What do you think of the "vintage" fiberglass bows?

[AlanF]

In need of a low poundage (15-20) bow for my wife to start out with.  She is 5'11"  with long limbs so I'm guessing she will be pulling close to 27-28".  She is a lefty.  Not too many bows floating around that fit her needs at this time.  I have found a few old Bear and Pen Pearson all fiberglass bows that can be shot off either side.  What do you think of these bows as an intro bow for someone who isn't sure they are going to like it?  If there are no cracks or splinters should these bows be safe?  Whould a B-50 string be the correct type of string to get?  Thanks.

Alan

[Greyfox54]

Long ago and far away I started with an all fiberglass York bow that pulled about 15-20 pounds .I enjoyed that bow as much as any custom I currently own . I don't think you could go wrong as long as She's shooting something to start out with , just my opinion , Fred

[BobT]

My first "real bow" was an all fiberglass Red Bear, I loved that bow and the best I remember it shot fine.

A B-50 string would be the correct choice I believe.

[Dave Bulla]

Those old bows are about as bullet proof as it gets.  Some of them are a bit "shocky" but some shoot quite well.  Lots of options to choose from too but finding one in that low of a weight might be a little tougher.  There's gobs of them in the 25 to 40 pound range though.

[Dick in Seattle]

A neighbor gave me one awhile back, and I was really surprised at how well and pleasantly it shot.  I'd say go for it.  

Another good possibility is one of the old wood with glass front simple lemonwood longbows.  They usually have no shelf at all and are shot off the hand.  Usually easy to find on ****.   I have a couple of them and enjoy them.  In fact, the last couple of bows I've made, and the one I'm currently working on, are light draw, no-shelf models.  When I wrap the grip, I slip a small piece of leather into the top of the wrap to act as an arrow placement reference.  It isn't wide enough to actually support the arrow, but gives me some consistency in grip and arrow placement.   I'm currently shooting the 17# longbow I finished last and doing so well with it that the current one will be in the same style, a very narrow deep core, but I'm hoping for maybe 20 to 25 pounds.

[reddogge]

I had a solid fiberglass bow in 45# in the 60s and it was horrendous.  Hand shock like nothing I've felt since.

Spend a few more dollars and buy a laminated recurve bow, maybe an old Shakespear or one of the other cheaper recurves from the 60s and she will enjoy the experience more. The Bears will carry a premium because they are Bears.

[AlanF]

Thanks for the info.  Still looking and hope to find something soon.

[eagle24]

I'd look for an old Shakespeare or Wing Recurve (longer the better).  Not sure you will find one that light, but I have seen several around 30 lbs @ 28".  If you can start her with something that shoots decent she will be more likely to have fun with it IMO.

[ron w]

Wish I had a dime for every frog I killed with an old Bear fiberglass bow from 1964 to 1966!

[sethdiggs]

I have a 30# bear fiberglass that has terrible hand shock compared to my wood bow. Its not an old one but a newer one only 3 or 4 years old. If you get an arrow tuned for it, the bow actually doesn't shoot that bad. Before I actually got a nice wood bow, I had plenty of fun shooting the fiberglass bow. I would think one like it would be perfect for a person starting out in trad because if they don't like it at all, there not at much of a loss. I also have a 50" aprox. 10# red, Bear bow that I used to shoot when I was little. Even though it doesn't fling an arrow 180 fps like a heavy bow, its still fun to watch the arrow fly!

[gregg dudley]

Alan, I sent you a pm about a bow that I have that you may be interested in.

Gregg

[Earl E. Nov...mber]

When that is all you have and all you know, they are ok.
I would certainly look into some of the old Bear ambidextrous bows of the late 50's. Cub, Polar, Alaskans etc. 62-66" long, and can be had for "not much" on the auction sites.
I seriously believe her experience will be more pleasurable

[moebow]

My first "real" bow was a Paul Bunyan green fiberglass that went 32# at 28".  Somewhere along the line that bow disappeared.  I've since gotten four of them from that auction site ranging 27-40#'s.  They are bullet proof and I use them as introductions to longbows in my NASP classes.  Nice and inexpensive little bows that are listed frequently.

[Danny Roberts]

Wouldn't be scared a bit of the "old" bows. I'm kinda' brand loyal. I've bought 2 Bear Kodiak Hunters in the last 6 months. I have an old Kodiak Magnum and another on the way. Good luck and I hope she enjoys whatever you get her !

[Bjorn]

The old bows are wonderful!