What's a good longbow for a greenhorn??

[Toecutter]

Hello All! It's amazing to have such an immense resource of traditional bowhunting knowledge piped right into my own home!!  This is awesome!!
Thank You.
 I've finally gotten some of my ducks in a row and plan on having some time to devote myself to shooting a longbow.  I've decided to give up my compound and do it the "right" way, so now I need to decide on a bow. With so many great bowyers out there, I'm a bit overwhelmed.
 I was shooting a #65 compound so am figuring on a #50 longbow.  I've tried to research as much as I can on what bow would be best for me, but the more I read, the more unsure I become.  I plan on hunting whitetails and turkeys if that makes any difference, and I was hoping to keep the cost between $400-$500.  I'm sure that I'm leaving out a whole bunch of pertinent info, but I hope this is enough for a start.  

Thanks in advance,
Nathan

[xia_emperor]

go to a local shop and shoot everything they have. then go to another and repeat. sooner or later you will find one you love.

[vermonster13]

Where in Mass are you Nathan? Maybe we could arrange for you to try a few and perhaps give you a better idea of what 50#s really feels like when you come from a compound to a longbow. I'm in Rutland VT and there are a bunch of guys in Mass. You'll get lots of suggestions on bows but trying them first when you can is a real good idea.

[Toecutter]

I'm down at the beginning of the cape (30 min. east of Providence RI.) and pickings seem a little slim as far as I can tell around these parts.  Bout the only thing I think I could try out first hand might be some of the Martin bows.

I used to go to Green Mt. College over in Poultney, quite a few moons ago.  Great area up there, about 45 min from Rutland If I remember right.  Anyone you might know out his way or even in the state would be a real help.
Thanks again.

[Whip]

You're going to find someone around here that can help I'm sure. Are there any upcoming shoots in your area that you might be able to meet up with someone at?  With the budget you've set you can get into some pretty nice bows.  Like has been said, do whatever you can to try as many as you can to get a feel for what you might like or dislike.

[jonesy]

Selway,Fox,Shrew,Griffin,cascade.These are fine shooting bows.Jonesy

[eagle24]

There are a lot of great bows out there and you will get a ton of suggestions.  I have an opinion based on the bows I own and have shot, but I think that if you can try some different bows you will know more what YOU like and feel comfortable with.  Another thing is how the bow is set up.  It is often hard for me to get a good feel for how well I like a bow until I get the setup just right for me.  I've had some bows that I thought I would'nt like or shoot well, but once I got them set up my opinion changed.  I would error towards the light side on the #'s.  I started shooting longbows in the 52-58# range and recently dropped into the mid 40#'s and am much more comfortable and enjoying shooting more.

[Raven's Hero]

I would go to a shoot and buy a good used bow. Don't go over board on the weight the first time around.  

[Toecutter]

Thanks a whole mess guys, I really appreciate the help.  Is there a comprehensive list of shoots that I might be able to access around these parts?  
I guess trying to get something as personal as what bow would shoot best for any given individual over the internet seems a little silly in retrospect.
Thanks again

[vermonster13]

Give Tippit a PM he lives near Boston and might be able to give you some guidance.

[Toecutter]

Thanks.

[Flatshooter]

Hey Toecutter! All great advice from some very knowledgeable guys. Part of the fun of this sport is the search for what works for you. That means bow selection ( there are different types and styles of longbows) bow lengths and draw weights. Arrow selections: spine and weight   choices which are appropriate for your bow, the list goes on and on. My two cents is try as many as you can and don't be in a hurry! Ask a bunch of questions and most importantly, DON"T OVERBOW YOURSELF! Good luck and have fun!

[Whip]

Tippit would be a great resource if you can hook up with him.  Won't find a nicer guy, and I think he has a few nice bows too!

[vermonster13]

LAst count around 100 he said. I want to go to his house to play too! LOL

[Mudfeather]

It is probably a stretch for you....But if you could make it over to Comptons rondevous you will get more exposure than anywheres else I'd guess.

It is near Berrien Springs, Michigan...June 15-17...about 15 hrs from you. I'm driving up from Ga

[Stone Knife]

I started shooting longbows last year, i was also shooting a 60# compound. My first trad bow was a martin Savannah 62" 50# @28 Nice bow but the poundage was a bit high. My Two Howard Hill longbows are 48# @28" and i shoot a Bob Lee recurve 46# @ 28".  50# is a lot of bow to start out with and shoot properly. There are a lot of shooting events coming up, look in the trad events section. The larger shoots will have vender's that will allow you to test drive a few different bows at various weights. This will give you a good idea of the bow that suites you the best. Good luck.

[OH at work]

Toecutter, I agree with Mudfeather.  If you can make it to Compton you will be able to see a lot of bows plus enjoy great companionship at the same time.  There are a lot of people from around the country going very long distances to enjoy Compton and I'm sure you wouldn't be disappointed.


Joe

[Roger Norris]

Here are some guidlines:

*Not too heavy...45-50 pounds max

*Look for a grip that fits you, I would recomend a pistol grip style to start

*shoot as many STYLES of longbow as you can

*Have someone help you with the arrows...they need to be matched well or you will magnify your poor shots

*Likewise with tuning the bow. Have someone help you, but make sure you understand what they are doing

*Come here often and ask lots of questions! Have fun.

[Toecutter]

Thanks everyone, I guess I'm in a holding pattern until I can get some hands-on time with some bows.