Hello everyone just found this website and it is great! Im 18 years old and ive been shooting a recurve since i was 13 and ive been hunting with it since i was 15. My father hunts with a wheelie bow so he helps me as much as he can but ive pretty much taught my self through trial and error. And now i want to get a longbow and want to ask which bows do you guys like and work well, im looking for a durable bow that i can shoot with and hunt with. Also i want one that would be in the price range of 18 year old kid. Thank you.
>------> Curtis
There are lots of great custom bows on the market these days. My advise it to go to a shoot where you can try many different styles and go from there. Once you find a style you like keep an eye on the Classifieds here and I am sure you will find what you are looking for.
Welcome to TradGang, Curtis. Sorry, I can't help you with your question as the only longbow I shoot is one that I made. Hang in there, you'll get lots of OPINIONS soon. In the end you're going to have to try some and pick one that feels good and shoots well for you.
Curtis Welcome to Trad Gang. Don't sell yourself short cause you are young! Glad to see youth here. It's been several years, but I shot a Martin Stick Longbow once & was surprised at how well it shot. I was a recurve guy then. Up the scale in price a bit are the Howard Hill longbows, I have one & they are great once you learn the grip they like. They are priced lower than lot's of custom longbows. I shoot the Fox longbow too, but they are more money though a very good bow.I have shot the Bear Montana too & it shot well for me they are a bit more money than the Martin Stick. Hope I didn't just confuse you. Go to some trad shoots, I'm sure most people will let you shoot their bows to find out what you like. Good luck Frank
Welcome Curtis... I also can only echo what Tim and Dave have said. Go to a shoot or event and try as many as you can. And go with what feels good and shoots good for you. Good luck!
I think on the budget of an 18 year old you will find many nice bows in the classifieds on this site. If you are looking for a new longbow try the Bear Montana or the Martin Stick. You may also try to find something locally that you can shoot. Also, some bowyers have stock bows that they can make a deal on.
Glad to have you around our campfire!!!
Good luck.
Curtis,
Your at the right spot for getting help. Try the classifieds and or *bay. I personally do not shoot "long" longbows. Unless your tall with a long draw you don't need a 68"bow. Buy a good inexpensive bow first to learn with. Customs can come later.
John III
Welcome to the most helpful place in cyberspace.
Go to the classifieds, in the trad bow section post what weight, draw length, and $ you have to spend. Some one will come up with what you need.
Also PM me with what you need and I'll see what I can do.
Curtis,
You have one of the best longbow makers right there in your own backyard. Go see Tom Parsons and see what he has, at least you can get some great advise and possible shot a couple that he makes to get a feel for them.
I suggest you look at the Tred Barta bow from Three Rivers. I like mine and it shoots better than I can.
Hi Curtis! Did you make it to the Baltimore Bowmen Trad Classic? It was in May, and there were lots of vendors and shooters who would be happy to have you shoot their bows. The 3D shoots in the summer are wonderful places to try out new bows and see what works before plunking down your hard-earned cash.
Since you have been shooting a recurve, you may wish to look at longbows with a recurve-type grip. Then again, the longbow-type, with a lower wrist just may hit you as being what you were looking for all the time.
Look up the shoots that are in your area, or figure out which one you may be able to travel to, and make a point of trying all the bows that strike your fancy. Camp overnight, so you can shoot for at least two days. Everyone here will tell you the name of their latest love, but you need to find yours your own bad self! :D
Killdeer
welcome Curtis Good on you for sticking Traditional I totally agree with what the others have said go to as many shoots as possible and shoot as many different styles of bow as possible and when you find one you like go for it! One bow no one has mentioned here yet is the one my 12 year old son shoots currently is a 46# flatbow from chekmate they are well made and reasonable in price but like I said shoot as many as you can and then make your decision Have fun Delin
For a lower priced longbow, I'd recommend the Bear Montana. It has a locator type grip, which will ease the transition from your recurve, and it's an excellent bow in it's own right.
The Martin Savannah, while a little more expensive, is one of the finest bows you will find.
Good advice above on checking the classifieds. Sometimes you can find a real bargain on a gently used custom.
Good luck, and welcome to the Gang.
Welcome to Our "TradGang Family" !!! Dont be shy, ask awat on Anything You may have a Question about!!
I Vote with the Folks Above, Check the Classifieds Here, These Folks are Square-Dealin'!! :thumbsup: :archer: :goldtooth: