Horsebow vs. Recurve Comparison

[links0311]

How does a horsebow shot in comparison to a recurve? I like the look of the horsebow, but am looking for something different than my recurve.

-Links

[Orion]

I've only shot one or two horsebows; they had very smooth draws, almost felt like a little let off as full draw is reached.  Didn't seem as quick as most recurves in the same weight range, but quick enough.

[2fletch]

I've shot several horsebows and they seem faster then most recurves at the same weight. Most of them are very smooth to draw out to 29-30 inches or so. I have a Saluki that is fast, smooth, and surprisingly accurate for such a lightweight bow.

[Gil]

My Korean bow is smoother than my Samick takedown hunter recurve.
Gil

[links0311]

I've checked out horsebows.com, any other places you would recommend I look?

-Links

[Pat B]

James Parker had one that he made when he and Saluki built bows together, at the Hickory, NC shoot last year. Using a thumb ring he shot a carbon arrow through a chrono at 260fps and a 600grain cane hunting arrow through at 185fps...this was a 50# bow.    Pat

[ROB TAYLOR]

Pat B,

If that's accurate...I need that man's contact info!!  That's extraordinary speed, even for a horsebow....which are generally (depending on builder) better performers than the bulk of western style bows.  

links0311,

Here's some sites to peruse:

 www.atarn.org/
 www.spitfirehorsebows.com/
 www.horsebackarchery.com/index_eng.php
 www.grozerarchery.com/
 www.horsebows.com/
 www.recurvebowshop.com/
 www.classic-bow.com/catalog/index.php
 www.eastern-archery.com/unitedstates.html
 www.koreanarchery.org/

There's a few others out there, too....several in different languages if you speak.

-Rob

[Pat B]

Rob, James lives near Boone NC but I don't have contact info. He should be at the Hickory shoot this year or at ATAR. I wouldn't have believed the speed if I weren't there to see for myself.      Pat

[kawika b]

What was the draw length used for those numbers Pat?

[ROB TAYLOR]

Oh, I certainly believe it's possible....I just want him to build me one...LOL.
-Rob

[Pat B]

The draw length was pretty long; 31" or 32"...back to his ear.   Pat

[bodkin]

It´s not the bow that has to be accurate-but you.Horsebows shoot as well any bow, just look at that Kassai guy how shoots moving target while riding on horseback.There is some interesting fotage on you tube.

[kawika b]

31"-32" will get good speed out of just about any well designed bow,,, what was the weight of the arrow used to get 260fps?

[Pat B]

It was a light carbon arrow. I don't know the physical weight.
  The bow that James used was very short and could be pulled beyond the 32", where he shot it. I don't know the dimensions of the bow.  I'm sure the thumb ring, with its clean release, helps get the speed that was achieved. When I shot the bow I used fingers and it was obvious the arrow didn't go as fast.
   I said nothing about accuracy. Every bow is inherently accurate. Its the shooters that make a shot accurate or not.  Pat

[ROB TAYLOR]

Pat,
Is James still with Lukas at Saluki?  I knew Lukas moved to NC, and I also heard that he had some "assistant bowyers"...but no other details.  Can you shed any light?

I also already shoot the ring (not great, but not too bad when I pay attention to the technique) and can attest to the unbelievable crispness of this release method.

Here's a pic of my latest ring...been using clear Lexan from a scrap chunk to build these:

 

[Pat B]

Rob, James spent time in Ohio when Saluki was there and then Saluki moved to NC. He and James worked together for a while but I guess that didn't work out(egos) James and Becca, his wife, and their son moved somewhere near Boone NC. I have talked to them once since their move. I don't think you can call them directly.
   James was using a sterling thumb ring(his redneck bling-bling)and Lucas gave him a solid gold thumb ring. I have shot a few times with a thumb ring but felt very awkward doing so. I would like to make one and try it again.     Pat

[R.W.]

I have noted, also, that when I shoot my horsebow with fingers, I don't get the speed that I see when shooting with the ring.

The ring, actually, works like a caliper release. When you get it right (the release) the speed difference is markedly different. A good, clean release really shows in speed.

If one had a longbow, with no arrow shelf, it may be possible to use a ring with that style longbow. YOu would have to shoot off the right side of the riser, though. (for a dexterous person)