New bow? Which one?

[longbow fanatic 1]

Hi everyone,

I need some advice regarding a longbow purchase. Currently, I have a Dwyer Defiant which I absolutely love. As you know, it has a very slim handle and narrow profile.

I am considering the purchase of a new longbow and would like a suggestion on a bowyer whose bows are similar in design as Dwyers bows.

Thanks in advance for your insights,

Dennis

[SveinD]

The most identical bow to a Defiant must be another Definat^^
Also, you will most likely get the "Whatever bow you shoot best" reply on this thread. Which makes a very good point, but is not that helpful^^

I think the Defiant is a medium Reflex/Deflex longbow with slim handle, tips and limbs.

Though your choice in that catagory is big, it will mostly depend on your budget for the purchase. The most important feature to preserve looks to me to be the grip type.

In the "650$ and above" group:
Centaur Archery - 1 year wait, but a good rep
Tomahawk Bows - from 3Rivers, solid bow
Toelke Whip - 3-8 weeks for a sweet bow
Morrison - Needs no introduction
Belcher Longhorn - Belcher took over Sky Archery from Earl Hoyt so he must be good
Border Archery - Been around since the 1940s I think, and that is usually a good sign

Group $450-600:
Mohawk Bows - Though milder R/D has same grip and good reputation
Thunderstick MOAB or MAG - Good reputation as well
Holm-Made Trad Bows - Decent reputation at a good price
RER Bows - Fast and good rep as well

Group "Below $450":
Maddog Archery - Good bows at a low price
Apex Predator Bows - I'm not sure, but think they fall into this category of cost
Falco Archery - European bowmaker with fast and cheap bows

I've not covered all bows, by far, just the ones I could remember that have a thin(ish) grip.
Most custom bowyers will suit your grip to your needs if you ask them to! So that makes the list a lot bigger!

Oh, and a lot of bowyers will lend you a bow for a week if you pay shipping and such, well worth checking out before making your final desicion.

Let budget, preferenec and a gut-feeling be your guide!
-SveinD-

[James Wrenn]

If you love the bow you have now why not just save your money and keep shooting it? A bow you love is hard to come by.If I ever find one it will be my last bow purchase.  

[SveinD]

Originally posted by James Wrenn:
If you love the bow you have now why not just save your money and keep shooting it? A bow you love is hard to come by.If I ever find one it will be my last bow purchase.      

That's been said a lot, but very seldom done ^^

[ChetterB]

Hello Dennis, I own 3 Dwyer Bows ( 1 each Original Longbow, Dauntless, and Defiant) the order I listed is my perfered order of his models. If you like the Defiant you would really like the other two models I listed above. The other Bowyer you may consider for a Slim handled bow is Jerry of Great Northern Bow Company. Had a Bush Bow once and wish I had it back, Thanks Jerry.

[18thcentman]

If you are anything like myself and alot of other trad gangers, you might go through several bows until you fall in love with that "special bow".I just love bows!

[Jim Wright]

I've heard good things but never shot a Dwyer bow. Since you ask, I suggest you take a look at Dan Toelke's Whips. His website is  www.montanabows.com,  Dan has made me four of them and they are superb D/R long bows in every respect.

[Raging Water]

My money is on Centaur.

[Holm-Made]

Thanks for the inclusion in your list.  However, I hope my reputation is better then "decent".  I work very hard at maintaining the highest reputation possible.  Thanks,  Chad

[seven crows]

I would thumbs up the great northern's as well,My favorite bows!! I actually have a practically brand new  60" 51# bushbow if your interested. Good luck On  the never ending Quest. SC

[Afraid a snake]

Make the trip up to Comptons in a couple weeks and you can try out several different bows.If you go you can try out my new Whippenstick also.

[eric-thor]

hey chad if you want a review send me one of your bows. longbow r/d 64 inches. my draw is a solid 30.3/4inches .ill post an honest review ...that goes to all boyers.ive shot many bows and some r very nice and some aaah! i like very thorough data reserch reviews. i only will keep it for 1 week. and send it back in same condition as long as the bow can handel my draw...if not dont send it .

this is not a joke...
sincerly
Eric

[SveinD]

Originally posted by Holm-Made:
Thanks for the inclusion in your list.  However, I hope my reputation is better then "decent".  I work very hard at maintaining the highest reputation possible.  Thanks,  Chad

Hi Chad! As I'm from Norway my use of words might have a different "strength" than what you natives put into it! When I put together the list I thought only to name the bows I myself would trust, based on different priceranges.
Using "decent", "solid" and "good"  to me translates with the same intensity, and if it does not in english/american, that is my bad!
If I could not recommend you out of reputation, I'd simply not have put your name there  
No harm intended!
-SveinD-

[Holm-Made]

I understand.      Take care,  Chad

[kbetts]

I've made plans to visit Tom Parsons of Kimsha this week.  I've talked with the man and I bet I'm impressed when I see his work.  I can just tell.

[Magwa45]

If you are a longbow lover, you have to have a Howard Hill Archery longbow! That's all I will say.

[Jerry Wald]

Well I agree with the comment on waiting till the Comptons IF YOU CAN GO. there will be alot of bows there you can try (never been to one, but all the remarks on this site says go to a gatheringand try them all).

Having said that I will put my 2 cents worth in there. I don't REALLY THINK you can call my ACS a LONGBOW....cause it's so short    but at 56" and 60# it pumps out arrows like nothing I have ever seen.

I am still working on a twang it has with the string, BUT ODDLY enough I have video taped it and it doesn't come out on video.

It sound very quiet from a distance, but there is this lttle twang...Layton Perry knows what I talking about and as soon as I get a few minutes after the house is done I am going to work out what it is and tame it.

It is a wonderful little bow and weighs nothing. I have shot it with and without a quiver and prefer it without (shoots the same either way) but I like the fact it weighs nothing and shoots HARD.

Jer Bear

[longbow fanatic 1]

Thanks to all for your insights. I appreciate it greatly. I think I have a very good list of excellent bowyers to choose from.

I was seriously thinking about Dwyer's Original Longbow, but thought I should get some other ideas from all you T-Gangers about other high quality bowyers whose slim designs are similar to my current bow.

I do love the bow I have, but I would like to add a second bow with a little less poundage for late season ( cold Mid-West weather ) whitetail hunting, and ultimately purchase a third at 50 lbs for big game hunting out west. Do I really need these extra bows? No, but I think we can all agree that it is the coolest feeling to finally get that shipment from the bowyer, after a long six months of wait!

Thanks again!

Dennis

[Bald Spot]

I can't get enough of the Wes Wallace Royal long bows.  They have every attribute that I'm looking for in a longbow, and not breath taking expensive.  I'm selling two of them right now so that I can get a takedown!

BS