Help for a newbie (Persian, Turkish, Kassai...)
Hi everyone, I've been into archery for years now and am getting into traditional archery, mainly Middle Eastern since I am Persian. I have a few takedown, recurve, and compound bows.
Anyways, I need some advice on getting my first traditional bows. Basically, I am having trouble determining whether or not what I am getting is good. The first bow I have lined up is Kassai's Avarian (formerly Magyar) Hunter model. The next is a Turkish bow, however, I have yet to know the maker as someone is currently scouting for me.
Any advice for a newbie to traditional archery? Possibly I am missing something to know about traditional bows?
Also, does anyone know of any Persian bows for sale or anyone that makes them? I only know of Spitfire, which makes reproductions of Sassanid bows... supposedly. Haha.
Thanks in advance!
Anyways, I need some advice on getting my first traditional bows. Basically, I am having trouble determining whether or not what I am getting is good. The first bow I have lined up is Kassai's Avarian (formerly Magyar) Hunter model. The next is a Turkish bow, however, I have yet to know the maker as someone is currently scouting for me.
Any advice for a newbie to traditional archery? Possibly I am missing something to know about traditional bows?
Also, does anyone know of any Persian bows for sale or anyone that makes them? I only know of Spitfire, which makes reproductions of Sassanid bows... supposedly. Haha.
Thanks in advance!
hmm what so funny about Spitfire bows? I own 2 of them and they are really awesome shooters and no hand shock. I tried the Kassai bow and it shoots well but not really pretty looking. I own two Grozer bows and they both rattle my teeth when I shoot them but they seem well made.
For Spitfire the Sassanid bows aren't actually Sassanid, that's why. Thanks so much for the advice on Grozer bows, I was actually almost going to get one. I also agree with Kassai's bows on not being too picturesque, however, I've heard that they are extremely durable. Thanks so much again for the helpful feedback!
I would be interested in seeing a Sassanid bow if you have a picture. Maybe I can make a replica of it :) Chris of Spitfire is a great guy - maybe his design came from his family's design....
Other tips for Grozer bows:
The models I own or use are "Turkish base","Turkish hornbow", Turkish TRH" and "Mongolian". The Turkish hornbow and base model are the closest to the original design in the market. However TRH model does not even approach to the original. Besides it is much more faster than the base model and cost just a little more. On the back of my TRH a severe crack apperared recently. I sent a pic to Grozer and he's told me it would be not safe to shoot the bow. I was told that they've overcome this problem that they used to face in older models. This seems to be the only weakness that the bow has and it might have been corrected as told. The hornbow is fast but not a "sweet shooter" which is unusual for Turkish bows made from organic materials. The dye used for decoration is of low quality and is abrased immediately (Grozer changed the dye several times as far as I know).
Turkish base is a smooth shooter and makes a perfect hobby bow. If you need a faster bow it wouldn't be the perfect choise.
The Mongolian is faster and accurate with its longer limbs (62'').
The models I own or use are "Turkish base","Turkish hornbow", Turkish TRH" and "Mongolian". The Turkish hornbow and base model are the closest to the original design in the market. However TRH model does not even approach to the original. Besides it is much more faster than the base model and cost just a little more. On the back of my TRH a severe crack apperared recently. I sent a pic to Grozer and he's told me it would be not safe to shoot the bow. I was told that they've overcome this problem that they used to face in older models. This seems to be the only weakness that the bow has and it might have been corrected as told. The hornbow is fast but not a "sweet shooter" which is unusual for Turkish bows made from organic materials. The dye used for decoration is of low quality and is abrased immediately (Grozer changed the dye several times as far as I know).
Turkish base is a smooth shooter and makes a perfect hobby bow. If you need a faster bow it wouldn't be the perfect choise.
The Mongolian is faster and accurate with its longer limbs (62'').
Parthian.
And the point you are trying to make is what? That Grozer and Kassi's bows are more authentic in design?Construction? Apearance? Faithfull copies of known bows of that era and are historicaly correct?
jonR
And the point you are trying to make is what? That Grozer and Kassi's bows are more authentic in design?Construction? Apearance? Faithfull copies of known bows of that era and are historicaly correct?
jonR
I was just asking questions about both makers and their bows in general. But have gotten the answers I needed through PM, thanks.
For the Sassanid bows, I recommend two books published by Osprey Military:
Rome's Enemies (3): Parthians and Sassanid Persians
http://www.ospreypublishing.com/title_d ... 86~ser=MAA
Sassanian Elite Cavalry
http://www.ospreypublishing.com/title_d ... 31~ser=ELI
But other than that, there is a book that I think many will take interest in:
Mounted Archers of the Steppe 600 BC - 1300 AD
http://www.ospreypublishing.com/title_d ... 9X~ser=ELI
Of course the internet has a flurry of images related to these civilizations as well.
For the Sassanid bows, I recommend two books published by Osprey Military:
Rome's Enemies (3): Parthians and Sassanid Persians
http://www.ospreypublishing.com/title_d ... 86~ser=MAA
Sassanian Elite Cavalry
http://www.ospreypublishing.com/title_d ... 31~ser=ELI
But other than that, there is a book that I think many will take interest in:
Mounted Archers of the Steppe 600 BC - 1300 AD
http://www.ospreypublishing.com/title_d ... 9X~ser=ELI
Of course the internet has a flurry of images related to these civilizations as well.
I don't know if you've purchased your bow yet, but if you haven't I would recommend Lukas Novatny of Saluki Bows. You can check out some of his work at www.salukibow.com. I have one of his Turkish Bows and I love it. No hand shock, lightning fast and beautiful to look at.
Tosa
Tosa
Hello Parthian,
I would not rule out either Kassai or Grozer. I own Hun bows by both bowyers and can confirm that they are beautiful bows. The Kassai is my latest and though I loved the Grozer, I would probably say I favour the Kassai. It does not stack and the action is very sweet. On seeing the Kassai, my friend purchased one and he finds the same. Personally I prefer the non TRH bows but that is purely on aesthetics. Anyway, both my Huns perform very well, the Kassai just edges it. There is no noticeable handshock with either
........Orda
I would not rule out either Kassai or Grozer. I own Hun bows by both bowyers and can confirm that they are beautiful bows. The Kassai is my latest and though I loved the Grozer, I would probably say I favour the Kassai. It does not stack and the action is very sweet. On seeing the Kassai, my friend purchased one and he finds the same. Personally I prefer the non TRH bows but that is purely on aesthetics. Anyway, both my Huns perform very well, the Kassai just edges it. There is no noticeable handshock with either
........Orda
Although the "Hungarian Middle Ages" bow doesn't correspond to anything I've seen historically (though that could be me), I have to say, having shot bows out of Hungary by Kassai, Grozer, and a couple of smaller Hungarian bowmakers who are now out of business... it is by far the sweetest-feeling bow I've ever laid my hands on -- if anything, the advertising blurb understates how pleasant it is to shoot. I gave it to my brother and am seriously inclined to ask for it back, since he's not shooting. If I were purely inclined to get a "casual shooting" bow, that'd be the one.
His Hungarian TRH definitely has some handshock, though mine is heavier than he usually sells (83 lbs).
I'm an idiot when it comes to woodworking (seriously, it's amazing... I can work felt, clay, leather, but wood gives me fits), or I'd try my hand at it myself!
His Hungarian TRH definitely has some handshock, though mine is heavier than he usually sells (83 lbs).
I'm an idiot when it comes to woodworking (seriously, it's amazing... I can work felt, clay, leather, but wood gives me fits), or I'd try my hand at it myself!