Custom Bow Help

[no nothing]

First let me say that I know Nothing! about Bows. My wife has been wanting a long Bow for a while now. We live in Miami, don't hunt (we spearfish    I shoot handguns in competition and watch Impossible Shots on outdoor channel. Love watching Byron Ferguson. I was thinking of ordering my wife a custom bow for X-mas from Z bows (Zach Ferguson). I want something with nice wood work,that shoots nice. The custom Bows dont seem to be to much more money then the production bows. Are there any disadvantages to a custom bow. And does anyone have any experience with Z bows. Thank You
 
 
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[horatio1226]

Read the classifieds on the site. You will get an education!

[Smallwood]

you can also use the search function to look up anything on Z-Bows

[mwosborn]

I would suggest shooting several before you buy - for me some just "feel" and "point" better than others.  There are a lot of excellent bowyers out there.  Good luck!

[Steelhead]

I can see no disadvantages to a custom bow.You can get the right length for her draw and get the poundage you desire within 2 pounds of requested weight.They will often nail the weight desired though.You can taylor the woods to what you think looks nice.you can go plain jane to cut costs or get exotic woods that will be more expensive.You can have the grip made as you like within reason.A small grip for a lady may be good.

I think a production bow is good option though as well possibly.lower costs and if she does not like archery after initially trying it out you are not out that much cash.The wait time for a bow is less long as well.A Bear Montana longbow is one example

A quality used bow is worth considering.Find one that fits and give it a try.If its not her bag you can recoup most if not all of your initial investment.

You can run a wanted add in the bow classifieds for the length and poundage you want and see what pops up.Thier are great used bows to be had and bows last a long time.Not like a car with 200,000 miles if you know what I mean.

Traditional Archery Sales in Lakeland FL may have some bows for you to look at if your close to Lakeland?He has quality used bows and an inventory list of lenghts and poundages.

[Hud]

There are a number of Sponsors and Advertisers on this site, some make, others might sell new and used. I certainly would consider a used bow for a first bow. Try it first some first and get a feel for how they shoot. Custom do have their advantages; pretty, fast, smooth, above average quality, possibly better resale. Downside is the wait time. You might find one in stock.

Bowyers like Robertson Stykbow (Montana), carry some bows in inventory. Plus, they offer a trial on new bows and may have some on sale.

Consider looking in a traditional shop in your area, like others, I believe it is best to try several bows. For your wife, the draw length, draw weight and bow length and how it shoots and feels may be more important than the looks.  

There are a host of arrow manufacturers on this site and quality trumps quantity. It is important that you get the right length & spine for the bow. Some bows are near center-shot and can handle a stiffer arrow, a longbow may need a lighter spine. Ask some questions and both of you will be happier in the end.

[BigJim]

It is very difficult finding a used ladies bow of any merrit. Any time a lower draw weight bow was brought to me for trade, I made every effort to make the deal (providing it was a decent bow). If not trade I would offer to purchase. They normally sold extremely quick.
Yes it is true that a used bow is cheaper and unlikely to loose as much on resale. A custom will be built to the desired specs and should be beautiful to boot. A lot of emphasis is put on proper fit and this has some merrit, but if she is a beginner, she won't know what proper fit is anyway and everything will feel akward. I find that a lot of guys buy bows for there ladies that they themselves wouldn't be caught dead shooting just to save a few dollars. Oh if she likes it, we will have one built. How is she going to like it. You wouldn't have it! I have built many ladies bows for people having trouble finding just the right bow. There new bow seems to enspire them. The want to be out showing it off more. Plus most low pound bows are low performers. Pick a bow that is a performer and no one will know she is shooting such low poundage. Arrows are less likely to bounce off a target and she will be able to shoot at those longer targets without aiming at the moon.
In closing, pick a good custom and find yourself selling it fairly quickly and you won't loose much $$$. Keep it for a little while and decide to upgrade or get out of it and what little money lost should have been worth it for the enjoyoment.
BigJim

[Butch Speer]

Got to agree with BigJim.

[bigbadjon]

No Nothing doesn't live close to Lakeland, but Steelhead gave a good suggestion. If you are in the Tampa area stopping at Traditional Archery Sales to speak with Lynn is a good idea. He always has lots of good bows reasonably priced and is happy to let you shoot any of them.

[bigbadjon]

BigJim has a point to. If you have pride in your equipment it does inspire you to practice.

[stykbender]

As all have said--go to some traditional shoots. Most trad shooters will let you shoot their bows or you might find one for sale. My wife shoots a Bighorn takedown 56"-43#at 27" draw. We found it at ASTB shoot at Tannehill, Al. Custom bows are exactly what you want for your fit, just know what you want first!!
Lynn Harrellson (site sponser) makes a great bow for the money.

[Doc Nock]

Our new poster might not be able to post on the Classifieds... with ONE post.

I think Jim's on target: Women have been forced for ions to wear men's clothing hunting until recent years and that experience diminshed the quality of the hunt for many women I knew over the years, especially in cold weather.

Point being, if it doesn't fit, it won't suit and the flame of interest can be drowned before it kindles into a fire! We need all the fire we can get!

There are plenty of action/diamond wood that is beautiful but not so terribly expensive...

Get her something she likes!

[Ward / Texas]

Pick out some limbs from the Morrison archery yard sale, and match them to a riser.  Bob has several low poundage limbs to choose.   http://www.morrisonarchery.com/

[no nothing]

Guys thank you very much for the help.  I am looking at a few custom makers, and keeping an eye out for a used custom( in case I get lucky before I order.

[no nothing]

I just ordered Two longbows for my wife and daughter.  I went with Maddog. Beautiful bows at a great price.  Really looking foward to it. Thanks for the help.