How to Build a Reflex Deflex Longbow (Hybrid Longbow)

How to build a reflex deflex, or hybrid longbow... Archery for me in the past was always done with a compound, though I've wanted to try traditional archery for a while. In particular, I wanted to build my own bow. I'd tried a couple times when I was a kid, but never wound up with anything too legitimate.
I decided to finally take this project on, and hope that by making a how to video along the way, I've given some confidence or inspiration to others who want to make their own bow. Bow building is an art. There are so many different styles, wood combinations, arrow materials, and shooting styles that you can make a bow into whatever you want it to be. For me, I wanted a hybrid longbow for performance reasons. A good reflex deflex longbow will have performance similar to a recurve while maintaining the low weight, aesthetic, and forgiveness of a longbow. Ipe and bamboo are a well known bowmaking combination. The bamboo is strong in tension, so it makes a great backing material. The ipe, or Brazilian walnut, is very dense and strong in compression. It makes a great belly material.
diy-sportsman.c...

[@mephistofelies]

this is one of the, if not THE most comprehensive, informationally packed videos on bow making i have ever come across! Phenominal job with the entire video. I wasnt planning on watching the whole thing but before i knew it , the video ended... Kept my mind engaged the whole time and gave me plenty of food for thought, WOW!!!! great great job!

[@DIYSportsman]

+doug h Thank you!

[@chilongqua1238]

You are the shit. You are the fucking shit! Not saying that you are shit, I'm saying that you are the shit, if you know what I mean.

[@GarrisonFall]

doug h Probably the best instructional video I've seen on KZbin.

[@C.dieslevonankwek7]

Was about to write a similar comment, very informative

[@rickkern5785]

I could not say it better---awesome video--Thanks

[@ghffrsfygdhfjkjiysdz]

In the first 60 seconds of the video i was going to say: "Naah, nothing special... I'll take a commercial bow instead". But having watched the whole video, I must say: "what a great labour of love. great job on a very well made and tuned bow. Some things you just can't buy, you simply have to make them yourself". Well done!

[@pinolazerat65]

but then the question, why drop down 90 bucks for some wood cut. you can buy a whole bow for that money or when you do cut it yourself build 3 bow or more for that money. considering the work you stil have with the "kit" you might as well do a full build

[@jasonlangosch2201]

@@pinolazerat65 a normal priced longbow is 600$ -800$

[@theguywitheyebrows]

this is a beautiful bow, its a hell of a video, and it is all extremely professional. this is super legit, great job!

[@olliewoody3625]

thank you for this awesome tutorial. I have watched many bow making videos but none of them explain why and how this steps work. and what to do to correct them. I actually learned a lot from this video. thank you, you make a great instructor

[@1myfriendjohn]

Just watching you do the preamble to the tiller has helped me more than any other video I have watched so far. Thank you!

[@clark32900]

This was great. I don't normally watch anything this long, but the detail and comments which explained every facet made it fantastic! GREAT JOB!!!

[@DIYSportsman]

clark32900 Thank you!

[@GregJebailybaritone]

I built a 50# hickory/bamboo strait longbow largely using the tips and advice on this video as a guide. Ended up with a 46# at 28" longbow that shoots just great! I really appreciate the detail and narration. Very well done! Looking forward to my next bow already!

[@DIYSportsman]

+Greg Jebaily That's great! It becomes very addicting!

[@Rokynn]

This is hands down one of the best you tube videos on budget wood bow building that i have seen. thank you very much for your efforts.

[@nontimebomala2267]

That is a really fine piece of work. I've been building bows since 93. That is a beautiful piece of work.

[@mathieudreano3842]

Thank you, your explaination about tillering are the best among all the videos I've seen ! Simple, clear. I built my "tillering machine" based on your design. You made it really easy for me.

[@TahaNasser]

This is incredible. I'm not even into making bows and I sat through the whole thing, amazed!

[@patricksvensensmith9677]

I was impressed with your technical knowledge and the articulate you expressed the bow building process you followed. Great job; beautiful results.

[@TheHUNTERTIM]

Hi I'm Tim from Two Wolves Archery, I had to laugh when you said you were working out of your apartment because that's how I got my start and my first eviction lol. But now I have my own home and my own shop. I am in the process of setting up my new shop don't have to worry about the landlord. My bows are a bit more complex but I love the simplicity that your using I get frustrated at times because of the type of bows I am building. But I am building a brand new design bow so basically I'm starting from the ground up again. Today I am finishing the oven and I am waiting for the mailman to show up with my last pieces of laminates so I can make my first bow in the new shop. I've made many but this bow I have incorporated all of the aspects that made my other bows work so well. But I wish I had your video and speaking skills I would love to put together a how to video for beginning builders so they to can enjoy what we do. Take a look at some of my videos tell me what ya think constructive help is welcomed thanks for the video.

[@stringbean585]

Super job, especially for your first bow. Your video shows a depth of understanding, organization, clarity and maturity far beyond your years. You have a bright future in bowmaking!

[@daviddickinson3607]

i make medieval long bows using ash to make a self bow,but watching this vidio i now am going to make laminated reflex deflex long bow,.thank you for your vidio very good

[@miofi3986]

What a work done without any electric tools. I have done two bows from oak, but with those electric tools the job was so much easier.

[@GLOSSYWINE]

First video that I've ever seen without hate comments. Great tutorial!

[@ulrichkroener2784]

Here is a hate comment - I hate, that I still have not had time to make a bow like this myself! Love the video and the bow!

[@craigdickeron6872]

Great video. Very clear, organized and set up in logical progression. Keep up the good work.

[@jodyfriend9129]

Thank you for sharing this experience of making the bow. Super helpful and honest. Kudos to you for punching every challenge in the face and doing it in an apartment! Keep it up!

[@whilburn2]

I dont exactly have a lot of goof off time, but ive watched a ton of bow building, wood and pvc videos and by far, yours provides the best of everything ive seen. Rudderbows youtube has a similar technique to checking the even roundness of the limbs by using a wood block but the pencil idea is phenomenal. My ideal bow is a long bow and now that ive seen your reflex/deflex longbow, i think i am sold on that rather than a self bow from a single stave. I was looking at getting a hickory self build/finish but was fearful because all the old writings on bow woods say that only a handful of woods will fully last a lifetime. your bow looks like it will last a lifetime... thanks again, wayne

[@taylorfrazier6150]

your video is the best iv seen thats explained tillering an the string dampining style well done

[@Maxi-gm3cx]

This is one of the most informative bow making videos in my opinion and a beautiful bow! I really appreciate all the work you put into this video.

[@butchcoplin2316]

Best video on building a bow, specifically a hybrid longbow. Extremely comprehensive, easy to follow, no nonsense, and great workmanship. I subscribed after seeing this video. That bow you made is a rocket launcher! It shoots your arrows out like a cannon!

[@C.dieslevonankwek7]

So awesome you only used a drill for the entire build. Very informative and well made video, thanks for sharing

[@WV591]

the best flatbow kit build DIY bar none.

[@mohunter68]

I've still got some bamboo slats in the rafters of my mother's garage. Thinking about doing this as a winter project hoping I can find some osage tapered slats for the belly. I've made about 6 osage longbows in the past and even made a bamboo backed bamboo for my nephew. My biggest issue was always the tillering. Great video and I saved it in my favorites so I can refer back to it later.

[@SuperSkinnymoose]

this is one of the most coherent videos I have ever watched. Your explanatory style is excellent. I have no experience as a bowyer (something I intend to remedy) and your video has answered many of the little (but it turns out, crucial) questions that I have. Good work

[@sansdecorum4600]

Excellent job detailing both the construction process and the reasoning behind it. Definately one of the better bow building videos I've seen to date. Again, nice work and good hunting.

[@gigasoul1991]

Only 1:23 seconds into the video, but i can already tell this has been well thought out and well put together, 1:23 and already easily got my like. Good job bud.

[@seanl4285]

I love the amount of work you put into the bow and the video, it's one of the most extensive videos I've seen on bowmaking. Thanks!

[@safferoth]

This is like watching a Wes Anderson experimental short film. I dig it! Good stuff.

[@Itchy1958]

I find the most useful tool is a 36" belt sander. saves so much time. I would love to build a drum sander that can help in tapering wood, that would save a lot of time also. Great job on the bow.

[@desthompson6721]

appreciated the time and effort you put into making this video. you explained each step really well and it appears you yourself learnt a lot in the process. Thank you for sharing your experience. oh and you must have a good vacuum cleaner - I cringed every time i saw sawdust on your carpet. well done!

[@tobisinger8945]

I watched many videos on bow building.... and this is one of the best i have ever seen. Good job!

[@alva8421]

That's a really nice bow 'm 49 I been hunting all my life with a bow but I think it's time to build my own.

[@janviljoen7001]

Mate, you are truly a cool builder and perfectionist. You must be an engineer of some sorts. Well done!

[@hosamh]

Superb How to video . and your not using any machines except the hand drill . impressive !

[@fredsadjadi]

This is the best tutorial I have seen amongst the 10 or so I have watched so far. Kudos

[@bbenezra1169]

Amazing craftsmanship, thank you for taking the time to make the video, its very helpful.

[@brotherscoyote]

I have to say that this is the best bow build/build along video I've ever seen. And I've seen quite a few. Congrats on a great video, and a beautiful bow. You've got to post hunting video if you ever connect with it.

[@DIYSportsman]

+Robert S Thanks, I plan on it!

[@Paiadakine]

Thanks for posting you build. You really did a very good job, the best I seen. I appreciate the time and planning you took to create this video. You made a complete video with the rational of why in addition to how. I also appreciate your excellent narration. No 'ahs', 'ums', or whatnots.

[@TxGnomeAF]

The most informative video on bow making that i have watched so far, well done .

[@RakkaSan7219]

You may already figured this out but you realize you could be making custom bows made to order and/or of course sell premade bows. Your sittin on a tiny gold mind man!! Great Video by the way!!! Ive seen your vids on the side while surfin YT and just never clicked it, now Ive kicked myself in the ass for that mistake. Thx again, inspiring and educational.

[@SA-dk2is]

Extremely well-thought out and presented build-along. Great work! And what a fabulous bow! Enjoy!

[@davidknighton747]

I’ve been watching you on and off for last few years. I am also getting into trad bows. I’m not hunting right now as I’m back in college. However, I’ll be shooting my Browning Wasp while I’m finishing up this year. My goal is to build my own bow sometime in the. As with every video you do - great job! Gives those of us thinking about this project more confidence for when we’re ready.

[@RocketFireTurtle]

Beautiful finish on that bamboo

[@redroadrunner1545]

Thank you thank you. Never thought of making myself one but I now have two at the tillering stage. Just simple board bows for now but all hand tools.

[@rodjohnson3668]

Great video and awesome looking bow. If I ever tire of compound (fat chance) I might give this a shot.

[@DIYSportsman]

RockinRod12 Outdoors Yea I love my compound, too. It's difficult to compare them.

[@comfusedWorldpassanger3399]

I know I`m late at this video but, thank`s a lot for your informative video. I've been thinking about making my own bow for a long time and here see how it can be done relatively simple. Great video.

[@bondannoviada8750]

i am honored, there is no one who talk to me this intense . .

[@senatorjosephmccarthy2720]

Using a pencil allows removing dimension marks with using noticably less deep sanding. Using masking tape is even better. Real Nice bow and tutorial, thanks for zero background "music".

[@mrbibs350]

What I took away from this video: I'm not capable of making a Reflex Deflex Longbow.

[@MrDaveo98]

The made me lol.

[@SamuL147]

You can do it if you want it :)

[@GeorgiaRidgerunner]

congratulations ... very well done ......the video and the bow.... hope you get the deer of a lifetime with it......

[@DIYSportsman]

Thanks!

[@SATRAT-1]

Mate, Greetings from Australia. Well done, very informative video it have to be one of the best I have seen on here. Its clear that you have a passion for the art bow making! Good job..

[@jammin1881]

Very impressed. Congrats and have fun. That thing looks like a beast! I just finished making a compound bow from pvc and the bow string from spectra fishing line. My next project is wood! Thanks for posting......

[@muthaz1952]

1:34 in and I already love this video. I hope you do well

[@rooteronascooter]

Well done. Very informative and good, polished execution on the tutorial. Thank you for putting the effort in. It really paid off for your presentation and I suspect quite a few of your viewers.

[@danielmiller2977]

Thank you for being so thorough and detailed . I think I can do this. Nice job!

[@MrSIXGUNZ]

home made / hand made .... is always the best !!! great bow and great info thanks much !!

[@NeronAzemi]

this video inspired me to bow making. Thanks bro😊

[@mittenoutdoorsman5633]

Wow that was great I can't wait for a hunting video with you traditional shooting!!!

[@elconsejodeancianos7823]

Great build. Looks nice. Congrats

[@elconsejodeancianos7823]

By the way, just a recommendation, there must be a ton of people like me, not native speakers in English. We would all like to thank you if you could slow down your speech a bit

[@DIYSportsman]

Thanks for the suggestion. In the meantime, KZbin also allows you to slow or speed up video playback in the settings. You can switch to 0.75x or even 0.5x which may help.

[@Vccine]

That is a beautiful bow. Knowing that you made it yourself makes it that much more precious doesn't it? :)

[@davidcastle3292]

BTW i loved the harmonic diagram as well. it shows where the natural harmonics on a guitar would be too!

[@DIYSportsman]

+David Castle Yes, I've found that often times you still need to play around a bit to get optimum damping since things like nock points, serving, etc affect the theoretical harmonics somewhat.

[@johnnydrum7935]

Thanks your information was great didnt get bored like i do with the other guys video, you went right into detail thanks

[@Thebeardedviking865]

Excellent video. i will be making one for myself thanks to this upload. Well done.

[@remotaurog]

Good video, I seen other videos where the shelf was cut on the less flexible side instead of taking off more material.

[@pc8161]

You are the only guy like me who draws the bow with your left hand.

[@WAGONJON]

One of the best how to's I've seen! Excellent!!!

[@dk17hmr]

Great build! Once you lose the training wheels you don't go back. I haven't drawn a compound in over a year now.

[@N0rnagest]

Great job ... very useful tips regarding tillering off centre to help reduce vibration and hand shock... #68 is a bit over the top for a beginner bow... not as much as a traditional warbow but still big draw weight... I imagine the reflex/ deflex design bumps up the arrow speed even with heavier arrows...

[@captainjoesanglingadventur4894]

This is bad ass man... You definitely have some skills

[@joedavino9225]

Great video I'm gonna try this myself I attempted a self bow out of red oak and rushed it way to much skipping a lot of steps u spoke about and guess what happened lol boom goes the dynamite. Tillering was killing me I get very impatient and just wanna get a project done I found out making a bow is not the time to be impatient lol thanks again brother

[@jmh8743]

well done young man. detail...detail...detail

[@Sazaka]

Two pieces of information would be very helpful: 1) How much time did this process take? An estimate of man hours (including research) or even just how long the project took will help me make the decision of whether I have enough time to take on this feat. 2) Starting with no materials or tools, how much money will this project take to complete? I don't even have extra 2x4's around to build the tree, so everything would have to be bought or scavenged new. Thank you so much, your video was extremely informative. You've inspired me.

[@DIYSportsman]

+Sazaka The time is obviously quite variable depending on tools and experience. For me, I probably spent 20-30 hours researching (though much of that info is compressed into this video), 2-3 hours driving around to buy various materials as the need arose, 1.5 hours to build the form, and I'll estimate 20-30 hours to build and finish the actual bow. IF I used a garage with a workbench, vice, and had a belt sander, I believe that time might shrink down to 10-15 hours or so. Depends a lot on what you start with for wood thickness and what your finished weight is. There's also waiting involved in shipment of the materials, Unibond glue, etc. As far as price, I believe it was in the $200-250 range for all the materials for the bow and form, miscellaneous tools, clamps, and processing aids. That's not including arrows. Seems like a fair chunk of change, but again that is why custom longbows sell for $700-1000 from bowbuilders.

[@Sazaka]

+DIY Sportsman Thank you so much!

[@chuckcassel5417]

Lots of info I wasn't aware of,well presented.thanks!

[@nakedspartan]

Impressive planning and execution. This is what is lacking from every young engineer I deal with. Hands on manufacturing experience, trial and error, and improving on your plan by adapting to nuances you find along the way. Beautiful result you have there, keep it up.

[@jackboyd2352]

TRIED ALL OF IT UP TO THIS YEAR IT WORKED

[@bondannoviada8750]

i am honored, there is no one who wants talk to me this intense . .

[@stizan24]

Like number 1000!!!!! Do I win? If I do what do I win? Every now and then I get the kick to build a bow. That has happened to me dozens of times since I first shot a bow in scouts when I was 8. It took almost 20 years until I found KZbin and could actually see videos on how to build a bow. Every time I see it takes a lot of work that I am not good at. I am horrible at woodworking. I am good at my day job though and will probably buy a recurve just so I can strengthen my arms and shoot stuff at the same time. I already have a compound i hunt with and it is fun but having all the sights and tech on my bow takes some of the challenge out of it. The recurve will be just for fun.

[@DIYSportsman]

+stizan24 Appreciate the 1000th like! I've been wondering if and when it would happen. Nothing wrong at all with buying a bow. I considered buying a 35-40# one to learn proper shooting form with. I still love shooting my compound - I love shooting both of them. They're just different and hard to compare to one another.

[@Isaacmantx]

excellent in depth video, thank you for all the time put into it.

[@actstuntcam]

This is awesome mate. Great job on the bow and the video. Many thanks:)

[@kiwisdad1]

That was a great video. Very intriguing and entertaining. Nice job. Thanks,

[@pastorjosh44]

GREAT video. Thank you for sharing.

[@SamuL147]

Thank you for a very informative and clear video about a beautiful sport of archery :) This is of the suject but couple days a go I was shooting arrows from 15m line with a hunting bow. I've only shot a bow like only 10 times in my life. 1st arrow hit the target, second arrow hit the target but I didnt see where it went. It went right through the 1st one and I was so confused and hyped :D Anyone else split an arrow before? Google told me its 1:3000 but not sure of the source of data :D

[@Bamshi101]

My only problem with this video is you doing the rasping on your CARPET but other than that it was a very well presented tutorial, so thank you!

[@desertdweller8981]

+Rory Jakobs Ehhh its an apt.... lol nice build DIY I ordered my bamboo backed hickory kit tonight hope my turns out as nice as yours

[@DIYSportsman]

+Josh makowski Sweet. I want to see pics when it's done.

[@mudkip_btw]

Great tutorial! That's a really good looking bow you made

[@rohoule]

Great video, you inspired me to try and make one. Thank you.👍

[@allaussiegaming5955]

that bow is so cool I want one

[@hunterslavings4982]

Wow. Great job man. Beautiful bow.

[@seleuma]

good inspiration mate i did one with fiber glass but with wood is a diferent story thanks a lot.nice video by the way :)

[@ytmm9055]

good job - a lot of work - mental and physical - i took a short cut, bought my bamboo bow -60# - already made...

[@northernwilderness6061]

awesome looking bow man you sure did some research

[@BoarriorBows]

GREAT JOB!!! Wonderful build along and congrats on your bow!

[@DIYSportsman]

BoarriorBows Thanks!

[@the-bone-yard9865]

Very cool video I'm gonna do this!

[@DIYSportsman]

The-Bone-Yard You definitely should! It's very rewarding!

[@jodokast2000]

What a great video. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@zachwilson9924]

Awesome video, I see this being a new project over the winter I think!

[@davidcastle3292]

ETSY has a site with this basic kit and a slew of others.....no i have no excuse. the hickory one is on sale for under 40 bucks . may try that before making a really nice one. great video, i tried making a flat bow some years back and totally did not understand the tillering process, so it broke after about 40 hours . the kit really appeals to me. i hope no posters shit on me for building a "non-longbow" kit i didnt chew the tree down to build. nice video good luck slaying bucks.

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Great build I would be one of those people that would like to do this sometime I have made some self bows but nothing like this. I too follow the Ashby recommendations my arrows are about 700 gns and about 25% FOC using carbon shafts. Jason

[@DIYSportsman]

Primal Outdoors I have a few different arrow option that fly well right now. The most "Ashby-like" are some Victory VForce HV 350 shafts. With brass inserts and 300 grain tips, they are about 600 grains, 175fps, and 34% FOC.

[@goldenarrow49]

Awesome! My wife will not be happy.