A beginner's longbow

[JohnK]

My girlfriend is really enjoying her introduction to archery, and is in fact especially attracted to the joys of longbow shooting.

So, can anyone recommend a good source/bowyer for an entry-level longbow (other than Bickerstaffe), and what sort of budget should we be setting aside for it?

Thanks in advance

[Et tu brute]

Hi, there are a fair few good bowyers around, prices will vary in between them, though mostly the prices are around £150-£200 for a double laminate longbow (you can get much cheaper bows, though these are often more suited to re-enactment rather than target shooting), and £200-£250 for a triple laminate. However that's just a ball park figure, things are often a bit different (a few of the places I'll link to have some very well priced triple laminates). Here are a few links to some bowyers who sell longbows, I got mine from Pete Davidson of Trad longbows (though I actually got it through one of his e-bay auctions).

Bakewell Bows and Woodcraft Ltd.

J &J Traditional Archery Supplies

Yew Tree Archery Traditional English Longbows

http://www.tradlongbows.co.uk/index.htm

longbows

DIY Archery Longbow kits - manufactures of quality handmade Longbow arrows, arrowheads, staves, shafts and accessories

[Ffish]

I bought my son's longbow from Steve Ralphs longbows - really nice guy to deal with, very down to earth, and will give you all the advice you need. We bought a tri-laminate bow, 25# draw weight with horn nocks (plus a dozen specifically spined arrows) and the whole lot cost us around £250 incl P&P.

More info here

Drop him an email and ask what you like, you'll usually get a reply within 24 hours. I can highly recommend him.

[JohnK]

Thank you both, very useful info.

[englishwarbow]

Steve Stratton at DIY archery phone him and talk to him he'll make you exactly what you want and it wont cost you an arm and a leg. He's the only bowyer I know who can make a six inch long perfect tiller self yew bow and he can shoot all grades of bow from the junior bow, to adult target, flight bow and heavy warbow, if you can shoot it then you know how to make it!

DIY Archery Longbow kits - manufactures of quality handmade Longbow arrows, arrowheads, staves, shafts and accessories

[jb.68]

Originally Posted by JohnK

My girlfriend is really enjoying her introduction to archery, and is in fact especially attracted to the joys of longbow shooting.

So, can anyone recommend a good source/bowyer for an entry-level longbow (other than Bickerstaffe), and what sort of budget should we be setting aside for it?

Thanks in advance

Can I ask why you say other than Pip? He makes a bloody good bow.

Personally I would only recommend Pip or Chris Boyton.

[JohnK]

Thanks for the extra information, englishwarbow

jb.68 - because of recommendations made by/experiences of other archers/people in the trade of my acquaintance.

[MATTeL]

Try contacting the chaps at Fairbow, they might be crazy Dutch fellows but they know how to make a bow and keep trying out new things.

Heck my beginner bow in longbow is one I made with them and draws 53ibs at 28", still needing to work it in... just because you are a begineer in the disciple doesn't mean you are needing a lighter bow.

[English Bowman]

Originally Posted by JohnK

jb.68 - because of recommendations made by/experiences of other archers/people in the trade of my acquaintance.

I'm surprised at that. I have 2 of his bows, my wife has one, and there are another 6 of them in the club, and we are all more than happy with the bows, and the service that Pip gave us.

Daniel

[LobbyMuncher]

Originally Posted by English Bowman

I'm surprised at that. I have 2 of his bows, my wife has one, and there are another 6 of them in the club, and we are all more than happy with the bows, and the service that Pip gave us.

Daniel

We use Bickies on the longbow course. All nine of us on the advanced course bought our own bows near the end of the beginners course last year. There are a further eight or so club bows available to the beginners. Coach Bob has several Bickies, I have two and I've just acquired a third. None of us have experienced any problems of any kind with our bows. I'm not suggesting Bickies are the best, I can't because I've not shot anything else, just a little fact to set against the hearsay. Bear in mind this experience relates only to longbows, not warbows.

My first Bickie isn't getting enough attention, if you're interested PM me.
45# @ 28", perfect condition, just shot in.

Cheers

ChrisM