i'm thinking of buying a new longbow of current manufactures.what bow would you guys recomend ???i will use for hunting whitetails

and the hard part is being southpaw

How much you willing to spend? That is is the question first needs to be asked. Then we can talk about manufacturers. The price range is extremely wide with premium product and manufacturers (by reputation) demanding a very hefty premium. Although price isn't always an indicator of quality this is one time all the better bowyers are aligned. $$$ Then I have to ask just to make sure you want a traditional long bow not a recurve or something in between. Last one piece or take down? Length, draw, draw weight, materials used in construction, and any extras you may want. I think I covered everything so lets start knocking it off one at a time. I know what it is like looking for left hand bow equipment, however that can be a good thing if you are looking on the used market. Not many buyers.

I bought a Wes Wallace off of E-bay that I am very happy with. Left-handed to boot!

http://www.acsbows.com/

I got one of the above bows. They seem to have among the best performance numbers.

Having said that: go to a good trad bowshop and try out every bow they have. The best longbow is one you can shoot.

Also: don't go too heavy on the draw weight at your draw length.

If you want something very traditional you'll need a one piece bow. Shoots like the North American longbow safari insist on one piece bows. I really like a take down though as they are easier and cheaper to fly with, mine fits in a suitcase. The Adcock that Don mentioned is the BOMB and you'll never wish for another bow once you have one. I've got 53# and 65# limbs for mine and that will cover just about anything you want to hunt. Cost will be about $1100.00 for the bow, replacement limbs are around $650.00 if I'm not mistaken. These bows don't show up used very often fut if you poke around you can find one. I bought my heavy limbs for $400 used. Then I traded a furnace I wasn't using to my buddy in exchange for a custom made riser of his making and now I really have two bows.

If you want to shoot lots of bows find yourself a traditional shoot and attend, then talk to as many folks as you can and shoot their bows and you'll find something nice as well as making lots of new friends.

I shoot bows (longbow and recurve) made by Bob Sarrels. Bob makes a wicked custom bow and anyone interested in stepping back into more traditional archery should give his bows serious consideration. Here is the website: www.sarrelsarchery.com

ok i'm thinking of 1k or less as far as traditional long bow or recurve i'm open to looking at both currently have an old recurve.my draw is 28 inch as far as one piece or takedown can go either way won't be flying with it

If you are talking recurve my favorite is and has been black widow for 30 plus years. I am still shooting the original one I bought way back when. Longbows are another story. Although I would prefer a one piece as tradition dictates, they are a pain to travel with. I would definitely want a take down model, actually same if buying a new recurve. I like the advice about trying many different bows out. This is especially true when you start to go into the high end long bows. Just because two bows are the same length, draw, and draw weight dosnt mean they will fit you the same. Think of it like trying on a glove or any other piece of clothing until you find the one that is a perfect fit. You are not just settling because it is good enough but it actually becomes an extension of you. It may be that it is a cheaper model. The guys have given you a couple decent leads to start with. You may fall in love with the very first bow you try. I certainly did. You need to keep looking though until you are sure you have exhausted your options. There are so many great makers now that you don't want to limit yourself. That said you find a great deal on one you love grab it! Good luck with your search.
You still need to think about materials used in manufacture both for asthetics and performance.

I really like the modern-style of longbow made by Black Widow. But they're just over $1000, I think.

For a more traditional longbow, and for a cost of about $700, I recommend Craig Ekin of Howard Hill Archery in Montana.

The first longbow I bought was from a relatively unknown maker and the price was right and I was broke. When I got more money and got a better bow I tried to sell that thing for two years and no bites. I know if I tried to sell a black widow, fedora, jack kemp, Adcock, etc. it would be gone in a week. Something else to think about.

Yea that is the down side to black widow. If you look at me though I have owned my recurve from them for almost 30 years now. So even though it is a lot of money upfront, amortized over the life of my bow it is nothing. Im still shooting it to this day.

I agree, Mike: The most expensive, custom-made traditional bow is quite cheap compared to many factory rifles, let alone the custom ones.

quote:

For a more traditional longbow, and for a cost of about $700, I recommend Craig Ekin of Howard Hill Archery in Montana.

+1000

check out Great Northern Bowhunting Company in Nashville Michigan

Another great performing and looking bow is a Martin savannah, not custom but a great shooting and quiet bow.

Take a look here: Lots of choices

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi

I'm partial to Big River Longbows out of Wisconsin Rapids, WI Custom made, high quality bows at working man's prices. John has been making bows for longer than a lot of folks have been alive. (Since the 50's)

I just cringe when I see prices like $750 and $1,000 for a longbow. Just don't think it's necessary to pay that much to get a quality, handmade, custom bow.

Its a great site. Nothing wrong with buying used that is for sure. One thing to note is the brands of bows that are not being sold used. There is a good reason their owners keep them. Sometimes you can learn as much or more from what is not for sale than what is in a situation like this. Just as an example, you do not see Black Widow or a couple other manufacturers. I know you probably are looking at a lower end for your first bow. I mean midrange in price not quality. Just use these types of parameters to get an idea of makers and start looking at the models to see what you like.