Which Longbow

[Dry Creek]

I have the itch to try a longbow. Really like the looks of Big Jim's Thunderchild, Javaman Elkhart, Shrews. What are some others I should take into consideration?

Thanks in advance

[DocWolf]

An Omega. It is a workhorse and comes at a great price.

[TSHOOTER]

Jim Belcher makes a fine longbow under the Belcher line and Sky Archery.

[fnshtr]

Will Cocke makes a dandy! Check out Black River bows, he's a sponsor. I've got one on order.

[nineworlds9]

Dry,
I'm gonna stay within the bounds of your question and assume you're wanting a relatively short hybrid longbow.  Frankly, all the ones you named are superb bows with their own individual personality differences.  You honestly can not go wrong choosing any of them.  I would make your choice based on which bow you fancy the looks of, which has the best potential grip for your preferences, and which is available to you for the right price.  I'm a huge fan of Big Jim's work and Gregg Coffey's work.  Jim can also do some amazing stuff lately with G10 in his risers and cutting the bows past center, not to mention flares and exotic stabilized burl woods.  I have a TC on order myself and have owned several.  The Elkheart is a sensational little bow.  Everything a versatile short hunting bow should be.  That all being said, don't forget about the awesome little Toelke Pika.  I positively love my 2pc.  It ticks all the boxes.

[BWallace10327]

A Bear Montana is a great bow, and it's even available with Brown Glass.

[old_goat2]

Toelke Whip or Lynx! I have both, Dans locator grip is the best grip for me anyways, that I've ever handled! They shoot as quick as almost any, smooth tooooo!

[Hoosierarcher88]

I recently picked up a crooked stic hyperstic in 62" and absolutely love it. Feels a little smoother and a little bit more quiet than the stiker longbows. I havent had much expirience with the r/d style bows but for the money its hard to pass up

[the rifleman]

Toelke Whip.  Beautiful, quiet, no hand shock, and like old goat 2 said the locator grip is a great feature custom to your hand.

[BOHO]

Tough to say as everyone's tastes are different. From the ones mentioned above it's hard to go wrong. Be nice if you could go to a shoot and shoot most mentioned. Widows have a huge following and if you don't like it they hold value well for a trade or sale. The omega is a great bow and costs less than half of most mentioned above. I have a little river from James Chrestman from rolling fork ms. About an hour from me. Least expensive hand made bow on the market and a real gem of a bow. I finally beat my tp I've had for 20 years and ordered another. No clear glass but tough to beat on price and quality. Super guy to boot.

[mooshkat]

Dwyer for sure!

[Steve Jr]

Don't  over look a Centaur! Oh and JK Traditions Kanati's is another.

Steve Jr

[Homey88]

Omega

[David Mitchell]

See how easy that was?  :D   Only you can decide which bow best fits you.  Unless you can attend some large shoots where various bowyers display their wares you may find that a bow someone loves and highly recommends just isn't right for you.

[TSHOOTER]

Maddog longbows are excellent as well.  I have a prairie predator that is super quick and they are really affordable.  Not cheap mind you. Mine shoots as well as bows costing hundreds more.

[ranger 3]

Black Widow PL

[varmint101]

I'm really digging my St. Joe River longbow.  It does what I've asked so far. This one and the Timberhawk longbow I had years ago have been my favorites.  I personally could not get along with the Bear Montana.  Tried for a long time.  Only 3 piece I've tried was an RER LX and it was very smooth with an easily repeatable shot like the St. Joe.

Many many to choose from.  If you can shop around find a good price on something and try it.  If you don't like it after some time you can probably sell or trade it for what you've got in it.

[mahantango]

Another vote for Kanati.

[Tradcat]

Toelke Whip

[ronda]

Omega Imperial