PETE WARD
PETE WARD
"WELCOME TO MY OUTDOOR WORLD"
"Gear Review"
"Liberty Bows"
By Allen Boice
Chief-Elite Longbow
62" 50# @ 28"
LIBERTY BOWS
485 Palisade Drive
Roseburg, Oregon 97471
541-698-7783 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 
541-698-7783 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting
libertybows@yahoo.com
March, 2011. Liberty is back in Business.
I just received notice fromAllen that Liberty bows is back in business.This is good news, but unfortunately he is not making the Chief Model, {Unless someone realy wants it}.The Chief series has been replaced by a new model the edge.The Edge is a D/R longbow that acoring to Allen is even better than the Chief. A new Liberty web site will be on line soon, and I will update the link when this happens. For now I will copy the information allen sent me.
{The New "Edge" is the bow on the left, the English is on the right.}
The Blue text below is a direct copy/paste from Allen.
LIBERTY BOWS
485 Palisade Drive
Roseburg, Oregon 97471
541-698-7783 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 541-698-7783 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting
libertybows@yahoo.com
Now located in the heart of the Oregon Umpqua River Valley, "Liberty Bows" are handcrafted for the traditional archer who demands the best possible materials, quality and performance in a longbow. From the time I built my first longbow in 1978 to the present, my bows have evolved over the years, through a labor of love, into my current designs.
Liberty Bows are smooth to draw, accurate and enjoyable to shoot. From the contoured grip to the sculptured tip overlays, I handcraft my bows with the most discriminating archer in mind. All models are available with a take down option, I use the “Connexion Hinge,” and several lengths to accommodate your individual preferences and needs.
I specialize in custom longbows with yew or bamboo core woods in the limbs, a variety of exotic and rare wood choices for veneers and handle risers, along with complimentary handle and tip over-lays. Each bow is finished with durable satin epoxy finish, a hand stitched leather handle wrap and a three lay string. Liberty Bows are backed by a four year prorated warranty.
I have developed and field tested numerous longbow designs. My current line of bows represents years of refinement. Whether you are a hunter or a target shooter, my goal has been to offer a selection of longbows that will meet your individual preferences in design, beauty and performance.
I am fortunate to have been successful at harvesting big game animals as well as being a proud two time champion of the Traditional Archers of Oregon Pope and Young Shoot, a competition which pits together both longbow and recurve shooters alike. The Pope and Young is a competition unique to Oregon and dates back to 1936.
At its inception, the Pope and Young Shoot was established to be both entertaining and a test of archery hunting equipment for the coming archery season. Day one consists of the Clout (180 yards) and Wand (100 yards) shoot and the second day is a fifty round animal shoot with targets set at realistic hunting distances. This is a true test of an archers overall skills. The original Pope and Young trophy, which has all winners ascribed, is now the property of Traditional Archers of Oregon and can be viewed at www.taoregon.com.
So whether you are headed out on that once in a lifetime hunt or a day at the range, shoot a bow that has proven itself in every conceivable arena; shoot a Liberty Bow.
Note: If you prefer to leave the handle wood exposed to show its natural beauty, any bow with a locator grip may be ordered without the leather covering. Choosing this option requires additional attention to finish work, but definitely enhances the beauty of the handle section
The English:
If your preference is a traditional straight limb longbow, this may be the bow for you. Inspired by Hill style longbows, the English has the traditional lines of straight limb longbows with a few distinct modifications which greatly improve shooting characteristics. A slightly longer handle riser, which is laid up in a semi reverse position, along with deep cored limbs make this bow smooth drawing and at the same time increase performance. I have incorporated design features that significantly reduce hand shock which is often associated with straight limb longbows. You will find this bow to be one of the most comfortable and stable Hill style longbows you have ever shot. The English is available in your choice of a straight or locator style grip.
The Contender:
This is a mild reflex-deflexed longbow designed for the hunter and competition shooter alike. When strung this bow maintains a true traditional “crescent D-shape”. Nothing is sacrificed in the shooting qualities of the Contender, which is one of the most stable, forgiving and accurate reflex-deflexed longbows available in today’s highly competitive market. Whether you are out on the range or in the back country in pursuit of your favorite game, you are sure to be a Contender with this bow. The Contender is available in your choice of either a straight or locator style grip.
The Edge:
This hybrid longbow is a top performer in today’s market of highly reflex deflexed longbows. The Edge is smooth drawing and fast shooting but not sensitive to release flaws, a problem that can occur with some highly reflexed longbows. This model will provide you with the edge you need when that all important shot of a lifetime presents itself. Reminiscent of Euro/Asian horse bows with their distinctive strung profile, the Edge forgoes the traditional D-shape profile but still keeps you in touch with your traditional roots.
All Liberty Bow models are available in a variety of wood choices. Whether you choose a basic model, the Elite or Super Elite with tiger stripe or exceptionally figured myrtle wood, your connection with traditional archery will be enhanced with a truly hand built, one of a kind Liberty Bow.
March 23/2008
Allen is moving in the near future and is not taking any new orders untill further notice.
When his move is complete and the new shop is set up this notice will be updated.
The Liberty Chief Elite is a bow that won me over after the first couple of arrows I shot from it.
It is not outstanding in any one particular field, but it is very good to excellent in every category. The Chief Elite has excellent craftsmanship, and excellent quality woods and veneers. The precise glue lines and fine finish, combined with a very pleasant shot in the hand make this bow a good choice to consider. Hand shock is non existent to me , but if you really concentrate on it you know that you did just shoot an arrow. The bow shoots as silent as any I have shot.
With the supplied FF string there was a bit of shock but I have changed it to a 10 strand DF97 padded loop string , and the shock is gone .
The figured Myrtle veneers are as pretty as any I have seen.
The leather covered grip settles into my hand consistently in the same place, without having to find the comfortable spot . It is a bit larger than I usually shoot, but it fits so good this is not an issue. Aiming can be a deliberate thing or on some bows like this one a natural thing. It comes up and points without any fuss or need to adjust my form. I had no trouble at all matching wood and Carbon arrows to it. The bow seems to be quite tolerant of arrow selection.
After having it for only a couple of weeks I was confident enough with it to shoot one of the courses at the North American Longbow Safari with it and it did not let me down. Drawing the Elite is a pleasant experience, and at my short 27" draw length there was no stacking felt. Friends that shot it drawing out to 29" also did not notice any stacking. If you are one of the long draw archers Allen makes this bow in 64 and 66" lengths to optimize shooting qualities at your draw length.
Those of us with a short draw can be very happy with shorter bows,however those with long draw lengths will prefer a longer bow. A friend has a 66" model of the Chief that I used to make a draw comparison to show the difference that you would feel at 29 , 30" or more. This 66" bow draws 3# per inch from 29" out to 33" , so if you are one of the shooters with a long draw ,consider a longer length bow .The 66" bow that belongs to Brian is every bit as good as the 62" bow I am reviewing and it is better suited to those with long draw length's over 28" .
The 66" Liberty chief force draw curve is below the Review Bow Curve.
The Chief Elite is a bow that has a hint of classic looks, yet it is a true modern longbow. The limbs have ample reflex to give it good performance, and tame the shock many longbows are known for.
The matching tips and overlays are faded into the limbs evenly and smoothly. The tips are small enough to give it great looks and the upper tip is long enough for easy use of a stringer. Many bows today chasing speed have tips so small you can not use a stringer on them. Some have string grooves so small you think the string will come off, but not this one. The grooves are deep enough to accept a thick loop without concern. The lower tip has a rounded end to make it more durable when we rest it on the ground etc. As expected on a quality bow there are no sharp edges to chip, every edge has a radius on it.
Photo taken from Liberty website
The riser fades are long and fine. and the shelf and plate have a definite radius to give good arrow clearance. The Chief -Elite comes with a fine leather grip and very thin matching shelf and plate pad that do a good job silencing the arrow draw and pass.
Normally there are some things I think might be improved on, or changed to what Peter likes. On this bow it is a chore to find them, but after some thought I would like to see Allen change the string he uses from 16 strands of the old Fast flight to a 10 or 12 strand modern string with padded loops.
I made the change and will show the difference on the chart below. The DF 97 Padded loop string also was quieter and any previously noticeable hand shock disappeared. The extra 5 fps gain at 11 gr/# is alright too.
62" 50# "Liberty Chief Elite" CHRONO RESULTS.
All measurements are to AMO specs, and taken at 1 time with a fresh battery and light bars. Draw lengths are done with a static release and a tab . Draw length's are all confirmed by my wife to ensure I do not over or under draw the bow.
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AMO Draw length |
Draw weight |
Arrow gr |
FPS |
Arrow gr |
FPS |
Arrow gr |
FPS |
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7 1/4 |
Brace |
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8 |
0 |
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9 |
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10 |
4 |
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11 |
7 |
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12 |
11 |
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17 |
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16 |
19 |
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17 |
22 |
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18 |
24 |
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19 |
26 |
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20 |
28 |
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21 |
31 |
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22 |
33 |
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23 |
35 |
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24 |
37 |
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25 |
39 |
WT/GR |
FPS |
WT/GR |
FPS |
WT/GR |
FPS |
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26"DF97 |
42 |
472 |
158 |
554 |
150 |
670 |
139 |
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27"DF97 |
45 |
472 |
167 |
554 |
158 |
670 |
148 |
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28"DF97 28"FF |
47 47 |
472 * 472 |
176 171 |
554 ** na |
166 na |
670 *** na |
152 na |
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* 10 GR / Pound
**11.7 GR / Pound
***14.2 GR / Pound
Draw weight at 29"= 50# and 30"=54#
*DF97 10 strand string was not supplied with this bow. The Bow came with the 16 strand FF string.
50# @ 28" {marked weight}Liberty Chief Elite draw curve.
*The chief scaled at 47# on my scale at 28" AMO.
Draw curve below is for a 66" Liberty Chief Elite.
It is shown only to explain why shooters with long draws will prefer the longer bow. This bow draws 3# per inch from 29" to 33".
The only other item worth mentioning is that there are some slight streaks in the glass. This is a problem every bowyer I know of is struggling with. The North American Manufacturers are not producing clear streak free glass. Some strips are perfect and others are terrible in the same batch. This one is slight and only shows with certain light conditions and up close . You have to look for it to see it.
If you know if a reliable source for streak free glass let me know so that I can pass on the information to the many bowyers that are searching for it.
To sum up this review I consider the Liberty Chief-Elite a bow that is very easy to like and to shoot well. It has all the characteristics of a top end bow that we look for. Great looks, fine workmanship, and excellent shooting qualities. This is another bow that I will be hunting with this fall. I am sure that my shooting would improve if I was to shoot just one bow, but with so many good ones at my disposal I switch bows often as long as I feel they will do it for me when the time comes. This one shoots so consistently for me that I have already started making up hunting arrows for it.
If you are in the Edmonton Area let me know and the Liberty will be available for a test drive. It will also be with me at any of the 3D shoots I attend. Just look me up and you can shoot it. I am sure you will like The Liberty Chief Elite as much as I do.
Pete Ward
“Welcome to my outdoor world”