Where to start?!

[Little Miss Purple]

Advice please!!! I'm looking at getting a longbow but have no idea what kind of weight or bow I should be looking at!! What type of things must I take into consideration before buying??

Thanks in advance!!

ps. I currently pull about 30lbs on my fingers with my recurve, my draw length is just under 26"

[TJ Mason]

I haven't done much traditional archery since my previous spell in the Eighties, but here goes...

For English longbow, look for a bow that's about the same height as you. I think most longbows are quite a bit taller than you but a taller one might also be fine. For flat bows, look for one that's shorter than you.

Flat bows are generally more efficient than long bows at turning draw weight into cast, BTW. That's why I couldn't get along with English longbow and stuck to American Flat Bow.

You can manage more poundage with a longbow than with a recurve, because you just draw back and shoot -- there isn't, or shouldn't be, a holding phase.

Contact Top Tox in Drighlington and ask whether they have any longbows you can try out. Jim's probably better on the trad bows than Lez.

[English Bowman]

I'd try about 40-45lb in a 5' long bow, see if you can try one first, but unlikely as English Longbows are choosy about who they are shot by. I recomment Bickerstaffe bows, and I'd ring him up and talk to him about it http://www.bickerstaffebows.co.uk/
or e-mail him. Tell him Daniel from Purbrook Bowmen sent you!

TJ Is right about the cast, but AFBs aren't proper longbows and you can't shoot GNAS target with them

Daniel

[Macbow]

Depends how "trad" you want to be but whether its ELB or AFB go for it! You might find AFB an easier transition from your current set up as most are cut to centre or near centre and have an arrow shelf. You will also get good performance from even the cheapest AFB and a bow of 35# will send an arrow downrange with surprising speed. AFBs are very durable and don't need much TLC, easy to tune and more consistent to shoot in less experienced hands. There is also life outside GNAS for any competitive urges.
The stickbow bug can bite hard though and this year a "proper longbow" will definitely join my growing collection of bent sticks. An ELB is classic archery and I am in awe of anyone who can shoot one well (a shaft flying out of English Bowman's 70 pounder must be a sight to see!). I am currently hewing my second attempt at a selfbow from a load of yew brought down in the recent storms. The process has given me a real appreciation of how much work and expertise goes into a making a good longbow as my first attempt looked the business but lasted about 10 arrows before exploding.
Try as many bows as you can (a 26" draw shouldn't frighten too many owners) and get whatever feels right for you. And don't discount aesthetics - how a bow looks is just as important to me as performance.
If nothing else just shooting a different style of bow once in a while can only add to your archery enjoyment but beware that metal riser just might start feeling a bit cold, a bit too heavy before too long (LOL)! Just my tuppence worth.

[Yew Selfbow]

L.M.P.
all the previous replys have given good advice. A couple of points I would add are...
1... don't get drawn into the poundage / drawlength discussion. Although these are important factors, fast limb speed will give a better cast to an arrow. I have a 55lb self osage bow that will send a 26.5 gram tapered sycamore shaft nearly 250 yards because of the fast limb speed.
2... What ever you do SPEAK TO A BOWYER. Speak to the man (or woman) who is actually going to make the bow. Discuss what you want to do with the bow and make sure your getting what's right for you.
Call Pip Bickerstaffe.. he'll give you good advice.

[provins]

LMP
You have recieved some great advice here.
Spend some time talking to other longbowers and gain as much knowledge as you can.
Join the British Longbow Society,its only six quid a year, for more info.
As Will Selfbow said don't get drawn into the poundage bit get a bow that feels right for you.
A friend of mine shoots a 20lb bow with 1/4inch shafts and she usually comes first at the NFAS field shoots we inhabit.
Shooting a longbow well requires determination, practice,time spent matching arrows but the joy of getting it right is just reward.
I wish you well in your endeavours,and as someone else pointed out somewhere there is a lot more archery out there besides GNAS.

[Field Archer]

LMP
The lady that provins is possibly referring to is Carol Edwards. She is also a good source for longbow equipment and information.

http://www.carolarchery.com/

[morphymick]

Originally Posted by TJ Mason

For English longbow, look for a bow that's about the same height as you. I think most longbows are quite a bit taller than you but a taller one might also be fine. For flat bows, look for one that's shorter than you.

Either way, you'll need one of Cecile's Elf Bows.

Mick

[Little Miss Purple]

You cheeky monkey MM - I'll still kick your butt!!!! (even if I need to stand on something to do it!!!!)

[long doc]

This is all good advice! Best to see if any longbow archers in your club will let you try out their equipment. 35-40lbs is enough for ladies, 45-50 for men. Men shouldn't fear shooting 35lbs- I do indoors.

And when you have a bow, don't forget the arrows! Have put some advice on the Incomplete Longbow web page.