Need Opinions on these Longbow Choices...

[Nala]

Hey all,

I want to get a longbow before spring so I can start shooting it and try to get good enough with it before next fall.  I want to give myself a lot of time.

My budget is $300 and I can't go over that.  Even that amount is pushing it a bit.  I have been doing some nosing around and here are the choices I have came up with so far:

1.  Bear Montana @ $275
2.  PSE Sequoia @ $225
3.  Viper Deluxe @ $185
4.  Finish It Yourself 7 Lakes Longbow @ $235
5.  USED Savannah @ $300
6.  Custom by SuperTec on other Board @ $300

That's pretty much it in a nutshell.  I know money can be saved by going through the Classifieds, but that is hit or miss especially when you need a low draw weight in a LOW COST bow.  Those don't come up very often if ever.  The custom is by a new builder on one of the other Archery Forums.  His bows look pretty good and he has sold several of them so far.  The ones that have bought them seem to be really happy with them.  His handle is SUPERTEC

So if you don't mind I would like to hear your thoughts on my choices.  Is there one that you would pick over the other?  One, or a few, that you would not have on the list?  Your opinions will help.

Thanks for your time and advice.

Nala

[slayer1]

The Savannah Is a nice shooting bow for the money. I cant comment on the others because I have never shot them. I have a friend that swears by his Savannah. He shoots that bow better than his custom bows. Good luck, I hope you find something that you like!

[dino]

I've shot the first 3 on your list and would get the used Savannah.  Good shootin' bow and hard to go wrong with.  I would put that bow up against alot of customs and it would perform neck in neck with them. dino

[Mike Byrge@home]

Another one to consider in that price range is the samick Verna.  Do some searching on the internet and you should be able to find one.

I've not shot the bow personally but I know a couple of experienced guys that have and say it's a good bow.

I would go with the Bear Montanna or the Martin Savannah.

[Gator1]

Keep your eyes posted here, there are some great bows that get sold on this site..

[James Wrenn]

I second adding the Verna to your list.Would leave you money for the other stuff you need as well.Here is a link to a great price on one if you are interested.

 http://www.tradtecharchery.com/Details.aspx?itemNo=3880051

[elk ninja]

Savannah!  There are also some great used bows on here in the classifieds, but thats harder to recommend simply because of the waiting factor.  Your weight, length, budget might not pop up for a while.
Mike

[rbbhunt]

FYI, I had a Viper Deluxe and sold it.  Did not like it.  A lot of hand shock and just could not get it to shoot good enough

[T Folts]

I got a savannah off the classifieds, once I decided it didnt take long. I have shot the montana and savannah side by side and the savannah won hands down. I would get the savannah just keep checking or even put out a request on the classifieds that should get some responses.

Terry

[katie]

We had a viper deluxe and did not like it.  Try  www.tradstore.com/mta   Maddog bows.  Mike makes a good custom at a very lowprice.  I have one of his lighter weight bows and love it.

[High Plains Drifter]

There is no comparison between any production bow and a custom bow. The production bows STACK. I would take any used custom bow over a production bow. Look on the classified section

[brent d.]

7lakes. make it the way you want it.

[Bird Dog]

Maddog is a good choice for a low cost bow. I've shot the bamboo backed longbow and it was smooth and forgiving--under $250 if I remember correctly.

[Kevin L.]

The bows Supertec is making are a real value. Nice design, and there's something to be said for picking out exactly what you want.

[buckracks7]

The Savannah impressed me, and it's better than some customs.

[Apex Predator]

Savannah gets my vote.

[highnoonhunter]

Of the bows you mentioned I've only shot the viper and montana.
The Montana was hands down a better bow than the viper.
Also, if memory serves me right, I think the PSE and the viper are pretty much the same bow.

But any bow, is better than no bow at all. So get the best you can afford, and while you're shooting it, same up for a nicer one!  

But as others have said, the classifieds are an excellent place to find a quality bow. I bought one a couple weeks ago for $250, made by a small time bowyer I've never heard of, that is a dream to shoot, and is nearly silent with no string silencers at all.

hnh

[insttech1]

Not to add to the confusion, but for that price range, I would easily jump to the new finish-it-yourself glass r/d blank from wingnut at Dryad Bows...

He just announced it last week or so and there is a build-along thread about it.

They look sweet, and of course I haven't shot it, but you can bet it will outperform most of the lower-end factory bows in that price range.

Take Care,
Marc

[insttech1]

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=054455

[Nala]

I read that thread about the Dryad build-along and it looks like it might be above my ability.  The cutting of the sight window looks like potential for disaster for me.

Nala