Reflex Bows?

[flint kemper]

Can anyone tell me there experience with just a reflexed limb bow? I know that they shoot a little faster than just a straight end longbow. Is the handshock more considerable than a standard defex/reflex? Finally can you name some bowyers that build this type of bow well? Thanks for replies. Flint Kemper  

[9 Mile Archer]

Flint, I am test driving a Robertson longbow with the OD over drive limb config. It is a heavy reflex profile.  I spoke to them about it and asked whet the pros and cons were.  They said the pros are 7-12fps increase in speed, and the cons are a little more hand shock.  I have been comparing it to a Border's Griffon (reflex deflexed model.)  I feel a little more HS but not bad and the Robertson is 5 pounds heavier.  Call Robertson and ask about the OD models I'm sure they would be delighted to talk with you and even sell you one.  They have a test drive program you could try both the regular and the OD if you wanted to(you just pay the shipping if you return it)

[Cutty47]

9 Mile...is the Border faster than the Harrier at 5# lighter?

I'm a big Robertson fan but I'd love to hear your impressions of the Harrier.

[Mark Baker]

Flint...our Sheepeater Spirit is a highly reflexed static recurve, with virtually no handshock.   Here's a pic....





Handshock is a result of excessive vibration, and can be eliminated with good tillering, among other things.  

I also own a Robertson Overdrive, and I feel it performs a bit better than Dick's other longbows, speedwise.   Good bow.

[9 Mile Archer]

I have a crono I will do some testing in the morning and report back. :-)

[Cutty47]

Mark...love the looks of that Sheepeater...great to see a bow out there that fills an original niche...nice looking riser wrap too...one in my future for sure...MT mojo as well...

[Ghost Dog]

It is difficult to predict how a given bow will shoot based on it's profile. Sometimes a bow can look like it will perform in a certain way, and end up shooting differently than what you expected.  

What do you want in a bow? Click on the link below and see if my bow consulting service might be of help to you.

By the way, I have not shot the Sheepeater Spirit, but I hear nothing but good things about them. With all that stored energy/pre-draw, that is one bow where you can see the speed!

[Sacred mt]

Matlock...highly reflex and smooth shooters

[9 Mile Archer]

Ok
Here is my fast unscientific test of bow speeds.
The bows I shot were
1. Reflex deflexed Borders Griffon 64" 55@28"
2. Heavy Reflex Robertson Longbow Over Drive 62" 60@28"
I shot the bows using a trigger release to take my poor shooting out of the equation as much as possible.  I pull most of the longbows to 27-27.5 inches and recurves to about 28", with a normal draw.  I also stretched 2 shots for each bow as far as I could reasonably draw probably 28+ inches.  I really needed someone to help and keep the draw for each shot honest my tendency was to want to see speed. But I tried to at least be consistent in pushing the bows to go fast.  Thus I don't think this is the best any of these bows could do, and maybe this is not an accurate draw weigh estimate but it is what I did, so take it for that.  But I did find some consistency with the speeds from each bow so it is what it is.  Here are my results.

5. Borders Griffon 64" 55@28" with 554grain arrow
average 175fps fastest 181fps
6. Robertson Longbow Over Drive 62" 60@28" with 606grain arrow
average 178fps fastest 185fps

I think the Borders Griffon is a little smoother on release, but that by no means implies the Robertson OD is rough, I would call it maybe a little forceful. And you can see the Robertson nudges the Griffon in speed. I find that both bows shoot to similar points and I can switch very quickly.  I am going to have to keep the Robertson, I really like it's looks and the way it sends a 600grain arrow with authority.  
the Robertson is the top of the photo and the Borders is second. The third bow is a Horn's Bush bow and the last is a Raptor Self bow. All have the backs facing down and the belly to the top of the photo.

[bayoulongbowman]

Liberty Longbow 's Chief might be one to consider...I love these bows!!!!!