Traditional Bamboo-Laminated “Varangian Guard” Bow
The traditional bamboo-laminated Varangian Guard bow is a stylization of medieval European longbows. It has relatively narrow limbs with a rectangular cross-section. We make two models: a 68 inches (171 сm) longbow and a 71 inches (180 сm) longbow.
A scene from the Bayeux Tapestry showing archers with Norman bows in the Battle of Hastings (1066)
In the Old Russ, the Slavs used to call Vikings Varangian Guard, so our bow is named after these Scandinavian warriors. According to the chronicles, the leader of one of the Varyags detachments founded the dynasty of the Kievan princes.
The prototype of the Varangian Guard bow was the North European wooden longbow, which was used by the Vikings. Such bows were named “Hedeby” after the Danish Viking Age trading settlement (8th-11th centuries) where they were found. During the archaeological excavations, a complete 191-сm yew longbow was hunted up.
The Varangian Guard has a straight form and a symmetric handle with a leather grip. There’s also an alternative option with a notch in the handle on the left or right side. The Varangian Guard will suit everyone who prefers longbows. This bow bends well throughout the entire length. The maximum draw length can be 35-36 inches for a 71 inches long bow.
Like all longbows and unlike short recurve bows, the Varangian Guard is less demanding in terms of the shooting technique. For a wooden longbow made without fibreglass, it has a good speed rating. For the draw length at 32 pounds per 28 inches, the speed of a 380-grain arrow will be about 150 frames per second.
The bowstring and fabric case is complete with the bow.
Materials: ash wood+bamboo
String material: dacron
Total length: 68” and 71”
The length of the string: 65” and 68”
Draw weight: 30-55#
Max. draw length:
36” for bow 71” and poundage up to 28#
32” for bow 71” and poundage 50-55#
for bow 68” Max. draw length less by 2 inches
