Longbow advice please

I'm considering buying a longbow for use in target archery.

I would like to be able to shoot it at a York or fita, any distance actually and may even have a go at clout.

I'm quite strong and found a 50lb bow Ok and could probably cope with a little more without being over bowed.

What should I look for when chosing a manufacturer and the materials they are made from. I really like the bamboo backed bows but have no idea if it's good, bad or indifferent.

Price wise I feel I have a budget of about £300.

Any info will be much appreciated.

[Kae]

Bamboo backed bows are by far some of the fastest bows you can buy.
Like any other boy, try before you buy, and try talking to a couple of experienced bowyers about different bows before you choose.

a rule of thumb, is that you can handle a longbow between 15-20# heavier than your recurve (this doesn't apply to compound for obvious reasons).

Often its not about the poundage, but the speed of the woods and the design.
For example, a bow with a more procounced D section is faster than one with a flatter section, unless its much thicker etc.

It's difficult to explain, but easy to demonstrate.

Originally Posted by Kae

Bamboo backed bows are by far some of the fastest bows you can buy.
Like any other boy, try before you buy, and try talking to a couple of experienced bowyers about different bows before you choose.

a rule of thumb, is that you can handle a longbow between 15-20# heavier than your recurve (this doesn't apply to compound for obvious reasons).

Often its not about the poundage, but the speed of the woods and the design.
For example, a bow with a more procounced D section is faster than one with a flatter section, unless its much thicker etc.

It's difficult to explain, but easy to demonstrate.

Cheers Kae, I much rather go down the efficient route by buying a bow that is fast due to it's design, rather than just buying a heavy bow. But I want to best of both worlds speed and smooth. Is this possible? I Guess bamboo will be out of my price range anyhow?

[Kae]

Not at all.
High poundage = big thick heavy limbs, which often slow the bow down.
Therefore, lower poundage, can often make a faster bow becuase the limbs aren't as heavy, and the string doesn't have to be as thick.

The most important thing is to shop around.

You will pay a premium if you go for a Pip Bickerstaff or simliar bow (just because he is a reputable bowyer). Although I don't like the service, Archery World have some cheaper one and two laminate bows, but don't believe in bamboo.

Most importantly, shop around. There is no harm in trying an unknown bowyer, as long as it comes with some sort of guarantee. As soon as you start shooting the bow you'll know if there is a problem (ie if it snaps and slaps you on the head, lol).

Originally Posted by Kae

Not at all.
High poundage = big thick heavy limbs, which often slow the bow down.
Therefore, lower poundage, can often make a faster bow becuase the limbs aren't as heavy, and the string doesn't have to be as thick.

The most important thing is to shop around.

You will pay a premium if you go for a Pip Bickerstaff or simliar bow (just because he is a reputable bowyer). Although I don't like the service, Archery World have some cheaper one and two laminate bows, but don't believe in bamboo.

Most importantly, shop around. There is no harm in trying an unknown bowyer, as long as it comes with some sort of guarantee. As soon as you start shooting the bow you'll know if there is a problem (ie if it snaps and slaps you on the head, lol).

OK Kae,

I'm in no rush, I feel a bow will "find me" somehow.

[laminatekid]

try this guy http://www.tradlongbows.co.uk/index.htm he also sell on ebay so you can soemtimes get a bargin, most of his bows are set back at the handle so they are quite fast....I'm sure he was selling bamboo backed bows one of which went for £170 or something...you will probably hear me say this a bit on this forum but a fastflight string makes all the difference, so much faster than dacron which makes 100yrds a lot easier....

Originally Posted by laminatekid

try this guy http://www.tradlongbows.co.uk/index.htm he also sell on ebay so you can soemtimes get a bargin, most of his bows are set back at the handle so they are quite fast....I'm sure he was selling bamboo backed bows one of which went for £170 or something...you will probably hear me say this a bit on this forum but a fastflight string makes all the difference, so much faster than dacron which makes 100yrds a lot easier....

I am watching two of his bows as we speak. I did try a Fast flight string on a Bickerstaffe bow. Made a HUGH difference to the cast.
Cheers for the input LK