Wooden Longbow

Hunter Ritter
13 min readMar 21, 2024

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Welcome archery enthusiasts! Today, we’re delving into the realm of classic weaponry with a roundup of the best wooden longbows available on the market. We’ve carefully selected these longbows based on their accuracy, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Get ready to experience the thrill of shooting arrows with these sturdy wooden longbows.

The Top 8 Best Wooden Longbow

  1. Stylish Beginner Wooden Longbow Set with Accessories — The Lil’ John Longbow Set, featuring a 29" youth longbow, Makore, maple and black fiberglass construction, offers a smooth draw for kids aged 3 to 6, complete with arrows, quiver, armguard, and a padded case.
  2. Timber Ridge Takedown Longbow — Compact and Smooth Shooter — Experience the beauty of traditional archery with the Western Archery Timber Ridge Takedown Longbow, featuring exceptional construction, easy setup, and exceptional accuracy for a truly immersive outdoor experience.
  3. October Mountain Strata Longbow: Handcrafted Wooden Longbow — Experience high performance and elegance with the October Mountain Strata Longbow, featuring hand-selected cassia siamea and padauk woods, black fiberglass limbs, and a smooth draw for ultimate archery enjoyment.
  4. Authentic Montana Longbow for Traditional Archery — Experience the smooth and powerful shooting performance of the Montana Longbow, featuring black maple and white maple limbs, a leather grip, side plates, and Dynaflight 97 Flemish string.
  5. October Mountain Ozark Hunter Longbow: High-Performance Traditional Archery Equipment — Experience a perfect blend of traditional design and modern performance with October Mountain Ozark Hunter Longbow, featuring a sleek handle/limb design, exceptional brace height, and compatibility with Fast Flight strings.
  6. Ragim Raven Longbow: Italian Craftsmanship, Smooth Draw, and Versatile Design — Ragim’s Raven Longbow offers a perfect blend of Italian craftsmanship, durability, and customizable features, making it the ideal choice for both hunters and target shooters.
  7. Bear Montana Longbow in Black: High Performance Hunting Weapon — Experience precision and power with the durable Bear Fred Montana Longbow Black 40lbs. RH, designed for optimal performance and accuracy.
  8. Ozark Hunter Longbow for Archery Enthusiasts — Experience the power of the October Mountain Ozark Hunter Longbow, a sleek and smooth-shooting 68-inch longbow designed with high performance in mind, available in both left and right hand variants.

Reviews

Stylish Beginner Wooden Longbow Set with Accessories

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My son has been eagerly awaiting his chance to become a junior archer, so we decided to gift him the Lil’ John Longbow Set. As soon as he unboxed it, he was captivated by the 36" youth longbow made from makore, maple, and black fiberglass. The 10-pound draw weight at 16 inches felt right for him, and he was proud to test it out with the included three 26" fiberglass arrows, each adorned with 2.5" vanes and metal glue-on bullet points.

He even appreciated the thoughtful extras — a belt quiver, armguard, and a padded bow case. While he’s still learning the ropes, we believe that this set will help him develop his archery skills in no time.

Timber Ridge Takedown Longbow — Compact and Smooth Shooter

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The Timber Ridge take-down longbow is a stunning piece of craftsmanship that blends exotic hardwoods with maple for a rich grain pattern and plenty of curves. At just 60 inches in length, it’s perfect for archery on the go or for smaller shooters. However, its compact size doesn’t compromise its performance. Drawing up to 29 inches smoothly and quietly, it’s a joy to use.

The 15-inch riser boasts a highly radiused shelf for minimal arrow contact, enhancing accuracy. With a medium grip for a perfect fit, it feels comfortable in your hand. The felt limb pads at the connection points also keep everything quiet, especially when resting on a rug.

The limbs are made of exotic hardwoods with clear fiberglass laminations, offering reinforced tips that make them FastFlight compatible. Their reinforced tips provide additional durability for the draw. The single pin and bolt limb attachment system is both easy to use and sturdy.

Apart from the Dacron Flemish Twist bowstring included, you also get a set of limb bolts, limb bolt Allen wrench, and a bow case. The case is a bonus that’s zippered and protects your valuable bow from the elements or damage. But the best part is the price you’re paying for such a versatile and reliable longbow.

In terms of customer experience, several users have expressed their satisfaction, highlighting the smooth draw, the quietness, and the accuracy of the bow. The fact that it comes with high-quality limb bolts and a case adds value to the package. However, some reviewers have mentioned that the edges of the limbs can be a bit sharp, and the brace height can be fickle.

Nevertheless, the Timber Ridge Takedown Longbow has been a popular and rewarding choice for many archers, providing not just great performance on the field, but also a sense of tradition, beauty, and satisfaction.

October Mountain Strata Longbow: Handcrafted Wooden Longbow

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I recently had the pleasure of trying out the October Mountain Strata Longbow, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. This beautifully crafted longbow features a custom blend of cassia siamea and padauk woods, giving it a distinct and elegant appearance. With its black fiberglass limbs and reinforced tips, it offers a smooth and comfortable shooting experience.

One of the standout features of this longbow is its traditional design, which combines high performance with a smooth draw. It even accommodates Fast Flight strings for that perfect, modern touch. The recommended brace height of 6.5" to 7.5" ensures a comfortable and accurate shot, and I appreciated the included string for added convenience.

Now, let’s talk about the slight hand shock I experienced when using lighter arrows. This was a small downside, but nothing a seasoned archer can’t work around. I also wished the handle was slightly longer, but overall, it’s a minor nitpick considering the affordability of this longbow.

Delivery of the Strata Longbow was a breeze, and it arrived a week earlier than expected. This added extra value to my purchasing experience. If you’re in the market for a high-quality, affordable longbow, look no further than the October Mountain Strata Longbow. Its combination of elegance, performance, and affordability makes it a worthy addition to any archer’s collection.

Authentic Montana Longbow for Traditional Archery

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A reliable and sturdy workhorse of a bow, the Fred Bear Montana Longbow quickly became my go-to choice for hunting. Its smooth draw and accurate shots make it a top contender, even for those with high standards.

Though the leather grip could be better, its durability and consistency continue to impress. The Dynaflight 97 Flemish string provides fantastic string silencers and a whisper-quiet operation, making it perfect for hunting in any conditions.

October Mountain Ozark Hunter Longbow: High-Performance Traditional Archery Equipment

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As an archery enthusiast, I’ve had the chance to give the October Mountain Ozark Hunter Longbow a whirl. This bad boy is 68 inches long and weighs a sturdy 35 pounds, making it perfect for those hunters out there looking for high-performance and a smooth draw. The wooden handle and limbs make for a great feel in the hand, and the black fiberglass limbs make it easy to shoot, thanks to their reinforced limb tips and Fast Flight string compatibility.

Smoothness on the draw and quietness on the release are definite winners for this longbow, making it a great option for beginning archers or those looking to just have a little fun. One downside, though, is the recommended brace height of 6 to 7 and a half inches. This may not be suitable for all users, so it’s good to keep that in mind before making a purchase.

Overall, the October Mountain Ozark Hunter Longbow is a worthwhile investment for any hunter looking for a reliable, high-performance longbow. Just be sure to give it a thorough inspection upon arrival, as some users have reported packaging issues in the past.

Ragim Raven Longbow: Italian Craftsmanship, Smooth Draw, and Versatile Design

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I recently found myself trying out Ragim’s Raven longbow, and I must say, it’s quite impressive! The blend of Italian craftsmanship and modern materials results in a lightweight yet sturdy bow that’s perfect for both hunting and target practice.

One of the first things that caught my eye was the 8 laminations that give it a striking appearance. It might seem like a small detail, but it definitely adds to the aesthetic appeal. Plus, the smooth draw makes it a joy to use and is ideal for those long, accurate shots. The length of the bow at 66" is perfect for easy handling, and it’s available in a range of draw weights, making it suitable for various skill levels.

However, I did notice a slight downside during my experience. Despite being advertised at a particular draw weight, the bow seemed to perform better at a slightly higher weight. This might not be an issue for some, but it’s worth mentioning. Overall, the Ragim Raven longbow offers an excellent combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation, making it a rewarding choice for both enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Bear Montana Longbow in Black: High Performance Hunting Weapon

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Imagine yourself with a Bear Montana Longbow Black 40lbs RH, taking a shot at your target with precision and power. The reflex-deflex design of the bow ensures a smooth and shock-free experience, while the black hard-rock maple riser adds to both the durability and aesthetic appeal of the product.

I had the pleasure of using this longbow, and I must say it lived up to the hype. Shooting with it felt like an instinctual dance — every movement was seamless, and the accurate hits just seemed to come naturally. The tips, which are layered with hardy black and white fiberglass, provide an added layer of strength, ensuring the bow would withstand years of use.

However, one downside to my experience was the leather “shoot off the shelf” arrow rest. While it did its job in allowing for clean arrow flight, fitting it just right was a bit tricky. But other than that minor hiccup, I can confidently say this was a fantastic product that held up to its reputation.

Ozark Hunter Longbow for Archery Enthusiasts

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I recently stumbled upon this traditional longbow, called the Ozark Hunter. Designed for those with a passion for archery and the outdoors, it’s a beautifully crafted piece that combines both performance and aesthetics. The bow is made from hard maple and walnut woods, giving it a sleek and sturdy design, while the black fiberglass limbs add a touch of elegance. One of my favorite features is its compatibility with the Fast Flight string, allowing for a smooth and quiet draw. It’s available in various weight options and for both left and right-handed users.

However, one thing I must be honest about is the not-so-impressive finishing, which gives it a somewhat rough look. It was evident in the string grooves and arrow shelf, which had clear sanding marks. The bow also arrived with the fibers slightly exposed. But, as they say, looks can be deceiving. Despite these minor imperfections, the Ozark Hunter performed exceptionally well and provided a smooth shooting experience.

I can now appreciate the fine balance between function and appearance. The bow’s design minimizes hand shock, and its solid construction stands the test of time. Even though the shipping package was not in the best condition upon arrival, the bow itself seemed to be fine. I would definitely recommend this bow to both beginners and seasoned archers who prize performance over a perfect finish. Just remember to inspect the bow upon arrival for any potential damage.

Buyer’s Guide

Welcome to the buyer’s guide section for our wooden longbow article. In this section, we will explore the essential features to consider when purchasing a wooden longbow, as well as provide helpful advice on how to make the best choice for your needs.

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Material

The material used to construct a wooden longbow plays a crucial role in its performance. Typically, high-quality wooden longbows are made from yew wood, which is known for its strength and flexibility. Other woods, such as ash or redwood, can also be used but may not provide the same level of performance as yew. Ensure the bow you choose is crafted from a durable and flexible wood to ensure longevity and accuracy.

Draw Weight

Draw weight is another essential factor to consider when buying a wooden longbow. The draw weight determines the force required to pull the bowstring back. It is crucial to choose a bow with the appropriate draw weight for your skill level and intended purpose. Generally, novices should start with a lighter draw weight (below 30 lbs) and work their way up as they become more accustomed to the bow. For experienced archers and hunting purposes, a heavier draw weight is recommended.

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Length

The length of a wooden longbow is also an important consideration. Longer bows typically have more power, while shorter bows are more maneuverable. For most beginners, a bow length between 60 and 68 inches is suitable. For taller individuals, a longer bow may be necessary to achieve optimal accuracy and comfort. Always consult with an expert or use a bow-sizing tool to determine the appropriate length for your height and shooting style.

Construction

A well-constructed wooden longbow is essential for optimal performance. Check for signs of warping or other damage to the limbs and ensure the bow is symmetrical. Additionally, the nocks (the ends of the bow) should be durable and securely fastened to the limbs. A high-quality bow should also have a smooth and consistent grip for added comfort and control during use.

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Price

When purchasing a wooden longbow, it is essential to consider the price. Higher-end bows often come with a higher price tag due to the quality of materials and construction. However, it is important not to compromise on performance and durability for the sake of cost. Research various sellers and brands, comparing prices and product specifications to find the best value for your money.

Age and Care

Proper storage and care of a wooden longbow are crucial to maintaining its performance and longevity. When not in use, store the bow in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Avoid using the bow in extremely cold or wet conditions, as this can cause the wood to warp, affecting its performance. Additionally, periodically inspect the bow for signs of wear and tear, ensuring it remains well-maintained and safe for use.

Choosing the right wooden longbow requires considering various factors, such as material, draw weight, length, construction, and price. With proper research and attention to detail, you can find a high-quality longbow that suits your needs and enhances your archery experience. Happy shooting!

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FAQ

What are the different types of wooden longbows available in the market?

There are various types of wooden longbows, such as the traditional English longbow, the Welsh longbow, and the hornback longbow. These differ in their materials, construction, and design, hence affecting their performance and price.

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What factors should I consider when choosing a wooden longbow?

  • Length: The ideal length of a longbow depends on the archer’s height, arm length, and drawing style. A general rule of thumb is to choose a longbow that is around nose to eyebrow height for the archer.
  • Weight: A heavier longbow will provide more power, but it may also be more challenging to handle.
  • Material: Wooden longbows can be made from various materials, such as yew, willow, or hornbeam, each with its own characteristics and benefits.
  • Historical accuracy: If you are interested in historical reenactment, you may want to choose a longbow that replicates a specific period’s design and materials.
  • Price: The cost of a wooden longbow can vary significantly depending on its quality, materials, and craftsmanship.

How do I maintain and care for my wooden longbow?

To keep your wooden longbow in good condition, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Occasionally, wipe the bow with a soft cloth and apply a suitable oil or wax to preserve its natural moisture and prevent cracking. Avoid exposing the longbow to extreme temperatures, humidity, or moisture, which can cause damage to the wood.

Can I use a wooden longbow for target shooting or archery competitions?

Yes, wooden longbows can be used for target shooting and archery competitions. However, it is essential to ensure that the longbow meets the specific competition’s rules and requirements and is well-maintained and properly fitted to the archer.

Are there any safety precautions I should take when using a wooden longbow?

  • Always ensure that your longbow is in good working condition and well-maintained to prevent accidents.
  • Never point a loaded longbow at someone or anything you do not wish to shoot.
  • Always aim in the direction you want the arrow to travel, and never let your fingers slide off the string while releasing the arrow.
  • Wear proper safety gear, such as gloves, eye protection, and a mouth guard, to minimize the risk of injury.
  • Follow local and national archery and shooting regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

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