question for widow longbow shooters?

[Don Batten]

Got the itch for a new bow. since I don't own a widow longbow and have wanted one for a while, I think it's time to add one to the herd.

My question is , what have you noticed about the diff. in the bamboo versus other lams in the limbs. I don't own a longbow with bamboo, but have shot some(not widows) and they seem a bit crisper and smoother than say a maple or birch limb. just looking for feedback before making the plung. Also, bow length? I'm 6ft and draw an honest 28 3/4". thanks Don

[Derwood]

Don,

I don't think you can go wrong with bamboo.  I agree it is super smooth and though I have no proof, seems faster.  I'm 6'4" and have a 31 1/4" draw and my 66" PL is the smoothest bow I've ever drawn.  I like my bows long, but with a 28 3/4 draw, I bet you could get away with something shorter if you like.  Certainly a 64" would fit you well.  Widow has published recommended limb lengths.  I'd refer you to them.

Good luck.  You won't regret it.  Great bow.

[Steelhead]

I have not shot the Autumn Oak or greybark personally.So i can really give you a comparison.I did have the ironwood model with all bamboo limbs and it was a solid shooting bow.mine was 66 inches as well and a 2 piece.I draw 29.5 to 30 inches and agree with Derwood that you could get by with a 64 incher at your draw.The bamboo is said to be a tad quicker.The PLV is a great choice IMO.These widow longbows are very tough and solid.

[James Wrenn]

Don,Wally has a couple you might want to talk to him.

For me, I doubt if you can tell any difference in the BW bow.

[ChetterB]

Bamboo to me seems very smooth, as far as length talk to black widow and go with there idea -- bowyers seem to know their equipment best and they want happy customers!!! good luck I have a black widow longbow I got from Lamont at footed shaft and love it. Thanks Jerry.

[frassettor]

Bamboo is definatly the way to go. Just my 0.2.

[R H Clark]

I've owned two Widow PL's.A current PLX with bamboo and a 04 model PLII both 62" and 55lbs at 28". Honestly I can't tell any difference.

I draw 29" and like the 62" bows.To me the longer bows seem to have more kick.It's not really handshock like a straight limbed longbow just moor kick.

[sunshine]

i have had 3 widow longbows, i still own 2 of them.
1. autumn oak. 50 @ 28". 64" long.
2. plx birdseye maple w/ bamboo cores. 44 @ 28". 60" long.
3. plx tiger mirtle w/ bamboo cores. 50 @ 28'. 62" long.
i sold the autumn oak, but at the time i was shooting a psr at 50#. just wanted a longbow to match. i thought the autumn oak just didn't feel very springy(or crisp as you said). but i didn't know if it was the bow or it was my comparison to my psr or was it the 64" length. i really wanted to shoot the longbow and i thought the bamboo would do better. i next ordered my birdseye maple. wanting to shoot alot i got lower poundage but got a shorter length to help with that crisp feeling. shot it for a year and hunted with it for 1 season before deciding i wanted more poundage for hunting (not trying to start a debate about poundage-i just didn't feel comfortable with it). after getting the tiger mirtle bow my birdseye has set on the rack since. i pull just short of 28" and feel my 62" is perfect.
with all that said i will say that before i decided i wanted to shoot a longbow i was shooting the widow psr. i went through the same ordeal with it. a couple different models of different pounds and lengths b4 finding that i really liked the bamboo cores best.
my wife doesn't hunt but she shoots 3d with me. i got her a psa autumn oak 32# @ 24". she loved it. on our 10 year anniv. i got her a ptf 32# at 24" in tulip wood w/ bamboo cores. she says she likes the boo better. "it just feels and shoots a little better".
                    tim.

[Lefty]

I think the boo feels better in the draw too.  I also think it is just a little quicker, although I have no data to back that up personally.  Maybe it is just in my head, but I always prefer the boo core bow.  My PLGA is really nice to shoot!

[bayoulongbowman]

BAMBOO!!!!!!!!!!!! what kind of grip?????

[Arrowhead80]

I've got a suggestion,stick with a recurve so i ain't gotta shoot against your butt all the time.lol.I've been curios about the pl longbows too.

[David Lewis]

I'm 6 ft and draw 28" to 29" depending on my anchor point. All my longbows are 62" I think bamboo is smoother and quicker also.

[Wannabe1]

I am 6'1" and have a 29" draw and my 62" PLII is a very smooth shooting bow. In fact, it is the best bow I've shot to date and now have a PL X on order that is 64" 53# @ 29".