Mohawk, Bear Montana or other?

[Gregg S]

I've been shooting recurves for quite a few years and I've got the itch for a longbow. I know that I should try before I buy but I'd just like some oppinions for now. I want to stick with a bow that I can afford, preferably a used one. And one with very little hand shock but still looking like a longbow. I'm thinking one of these two but if anyone has another suggestion I'd be interested in hearing about it.

[Bernie B.]

I really like my Spirit longbow made by Bryan Holley from Colorado.  He sells his bows through Rocky Mountain Supply Gear (RMSG - a sponsor here).  They usually have a good supply of them at various weights.  Bryan makes a very nice longbow!  Check them out!

Bernie Bjorklund

NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin

[ron w]

Montana,Mohawk,Spirit,Northern Mist,Great Northern just to name a few. Keep a watch on the classifieds and you get a chance to get a great bow at a fair price. Also Dwyer, Toelke, Holm-made.....

[Old Sarge]

I have a Toelke Whip XX, and two Don Dow stikbows that I really like. They are quiet, shoot well and the bowyers are both great people to deal with. Either of them would be a good choice.

The term longbow covers a lot of ground. If you are thinking of a Hill style bow with a straight grip, you may need to modify your form a bit to get comfortable with them. If you are thinking more in the line of a hybrid, not so much different than using a recurve. The middle of the road would be slight reflex/deflex  bows.  The Bear Montana seems to be widely available and some swear by them. We shot four one day, when trying out bows for a newbie to traditional archery. Two were not as good, one was okay and one was pretty good, but the wrong weight. I have been told that it depends on the year they were built. I think if you gave a dollar amount and your draw weight and draw length, you could get more specific answers. From $500 and up you can run into lots  of choices with none of them being wrong. The good old days of the longbow is now.  Robertson Stykbow has a try before you buy system, but you should be aware that returning one of those is very difficult. I tried a Pierce Point from him and shot it for three days, my wife told me to put it back in the box and mail it back and give it some thought.  Then it started to cry and said 'No, I'll be good, I promice, keep me, keep me.'  He has a left hand twin and a big older brother now for him to play with and maybe a cousin from the curvy side of the family coming as well.  Try to be very objective when trying out different bows, it's hard, but you must try.

[damascusdave]

Originally posted by pavan:
The term longbow covers a lot of ground. If you are thinking of a Hill style bow with a straight grip, you may need to modify your form a bit to get comfortable with them. If you are thinking more in the line of a hybrid, not so much different than using a recurve. The middle of the road would be slight reflex/deflex  bows.  The Bear Montana seems to be widely available and some swear by them. We shot four one day, when trying out bows for a newbie to traditional archery. Two were not as good, one was okay and one was pretty good, but the wrong weight. I have been told that it depends on the year they were built. I think if you gave a dollar amount and your draw weight and draw length, you could get more specific answers. From $500 and up you can run into lots  of choices with none of them being wrong. The good old days of the longbow is now.  Robertson Stykbow has a try before you buy system, but you should be aware that returning one of those is very difficult. I tried a Pierce Point from him and shot it for three days, my wife told me to put it back in the box and mail it back and give it some thought.  Then it started to cry and said 'No, I'll be good, I promice, keep me, keep me.'  He has a left hand twin and a big older brother now for him to play with and maybe a cousin from the curvy side of the family coming as well.  Try to be very objective when trying out different bows, it's hard, but you must try.

This post would be great introductory material for a bow buying addiction manual...that is a great description of how things happen...and sadly reminds me of how I should have made the deal on that Robertson pierce point bow...fortunately I did make the deal on my lefty Fatal Styk Z...love that bow and it will never have to ask to stay

[RC]

I have two longbows I will not part with. I`ve had maybe 75-100. Mohawk and Stalker.RC

[Gregg S]

Thanks for the replies.

[Rob DiStefano]

Originally posted by Gregg S:
I've been shooting recurves for quite a few years and I've got the itch for a longbow. I know that I should try before I buy but I'd just like some oppinions for now. I want to stick with a bow that I can afford, preferably a used one. And one with very little hand shock but still looking like a longbow. I'm thinking one of these two but if anyone has another suggestion I'd be interested in hearing about it.

i've have/had both.

the mohawk is a mild r/d longbow that braces to a classic "D" shape.

the montana is a a more aggressive r/d longbow that does not brace to a classic "D" shape.

both will more than get the job done for ya.

[Gregg S]

I see that Vince is not taking orders at this time. He must be backed up on orders. L.A. has the Montana's on back order too. I guess that they are both selling quite well. I'll have to watch for a used one which I'd rather do anyway.

[Friend]

Typically, I avoid making comments regarding which is better, however in this case, the margin is considerable.


The Montana is a nice bow.

The Mohawk soundly resides at an upper level.

[Nativestranger]

Would recommend Bear Ausable over Montana if you want an affordable factory bow. Very nice shooting bow without handshock. But its not a D shape longbow.

[dnovo]

Never had a Montana, but have 3 Mohawks. I don't think you could find a better longbow. They pop up on classifieds every once in a while.

[Mudd]

Personal preference.

I have owned both and was pleased with them.

Over the years I've added one criteria that will be different from almost all other shooters.

When I put my hand to the bow it must instantly transport me to "Sherwood".

Not every good bow can do this for me which is why I shoot the ones I do today.

Disclaimer: Just because a bow takes me where I "want to go" does not mean that it is easy to master.

I have used many bows that were far easier to use and master but....

I love my Hill and Hill style bows.

I am thankful for all those that have helped and continue to help me on this most amazing journey.

I have so much more to learn. I pray I improve over time.

Good luck in your choice.

Shoot a lot of bows!!!!!! and enjoy your journey!!

God bless,Mudd

[Nativestranger]

Would recommend Bear Ausable over Montana if you want an affordable factory bow. Very nice shooting bow without handshock. But its not a D shape longbow.

When we were 'helping' the newbie pick a bow, he landed on the Patriot Bear.  I think it was a better shooter and so did he.  The Ausable shoots nice as well.