Secondhand Longbows

[crispy]

Hi everyone, I'm new to archery, been reading loads and learning loads off these postings, as my interest is longbow/warbow.
Is it me or does it seem that secondhand longbows are expensive compared to purchasing a new one? I keep an eye on ebay and it seems to me some of these secondhand bows go for quite a lot. I think I'd rather pay that little bit more and get one unused, so longer life etc etc.
Or, if I was to purchase one from ebay I'd at least see it in the 'flesh' first.
I must admit there is a lovely bow on there at present (63lbs self yew medievel war bow) but that's the price of a small car, could I justify to the missus this? Back to my original question, secondhand bows expensive?

[CRUSADE14]

I found that ebay was expensive for second hand longbows, but fairly reasonable for new ones. i got mine for £100, Tri laminate 45lb. its not the prettiest bow but if it lasts me a year or two its done its job and got me into shooting longbow. I will then spend a bit more on a custom made bow.

[LobbyMuncher]

Originally Posted by crispy

Hi everyone, I'm new to archery, been reading loads and learning loads off these postings, as my interest is longbow/warbow.
Is it me or does it seem that secondhand longbows are expensive compared to purchasing a new one? I keep an eye on ebay and it seems to me some of these secondhand bows go for quite a lot. I think I'd rather pay that little bit more and get one unused, so longer life etc etc.
Or, if I was to purchase one from ebay I'd at least see it in the 'flesh' first.
I must admit there is a lovely bow on there at present (63lbs self yew medievel war bow) but that's the price of a small car, could I justify to the missus this? Back to my original question, secondhand bows expensive?

Keep an eye out on here, crispy. I bought a lovely 50# Bickerstaffe, hickory/purpleheart/lemonwood, in absolutely perfect condition, extremely well cared for. I'd describe the condition as "just shot in", although the bow is around 2 years old. Neo, the seller, went to some lengths to provide additional detailed pictures of the bow and also to ensure that it reached me in perfect nick and on a day when I was working from home. Neo would have done all this in any case, but what you will get buying from here is providence and accountability to an extent which ebay cannot provide.
Back to your original question: the price was a modest but agreeable percentage below cost. The real benefit was getting exactly the poundage and construction I wanted in two days instead of six weeks, and without having to worry about what would turn up.

[English Bowman]

Get a new longbow. Unless you know the history of the bow it's not worth risking a second hand longbow. You don't know if it's been cared for properly or not. It may have been over drawn, dry loosed or had strings break on it.
Plus the fact if you buy new you get a guarantee and the bow is made for you.

Thanks

Daniel

[jb.68]

Originally Posted by English Bowman

Get a new longbow. Unless you know the history of the bow it's not worth risking a second hand longbow. You don't know if it's been cared for properly or not. It may have been over drawn, dry loosed or had strings break on it.
Plus the fact if you buy new you get a guarantee and the bow is made for you.

Thanks

Daniel

I completely agree there. I do know people who have bought them second hand but usually from someone they know and that way at least, the history of the bow is known. Equally you may be lucky in getting one from ebay or the like, but as Daniel says, there is no guarantee with it.

[crispy]

Hey guys thanks for the advice, I reckon I'll be asking a few questions on here seeing as I'm the only longbow-er in the club I'm in and I'm new to archery per se.
I'd be inclined to trust buying a bow from someone off here, as we're enthusiasts and I don't reckon we're here to rip people off, rather, to share in our interest. Now, I need to check out the posts ref arrows to make sure I don't duplicate a thread, thanks all :-)

[Longbow_Gold]

Originally Posted by English Bowman

Get a new longbow. Unless you know the history of the bow it's not worth risking a second hand longbow. You don't know if it's been cared for properly or not. It may have been over drawn, dry loosed or had strings break on it.
Plus the fact if you buy new you get a guarantee and the bow is made for you.

Thanks

Daniel

I would also prefer to go with choosing a new longbow, purely for the reasons that Daniel has already mentioned, plus on top of that, if the bow you order turns out to be a little lighter/heavier in draw weight, than you would like, you could always send it back to the bowyer and have the bow exchanged for one that suits your requirements

Willie