Help me decide on first longbow?

[SveinD]

So, the time has come for me to get a new bow!
Though I've only been shooting a bow/trad for 9 months, I am starting to feel
that my 35@28 60" Samick Lightning Recurve just isn't enough!
I've really taking a liking to r/d longbows.

Just browsing through nearly 100 pages of Pow-Wow & Product Review posts has given
me alot of knowledge, but not enough.

I've managed to narrow down the wantedlist to a few bowyers:

Montana Bows - The Toelke Whip Longbow
Mohawk Bows  - The yew/boo combo ^^
(Thunderstick MOAB removed due to long wait)

They are similarly priced, respected and real lookers!
I've yet to hear bad about any them!
(Which is also sort of what makes me nervous in choosing one!?)

My preferences :
I shoot R/H, 26,5" draw, split-finger, instinctive aim, #45-50, 56-60" long!
Would like the bow to be smooth and with absolute minimal handshock.
Consistency is also important, but that has more to do with me than the bow, I believe..
I would not mind it being as fast as possible either.

My question is then, which of these bows should I go for, and why?

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to share your opinions      

-SveinD, Norway-


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OPTIONAL READ (Because I like to over-explain things)

I must say that I agree with Rob DiStefano, that the only way to know for sure,
is to try as many bows as you can. The thing is, here in Norway there are only 3
vendors of Trad bows, of whom only 1 knows what he is doing. (Yes, it's you Ola)
Also there are very few gatherings, a small trad community, and that makes
it even harder to decide on what to get, which is why I would appreciate
any facts, comments and experiences any of you would like to share      

The bow will probably not be used for hunting, though it is important to me that it be
able to! It will mostly be used for stumpshooting and some target archery, so it
needs to perform well in the varied outdoors climate of Norway! (Similar to Mid-Canada)

There are, of course, a ton of other great bows, which I will consider at a later
time, 'cause I fear a spree is on the way, but for now, as I would like a custom bow
that can be delivered "fast", and will not require me to sell my house for funding        
3-4 months wait tops..

[griz#1]

if at all possible try before you buy! warranty is important,will it be covered down the road if you have problem.hope you have good luck with the one you pick.(my personal pick is a dakota)sorry I have no experience with the bows you have selected.

[cacciatore]

I know that the shipping can kill you,but buy a good used bow from the classified here,most people are really serious,dependable and useful.Try it if you don't like it sell it;I am pretty sure you can easily sell it in your country where they cost much more.

[Mike Bolin]

I think the wait time on a Mohawk is minimal, but unless Jim has a MOAB is stock you are probably looking at a year. I don't know about the Whip. Unless you just absolutely want a brand new bow, I would keep and eye on the classifieds here. Between the economy and the season, there are some fantastic buys out there.
Of the bows you have chosen, I would lean toward the MOAB, but I have no long term experience with either the Mohawk or Whip. Good Luck! Mike

[robtattoo]

Hi SveinD, just to throw a cat amongst the pigeons......You migt want to try contacting Dave Folwell of Bow-Tec Archery in the UK. (http://www.bowtecbows.com/index.php) He makes an exceptional longbow (flatbow) for very reasonable cost. Not dis-similar from the Toelke Whip. I've shot both the MOAB & Whip along with a Bowtec Thunderbolt & there's really not much between the 3. All are smooth, fast, stack free (not really a problem at 26.5") and beautiful to look at. I think the Thunderbolt may have the edge where price is concerned & don't forget the shipping     If I had a gun to my head, I'd go with the MOAB, but the Thunderbolt would be a VERY cose second, Whip third.
I've never had anything to do with the Mohawk (once had the haircut.....)

[SveinD]

Mike.
I'm still waiting on a answer from Thunderstick on their wait-list, but both Mohawk and Toelke are about 3+ months, which is ok!

Cacciatore & Griz
I know the classified are good, as I am scouting there, but at the same time, i would like this bow to be new,
also as i can use it as a safe referance for future bows.
The Shipping really kills, as it might be from 60-150$. Then Norway adds 25% tax on everything, even used stuff..
It will be pricey, but worth it  

Robtattoo
Ty for the hint, I will read up on  Bow-Tec Archery

[lpcjon2]

Also Check Mike @ Maddog His prices are the BOMB!and he is a great guy.

[bigiron]

you might want to look at Bear Paw in Germany also.

[SveinD]

I've checked out BearPaw and Maddog, including lots of others, but ty anyway  

[wtpops]

Flip a coin dude all three of those choices are great. You did your home work!!

[HATCHCHASER]

Check out Kohannah bows.  He has a few Fury's in stock.  Also I've heard good things about the Holm-made bows.  I'd like to get my hands on one of those.  Out of the 3 you mentioned I have had a Mohawk and it is still the quietest bow I've never heard.

[BowHuntingFool]

Mohawk is a great bow! I love mine! RMSGear.com has Mohawks in stock!

[LoneWolf73]

Mohawk, quiet,quick,consistanty accurate. Fun to shoot! Quality product too.

[Slasher]

Well, I read once that a thousand Swedes were chased through the weeds, by only one Norwegian...

I have heard great things about the other two, but have no experience with either...

What I can tell you is my experience.  I like my Whips- both of them are darn near silent well built... and send an arrow out faster than they should!!!

Dan's craftsmanship is phenomenal and his service is up with anyone in the business! I doubt you'd go wrong with any, but a Toelke bow just melts into your hand...

Some folks don't care for the thumb rest, but once you get used to it, it forces a repeatable grip and increases accuracy!!!

[Bob L.]

I have no experience with the Mohawk but i own a Whip classic and i love it. Its dead quiet fast and has no handshock. i think Dan is a great guy and builds a great bow. He has a super fast turn time on ordering bows. if you look on his website under current bow inventory he has 2 great shape demo bows than are cheaper than brand new besieds other inventory bows for sale. one is a whip the other a whip classic.

[SveinD]

Originally posted by Slasher:
Well, I read once that a thousand Swedes were chased through the weeds, by only one Norwegian...

I am looking to replicate this, but first i need a sweet longbow!  

TY for your input, folks!

Looks like this will be a difficult choice!

[Jim Wright]

Svein, Of your choices, I only know the toelke Whips . Dan has made four of them for and eight bows all together and the longest delivery time has been 29 days. Adressing your stated wishes I have never found smoother drawing bows and handshock is not minimal, it's zero. Dan's locator grip makes "consistency" consistent and while you did not mention it, Whips are QUIET. I do not believe you could do better than a 58 or 60 inch Whip.

[SveinD]

Ty for input Jim, I appreciate it!

TTT

I am deciding within the week    
I will of course keep you guys posted, whether you like it or not  

[bentpole]

Call Vince at Mohawk. Just to talk to him might help you out. You get a lot of bow for the money. Fast, no handshock, quiet, very easy to shoot. I would suggest  a 62" Mohawk myself.