First Longbow

[MacQuigley]

What are peoples thoughts about the best buy as far as a first longbow?

I fancy a Bickerstaffe "Standard", but then I start looking on the internet and find all sorts of other manufacturers.

Anyone got any preferences or just some advise.

[alanesq]

depends what sort of longbow you are looking for ?

for a first bow to get started I dont thing a £75 Steve Ralphs bow can be beaten - longbows
I have had one a couple of years and cant fault it, its a self bow so very traditional and will even draw to 32"

[MacQuigley]

I was considering a bow from Yew Tree Archery Custom Longbows from Yew Tree Archery but I'll have a good look at the Steve Ralphs bow.

I already have a Scythian bow and a modern recurve, though Ive been shooting arrows for only 8 months (as opposed to shooting lumps of lead for 35 years) so Ive still a LOT to learn. And there are so many longbows about I dont really know where to start.

I do fancy a Falco flatbow as well, but that will probably come after the longbow.

[English Bowman]

The one thing I would say is buy from the bowyer, not from a retail shop, and phone the guy up and talk to him. Tell him what you want, your budget, your level of experience and obviously draw length and weight, then be guided by him. That way you'll get a bow made from him.
I have two Bickerstaffe bows which are excellent, I also have a Ron Palmer bow which is superb, but I'm not sure if he's still around and making bows.
I had a self yew bow from Don Adams, which was good to shoot, but didn't last that well.
I was given a Steve Ralphs bow, and it is awful. It's marked at 75lb, feels heavier and yet has worse cast than my 50lb Palmer bow. Out of all the bowyers who's bows I've shot this is the worst and I wouldn't buy from him based on this bow.

Daniel

[kool4katz]

Totally agree with English Bowman. I have had two bows from Yewtree Archery and they are excellent. Speak to the bowyer Keith Raynor and he will discuss all the options for you and will guide you as to what woods compliment each other correctly.

[MacQuigley]

Spoke with Keith on Monday night. He was both friendly and helpful. So Ive decided I will be buying from him. Just need to finalise what I want and then sell one of my airguns or firearms to find it(Need to keep the better half happy this time round. She have been VERY understanding in all the years Ive shot, but Ive never tought her how to load a firearm therefore I was safe. But even she could us a bow, so Im not safe this time! On top of that its a lot harder to smuggle in a 72" longbow than a 30" carbine!)

[steve58]

Originally Posted by MacQuigley

Spoke with Keith on Monday night. He was both friendly and helpful. So Ive decided I will be buying from him. Just need to finalise what I want and then sell one of my airguns or firearms to find it(Need to keep the better half happy this time round. She have been VERY understanding in all the years Ive shot, but Ive never tought her how to load a firearm therefore I was safe. But even she could us a bow, so Im not safe this time! On top of that its a lot harder to smuggle in a 72" longbow than a 30" carbine!)

Somebody posted the story of his other half taking delivery of a new longbow and holding it hostage until the DIY list was dealt with! Moral of the tale? Collect it in person from the bowyer!

[cloutman360]

I bought 18 very fine Victorian footed arrows which inclued a Purle,a Muir and many Aldreds, unfortunely they arrived when I was at work.

[MacQuigley]

I have a friend who, following the purchase of a brand new £600 long barrelled revolver, had to smuggle it into the house down the leg of his trousers so the wife wouldnt see him carying in a "new gun".

Once in the house and in his safe it wasnt a problem as she couldnt get in there and the gun would always be transported in a case anyway so she wouldnt see it.

I think a new bow would be a bit harder to get in the house that way!

[robtattoo]

Originally Posted by MacQuigley

I think a new bow would be a bit harder to get in the house that way!

That's why I always go for take-downs