Longbows

Buy Longbows: Tradition, Strength, and Pure Archery Feel

The longbow is the original form of the bow. Straight limbs, no technical aids, no sight. Just you, the bow, and the target. Shooting a longbow means practicing archery in its most fundamental form, connecting with a tradition thousands of years old. At the same time, this bow type demands more from you than any other: instinctive aiming, clean technique, and the patience to develop your shot feel across hundreds of arrows. For all other bow types from recurve to compound, visit our bows category.

What Makes a Longbow a Longbow

The longbow has a characteristic D-profile. The limbs curve evenly from tip to tip, without the forward-facing reverse curves of a recurve bow. The string only touches the bow at the very tips of the limbs. This simple, elegant construction has its trade-off: the longbow is less energy-efficient than a recurve and achieves lower arrow speeds at the same draw weight, typically between 155 and 180 fps. In return, the draw is smooth and even, the shot is quiet, and hand shock is minimal, provided the bow length matches your draw length.

It is also worth knowing about stacking. Toward the end of the draw, the effort required increases overproportionally on a longbow. The shorter the bow relative to your draw length, the more pronounced this effect becomes. Choosing a little more length, especially as a beginner, is always the smarter call.

Materials and Construction

Historical longbows were made almost exclusively from yew wood. Today, high-quality wood laminates are the standard, often combined with fiberglass or carbon layers in the limbs. Popular wood species include rowan, black locust, ash, and maple. This combination of traditional wood core and modern reinforcing materials makes the contemporary longbow more durable and consistent than a pure wood bow. Most models are one-piece, though take-down variants are available for easier transport.

Choosing the Right Length and Draw Weight

Bow length should roughly match your height. A reliable guideline is that your longbow should be about as tall as you are. For adults between 170 and 185 cm, bows between 66 and 70 inches are the right range. Bows that are too short lead to stacking and a narrow string angle that strains the fingers. At BogenSportWelt, our longbow range runs from 47 to 72 inches, with shorter models well suited to children and younger archers.

For draw weight, the longbow calls for particular caution. It is well worth starting lighter than you think you need to. Beginners should start with 20 to 28 pounds for men and 15 to 22 pounds for women. The stacking effect at the end of the draw adds a noticeable amount of perceived weight on top of the stated figure. Starting too heavy leads to tension, bad habits, and quick frustration.

Instinctive Shooting: What to Expect

The longbow is shot without a sight, arrow rest, or stabilizers. You aim either instinctively, purely by feel, or by reference to the arrow tip. Both methods require significantly more practice than sight shooting. Beginners typically need several weeks before consistent groupings start to appear, and several months before the shot feels truly reliable. The learning curve is steeper than with a recurve bow, but that challenge is a big part of what makes traditional archery so rewarding.

Essential protective gear includes an arm guard for the bow arm and a finger tab or shooting glove for the drawing hand. Since the arrow is often guided over the hand on a longbow, a shooting glove is particularly recommended.

Care and Storage

A longbow is low-maintenance, but it does require consistent unstringing after every session. A permanently strung longbow gradually loses draw weight and the limbs can warp over time. Store and transport it in a bow bag to protect it from scratches, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. The string should be treated regularly with string wax to extend its lifespan.

Our Range at BogenSportWelt

At BogenSportWelt you will find longbows for every level and every budget. Trusted manufacturers in our range include Bodnik Bows and Bearpaw Products with their well-known 30-year guarantee, Ragim from Italy as a strong value-for-money option with a wide model selection, and Buck Trail and White Feather for handcrafted bows with real character. Browse our range and find your bow. If you are unsure which length and draw weight suit you, our team is happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a longbow suitable for beginners?

Yes, but with realistic expectations. Getting started with a longbow is more demanding than with a recurve bow. Instinctive aiming without technical aids takes time and a lot of practice. For anyone who wants to pursue the traditional, purist path from the very beginning, a longbow is the right choice. For everyone else, the recurve bow offers a more accessible entry point.

How much does a good beginner longbow cost?

Solid entry-level models start at around 100 to 150 euros. Avoid bows under 75 euros, as build quality is often poor. For a complete starter kit including arrows, arm guard, and finger protection, budget around 200 to 280 euros.

Can I adjust the draw weight of a longbow later?

No. The draw weight of a one-piece longbow is fixed and cannot be changed. If you find the bow too light or too heavy, you will need to buy a new one. This is the key difference from a three-piece take-down recurve bow, where swapping the limbs is all it takes. That is why getting the draw weight right from the start matters so much when buying a longbow.

How does a longbow differ from a hybrid bow?

A hybrid bow has a reflex-deflex limb profile, is more compact at 56 to 64 inches, and reaches slightly higher arrow speeds of 165 to 180 fps. The draw is more even and stacking at the end is significantly reduced. The longbow is the more original form, with a softer, quieter shot and the classic D-profile that defines traditional archery.

Do I need to unstring my longbow after shooting?

Yes, always. A permanently strung longbow loses draw weight over time and the limbs can warp. Always use a bow stringer when stringing and unstringing to avoid twisting the limbs in the process.