shot. I don't know much about how a longer length can effect performance but I can understand that there can be reasons why. I did really like the lack of resistance in the longer bow. My reason for wanting a one piece is just stubbornness to shoot something that is more like a traditional bow without going as far as shooting a stickbow.
Any longbow education and help is greatly appreciated.
The thing you said that caught my eye was the remark about your 66" bow not feeling as good as the Elb of the same draw weight. Is that the same measured weight at your draw length or the marked weight at 28"?
I'm thinking that your 66" bow is probably stacking at your 30.5" draw length. I'm certain that you can have a smooth stack free bow built at your desired draw weight with a 70" length. If you put out some inquiries to a few bowyers you should be able to find one who can build a bow to fit you.
Quote from: monterey on November 19, 2018, 12:50:29 AM
The thing you said that caught my eye was the remark about your 66" bow not feeling as good as the Elb of the same draw weight. Is that the same measured weight at your draw length or the marked weight at 28"?
I'm thinking that your 66" bow is probably stacking at your 30.5" draw length. I'm certain that you can have a smooth stack free bow built at your desired draw weight with a 70" length. If you put out some inquiries to a few bowyers you should be able to find one who can build a bow to fit you.
Both bows were identically marked for 28".
Any bowyers that would be recommended?
Both bows were identically marked for 28".
---it is the last couple of inches that stacking occurs
--the draw cycle is affected by a multitude of factors--
--IMO proper taper rates are more important to your needs than overall length
There a re a lot of custom bowyers out there. Contact some of them and ask if they can build to your specs. If not, they may be able to advise you as to why that length is not necessary to get the shooting characteristics you seek. Stay in touch and let us know how your search works out. The only bow I have near that length is a 71" ELB, and it is very smooth. I also have several ASL bows that are just as smooth, and they are 68". However, my draw length is not nearly as long as yours.
Javaman makes a 70" Impala.
Way above $200 though....$750 I think.
Gregg will build you a VERY nice bow.
For a quality bow in the price range you're looking for you may very well be searching for used bows.
There is a good classified section on this site, RMS gear has quite a few used bows as well.
You could check out Howard Hill bows, Little Crow and Northern Mist....only Bowers that came to mind that might make something in that length.
Quote from: bamboo on November 19, 2018, 06:47:27 AM
Both bows were identically marked for 28".
---it is the last couple of inches that stacking occurs
--the draw cycle is affected by a multitude of factors--
--IMO proper taper rates are more important to your needs than overall length
You might've just touched on something there with the taper comment. I had a bow made by the same person that I have now. I loved that first bow but it got broken in a accidental situation. The one one I have now was built to the same #'s at my draw length just like the first one but he made this one thinner. Where I hold the bow is much thinner and the limbs are much thinner. Due to my lack of bow knowledge I would have never thought of tapering being a possibility because I have been beating myself up thinking that my discipline was all out of whack. I have been trying so hard to be more disciplined but the arrows are still flying in an erratic matter. Where I had a slight habit of going left turned into arrows going which ever direction. That all started with this new bow. I have had friends shoot this bow which they all have a 27-28" draw length and their arrows would fly true.
Quote from: Sam McMichael on November 19, 2018, 09:27:14 AM
There a re a lot of custom bowyers out there. Contact some of them and ask if they can build to your specs. If not, they may be able to advise you as to why that length is not necessary to get the shooting characteristics you seek. Stay in touch and let us know how your search works out. The only bow I have near that length is a 71" ELB, and it is very smooth. I also have several ASL bows that are just as smooth, and they are 68". However, my draw length is not nearly as long as yours.
Thanks for information. I know that there really good bowyers out there but the sad part is that the internet isn't so productive for these people because most of my searches bring up the big name companies and sellers. My original comments of me bumping up to a much longer bow was just me going extreme instead of just making same increments. The benefit of that is me going up 10 steps but then having people like y'all reeling me back into reality.
Thanks again.
Have you considered looking into a string follow design? I have found that my string follow ASL is smoother on the draw than my straight limb designed bow (at least for me at my draw length). That said, I find both to be great on the draw and love shooting them both.
Have a look here: https://www.selfbow.com/self.html
Quote from: Zradix on November 19, 2018, 09:41:37 AM
Javaman makes a 70" Impala.
Way above $200 though....$750 I think.
Gregg will build you a VERY nice bow.
For a quality bow in the price range you're looking for you may very well be searching for used bows.
There is a good classified section on this site, RMS gear has quite a few used bows as well.
You could check out Howard Hill bows, Little Crow and Northern Mist....only Bowers that came to mind that might make something in that length.
Thanks for the info and I have seen Javaman popping up in a lot of comments as for being a really good bowyer. 750 is not bad. I just want to avoid the four digit range. I'll be quicker to spend 750 than I'll spend just a couple hundred on a bow.
Thanks again for replying and the useful information to go on. Much appreciated
Quote from: luvnlongbow on November 19, 2018, 01:48:23 PM
Have you considered looking into a string follow design? I have found that my string follow ASL is smoother on the draw than my straight limb designed bow (at least for me at my draw length). That said, I find both to be great on the draw and love shooting them both.
String follow design. That is something that I have no clue about. I am going to educate myself on that and consider it. Thank you for giving me something to learn about all of this and I do mean that in a positive way.
A 70" reverse grip Hill will get you the string angle of a 72" standard Hill. Howard Hill archery, JD Berry, Northern Mist and others can make that, but you won't be getting it for $200. Just curious what is your finger tip to finger tip wing span and full draw stature?
Kegan McCabe of omega longbows makes his imperial up to 70 inches. I really like my original. Hes got a lot of options and they're not priced too crazy
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I would recommend contacting Craig Eakin at Howard Hill Archery. Craig has been making bows most of his life, is extremely knowledgeable, and easy to talk to. He should be able to answer all your questions and point you in the right direction. Craig's bows are well made, and fairly priced. Good luck with your search. :archer2:
Dan Toelke makes a 68" Super D that can easily accommodate your draw length and it is an exceptionally well-mannered bow, fast, near zero hand shock and quieter than quiet.
Lancaster Archery sells bows branded Galaxy , they sell a well made good shooting bow the BlackRidge 70in longbow ( not 72in but close as I know ).
I have one and it's a fine shooting bow , I also have 9 other of the Galaxy line of longbows and recurve bows and all have been very impressive. And for $200 shipped I think they are a great deal...
,,,Sam,,,
Their is really a lot to chew on as far as longbows go for you.So many styles and designs to choose from.You got bows with straight limbs,backset limbs,string follow,Mild to moderate to more radical reflex/deflex designs.Then you got grip syles as well from straight, low,/low/medium,medium,medium/high and high.Handle styles as well from forward style,straight,reverse style.
I suppose it sounds complicated and is.Especially for someone just starting to look for one of their 1st longbows.Seems like old hat to oldtimers who study bows and have been through a pile of bows in their own experience.
I definatly don't think you need a 72 inch bow.As state3d above you will really limit yourself to very minimal choices.Thier will be a lot of choices 70 inches and below.you could find a lot of choices that will be below 70 that will fit you perfectly.
I think one thing that I would do is learn about the different bow styles of longbows and start narrowing it down to a few that appeal to you and your intended use.One thing to do is look at every bowyer in the Sponser Links of Trad Gang and check out thier lineups,styles and price points.You can then ruminate about things and come to some understandings and start narrowing it down to what you find most appealing.Call a few bowyers and ask questions about thier creations and let then steer you around a bit for something that suits your draw length and intended purpose.
Some bows may be very aesthetically appealing to you.Bows that you are drawn to for thier lines and or style.You might look for bows that have great reputations.you can always use the search function on Trad Gang and see if thier are threads pertaining to particular bows from particular Bowyers.Thier can be alot of info for you using the search function.
Last but not least you can try and go to shoots or trad gatherings like the Kalamazoo Expo in MI.,the Compton Shoot in MI. and or Denton Hill etc. in PA. where thier are many bowyers with test bows and bows for sale for you to shoot to get the best idea of what you really love and shoot well.You would probably walk away with a bow that fits you well and like the looks of or order one to have custom made.You could find many bows in the 400$ to 750$ range no problem.They often have used bows for sale at these events as well that could save you some $.
You said you liked the feel of that longer bow better than yours. You also said you are relatively new to archery.
My response is, go shoot lots of bows. Go to shops. Go to trad bow gatherings. My bet is that you can find a bow that feels right that is under 72 inches and also reasonably priced.
I see a bunch of new comments and I will get to them but work is overwhelming my life for now so I wil get back and respond to them. Thank you all for giving your time to this thread and helping me out.
You might want to check out Liberty Bows. Allen's bows are top notch, and the pricing is reasonable. Give him a call, he's in Oregon.
Quote from: luvnlongbow on November 19, 2018, 01:48:23 PM
Have you considered looking into a string follow design? I have found that my string follow ASL is smoother on the draw than my straight limb designed bow (at least for me at my draw length). That said, I find both to be great on the draw and love shooting them both.
I looked into the String Follow design and it was purely educational. Thanks for the info and this will be kept in mind when searching for my next bow.
Been doing a bunch of reading and probably haven't scratched the surface of what's to be known. As for going around and trying out many different bows is a process that can take years to find the right bow because there just isn't enough shoots and gatherings to do such things. Research is key but I'll have to make a decision and just do it. Javaman has a bow that I keep going back to when comparing bows. 70" Impala.
I agree with the above comments... Give Craig at Howard Hill archery a call. He builds a great bow that is reasonably priced and will be able to steer you in the right direction. As a bonus, his shipping times are unbelievable. I received my last one in just a little over three weeks from the time I ordered it. If you check out the in stock bows page, he has several 70" bows ready for delivery that may fit your needs.
I've read your comments on people offering suggestions based only on their own capabilities/experience, so take this for what it's worth.
I had Mohawk Sparrowhawk built a couple of years ago. Vince builds a 68" bow and I requested that. He would have been glad to build it, but said for my 28" draw, I would not get the performance out of the bow that I would out of a 66" of the same draw weight.
I decided his experience ought to count for something, so I ordered the 66". I couldn't be happier. I would think with your 30.5" draw, you should at least try a 68" - 69" bow. I've shot a lot of bows that felt like I was bending a 2x4, yet they scaled exactly what they said on the bow specs. Others of the same length and draw weight felt like they could come all the way back behind my ear without a whole lot of stacking. Before I spent $600 - $800 for a bow, which is what you will probably wind up paying for a nice bow, I'd sure try to check out some of the 68" bows out there. I have a 54" Java Man that draws as easily as a lot of 60" bows, so I'm sure Greg Coffee could build you a long one that wouldn't stack on you at 30.5".
It sounds like you're looking for a target-style competition bow that is easy to draw, fast, and forgiving regarding arrow spine/tuning. 21st Century longbows in the longer (66"-68") lengths would be good fit, as this design meets all of your listed needs and for years were one of the top (if not THE top) longbows in the target genre. I've had a number of them (still have a couple) and they are excellent...a little difficult to find now (no longer made) and pricey when you do find one, but top-notch performers for sure.
Quote from: TSP on November 29, 2018, 06:08:58 PM
It sounds like you're looking for a target-style competition bow that is easy to draw, fast, and forgiving regarding arrow spine/tuning. 21st Century longbows in the longer (66"-68") lengths would be good fit, as this design meets all of your listed needs and for years were one of the top (if not THE top) longbows in the target genre. I've had a number of them (still have a couple) and they are excellent...a little difficult to find now (no longer made) and pricey when you do find one, but top-notch performers for sure.
Thank for the info. I looked up the 21st longbow and found the picture I posted in this comment. That is the rise of a 21st Century longbow. A Bowyer that I have been in discussion with has a longbow with an option/upgrade that has the same designed riser. Says that the added weight is better for stability.
Is this a riser design that you have used?
Is it a design that has been a top shooter like you mentioned?
What is your input about that type of riser?
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Quote from: TSP on November 29, 2018, 06:08:58 PM
It sounds like you're looking for a target-style competition bow that is easy to draw, fast, and forgiving regarding arrow spine/tuning. 21st Century longbows in the longer (66"-68") lengths would be good fit, as this design meets all of your listed needs and for years were one of the top (if not THE top) longbows in the target genre. I've had a number of them (still have a couple) and they are excellent...a little difficult to find now (no longer made) and pricey when you do find one, but top-notch performers for sure.
Forgot the picture.....
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181130/82b05db5d3de736a99b9f43ce6578442.jpg)
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The photo you posted looks like it might be Javaman's new Impala model which I believe is actually a modified copy of the 21st Century design (the grip and riser do look much like a 21st Century '2100' grip in both shape and riser length). I've not shot the Impala but Javaman makes excellent bows so I'm sure his latest product is a fine shooter. I'm not sure if he makes that model in different grip designs (I've always preferred the lower mass riser versions of the 21st Century like the Buddy and Full Moon grips), and if that's what you prefer it might be worth asking him about it. Or, you could look for a used 21st Century.