My journey with the Old Battle 58″ hybrid longbow began at the Buck Hollow Pre-Spring Fling, where I had the rare privilege of spending time with bowyer Jonathan Adams. Two months later at the Tennessee Classic, Jonathan patiently walked me through his collection, allowing me to shoot several of his handcrafted longbows. Each release was a joy, but it was the 58″ model with a thinner grip that that just felt perfect for me. Sensing my connection with the bow, Jonathan made an unexpected offer – to take this particular 58″ longbow home for thorough testing and review. This wasn’t the typical manufacturer loan arrangement; it was the gesture of an artisan confident in his creation and eager for it to be experienced properly. The bow rode home beside me like a new companion rather than mere equipment. Over the weeks that followed, this initial impression only deepened as I put the bow through its paces in various shooting conditions. What began as curiosity at a traditional archery gathering transformed into profound respect for both the bow and its maker.
Understanding the Design
The Old Battle 58″ represents the pinnacle of traditional longbow engineering with its hybrid reflex deflex design. Standing at 58 inches from tip to tip, it hits the sweet spot between the maneuverability of shorter bows and the stability of longer ones. This particular architecture deserves explanation for the uninitiated. The reflex portions (curving away from the archer when unstrung) provide additional power, while the deflex sections (curving toward the archer) offer forgiveness and shooting comfort. Available in draw weights ranging from 35# to 65#, this versatility accommodates both beginners and seasoned hunters. The bow’s effective draw length ranges from 26 to 32 inches, adapting comfortably to archers of various statures. My test model, pulling 52# at 28 inches, demonstrated remarkable consistency in its draw force curve – a hallmark of superior tillering that budget bows simply cannot match.
Performance: Where Craftsmanship Translates to Results
The true measure of any bow lies in its performance, and this is where the Old Battle truly distinguishes itself from lesser alternatives. The first arrow release reveals a shooting experience characterized by virtually no hand shock or vibration – a stark contrast to budget longbows that often transmit jarring feedback through the grip. The bow draws smoothly with a consistent increase in weight rather than the “stacking” sensation (disproportionate weight increase near full draw) common in poorly designed traditional bows. Upon release, arrows leap forward with authority, following a flat trajectory that maintains energy downrange. Shot after shot, the bow delivers consistent groupings that inspire confidence. After several hundred arrows over multiple sessions, I found myself consistently placing shots within a 4-inch group at 25 yards – impressive precision for a traditional bow without sights or mechanical release aids.
Draw Experience: Power Without Struggle
Perhaps the most remarkable feature of the Old Battle 58″ is how it seemingly defies physics in its draw cycle. My test model, rated at 52 pounds at 28 inches, feels like a 45-pound bow in hand. This isn’t marketing hyperbole but a genuine sensation experienced throughout extended shooting sessions. A friend who also shot the bow at the TN Classic said the exact same thing. The magic lies in the bow’s perfectly executed reflex-deflex geometry and meticulously tillered limbs. Where many traditional bows become increasingly difficult to hold at full draw, the Old Battle maintains a smooth, consistent pull throughout the entire draw cycle. This characteristic enables longer aim times without fatigue and allows archers to focus on form rather than struggling against a stacking draw weight. What’s truly impressive is that this smooth-drawing design sacrifices nothing in arrow velocity. Chronograph testing revealed speeds comparable to much harsher-drawing bows of similar weight. This combination – the feel of a lighter bow with the performance of a heavier one – represents the holy grail of traditional bow design. It’s a quality immediately noticeable to experienced archers and a revelation to those accustomed to budget bows where smooth draws typically come at the expense of performance.
Versatility: Exceptional Arrow Compatibility
One of the Old Battle’s most remarkable qualities is its accommodating nature toward different arrow types. Traditional wisdom often suggests that wooden arrows are the optimal match for traditional bows, but this hybrid design defies such limitations. I tested the bow extensively with lightweight carbon arrows, heavier carbon-aluminum composites, and traditional cedar shafts. The results were revealing. With properly spined carbon arrows, the bow delivered exceptional speed and flat trajectories perfect for 3D archery competitions or hunting in open terrain. The wood arrows, while slightly slower, flew with beautiful consistency and provided that satisfying traditional archery experience. Most impressively, the bow tuned easily to both extremes without the finicky behavior lesser bows exhibit when switching between arrow materials. This versatility eliminates the need for separate bows for different shooting disciplines – a significant advantage for archers who enjoy both modern and traditional aspects of the sport.
Craftsmanship: The Custom Bow Difference
The gap between a custom bow like the Old Battle and budget alternatives becomes most apparent when examining the fine details. Budget manufacturers focus on meeting minimum specifications at the lowest possible cost, while custom bowyers pursue excellence as their primary goal. This philosophical difference manifests in countless ways. Examine the Old Battle’s limb tips, and you’ll find perfectly executed overlays that protect against string wear while maintaining ideal balance. The riser features seamless transitions between different hardwoods, with grain patterns thoughtfully aligned for both strength and visual harmony. The finish isn’t merely protective; it’s applied in multiple thin coats that enhance the wood’s natural beauty while providing environmental protection. Even the string nocks are hand-carved to precise dimensions that complement the included Flemish twist string. These details might seem insignificant individually, but collectively they create a bow that will remain reliable and beautiful for generations – long after budget alternatives have been relegated to the wall or trash bin.
Shooting Comfort: Designed for Extended Sessions
Where many budget longbows become uncomfortable after a dozen shots, the Old Battle remains a pleasure to shoot even through extended practice sessions. The design philosophy behind this bow prioritizes the archer’s experience. The grip section, shaped through a process combining machine precision and hand finishing, fills the hand naturally without creating pressure points. The string’s release characteristic – that critical moment when potential energy transforms into arrow flight – feels crisp and predictable. Without fancy stabilizers or shock absorbers, the bow achieves remarkable shooting comfort through proper design fundamentals: mass distribution, limb geometry, and material selection. After a typical 100-arrow practice session, I experienced none of the hand fatigue commonly associated with lesser traditional bows.
The Bowyer: Jonathan Adams and His Divine Standard
Behind every Old Battle bow stands Jonathan Adams, a bowyer whose craftsmanship is guided by principles deeper than mere commercial success. Adams established Ol Battle Bows with a foundational philosophy that transcends typical business metrics. Rather than measuring his work against competitors or market trends, Adams adheres to a higher standard – one guided by divine principles rather than fleeting human benchmarks. This spiritual foundation manifests physically in each bow that leaves his workshop. Every Old Battle bow bears the inscription of Jeremiah 50:2: “Declare among the nations and proclaim, set up a banner and proclaim, conceal it not.” This verse reflects Adams’ commitment to transparency, excellence, and unwavering dedication to his craft. When I asked Adams about this choice, his response revealed much about the soul behind these bows. “My work isn’t measured against what others are doing,” he explained. “It’s measured against the standard of excellence God has set. That keeps me honest and pushes me toward perfection in ways that competition never could.” This philosophy explains the remarkable consistency and quality of Ol Battle bows. When a craftsman answers to a higher standard than market demands or customer expectations, the resulting work inherently exceeds both.
Value Proposition: Understanding the Investment
With prices typically ranging from $700-1,000 depending on options, the Old Battle represents a significant investment compared to entry-level longbows often available below $200. However, this price differential reflects fundamentally different manufacturing philosophies. Budget bows often emerge from production lines where speed and volume take precedence over quality. In contrast, each Old Battle undergoes dozens of hours of dedicated craftsmanship. The woods are selected for specific performance characteristics rather than mere appearance or availability. The result isn’t merely a tool but an heirloom that will likely appreciate in value while providing decades of service. Unlike compound bows that face obsolescence with each year’s technological advances, a quality traditional bow like the Old Battle remains relevant indefinitely. From this perspective, the value proposition becomes clear – it’s not merely a purchase but an investment in both performance and legacy.
A Worthy Investment for Serious Archers
The Old Battle 58″ reflex deflex hybrid longbow represents traditional archery at its finest. It delivers exceptional performance across multiple shooting disciplines while offering the soul-satisfying experience that draws many to traditional archery. Yes, the price significantly exceeds budget alternatives, but the difference in true custom quality, performance, and durability more than justifies the investment for serious archers and hunters. The Old Battle doesn’t merely meet expectations for a premium traditional bow – it consistently exceeds them through thoughtful design, meticulous execution, and versatile performance. Whether you’re a bowhunter seeking reliable equipment for the field, a 3-D competitor pursuing the perfect shot, or simply an archery enthusiast who appreciates custom works of art, this bow deserves serious consideration. In a world increasingly dominated by mass produced and disposable products, the Old Battle stands as a refreshing counterpoint – a work of art crafted to excel in the woods today and endure for generations. Get in touch with Jonathan on his Old Battle Bows Facebook page.
