He's walking in stealth mode, calculating his every footstep. The game must not escape today. He has ammunition in the quiver. Determined like a warrior, he aims at the game, waits for that perfect moment, and then….
Wait! Imagine that you are the archer of our story. Now, if you want the ending to go in your favor, you must write the rest of the tale. How? Well, by making sure that you know well how to choose a longbow right. Yes, no ordinary archer can write tales of triumph unless he owns the perfect longbow.
So, let's learn to become happy archers by perfecting our longbow-buying skills. Here, we are going to talk about everything that contributes to a successful longbow purchase.
Table of Contents
Considerations To Choose the Right Longbow
Buying a longbow can be tricky if you are unsure of what to look for. No need to worry; we are here to settle things down. Let's talk about the features to keep in mind during the purchase.
AMO Length
If you are looking for a forgiving bow, then longer bows will suit you best. Yes, they don't only provide comfort but also ensure the smoothest shooting experience. Moreover, you get to enjoy stability. Now, how do the bowyers measure their bows? Let's check it out.
The Relation between Draw Length and Longbow Length:
Longbow Length | Draw Length |
|---|---|
64" | 24" |
66" | 24" to 27" |
66" to 68" | 27" to 28" |
68" to 70" | 28" to 30" |
70" to 72" | 31" + |
Now, it's alright if the measurements are confusing you. All you got to focus on is your ability to carry the bow. We mean, if the bow is too long for you to handle, then the shots are going to be all over the place, missing the target by an awful distance.
Material
You have quite a few options to choose from when it comes to the material. Wood is a great choice. It gives you the classic feeling that you might relish as an archer. Maple and walnut aren't bad, either.
They provide the smoothness that one yearns for.
You might also be into ash that makes good old longbows too. Some archers are fascinated by the use of glass fiber fabric. Needless to say that the strength these modern longbows show is unbelievable.
On top of that, they offer better flexibility.
Now, let's talk about the variety of materials introduced in the arrows. Professionals love wooden arrows more. However, they require extra work from your end. Checking them after each shot to detect any damages might not be fun for some. So, if you want to enjoy easy archery sessions, consider others.
For a beginner, fiberglass can be the best option. It's cheap and easy to deal with. But, they don't suit high draw weight. Carbon arrows make excellent choices if you are into lightweight arrows. They offer amazing stability.
However, aluminum arrows are perfect for both affordability and strength. Professionals also prefer them when they aren't interested in wooden ones.
Bow Weight
Firstly, you should never buy a too-heavy longbow when you are new to the drill. Hunting will be fun no more if the bow becomes burdensome to carry. And you need to keep in mind that the draw will add to the weight significantly once you've spotted the game.
Now, some hunting enthusiasts make the mistake of starting with heavy draws. But here's the deal – if you want to perfect your aim by shooting a bunch of arrows, you need light draws. So, do not fall into the common mistakes that some of the newbies make.
Brace Height
Moderation concerning the brace height is always recommended. Therefore, they say that a 7-inch brace height is perfect for a beginner. If it's shorter than that, the whole operation will become thoroughly uncomfortable.
Now, the good news is that you have assurance in this regard while buying a new bow. The manufacturers will never make the mistake of selling a bow with improper brace height.
However, it might go wrong at the time of buying a separate string when the time comes. So, do not go below 6 inches, and you should be fine.
Consider the Eye Dominance
If you are a veteran archer, you probably have a fair idea regarding your ocular dominance. And you might already know how to use this knowledge when it comes to choosing a longbow.
But, if you are new to archery, the term ocular dominance basically states the dominant eye. In other words, it is the eye that your brain trusts more than the other.
You need to perform a simple test to figure out which is your dominant.
Point to a distant object while keeping both eyes open. Then, close one eye and check which eye keeps the pointer finger directly on the object.
For most, it will be the right eye. And if your dominant eye is on the left, you would want to do most of the shooting with the left eye.
How is this information relevant? Knowing your dominant eye will allow you to get the bow that is suitable for your shooting capability.
Knocking Point
Another important factor is the knocking point. When you are aiming for consistency in placing the arrows in the bow, you need to have an accurate knocking point.
Otherwise, the arrow will move haphazardly, making a big mess. Now, unless there are faulty mechanics, the knocking point is usually accurate.
Accessories
If you don't have useful tools in your possession, maneuvering the longbow will be tough in the beginning. Now, among the accessories, We will remind you about the bow stringer foremost. This is the tool you want to own if you are eager to give your feet some rest.
Another important tool is the armguard. Your loved ones won't be too happy when you return home after your hunting mission after getting bruised.
Yes, it happens to hunters with bows now and then. The slapping can be hard at times if the bow is a strong one. So, protect your arms with a bracer and return home as good as new.
Gloves are protective when you are on a serious pursuit. For example, you may want to use the bow for shot after shot to improve your skill. Meanwhile, a strong pair of gloves will ensure safe and secure hands.
Among other things, you might want to consider buying a target and quiver. Of course, the target must be arrow-friendly. And buying a gorgeous quiver is never a bad investment. Moreover, you need to choose from the various broadheads carefully. They need to be precise according to the size of the game.
Limbs
Once you've bought your desired longbow, you are stuck to its limbs for the rest of the lifespan. Therefore, scrutinize the comfort and efficacy they can offer. If getting good limbs means spending a few extra bucks, you shouldn't mind unless you are on an extremely tight budget.
Custom Vs. Stock
Last but not least, consider whether you want a raw experience or want to get a customized experience.
The custom bows will be tuned to your preference, just like the name suggests. They will have different accessories that you will not typically find in a long bow.
Alternatively, the stock bow is a predesigned or prebuilt bow that is built for everyone.
Where to Buy a Longbow?
You will not need to go through that many hassles when it comes to purchasing a stock longbow. They are available in pretty much every archery shop.
In fact, you can even order one online. But if your question is where to buy a longbow that is customized, you will need to hunt a bowyer down.
Final Words
The most important factor is yet to be mentioned. Yes, We have saved the topic of comfort for the perfect moment. The longbow that feels right in your hands is the one for you. If it feels cozy, then you are excused from getting worked up about other factors.
We hope that the article helped answer the question – how to choose a longbow like a pro? Yes, buy the bow with a solid determination; the day you will be regarded as a pro might not be far.
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