Long WOOD longbow comparison?

[MGH]

I am curious for those who have had the opportunity to shoot longer (64"-70") longbows, preferably non-metallic/ILF type bows, what your observations were?  Looking at bows like Timberpoint, Javaman, Fox, Omega, etc.  Thank You!

[McDave]

Of the ones you mention, I only have experience with the Fox Triple Crown, which is a mild reflex/deflex design that is D shaped when braced.

I draw 28”, and my preference for a longbow would be 68” for a straight longbow, 66” for a mild r/d longbow like the Triple Crown, or 64” for a more aggressive r/d longbow like the Fox Royal Crown.  Of course, with an aggressive r/d shape, you can go as short as 58” or even shorter, but I only use longbows for target shooting, so there’s no advantage in going any shorter than the lengths I mentioned.  Speed does matter in 3D shooting, and everyone is looking for that magic sweet spot between smoothness and speed as you move from a longer to a shorter bow.

[M60gunner]

I shoot a 66” R/D LB for 3D, hunting etc. it is 55#@28. I find it easier (smoother) to draw than my recurves at same weight but 60” long. My next LB will be 68”@28. I have considered a LB at 70” for target shooting. I may lose some speed but I like the smoother draw cycle. YMMV

[Jim Wright]

I draw 29" and shoot a 68", a 66" and a 64" Toelke Super D. I have found them to be the best mannered bows I have ever shot, fast and beautifully made to boot.

[degabe]

I like my longbows long 68-72 inches. I just like the way they draw and shoot.

[wapitishooter]

I like longbows at least 64in but have to say I shot Big Jims thunderchild that was 58in long and my 31in draw it was smooth as silk and had zero stack check them out and they are beautifully made.

[Sam McMichael]

I have I have 7 Hill style bows, two of which have slight string follow. 5 are from HHA and two are NM Shelton bows. I have one Welte Deathwish and 3 Quillian Bamboo Longhunter bows. All are 68" in length. I feel that this length bow is very smooth to draw. I keep them all the same length so I don't have to keep up with different length strings. They range from 40# to 78# draw weight. I actually shot best with a 58# Bamboo Longhunter that I stupidly traded away years ago. Since my draw length is only 25", stacking is not an issue for me with any of these bows. I tend to prefer the NM Shelton, as I believe the string follow is a tad more forgiving. Of these two, one is yew and the other is bamboo. The bamboo seems to shoot a little harder, and the yew feels smoother. I've not used a chrono, so I really don't if they shoot differently - I'm strictly going on subjective feel. I shoot only wood arrows on my Hill style bows (out of a preference for the tradition), even though they also shoot aluminum just fine. I have never fooled with carbon arrows.

Unfortunately, I have no experience with the bows that you mentioned, because I have become a true blue shooter of Hill style bows. But, if you get into a discussion of them, I can talk a lot about them. Therefore, in my biased opinion Hill style is a great way to go, but, admittedly, R/D is also very good.

[Yooper-traveler]

I am curious for those who have had the opportunity to shoot longer (64"-70") longbows, preferably non-metallic/ILF type bows, what your observations were?  Looking at bows like Timberpoint, Javaman, Fox, Omega, etc.  Thank You!

In comparison to say 58-62" ones?  I find the 64"-66"+ to be the smoothest, most stable (I'm more accurate) platform for me when compared to shorter bows.  Kegan's bows are at a cheaper price point than the others you mentioned, but from a shooting standpoint are just as good IMO. Any of the listed bows are great, it just comes down to aesthetics and grip. 

[KeganM]

Thanks, Yooper!

I've got a longer draw and find the longer bows are definitely more accurate and make for an incredibly pleasant setup with heavier arrows. The 70" shoot the most accurately for me, but the 66" models have less thump in the hand and are less cumbersome. I'm working on a 66" with some carbon and a lower draw weight that I'm really liking. I've shot plenty of 66" and they seem to be the shortest I can manage without it becoming too sensitive at my draw, about 31". My arrows are at least 10 grains per pound and if I shot lighter arrows I'd probably keep the lengths a little shorter.

With all the variations in longbows now though, a lot just comes down to preference and individual fit.

[old_goat2]

You need to add Toelke to your list!

[longstiks]

You should also check out Mike's longbows at Mad Dog archery . He makes a great shooter at a very reasonable price and is a great guy to deal with! He's a veteran on top of that and has a quick turn around.
Denny