Recommend a 'starter' AFB?

[Haywain]

Originally Posted by Jimbo

Sorry if I'm being dumb/a newb, what is 'noce'

Typo on my part Jimbo....... Should have read as "nice"..... It's my fat fingers that do it

[Haywain]

Originally Posted by robtattoo

The only thing is, if the strung profile still has a trace of reflex, it just puts you into Hunting Tackle as opposed to AFB at NFAS shoots.

The rule about forming a D also applies to the EFAA as well. It is something to bear in mind. It would be a shame to turn up for an open shoot registered as AFB and then get disqualified because your bow does not conform.

All I'm saying is know your bow and the class it will put you in before you buy.

[Jimbo]

Originally Posted by Haywain

Typo on my part Jimbo....... Should have read as "nice"..... It's my fat fingers that do it

Doh! I should have realised (at least after looking at my keyboard)

And thanks everybody for the various information. It's certainly given me something to think about.

[Jimbo]

Right then, my list so far comprises of:

• Internature Flatbow, £99.99 from Bowsports
• Samwha Traditional Flat Bow, £110.00 from Archery World
• Millenium Metis Field Bow, £119.99 from Bowsports. Does anybody know anything about these? (Quality, value, etc.)
• Samick Super Woodsman, £115.00 from Quicks
• Ragim Little Hawk, £153.09 from Merlin. Searching on AIUK these seem to be well regarded, is that a true assessment?
• Samick Verna Flatbow, £164.00 from Archery World
• BowTec Mistral. Somebody mentioned a price if £150'ish for a BowTec, but these seem to be marked at £200 (quite a bit above my budget), is this the right bow or is there a cheaper (suitable) one?

My budget is up to £150, but I'd prefer it if I can keep it around/below the £125 mark. Are there any other options I should be considering? I'd be reticent to get one off of eBay (or similar) as I don't really know enough about what I'd be getting.

[robtattoo]

Out of your list, I've only ever had experience with the Internature & Metis. Personally I prefer the looks of the Metis, but the handshock was apalling! The internature is a really nice bow to shoot, bit of handshock but nothing ridiculous, nice & smooth draw to 29", well made & generally excellent value for money. As a first bow to get you going, you'll not go wrong with it!
I've never been a big fan of Ragim bows (although those who use 'em seem to love 'em!) after seeing 2 explode on peole
Also, just to forther confuse, have a look at the Samick Super woodsman (£115 from Quicks) It has a really nice hybrid style grip & looks the business! Not seen one in the flesh, but I've heard nothing but good stuff about them (as opposed to absolutely EVERYTHING else made by Samick!!)

[robtattoo]

Jim, you have PM.

[Jimbo]

Originally Posted by robtattoo

Out of your list, I've only ever had experience with the Internature & Metis. Personally I prefer the looks of the Metis, but the handshock was apalling! The internature is a really nice bow to shoot, bit of handshock but nothing ridiculous, nice & smooth draw to 29", well made & generally excellent value for money. As a first bow to get you going, you'll not go wrong with it!
I've never been a big fan of Ragim bows (although those who use 'em seem to love 'em!) after seeing 2 explode on peole
Also, just to forther confuse, have a look at the Samick Super woodsman (£115 from Quicks) It has a really nice hybrid style grip & looks the business! Not seen one in the flesh, but I've heard nothing but good stuff about them (as opposed to absolutely EVERYTHING else made by Samick!!)

Cheers, for some bizarre reason I'd completely forgotten about Quicks ('Heaven forfend', I hear you cry, 'how could you forget about the force that is Quicks' ). I'll update my list accordingly.

Question, this seems (to me) to have a slight recurve on the ends, would this be enough to knock it out of the NFAS AFB class?

[robtattoo]

Technically yes, but you can still shoot in Hunting Tackle. The 2 classes are so close, scoring-wise, that it makes little or no difference. I have to shoot HT for the same reason.

[Macbow]

If it's a starter AFB then I'd spend as little as possible - my Internature Viper cost £50 from an ebay seller. I got rid of the fat, sluggish flemish string and fitted a 14 strand fastflite endless loop string and took a rasp to the oversize limb tips which upped the performance and virtually eliminated the handshock. If you later decide that the AFB is for you then you can splash out on a custom bow. If you were even considering the Samick Verna I'd urge you to work another month and spend a bit more on a Bowtec Mistral as it is such a sweet shooter and finished to an incredibly high standard - and meets every competition limb shape ruling. The £150 mentioned previously was not the cost - at around £200 the Mistral is priced £150 less than you'd expect to pay for it. Personally I'd go straight for the Mistral - you'd never regret having a quality bow made by a well respected British bowyer for about £50 more than a Ragim or the Verna. It will feel good in the hand, shoot good, help you shoot good and you'll feel good every time you look at it. Give Dave a call at Bowtec and get the ball rolling right now - you know you want to!

[Jimbo]

Originally Posted by Macbow

Give Dave a call at Bowtec and get the ball rolling right now - you know you want to!

Aaaaarg! You are so right, but my wife would kill me! (and there's Christmas coming up, some home improvements to pay for and it's nice to be able eat at some point )