Need help finding a longbow

[Steelhead]

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 $.

[dirtguy]

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.

[MMW]

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.

[Car54]

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. 

[MMW]

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.

[MMW]

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.

[R.V.T.B.]

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.

[Bladepeek]

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".

[TSP]

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.   

[MMW]

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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[MMW]

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.....


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[TSP]

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.