Need some suggestions from YOU the experts.......

[Arkansaslongbow]

Wanting to buy a new bow; I have shot the Bear Montana for years now but want a custom of my own; nothing fancy but really don't know what woods to get; need something strong that will take hard hunting, I also want a dark wood; what combo do you all recommend? 26 in draw and the draw weight will be between 48 to 51 @ 26; what wood material do you like and what would work best in a longbow? thank you to all who responds.

 

[CRS]

I am no expert, but I like heavier dense woods for the riser.  Coco, Bocote, Ebony, Osage etc.  I like more mass in the handle for stability.

For limb materials, action boo, red elm, bamboo, and carbon are the workhorses, you can add whatever veneers you like if want something fancy.

I would suggest going to one of the bigger shoots and trying a bunch of different bows.  I have found that bows pick me more than I pick them.  If you pick one up and immediately start hitting where you are looking and wrecking arrows, you are done looking.

[GRINCH]

When you've made you mind up on who you want to build it I suggest you talk to them about what you want,the bowyer can guide you through the process.

[Rick Richard]

X2 on all of the above.  Find you a bowyer you can talk to, understand your requirements and steer you in the right direction...most will.  If you are interested, I can recommend a couple who are great to work with.

[Gen273]

I am not an expert, but I reccomend that you give Bill Dunn at Zipper a call.

[WildmanSC]

There is a mighty fine bowyer in AR that builds a very nice longbow, the Crow Creek Black Feather.  Elmer Patton is a fine gentleman as well as being a great bowyer.  below is a link to Elmer's website:

 http://www.pactaclures.com/Crow%20Creek%20Bows%203/cc3blackfeather%20stats.htm

Bill

[ChrisM]

R/D ot hill style?
For a R/D Thunderstick can't be beat sertainly not at the price.
Hill Style.   david miller if you have 8 months or Howard Hill archery if you want a great bow in less than 4 weeks.

All of these bows are tough and the bowyers are very helpful and can get ya what you need.

I have Cocobolo in the riser and black glass on the limbs of my favorite longbow. But I like them kinda plain-jane looking.

Bisch