Info about horsebows?

[batty110]

I've always wanted to get the greatest money can buy, but with the way compounds are getting so fast, it's not so sporting anymore for me.  So instead of getting a new compound, I thought I'd like to get a horsebow.  I've heard of only 3 brands/makers thus far.  Kassai, Grozer, and Saluki.  Are there some others that need mentioning?  Is it worth while to buy at a shop vs. just ordering one?  All info is welcome!
Matt

[R.W.]

I owe an "Attila's Archery" horsebow, and a Spitfire. Also, I have shot the "Hwarang" Korean horsebow, imported by Thomas Duvernay.
Haven't had any contact with the three you have mentioned, nor the "Kaya" sold be 3Rivers.
The AA bow is very heavy, and produces a lot of hand shock (this was a kit bow, that I finished) It does fire an arrow, though. Quite fast.
The "Hwarang" is a nice piece, and it really smokes an arrow, too.
The Spitfire is extremely light, very colourful, and also puts an arrow out at a good speed.
The AA, and Spitfire have no arrow "shelf" that is, you shoot off your knuckle. The "Hwarang" has a larger grip that forms a type of shelf.
"Yumi" archery produces horn backed horsebows, but I know nothing about these, and haven't heard of anyone but the bowyer, who shoots one. Yumi's owner/bowyer does shoot his bows in flight shooting competitions.
Are you going to shoot with a thumbring, or use a finger draw?

[BRITTMAN]

Owl bows makes a very nice horsebow , if I were looking for one Ed Scott(Owl bowyer) would be the man .

Mike

[batty110]

I'll have to look into these different guys.  I'm THINKING about trying the whole thumbring out so that I can get the whole experience and be truly authentic, but that could always change depending on how much harder/more painful it is.     What difference does it really make on which bow to go with?

[R.W.]

I don't think it makes a "difference" as to which bow you end up with.
I haven't found it "painful" to start shooting with a ring, but it is different. I would suppose it is like going from split fingers, to three under.
The Korean Archery Site, and the Spitfire site both have some good tutorials on thumb ring shooting.
Mr Scott does build some beautiful bows, though he builds the North American Plains Indian horse style bows. These bows are beautiful, and everyone who has one seems to have nothing but praise for them.