Good afternoon! I'm in the market for my first longbow and would like the opportunity to shoot a few prior to purchasing, can anyone point me in the right direction of either a shop or bowyer in the NJ/PA area? I appreciate your help, and thanks again for such a great site!

Adam

Where in PA/NJ are you located?  I think there is a small trad shop in Perkasie, PA, called Flammin' Harry's Stick and String.  Alternatively, you may just want to head down to the Baltimore Bowmen Traditional Classic in May.  Plenty of great vendors there. 

I'm in Central NJ, but willing to make the drive somewhere. Thanks for the reply

You can also wait until ETAR...the largest traditional archery rendezvous in the nation.  There you would be able to try dozens of longbows out before you buy.  Good luck in your search!

If you can hold out, more longbows than a little bit at ETAR

Good advice above I would heed that advice if I were you

I love my Ausable, but wouldn't recommend it for a first longbow.  I think it's worth shooting to see if you like it, but it's not terribly forgiving so it can be a little punishing if you're having an off day.


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Rob posted a notice about a shoot in NJ this weekend.

http://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/index.php?topic=161200.0

Quote from: sam barrett on April 12, 2018, 04:17:44 PM
You can also wait until ETAR...the largest traditional archery rendezvous in the nation.  There you would be able to try dozens of longbows out before you buy.  Good luck in your search!

This is your best bet if you can wait

Thanks everyone, I think I'm going to wait for ETAR!

You won't be sorry. So many bows to try that it will make your head spin. Every archer should experience etar at least once.

Quote from: hessian on April 19, 2018, 10:05:31 AM
Thanks everyone, I think I'm going to wait for ETAR!

You will be happy with that decision to wait and go to ETAR. We will be set up there see you in July look forward to meeting you .

Don't get too hung- up trying to find the "perfect" longbow. It doesn't exist. Find a good quality, well thought of bow in your price range, and practice, practice, practice.
Spending lots of money won't get you a bow that you can shoot better in most cases.

Some people spend years looking for the holy grail and find that they sold the best bow they ever had, so they could buy the grail.

Quote from: hessian on April 19, 2018, 10:05:31 AM
Thanks everyone, I think I'm going to wait for ETAR!

I don't know if Dan Toelke will be there as a vendor, but I bet a paycheck there will be some Toelkes there that people would let you shoot! I get the chance to try a lot of different bows living just a few minutes away from rmsgear and Toelkes are the ones that fit me in every way, you might find it different, but you really need to try a couple, maybe in both grip styles he offers, locator grip is my favorite but his classic grip is better than most too in my opinion! Hang out at their practice range if they have one, bet you could lay hands on a lot of different bows!