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#9 on this list
Osage Selfbow
Custom bowyers (Dean Torges, Clay Hayes, Billy Berger)
One-stave osage orange bow, hand-tillered. The oldest working design in North America, still hard to beat for a hunting-weight stick bow.
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#10 on this list
Hungarian / Magyar Horsebow
Kassai / Grozer
Short, reflexed composite horsebow. Fast from the saddle or on foot, distinct style of shooting.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Osage Selfbow | Hungarian / Magyar Horsebow |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Custom Bowyers | — |
| Material | Osage Orange Wood | — |
| Bow Type | Selfbow (Traditional) | Traditional Composite Horsebow |
| Draw Weight | Highly variable, custom ordered | 30-70 lbs (common range) |
| Handedness | Ambidextrous (typically) | — |
| Materials | — | Wood, fiberglass, resin (modern versions) |
| Typical Length | — | 45-55 inches (nock to nock) |
| Shooting Style | — | Thumb draw predominant |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Osage Selfbow
- Deep connection to traditional archery and craftsmanship
- Exceptional durability and resistance to wear
- Quiet shot, ideal for hunting scenarios
- Lightweight and comfortable to carry
- Unmatched shooting feel and sensory feedback
- Not as fast as modern bows
- Requires significant skill to master
- One-piece design limits packability
- Less consistent than synthetic materials without precise tillering
Hungarian / Magyar Horsebow
- Extremely fast arrow flight for its size
- Highly maneuverable and compact design
- Authentic historical shooting experience
- Lightweight and excellent for portability
- Demands skill, fostering deep connection to archery
- Steep learning curve, especially for thumb draw
- No modern amenities like arrow shelf or sight inserts
- Can be unforgiving of poor form
- Limited precision at very long distances compared to modern bows
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