bob lee vs. fred bear

[buckeye_hunter]

I am seriously considering ordering a Bob Lee stick bow(reflex/deflex hybrid longbow type).  However, I went to Gander Mountain and shot a Fred Bear Montana longbow and it shot pretty sweet for the price $299.  As I posted on the other forum, the Fred Bear was dead on even with mismatched arrows(only 8 yards though). Bob Lee bows start at $515 and have fantastic workmanship, but would there be that much difference between the two(speed, forgivness during the shot, consistency)?  I really like the long bows, unbelievable quiet.  I'm just not sure which way to go, and I say that with utmost respect given to both bow makers.  Any advice is greatly apreciated.

[George D. Stout]

Both are great bows, but for the money you can't go wrong with the Montana.  I know several folks who use them as their main hunting bow.

[KyleAllen]

Your gonna spend the extra money for a custom bow eventually....might as well do it now. lol. Bob lee is a hek of a nice choice. You wont be dissapointed.
Kyle

[Jason Lester]

I guess I'm cheap. I can't see forking out 300 much less 500+ for a bow. Do they realy shoot that good?
I've shot a couple high end bows but not many. I can't say they shot better than the older bear bows and selfbows I have. Or at least not enough to spend the extra cash. Of course I have a family (5 kids and a wife) so its not like I have alot of money to spend on a bow. LOL

[vermonster13]

You could pick a used one up in the classified here for a good price most of the time.

[daveycrockett]

GOOD PRACTICALLY NEW ONE FOR SALE HERE NOW. HIS TOP OF THE LINE MODEL.

[jeff w]

I have owned both, and liked them each for what they are.   The Montana, as Scattershot said, is a great bow for the money.   It doesn't have as much reflex/deflex in it as a Bob Lee, and you are limited to one length, 64".   The Bob Lee has more r/d and of course more options, but generally at a higher price.  As far as consistency, speed, and forgiveness, the Bob Lee seemd a little quicker, although I never chronoed it, and this may be due to the design(r/d) of the bow.  Consistency  I would have to give to the Bob Lee also, for me, I think was due to the more 'recurve-type' grip the bow has making consistant hand placement easier.  Forgiveness seemed about equal for me. I have owned several Bob Lees and have never been disappointed with any of them.   Likewise, the Montana I owned was a good performing bow, my only complaint was the somewhat blocky grip---but that was remedied with a rasp and some sandpaper.   Really, I think the comparisons between the two is what you would expect to find comparing a r/d longbow(the BL) and one that has very mild r/d(the Montana) in it.  As far as the BL being worth the extra money-only you can answer that one.

[fling]

have you looked at the martin savannah for the money its hard too beat. my savannah at 55lbs @28 shoots a 467 grain arrow at 183fps. foxfire archery has the best price on martin and bob lee bows go to  www.arrowsbykelly.com  good luck fling.

[buckeye_hunter]

Thanks guys!  Lots of good info.  I have shot the Savannah and it shot pretty well too (even without a nock and directly off the shelf with mix match arrows).  I understand it even broke a distance record.  There was something about that Montana that I liked, but the Savannah does cater to my short draw length.  As far as looks,The Montana it isn't as good looking as the Martin or Bob Lee, but I like how easy it drew and the arrows hit dead on.  The savannah also had a nice draw,  too many decisions......

[sar]

I've shot my bob lee back to back with a friend's montana.  I don't really think there's much comparison.  The montana felt slower and shockier to me.  I'd look seriously at some of the used bows in the classifieds.  For that matter, if I were going to get a montana, I'd look for one used in the classifieds!

[buckeye_hunter]

I've been checking on the Savannah and have found it at some really nice prices.  Thanks Fling!!  I'm going to go shoot the Savannah tomorrow again as well as the Fred bear.  I think I'll make sure they are set up right so I can get a beter feel for them.  Maybe that will help my decision along.  I'm really focused on shooing something in the 50# range for a very short draw length.  I guess most importantly I want a smooth draw and forgiving bow.  We all have errant shots from tme to time(well most of us).

[fling]

sent you a pm. fling

[Ray Hammond]

Oh MAN...I thought it was gonna be a celebrity fantasy boxing match or sumtin!!!!!!!!!! Now I'm really bummed out.

[buckeye_hunter]

Sorry ray!  That would be interesting though.  I don't thinks it would be contest because you always take da' bears.

[insttech1]

Personally I'd go for the Bob Lee...for all of the reasons stated above.

Plus you can order it for your true draw length...

As stated though--check the classifieds!

[Ray Hammond]

DAAAAAAA   BAAAAAAIIIRRRRSSSSSSSSS!!!!! Now that's funny right there, Buckeye!!!!!!!!  

It really boils down to where you are in the grand scheme of things...if you are new to the game, go with the lower priced bow you can get your hands on the fastest and get going.

On the other hand, if you already have a bow you shoot, why not wait and get a used one off the classifieds somewhere, that is exactly like you want, by being patient you can save some serious bucks.

Or not...just buy the one that makes you the happiest. I bet you can get some custom options done on the Bob Lee that you obviously could not on the Bear..so if you KNOW what you want and can call the bowyer and get it done to your specs, I would spend the couple hundred extra and go with the Lee if I were buying NEW.