Want a longbow that has a little more 'zip' than my 46# @ 28" GN Fieldbow. I have a short DL 25" to 26" depending on grip/wrist position. Bow arm shoulder will not support more than about 47-50# on the fingers. I need to see at least 150fps with a 500gr arrow for my hunting needs. I've talked to both bowyers. Both seem to be good guys who strongly believe in their product. I'm leaning towards Maddog at this point. So a 60" 45# @ 26" Maddog Prairie Predator or a 62" 42# to 44# Omega longbow? Speed, noise, handshock, craftsmanship, etc? Never seen either a Maddog or Omega in person before so this will be buying sight unseen. Thanks.

I like the Maddog because they have an option for a thumbrest, which really helps for consistent hand placement on the grip. I,ve had bows with a thumbrest and could kick myself for selling them.

First why would you not want the same weight in an Omega longbow. That is not making sense looking from the outside. As for speed, you would automatically giving the edge to the Maddog; shorter working limb..most likely, and more initial pull weight.

You haven't shot either one, and that is also a deciding factor. What I like is what I like, and may not suit you in the least. I would first try to find a few to shoot, and second compare apples to apples once you do that. Bow selection should never be done by someone else's opinion. I must be out of touch. 8^)

The omega slings some fast sticks

Mike at Maddog makes a great bow. I have a Prairie Predator that i bought used. that little thing THUMPS an arrow. i shoot it fine even at my 28" draw. it should be really great at your draw. you're not a lefty, are you?

21st Century !!! Cal

Will either of the bowyers let you try one of their bows before you make your decision?

Rick W- no, however the Omega comes with a '30 money back try it and if you don't like it send it back guarantee'.

George S- it's not an unfair comparison, because the shortest the Omega comes in is 62" and I'm going by what the bowyers recommended for my needs. And since I've NEVER seen either bow in person EVER I don't think I'm likely to find any handy to try first.

Look, they are both 'economy' handmade longbows tailored to the working man (which I am). They are not high end customs (neither bowyer claims they are), although I can tell from talking to them on the phone that both bowyers strongly believe the products they are making are the best bang for the buck for the working man. I'm just looking for input from folks who have either shot them before or actually own one. This is not intended to be a mud slinging fest over which is better, the Chevy or the Ford. All I'm looking for is some simple comparisions between the two brands. IE- Brand A is quieter but slower than Brand B sort of thing.

Maddog.

I've heard great things about both bows (and bowyers), so I'd say you can't go wrong either way.

Never owned or shot an Omega. I have heard great things about them.

Currently own 2 Maddogs and have bought several others and gave them as gifts. I tell you that not to pat me on the back, just to inform you that was the only reason they aren't still in my possession. They are awesome bows. Great craftsmanship, all shot so very quiet and as hard and fast as any longbow made in my opinion. Faster than a lot as well. You won't find a better built bow or better to deal with bowyer than Mike. He knows how to make a bow that just fits what you describe you want.

Not telling you what to buy or run down another I have zero experience with. Just telling you I never will know what an Omega is like because those Maddogs are great bows and there is no earthly reason for me to even entertain buying another kind. God Bless

Maddog

Economy? Maybe in price only, not quality.

Bought my daughter a MADDOG PRARIE PREDATOR , and granted it is lite in weight , but the bow is whisper quiet, I wanting one for myself.

All I shoot are Omega longbows. They are built for speed, no doubt. They are economically priced and built mainly with local hardwoods and black fiberglass. You can get one unfinished even cheaper. In all fairness I am not familiar with Mad Dog, so I can not compare. However, all of my Omega longbows have pushed a 10+ gpp arrow at least 180 fps. I have one that pushes an 11.5 gpp arrow 185 fps. And Kegan, the bowyer, is making a 3 piece version. The one I tested shot an 8 gpp arrow 201 fps. So I can guarantee you will get speed and KE if you are a hunter. Haven't checked prices lately but I think you can get an unfinished longbow for under $300. All that is unfinished is the final sanding, which I like because I can fine tune the grip, then I just spray it with some quality polyurethane. Good luck with your choice.

I, ve own 3 different maddogs an one 62" omega longbow the omega is a more radical r/d then the maddogs so they will be faster for sure. there build for speed an there pretty quite also. The maddogs are a more mild r/d so slower but very quite an shoot well. I liked both. If you are looking for a speed the omega is the longbow for you. The maddog have better look an finish. But I got a unfinished omega an shaped the grip to my liking an finished the bow myself very easy. little sanding stain an about 6 coats of wipe on poly.

Northern, how old is the the Maddog longbows you have? I have owned older less radical versions but, the Mountaineer is about as radical as longbow gets on the reflex, and still remain a longbow. It is also about 10 fps faster than the older model. A 1/8th more reflex in the tips and the string would ride on the limb. Just wandering? God Bless

the bows were about 3-5 years ago two were the smaller 60" model an one was a 64" mutt. I haven,t tried one of mikes newer designs. Good point.

I have a pic on photobucket that shows the differences in the old and new design. It had an older model and the new model laid beside one another. Both were 64 inches long. I wish I could post it here but, my computer won't interface with photobucket. But it is much difference. God Bless

Maddog seems much more reputable and far better craftsmanship.

If the price is close at all I would choose the Maddog. I doubt the speed will vary much at all.

Mike is building me a bow soon with a couple of features he does not often do...his attitude is "sure I can do that"...if you simply ask him politely there is a good chance he will build you whatever you want...of course were I not ahead of you on his list I would recommend the Omega

DDave

My Maddog Prairie Predator;

Fine finish-work, quiet&fast. A great investment for your$.

Grip-size: Small/Med. If you have large hands, a leather grip, is recommended.

Hopefully this link will work. Posting a picture of my all phenolic Omega 66" longbow. This was a special order. Kegan has been improving the finish of his bows to match their performance. If the link doesn't work I will try to post a picture later.

Same as most here, never shot an Omega but I thought about pulling the trigger and his "you finish it" a few times just never did,read good words about them and never a negative one. Nice price on what to appears to be a nice quality bow.

I've shot one of Mike's longbows and own a mid size recurve for my wife. I bought that bow about 6 years ago I think,heck of deal. Really nice bow and since then I think his cosmetics and craftsmanship has improved even more. Plus it's a little heavy for my wife I contacted him awhile back about it and he offered to drop the weight as much as he could for free. Just haven't sent it back yet which am about to do. Can't beat that for customer service.

I've never shot the Omega, but I own a Maddog recurve and long bow and they are great bows. The longbow is a R/D design and is my go to bow. Beautiful craftsmanship and great shooting! The recurve is older and the osage has darkened a bit more than the longbow.

This is my Omega all phenolic riser 66" longbow. Kegan has been making improvements with his finishing to complement the bows performance. He is always tinkering to improve his bows.

I have an Omega that I just traded for. It looks a lot like the one shown above, but the riser is all black. It's a 64", 52 @ 28. It pulls smoothly, and has minimal handshock. I shot it with a 435 grain arrow, and it was so fast that I almost couldn't see the arrow. Much like a compound bow speed. I have never seen a traditional bow that fast. I don't have a chrono, but I'd bet that it was over 200 fps. Now, that being said, compared to a Maddog, it's very plain. As he says on his website, it's a hunting bow, and not one to look at. Mine is not pretty, but I have no doubt that with the proper arrow, it would kill anything that you will be hunting.

I've owned two Maddogs and they look much better. Peformance wise, I'd have to give the nod to the Omega. I really think that it will outshoot a Maddog. So it's up to you. A Maddog is a very pretty bow, good shooter, and Mike is a super nice fella. Easy to work with.

As for me, I'd rather have a decent bow that looks good. My Omega will go on the trading blanket sometime in the near future. Good luck with your decision.

I looked at both sites having never heard of either bow. I must say the prices are very reasonable. The designs look viable to my eyes as well.

Both are excellent choices.

So now you see how unanimous it is. And whether or not you liked what I said, it's almost imperative to shoot a bow before you buy. The reason is simple....no two people feel the same way about the same bow to an exact degree. Almost everyone's best bow ever can show up, and does in the various classifieds because they bought something on someone elses opinion of it. Good luck with that...it never worked out for me.

Never owned a bow I did not like...for long

DDave

George Stout is right. Why buy a bow that I have no way of shooting first before buying. Just be a headache for me and the bowyer. So I decided to do what I just should of done in the first place. I like the Great Northern longbow I currently have, so why not work with the bowyer that made it and get a similar model that has a bit more 'zip' to it???? Makes more sense than trying something completely different that I may or may not like. Now I just need to decide between a Lil Creep or a Bushbow.

Guys, if you tell the bowyer what you want, you are not buying a new to you bow so to speak. There is a difference in ordering a production bow you grow into and ordering a bow that the builder makes to your requests. Totally different It is in my mind the difference in custom shops that let you try before you buy and the ones that just make what you ask for.

To the OP, here is a pic I found on my computer of the Mountaineer longbow. God Bless

Here is another angle. Sorry bud, it is all I got that will hopefully give you an idea of the profile. God Bless

One of a recurve to show you the craftsmanship. God Bless and good choosing

If shooting either bow is not possible then reading these posts seem to back up that these two bow makers do a great job with these bows. I've never read a bad review of either one and they both have their fans. I'd say you can't go wrong with either of them and they both are fine gentlemen to deal with.

Old thread I know, but I own both an Omega Imperial and a Mad Dog Mountaineer, both 62”, 45#@28”. The Imperial is 2 years old and gets shot 3-4x per week. I’ve owned the Mountaineer about a week and have shot it a couple hundred times.

IMHO the build quality and value are excellent on both bows. The finish quality and overall appearance is better on the Maddog. But I much prefer the design and shooting characteristics of the Omega. The arrow shelf and sight window are much larger on the Imperial. It is also much smoother to draw and the resistance feels very linear as draw length increases. The Mountaineer has thicker limbs and the resistance feels a lot more progressive as draw length increases. Interestingly, both bows shoot my 445gr gold tip traditional arrows at exactly the same speed, about 170fps.

R

The Omega “ Native” is 58” .Dud you check that out? I shoot short draw as well and almost bought one. I have heard nothing but good things about Omega bows. The one selling point for me was the squared off handle which supposedly enhances the alignment issues that trouble many archers - including myself. Check it out and ask all the questions . Kagan is a very patient, friendly guy. The buy back policy is also good. Just don’t throw it at a rock ( kidding)

It's nice to be able to shoot bows before buying, but I go to a lot of bigger shoots and have never seen either an Omega or Mad Dog. Kinda hard to try if you never see them anywhere.

It is good to have choices and these two bowyers won’t disappoint.

I’ve tried shorter bows and just didn’t like the way they felt. 60”-62” works best for my needs.

Of those two Omega for sure

Having shot both and now owning one, I'd give the vote to Maddog by far. The Omega is so-so in terms of speed with an edge to the Maddog. But the deciding factor by far is fit and finish. The Maddog while not a fancy bow is far and away better craftsmanship. The Omega I shot was only a single lamination on the limbs and a rough finish on the riser. The Maddog was 69" string nock to string nock; the Omega was 68".

I have owned several of both. I would say the Omega has a little more performance but only in the Imperial model. I would say that Maddog way out does Omega in detail and finish. Both are great bows but if you look at overall bow I would give the edge to Maddog.

If you have already registered, please

sign in now

For new registrations

Click Here