Home > The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Longbow

A No-Nonsense Guide to Picking a Longbow

Getting started with a longbow? Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the right stick and string without all the fuss.
Disclaimer: All images serve as visual aids to help explain archery basics and techniques. They should not be interpreted as depictions of actual hunts or training sessions.

So, you want a longbow. Good choice. It's just a stick and a string, but it's also your ticket to an awesome new hobby. This guide will help you pick the right one without getting bogged down in confusing jargon or trying to become a medieval warrior overnight. Let's get started.

Why a Longbow?

The longbow has a long and storied history. English and Welsh archers used yew longbows to win famous battles like Agincourt in 1415. Shooting one connects you to that history, which is pretty cool.

A historical illustration of an English longbowman at the Battle of Agincourt.

Unlike a compound bow with all its cams, cables, and sights, a longbow is simple. It's just you, the bow, and the arrow. This makes it more challenging, but also more personal.

You'll learn what's called "instinctive shooting." This isn't magic, it's a skill you build through practice. You learn to just look at the target and shoot, the way you’d throw a baseball without thinking about the physics.

How to Pick the "Best" Bow

There's no single "best" longbow. The best bow is the one that's right for *you*. To figure that out, you need to think about three things: your goals, your body, and your budget.

Your Goal: Target, Compete, or Hunt?

First, why do you want a longbow? If you're just shooting targets in the backyard, you need a bow that's fun and easy to learn with. For competitions, you'll need a more precise and consistent bow that follows the rules.

A collage showing the three main types of longbow archery: backyard target practice, a formal competition, and bowhunting.

If you plan to hunt, your needs change completely. A hunting bow must be powerful enough for a quick, humane kill. This is an ethical responsibility, so the choice requires careful thought.

Your Body: Draw Length and Weight

A bow needs to fit you. The two most important measurements are your draw length (how far you pull the string back) and your draw weight (how much force that takes). Getting draw weight right is the most critical part.

Don't get "overbowed!" Many beginners buy a bow that’s too heavy because they want to feel like a medieval hero. This is a huge mistake. A bow that's too heavy ruins your form, makes you inaccurate, and can even cause injuries.

Beginner's Warning: Do not get "overbowed"! Starting with a draw weight that is too heavy is the #1 mistake new archers make. It leads to poor form, inaccuracy, frustration, and potential injury. Start light and build strength correctly.

Your first bow is a learning tool. You need a draw weight you can handle easily so you can build good habits. You can always get a stronger bow later.

Your Wallet: How Much to Spend?

You don't have to break the bank. Great starter bows cost between $200 and $400. They're durable, reliable, and perfect for learning.

Mid-range bows ($400-$800) might use fancier woods or materials for better performance. At the top end, custom bows are handmade to your exact specs and can cost $850 or more. A custom bow is a lifetime investment, but definitely not where you start.

What's It Made Of?

The Old-School Stick: Selfbows

A "selfbow" is the most traditional type, made from a single piece of wood. The most famous wood is Yew, which has a naturally springy outer layer (sapwood) and a strong inner layer (heartwood). This makes it a perfect, if finicky, bow material.

A comparison of a yew selfbow with its two-toned wood and an Osage Orange selfbow with its bright yellow wood.

The American classic is Osage Orange, a tough, bright-yellow wood that’s incredibly durable. It can have more "hand-shock" (the vibration you feel when you shoot) than yew if not made well, but it's a rugged and reliable choice.

The New-School Sandwich: Laminated Bows

Most modern longbows are laminates. They have a wood core sandwiched between layers of high-tech materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber. This construction makes them strong, durable, and consistent.

A fiberglass bow is tough and isn't bothered by changes in temperature or humidity, making it a reliable workhorse. Carbon fiber is lighter and stiffer, which means faster arrows, but it also costs more.

Bow Shapes (This Matters!)

The shape, or profile, of a bow's limbs determines how it shoots. There are three main types.

A diagram comparing the shapes of an English Longbow, an American Semi-Longbow, and a Reflex/Deflex longbow.

The English Longbow (or "D-Bow") is for historical purists. When strung, it forms a simple "D" shape. It’s a direct link to the past, but it's also the hardest to shoot well and has a lot of hand-shock.

The American Semi-Longbow (ASL), or "Hill Style" bow, has straight limbs when unstrung and a simple grip. It's very stable and "pointable," but it demands a specific shooting style and can be unforgiving for beginners.

The Reflex/Deflex Longbow (or "hybrid") is for the modern archer. When unstrung, the limbs have a snake-like curve. (Imagine a sleepy snake. That's the shape.) This design stores more energy for faster arrow speeds and drastically reduces hand-shock, making it much quieter and more forgiving.

Your First Bow: The Starter Pack

So, what should a beginner buy? Your first bow is a training tool, so its most important job is to be forgiving and easy to use. It should help you build good habits, not punish you for mistakes.

For this reason, a reflex/deflex longbow is the best choice for a first-timer. Its stable, low-shock design makes it easier to learn on and helps you build confidence faster. You can always try the more demanding D-bow or ASL later.

Your Ideal Starter Bow: For most beginners, the best choice is a laminated reflex/deflex longbow with a draw weight between 25-35 pounds . This combination is forgiving, reliable, and perfect for building good shooting habits.

A laminated fiberglass and wood bow is the most practical choice. It's tough, reliable, and won't get fussy if the weather changes. You can focus on shooting without worrying about babying your gear.

And remember the draw weight! The ideal starting weight for most adults is between 25 and 35 pounds . This might sound low, but it's perfect for learning good form without getting tired or hurt. Starting light is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.

Level Up: The Hunting Bow

Okay, you've practiced for months and your aim is true. Now you want to hunt. This is a big step with new rules. A hunting bow needs to be powerful enough for a quick, humane harvest.

Check your local laws for the minimum draw weight, which is usually 40 to 45 pounds at your personal draw length. This is not optional. You must be able to handle this weight comfortably and accurately.

Ethical Hunting Requirement: You must check your local hunting regulations for the legal minimum draw weight, typically 40-45 lbs. It is your ethical responsibility to be able to comfortably and accurately shoot a bow of this weight before you consider hunting.

A great hunting bow is also quiet, easy to carry, and tough. A loud bow can spook an animal, so quiet is key. Using a heavier arrow is the best way to silence a bow, as it absorbs more energy. The reflex/deflex design is naturally quieter, too.

A longbow hunter in camouflage waits patiently in a sun-dappled forest.

Shorter bows (60 to 64 inches) are easier to handle in the woods or a treestand. And again, a laminated fiberglass bow offers the weather-resistance and durability you need for a reliable hunting tool.

Alright, Let's Go Shopping

It's time to buy your bow. First, you need to find your numbers. To get a rough idea of your draw length, stand with your arms out to your sides and have a friend measure your wingspan from fingertip to fingertip. Divide that number by 2.5.

So, a 70-inch wingspan gives you a 28-inch draw length (70 / 2.5 = 28). Next, commit to a smart starting draw weight, probably 25-35 pounds.

With your numbers, go to a local archery pro shop . Seriously. The advice and hands-on help you'll get is worth far more than any small savings online. They'll confirm your measurements, let you feel different bows, and set up your new bow correctly for free.

Pro Shop Advantage: Visiting a local archery pro shop is highly recommended. The hands-on guidance, expert fitting, and free setup they provide are invaluable for a beginner and will help you avoid costly mistakes.
An archery shop employee helps a new archer measure their draw length.

Don't Forget the Other Stuff!

The bow is just the beginning. You'll need a few other essential items to get started.

You need arrows with the correct "spine" (stiffness) to match your bow. You also need a bow stringer , which is a safety tool for stringing your bow without damaging it or yourself.

Finally, you need personal protection. Get a shooting glove or tab to protect your drawing fingers and an armguard to protect your forearm from the string slap. Now you have everything you need. The journey is just beginning!

Essential longbow accessories: carbon arrows, a leather armguard, a shooting glove, and a bow stringer.

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