Bow Purchasing Advice Needed

[Scurvyrot]

Hey guys, I am fairly new to archery (and Trad Gang). I owned a recurve briefly but decided to return it to the shop and look online for a longbow, I like the feel of them quite a bit more. I want something in the 66-70" range, R/D or D-shape, no preference, but it must have a shelf, preferably cut to, or past, center. I want something moderately cheap ($200-300)and light (40#ish) to begin with and then work my way up to a nice custom one day. I have been checking the classifieds on this site and others for over a month, and have found nothing in my bow length range. Everyone shoots a 64"....and at 60+# lol). I'm a left hand shooter, so finding the perfect used bow for me is pretty much impossible. So, after some research I have found a few few bows in that range, they are -

OMP ozark hunter 68"
Samick red stag 68"
Samick SLB 69"
Samick trailblazer 68"

These all run about $199. Has anyone owned one of these? Are they made of decent quality woods? I have so many questions getting started with archery, I'd appreciate any advice or info on these bows OR any other in the price range that you all know about. Thanks!!

[Uncle Buck]

Check out Omega Longbows, No fancy exotic woods, but all the comments on Trad gang about thier speeed, accuracy and durability have been positve. They are made in the USA and around $250.

[Drewster]

I'll second the Omega.  I have one that Kegan made for me that's 66", 46# @ my 29" DL.  It draws really smoothly and shoots FAST.  I really, really  like mine.  The finish quality is not like a $500.00 bow but you can also get it unfinished and finish it to suit yourself.

Kegan is super nice to work with too.  Check him out.

 http://omegalongbows.webs.com/bowsandotherproducts.htm

[Austin]

Omega sounds like a great option, usa made is always a plus. The samick bows are great factory bows for the price. I'm pretty sure the OMP stuff is just rebadged samick.
Austin

If you are patient with yourself, have a minimum of filing and sanding skills and have access to a work space, the blanks from Seven Lakes are excellent and I am sure that Mike will assist you in anyway he can to be successful.

[Scurvyrot]

Thanks guys. I might place an order with Omega pretty soon, it's a very nice looking bow! If anyone else has any suggestions, I'm open to them.

[sawtoothscream]

OMEGA!!!!  these bows out perform bows I have shot that are 3 times the cost. absolutely awsome bow and kegan is great to work with and has great CS.

[Steelhead]

I would run a wanted add in the classifieds of Tradgang for a longbow in your specs in your your price range and see what pops up!!!Many people find bows trying that route.I have many times myself.You gotta be a bit patient though sometimes and bump your add back to the front page as many times as it takes.I bet you get some responses.
That Omega does look like an option for a custom bow in your price range and is a very good deal from an individual bowyer instead of a factory bow.

[Archie]

How about a Mad Dog?  There was a long, lighter lefty up for sale recently in the classifieds.  A brand new one to your specs wouldn't be out of your price range, either.  The bow and the bowyer bath have a great reputation here.

[jjwaldman]

Maddog all the way...

[Orion]

Pretty hard to find a one-piece longbow cut to or past center.  The arrow shelf area becomes the weakest part of the riser.  Regardless, it's not needed.  It's just a matter of matching the right arrow to the bow.  I've found moderate R/D and Hill style bows cut 1/8 inch from center very easy to tune.  For what it's worth. Good luck on your search.

[JamesKerr]

Originally posted by jjwaldman:
Maddog all the way...

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