What to look for when buying a longbow

[wingate_52]

Advice wanted.I have been shooting recurve for 2 seasons, this is my third, I have attained first class outdoors and a C indoors each year. I now want to shoot longbow, what do I look for in a bow. I draw 27" at 45# recurve, and want to shoot targets, both indoors and out.Bamboo backing seems a good idea, laminates, what timbers for a fast reliable bow. can I use a FastFlight string?Poundage, I am 5'8" small, so what length bow with horn nocks.

[Kae]

Bamboo backing is fantastic, I wouldn't buy a bow without it (unless I was going warbow).
The majority of of woods used in bows when used in laminate format will be reliable. A favourite of mine is bamboo back with osage orange belly. Stable and very fast.
You should be able to shoot 10-15# more on a longbow than you can on a recurve, due to the difference in shooting style.
I'd take the bowyers advice on using a FF string. The majority of bowyers can either be contacted or provide such information with the bow.


Kae.

[dtalbot]

Hickory is another good backing, and the name Pip Bickerstaffe on the bow an indication of good quality!

[Mark L]

Originally Posted by wingate_52

Advice wanted.I have been shooting recurve for 2 seasons, this is my third, I have attained first class outdoors and a C indoors each year. I now want to shoot longbow, what do I look for in a bow. I draw 27" at 45# recurve, and want to shoot targets, both indoors and out.Bamboo backing seems a good idea, laminates, what timbers for a fast reliable bow. can I use a FastFlight string?Poundage, I am 5'8" small, so what length bow with horn nocks.

What sort of money are you looking to spend?

[wingate_52]

I am not willing to buy a bow unseen on ebay just because it is a bargain. I have the tools and facilities to make my own, but not the specialist experience or knowledge. A member of my club has built more than a dozen, and shoots them. He is high on the national rankings and shoots for the county.He may be willing to make one for/with me. Then the arrows.With a number of longbow archers I could possibly determine spine by shooting their arrows.I have ash purpleheart,cherry, wenge, bubinga and other timbers suitable for the laminates. I do not want Yew as it softens in the heat of the Cheshire Plains here in Timperley.A 3 laminate bow would suit me.