Have you ever seen a longbow arrow fly through the air, hitting its target with deadly accuracy? Imagine the skill and power behind that shot! Longbows are amazing weapons, steeped in history and requiring incredible precision.
But choosing the right longbow can feel overwhelming. There are so many different types, sizes, and materials! Do you need a bow for hunting, target practice, or just for fun? Wood? Fiberglass? Recurve or straight? The sheer number of choices makes it easy to get lost and frustrated. Many beginners feel confused and unsure which longbow will suit their needs and skill level.
This guide will clear up the confusion. We’ll break down the essential things you need to know about longbows. You’ll learn about different bow styles, materials, and how to choose the right draw weight for you. We’ll also discuss safety, maintenance, and even some basic archery techniques. By the end, you’ll be confident in choosing the perfect longbow to start your archery journey (or upgrade your existing one!).
Let’s start by exploring the fascinating history of the longbow and its enduring appeal…
Our Top 5 Long Bow Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Long Bow Detailed Reviews
1. Sanlida Archery 68” Royal X8 Longbow Traditional Wooden Hunting Bow Handmade Hunting Bow and Arrows kit for Adults & Traditional Archers
Rating: 9.2/10
The Sanlida Archery Royal X8 Longbow is a complete archery kit perfect for adult beginners and experienced traditional archers. This handmade longbow boasts a 68-inch length and comes with everything you need to start shooting, including arrows, a bow stringer, armguard, and more. Made from high-quality American solid wood and featuring a durable fiberglass-reinforced design, this bow promises accuracy and a smooth shooting experience. It’s a right-handed bow with a 45lbs draw weight, but other draw weights are available. Sanlida, a leading archery manufacturer, backs this kit with a great warranty.
What We Like:
- Complete kit: Includes everything you need to start archery immediately.
- High-quality materials: American solid wood and fiberglass construction ensures durability and accuracy.
- Smooth shooting experience: The design minimizes vibration for better arrow flight.
- Direct from manufacturer: Sanlida offers competitive pricing due to their factory-to-customer business model.
- Excellent warranty: Sanlida provides a strong warranty for peace of mind.
- Responsive customer service: They promise a quick response to any issues.
- Traditional design: Appeals to those who appreciate classic archery styles.
What Could Be Improved:
- Right-handed only: Left-handed archers cannot use this bow.
- Draw weight options are limited to increments of 5lbs; finding the perfect fit might require multiple purchases.
- Some users may find the 45lbs draw weight too challenging for beginners.
The Sanlida Royal X8 Longbow is a well-made, complete kit that offers excellent value for the price. However, potential buyers should carefully consider the draw weight and the fact that it’s only available for right-handed archers.
2. Sanlida Archery 60″ Royal X8 One-Piece Bow Traditional Wooden Hunting Bow Handmade Hunting Bow and Arrows Kit for Adults & Traditional Archers
Rating: 8.8/10
The Sanlida Archery Royal X8 is a complete traditional hunting bow kit, perfect for beginners and experienced archers alike. This 60-inch, one-piece bow is handcrafted from American solid wood, offering accuracy and a smooth draw. The kit includes everything you need to start shooting, from arrows and a bowstring to an arm guard and finger tab. Sanlida, a leading archery manufacturer, makes this bow, ensuring quality and affordability.
What We Like:
- It’s a complete kit! You get the bow, arrows, arm guard, finger tab, and more. Everything you need is included.
- The bow is made of high-quality materials. American solid wood makes it durable and accurate.
- Sanlida is a reputable brand with years of experience. They offer a great warranty.
- The price is competitive. You get a lot for your money.
- The bow is well-balanced. It shoots smoothly and accurately.
- Customer service responds quickly to questions.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s only available for right-handed archers. Left-handed archers cannot use this bow.
- The instruction manual could be more detailed.
The Sanlida Royal X8 is an excellent value for a complete archery kit. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting to get into traditional archery.
3. Black Hunter Takedown Longbow
Rating: 9.0/10
The GLURAK 60″ Black Hunter Takedown Longbow is a great option for both beginners and experienced archers. This 45lb right-handed bow features a durable wooden handle and high-elastic fiberglass limbs. Its takedown design lets you easily assemble and disassemble the bow for storage and limb changes. It’s perfect for target practice or hunting smaller game. The bow comes with a 12-month warranty.
What We Like:
- The takedown design makes storage and transportation easy.
- You can easily change the limbs to adjust the draw weight.
- The bow is sturdy and durable thanks to its wooden handle and fiberglass limbs.
- It’s suitable for both beginners and more experienced archers.
- The 12-month warranty provides peace of mind.
- The bow is great for target practice and hunting.
What Could Be Improved:
- A stringer tool is recommended, but not included. This is important for safe assembly and disassembly.
- The instruction manual could be more detailed for complete beginners.
- More draw weight options would appeal to a wider range of users.
Overall, the GLURAK 60″ Black Hunter Takedown Longbow offers excellent value for its price. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to get into archery or upgrade their existing equipment.
4. Sanlida Eagle X9 New 58” RTH Standard Hunting Recurve Bow and Arrow Set for Adults and Hunters
Rating: 9.3/10
Unleash your inner archer with the Sanlida Eagle X9! This complete recurve bow and arrow set is perfect for hunting or target practice. It’s a takedown bow, meaning you can easily take it apart for storage and transport. The Eagle X9 comes with everything you need to get started, including arrows, a quiver, and protective gear. Sanlida, a top archery brand, made this bow with high-quality materials for a durable and accurate shooting experience.
What We Like:
- It’s a complete kit! Everything you need is included.
- The bow is made from strong, beautiful wood and fiberglass.
- It’s easy to assemble and disassemble.
- The kit includes durable carbon arrows.
- Sanlida offers excellent customer service and a warranty.
- The bow is comfortable to hold and use.
- The price is competitive for a complete set.
- Sanlida is a well-known and trusted archery brand.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 40lb draw weight too heavy for beginners.
- More draw weight options could be offered for a wider range of users.
- The included arrows might not be suitable for all hunting situations.
The Sanlida Eagle X9 is a great value for a complete and high-quality recurve bow set. It’s ideal for both experienced and intermediate archers looking for a reliable and accurate bow. Just be sure to check the draw weight to make sure it’s right for you.
5. 71″ Competition or Hunting Bow – Hickory Longbow – Custom Wood Archery
Rating: 9.1/10
This 71″ Hickory Longbow is a handcrafted beauty, perfect for both competition archery and hunting. It’s made from high-quality hickory wood, giving it strength and a classic look. This longbow offers a traditional archery experience. You can customize it with optional pistol grip and tip overlays for enhanced comfort and style. Remember, these upgrades are sold separately.
What We Like:
- The bow is powerful and accurate. It delivers impressive shots.
- The hickory wood is durable and looks great.
- It’s a traditional design, appealing to many archers.
- Customization options let you personalize your bow.
- The 71-inch length provides excellent stability and draw length.
- This longbow feels great in your hands.
What Could Be Improved:
- The optional upgrades add to the cost. They aren’t included in the base price.
- Some archers might find the traditional design less comfortable than modern bows.
- Because it’s handcrafted, each bow is slightly unique. Expect some minor variations.
Overall, this hickory longbow is a superb choice for archers who value craftsmanship and a classic design. It’s a great investment for serious archers.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Longbow
Longbows are awesome! They’re beautiful, powerful, and a fun challenge to master. But choosing the right one can be tricky. This guide will help you find the perfect longbow for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
- Draw Weight: This is how much force you need to pull the string back. Start with a lower draw weight if you’re a beginner. Too much weight can hurt your shoulders and arms.
- Length: Longer bows generally shoot arrows farther. Your height and arm length influence the right length for you. A bow shop can help you find a good fit.
- Material: Different materials offer different strengths and weaknesses (see below!).
- Hand Orientation: Bows are either right-handed or left-handed. Choose the one that matches your dominant hand.
- Brace Height: This is the distance between the bowstring and the bow’s handle when unstrung. It affects the bow’s performance.
Important Materials
Longbows are made from various materials, each with pros and cons:
- Wood: Traditional and often beautiful. Popular woods include yew, oak, and hickory. Wooden bows can be strong and durable, but they are also sensitive to moisture.
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass bows are more durable and less sensitive to weather than wood. They’re often more affordable, too.
- Carbon Fiber: These bows are incredibly strong, lightweight, and accurate. They’re usually the most expensive option.
- Laminated Wood: This combines different types of wood to create a strong and stable bow.
Factors Affecting Quality
Several things influence a longbow’s quality:
- Construction: A well-made bow will have smooth surfaces, no flaws in the wood (if wooden), and a properly fitted string. Poor craftsmanship leads to weak points and potential breakage.
- Finish: A good finish protects the bow from moisture and damage. A poorly finished bow can quickly degrade.
- String Material: The bowstring is crucial. High-quality strings are durable and consistent, leading to better accuracy.
- The Maker’s Reputation: Reputable manufacturers often use better materials and construction techniques.
User Experience and Use Cases
Longbows are used for target archery, hunting (in some areas), and traditional archery practices. Beginners should start with lower draw weights and take lessons from experienced archers. Safety is always paramount. Always follow safety guidelines and wear appropriate safety gear.
The right longbow depends on your skill level, budget, and intended use. A beginner might choose a fiberglass bow, while an experienced archer might prefer a high-end carbon fiber or a custom-made wooden bow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much does a longbow cost?
A: Prices vary widely. You can find basic fiberglass bows for under $100, while high-end custom-made bows can cost thousands of dollars.
Q: How do I choose the right draw weight?
A: Start with a lower draw weight and gradually increase it as you get stronger. A bow shop can help you determine the appropriate weight for you.
Q: How do I care for my longbow?
A: Store your bow in a dry place away from extreme temperatures. Keep it unstrung when not in use. Regularly inspect the bowstring for wear and tear.
Q: How long does a longbow last?
A: With proper care, a well-made longbow can last for many years. However, the lifespan depends on the materials and how often it’s used.
Q: What safety gear should I use?
A: Always wear arm guards, a finger tab or glove, and eye protection when shooting a longbow.
Q: Where can I learn to shoot a longbow?
A: Many archery ranges and clubs offer lessons for beginners. Consider taking a class to learn proper techniques and safety procedures.
Q: What kind of arrows do I need?
A: The correct arrow length and spine (stiffness) are crucial for accuracy and safety. A bow shop can help you choose the right arrows for your bow.
Q: Can I make my own longbow?
A: Yes, but it requires skill and experience. It’s recommended to start with a pre-made bow and consider bow making later on.
Q: What is the difference between a recurve bow and a longbow?
A: A longbow is a simple, self bow with no recurve. A recurve bow has tips that curve away from the archer.
Q: Is longbow archery a good hobby?
A: Absolutely! It’s a challenging, rewarding, and enjoyable activity that combines skill, precision, and patience.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Robert Contreras, a passionate archery instructor based in the USA. With years of experience under my belt, I’ve dedicated my life to mastering the art of archery and sharing its intricacies with enthusiasts of all levels. Through my website, 10Bows.com, I invite you to explore a treasure trove of tips, techniques, and personal insights that reflect my journey in the world of archery. Whether you’re picking up a bow for the first time or refining your skills, I’m here to help guide you toward precision, focus, and a deeper appreciation for this timeless sport.