Essex-based handcrafted longbows, warbows, arrows and accessories.
- Website: www.barebowarchery.co.uk
- Location: Essex
- Contact: Ben Perkins
- Tel: 07778 790 366
Bowyer Reviews
Declan Ross-Thomas
Equipment bought: Longbow, Arrows, Quiver and Bracer
I was the recipient of a suprise 50th Birthday present organised by my family. I was delighted that all arrangements had been made, discussed, confirmed, and delivered such that the bow was available for me to open on the intended day as had been promised.
The craftsmenship is unquestionable but more important to me is the relationship that subsequently was struck up. Ben spared no amount of personal time to explain the composition of the bow, the techniques used to match it to my personal frame and to then supply me with custom arrows to match my long draw length amongst a number of other personal quality leather items. All this was done supporting me and in a time frame to suit my needs. I have no hesitation in recommending Ben to others and will now only consider using Ben for my future Barebow needs.
Ben’s attention to detail, his approachable nature, and endearing charm coupled with extraordinary knowledge and passion for his craft undoubtedly make him a unique individual.
Declan Ross-Thomas
Innis Jephcott
Equipment bought: 60Lb Longbow, 80Lb Warbow & arrow shafts
I am a precision engineer and as such I expect and appreciate good quality workmanship. In my opinion, based on own purchases, Ben Perkins consistently delivers a well made product with a superior finish. He displays understanding of the materials he uses and is happy to explain the
various benefits in combining woods to provide an end product suited to my needs. Ben always appears well informed and knowledgeable about his craft. Combined with the evidence of his workmanship this has enabled me not only to feel confident in his work but also confident to recommend him to others.During the commission and construction process Ben has kept me well informed and has always been available to discuss the design and progress of my bows.
Both bows are actively used throughout the year and have been and are regularly used in target and field competition as well as in clout shooting at 150 – 220 yards.
They have performed well and I have with the target bow won my archery clubs longbow championship, the Bill Tucker Memorial shoot as well as making 4 new club records.
I am looking forward to purchasing a Self bow in the not to distant future and I will certainly be returning to Ben for this. I am very happy to give my full personal recommendation for Barebow Archery.
Innis Jephcott
Chris Bromley
Equipment bought: 80Lb@32 Warbow
When I bought my bow from Ben at Barebow Archery it was only the second bow I had ever owned. The first was a stock bow, so you can imagine that there was still a lot I had to learn and know when ordering the second.
Ben went out of his way to have time for me and explained all of the details I needed to know, from the different woods that can be used, to the kind of poundage that would ideally suite me. He made sure that my draw length was accurate and overall made me feel that I made the bow without actually doing anything…
Ben’s time keeping was impeccable, I got updates when he said he would give them, I received regular photographs of the work in progress and he always double checked every detail with me just to be sure that it was what I wanted.. I don’t think there was any point where I couldn’t get hold of Ben or where he was unable to speak which was one of the most important traits for me…
When it came down to the finished product I wasn’t expecting to hear from Ben or even see any progress updates for at least another week, then I received a phone call informing me the bow had been dispatched by courier and would be with me in a couple of days. I couldn’t believe how something of such quality and beauty could be turned around in such a small space of time….
I am very happy with my bow and I have shot it at many events, it has been showed off to many people and it has never let me down, shown any signs of bad wear, or anything negative at all, in fact I don’t think I would want to change from this bow at any point…
Chris Bromley
Nic Dunlop
Equipment bought: Longbow and Arrows
I ordered a 65 lbs @32“ laminate Longbow from Ben together with a set of target and medieval arrows. The craftsmenship is wonderful and the service prompt and efficient. All arrived safely and in good time. I will definitely be placing further orders with Ben. His work is superb and his service excellent.
Nic Dunlop
Nick Fusco
Equipment bought: Longbow
I found out about Ben and Barebow archery through a fellow archer at my club (Aquarius, N. London) and that he was based in North London (now moved to Essex), not far from where I live. I initially spoke to him about repairing my old tri – laminate 75LB Longbow. Ben was very direct and honest with me from the start; told me it would cost almost as much to replace the back lamination as it would to buy a new Bow and he couldn’t guarantee that I would be happy with the outcome.
While we were chatting he showed me some of the bows he’d made for himself, one of them being a tri – laminate 100LB Bow, which he allowed me to draw. I was amazed by the smoothness of it as I drew it back and thought ‘this can’t be a 100LB Bow’ – I was tempted to buy it there and then and the thing kept haunting my thoughts afterwards.
I understood that the repair I asked him to do would be an unpredictable end result and asked him to build me a replacement: An 80LB backed, Medieval Bow. Expecting a wait of a month or so as Ben had other orders to fullfill before he could make my bow. I was pleasantly surprised when he phoned me a week or so later telling me that he was at that moment tillering a Backed Bow and it was sitting beautifully at 80LB, at 32″ and did I want it? My answere was yes! When a Bowyer says something like that, as an archer, you should listen. I picked up the bow from Ben’s home, braced it and drew it back. It was a beauty; aesthetically and functionally. It was a pleasure to draw it back to my reference point. Smooth, without a hint of any stacking and I could feel the power gradually increasing with every inch and knew this Bow would launch an arrow with great efficiency, accuracy and good cast.
It did exactly that when I shot it at my archery ground and after a year of shooting it regularly, on a weekly basis, it doesn’t feel any less powerfull than when I first got it. Ben answered all my questions, gave me a lot of advice about taking care of the Bow and if any problems developed I should contact him immediately. I have recommended Ben/ Barebow Archery not only to fellow club members but other archers who I come into contact with and the conversation usually starts with them mentioning what a beautifull looking Bow I’ve got.
Nick Fusco
Rebecca Freeman
Equipment bought: Longbow and Arrows
I recently purchased a 40lbs@32” English Longbow and a set of Target Arrows from Ben at Barebow as a Christmas present for my boyfriend.
I just wanted to drop a quick line to say he is very happy with the bow, as I am! The workmanship is fantastic on both the longbow and the arrows. The bow arrived on time and was well packaged, thank you so much.
I shall certainly recommend you to others who may be after archery equipment!
Rebecca Freeman
Matt Jones
Equipment bought: Longbow and Arrows
Hello Ben
Just a note to say a big thanks to for all your hard work and expertise regards my bow.
The 55lb@32” Longbow you made for me is fantastic, not only in terms of shooting but in the high quality of craftsmanship and faultless attention to detail.
The authenticity is unmatched and your skill is evident throughout the entire makeup.
The Arrows you made fly straight and true over very long distances and again the high quality of craftsmanship is sublime.
The whipping on the fletches is perfect and again very authentic and clearly the sign of a master bowyer and arrowsmith.Your knowledge and advice was second to none and you are clearly a very gifted bowyer.
I will absolutely be commissioning you again for an upgraded when I choose to go up in poundage, and wish you all the best in your work.
Kind regards
Matt Jones
Matt Jones
Toby Willoughby
Equipment bought: Warbow and 1/2″ Arrows
I bought a 95lb@32” Warbow from Ben, along with twelve
arrows and a leather arm brace. The quality of the bow is exceptional, and when I have had any free time, it has hardly left my hands.I was really happy that all the requirements for the bow were met. Ben has been very helpful in answering any queries I have had with his extensive knowledge on the subject.
I am in the process of buying some more arrows from Ben, as I know the quality will be high and that I will get good value for money.
I have already recommended Barebow Archery to my friends, and would do to anyone who is interested in buying a longbow, Warbow or Arrows. His workmanship is fantastic, and he himself has been most helpful in all matters regarding the purchase of my bow and general information.
Toby Willoughby
Toby Willoughby
Equipment bought: Warbow and 1/2″ Arrows
I bought a 95lb@32” Warbow from Ben, along with twelve
arrows and a leather arm brace. The quality of the bow is exceptional, and when I have had any free time, it has hardly left my hands.I was really happy that all the requirements for the bow were met. Ben has been very helpful in answering any queries I have had with his extensive knowledge on the subject.
I am in the process of buying some more arrows from Ben, as I know the quality will be high and that I will get good value for money.
I have already recommended Barebow Archery to my friends, and would do to anyone who is interested in buying a longbow, Warbow or Arrows. His workmanship is fantastic, and he himself has been most helpful in all matters regarding the purchase of my bow and general information.
Toby Willoughby
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