Longbow choice

[Four2]

For a several reasons, I want to learn to shoot a longbow. I currently hunt as much as possible with a compound, but want to add to my fun. I recently got several gift certificates from Bass Pro and can get into one of the longbows they offer for almost no money out of pocket. My question to this esteemed group (and I am sincere with the compliment) is which longbow to get: the PSE Sequoia or the Martin Stick? These two are in my price range. Also does length matter in terms of how the bow shoots? The PSE is 68" and the Stick is 62". Any thoughts, suggestions, comments, advice are appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

[duck'n]

I haven't shot either one but I hear alot of good things about Martin longbows...both the Stick and the Savannah. Don't realy know anything about that model of PSE. Conventional thinking (which I tend to agree with) says that longer bows are easier to shoot....i.e. smoother drawing and more forgiving, all other factors considered equal. I am not a pro here and I know other things factor into the equation such as riser, limb design, string, etc.

I have a 64" longbow that seems to shoot pretty good considering I don't shoot it all that often. That said, I really like the way my 58" recurve and new-to-me 58" longbow shoot. I am sure others will chime in soon, with more knowledgeable advice. Good luck on your decision and enjoy your new longbow. One good thing about buying the bow at a place like BPS is you should be able to shoot both...then you can decide on the one that feels best to you.

[JW]

Get the Stick. Really get the Savanah if you can scrape up th e xtra$. You won'y be sorry...

[bm22]

i have shot the savanah and it shoots nice, good and smooth. if you draw is around 28 inches for a longbow/recurve the 62 in. should be fine as far and finger pinch and smoothness. i would try to get something around 50 lbs. especially if you are just starting off with a longbow. its a whole different ball game holding 50 lbs at full draw and what little weight you hold after your compounds breaks over. this will also make it much more enjoyable to shoot.

[jrbb00]

Shoot all of the longbows that they have there and them make your decision. The main thing is not to get over bowed, by this I mean to much draw weight. And get the one that feels the naturalest to you. I have shoot and owened many Martin recurves but none of thier longbows. Sorry for no help in that area. The main thing is how the bow feels to you not what the guy selling it tells you.
Good luck.

[Chunky]

I would go shoot them and pick which one feels the best to me.

Welcome to the trad side, we find it addictive.

[LostHawg]

I would go shoot them and pick which one feels the best to me.

Definitely. The "stick" doesn't have much of a shelf at all. Go with a 45 pounder since you've already been shooting a compound. If you want to go heavier later then you should be okay.

The small shelf on the stick can make it a difficult transition from shooting vertical to canting. Good little bow otherwise.

[LostHawg]

If you can shoot a Bear Montana, I'd try that too. The longbow requires a firmer grip than the recurve or compound, so give them a chance. Not tight, firm. Push as you pull and pull aftward off the string to release. I'm only 3 hours from you if you want to come shoot.

[Four2]

Thanks to all. I will definately shoot everything I can before I buy. Anyone with any experience with either of these bows, please give me your opinions. I'll also take any advice on arrows, etc. since I'm new to trad.

[Texas5o]

I have never shot either of those bows, but I agree with the advice given above about shooting all of them you can before making a purchase. I will also add that the longer bow should be more forgiving, but more difficult to hunt with because it won't fit in as tight a space as the shorter bows. It's give and take with bow length when it comes to hunting. Target shooting, I would probably be more inclined to shoot the longer bow.

[LostHawg]

I got my sons a Martin stick. Like I said, a good shooting little bow, just not much shelf and you have to watch your cant.

A bit of handshock in the Bear Montana if you don't hold it right, but it shoots well other than that.

You might also look for a steal on a Sarrels longbow. That bow just can't hardly be beat. If you talk to Bob, he may work a deal with you, don't know. www.sarrelsarchery.com Some very good bows indeed.

[Cropduster]

The stick is a nice bow. Like Losthog said though it has a little disadvantage with the shelf. Wish you were closer to my neck of the woods, I could let you shoot a bunch of different bows. It is just not feasable because of the distance.
The length of the longbow depends a lot on what type hunting you are going to do with it. If you are going to hunt out of a tree, the the shorter bows are the way to go. If however, you are planning only hunting on your feet then the longer bow will be fine. It is like anything else, there are advantages and disadvantages to the length, limb design, riser shape, and shelf. I will bet that you will get one and after a little while you will realize that there are others thay you may like just a little better. Join the club. (LoL)

[Four2]

I will bet that you will get one and after a little while you will realize that there are others thay you may like just a little better. Join the club. (LoL)

I'm not so sure that is news I wanted to hear.
But I have a feeling you are exactly right!

[LostHawg]

I will bet that you will get one and after a little while you will realize that there are others thay you may like just a little better. Join the club. (LoL)

Its the addiction, not the quality of the bow.

[loco cacahuate]

It took 20 years to find THE longbow for me.Lots of trial and errors. Now I dont want any other.