NZ longbow makers?

[Peter Lyon]

Hi all
I am looking for a New Zealand bow maker to make a new bow for Helen - I am after 40 pounds at 28", a nice traditional English longbow style with D section, maybe with horn nocks. Does anyone here know anyone in NZ that makes good bows to order, especially looking for positive experiences here. I could order from Turbows and get a good bow, but the delivery is likely to add a lot to the price; and the 40# rattan bow from NZAP is not what I am after either.

[English Warbowman]

Hi Peter.
Oscar Maisel (Ozzee) is the best there is in NZ. He's a member of this forum. You'll find him in the Warbow section along with lots of photos and some video of his bows. I have 3 of his bows in my possession at the moment. I also own a bow made by Steve Stratton of DIY Archery in the UK and used to own a bow made by Steve Ralphs.
Steve Stratton is a Master Bowyer and Steve Ralphs is (as you may know) known as the 'Bow and Arrow Man' in the movie industry. Oscar's bows are every bit as good as the aforesaid gentlemen's creations.

[coldozzee]

Thanks Keith!!

Hi Peter,
I could do it for you No problem I just stocked back up on all my timber and could do what ever and how ever you want to.

If you want to get in contact 0211051225 or coldhearted_ozzee@hotmail.com

Thanks Oz

[quentin]

Peter,

I would seriously go with Turbows.

My reasoning is
1. An unblemished reputation for quality work.
2. While they do have a fair sized order list they will be honest about delivery delay.
3. On the extremely rare occasions that anything goes wrong (i know of only one - minor issue), they honor their warranties .

Having personally been shafted TWICE by Ozzee, I can't recommend him.
He is a gamble, Turbows is not.

Just my 2c.

Quentin

[coldozzee]

[bodkin]

Have to say Peter, my first 100# Oz made was beautiful, and I've no doubt the 135# he's making right now will be no different.

[bodkin]

...not to mention my wifes' 50#, made at the same time which is a stunner of a bow for it's weight. I can't of course comment on the experience of others, but I've no complaints, and Oz's bows have a uniform smooth draw and good cast, and I've shot 50lb, 70lb, 100lb, 115lb, 116lb, bows made by him, and almost (but not quite!) drawn his own 135lb, so it's a fair sample.

[quentin]

Oh I hear some of you have done well by Ozzee.
All I'm saying is that some of us have not - it seems to be a customer service issue. If you get a good bow, its a good bow.
If you get a bad one then it must be your own fault and....

This was my experience, lets hear more opinions from other people.

Ozzee, I understand your need to defend yourself but
1. You have never even tried to be helpfull on this
2. when you send out crap, you get crap comments on your work. That's how feedback works.
Further comments from either of us will need to go off forum. I will PM on request but I'm not going to flamewar.

[coldozzee]

No neither will I Im just gona leave it that Peace

[Colin & Lynlee]

"Funny out of all the bows I've sold 178 to be exact only 3 were not happy"
_________________
We paid $400 approx for our bow, at say $400 per bow by 178, well you do the maths. One would expect the a replacement bow for any customer is neither here or there . This less than 2% of his turnover.

[coldozzee]

LOL yeah if only it was that easy

[NigelT]

Let's stay on track here. I'd invite people to offer suggestions to help Peter assemble a list of options for places to get a bow made rather than suggestions on where NOT to get one made. If any of you feel strongly about a supplier, you should either take up the issue with them in private, or offer your opinions to Peter in private. Airing your concerns on the forum is (generally) not appropriate.

Thanks,
Nigel

[Archer]

Great stuff Nigel, I agree whole heartedly. Keep your frustrations out of this forum.