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Thursday, December 22, 2016

Shakespeare Parabow Solid Fiberglass Bows



“Archery’s Greatest Improvement” 
Howard Hill



Shakespeare Parabow 
Solid Fiberglass Bows 
by Larry Vienneau

 While it's true that solid fiberglass bows don't quite compare to wood core and laminated recurves, as well as modern compound bows, they played a crucial role in the evolution of archery. These self-bows were once a vital tool for young archers, like Robin Hood, to perfect their skills. During the mid-20th century, archery companies such as Indian, Herter's, Paul Bunyan, Ben Pearson, Bear, Ply-Flex, Stream-Eze, Outers, Stemmler, Lockleys, York, Fleetwood, Zeus, Parabow, and Shakespeare produced millions of durable fiberglass longbows and recurves.
     During the late 1800s, William Shakespeare, Jr. developed a patent for his fishing reel and began manufacturing fishing equipment. As the 20th century progressed, Shakespeare grew to become a significant player in the world of sporting equipment. In 1959, the company acquired Parabow, an Ohio-based maker of archery equipment that was organized into Shakespeare's Archery subsidiary. Parabow was one of the leading producers of solid fiberglass bows in the 1950s. Shakespeare was a pioneer in the use of fiberglass for fishing rods, and the merger of these two companies was a perfect match. Shakespeare continued to produce fiberglass and wood laminate bows in the 1960s and 1970s, while also maintaining its Parabow line of solid fiberglass archery equipment.

    The 1950s were an era of nostalgia, with many popular cultural icons like "Happy Days," Twinkies, and Howdy Doody, as well as a boom in mass production. This period saw the manufacture of numerous solid fiberglass bows, including the Parabows. While lacking the smoothness and speed of wooden bows, these bows have their own unique benefits, despite the tendency of heavier fiberglass laminate bows to stack.

Expense: For those new to archery or on a budget, a solid fiberglass bow is a cost-effective option compared to laminated equipment. These one-piece, mass-produced bows are durable and readily available, with used models often found at yard sales or online marketplaces like eBay for just a few dollars. The value of these bows relies on factors like condition, draw weight, and manufacturer, with BEAR and BEN PEARSON being the most common brands. While prices generally range from $25-$75, rare bows can fetch up to $125, with complete sets sometimes selling for as much as $300. However, it's important to research the condition and authenticity of these sets before making a purchase. Be wary of sellers who overprice their items, such as a fiberglass bow being sold as an antique for $598 on eBay. 
This bow is not a rare find. Rather, it is a Ben Pearson youth bow that is missing its decals. It would be reasonable to expect it to be priced around $35. To make an informed purchase, it's important to conduct thorough research and ask relevant questions.

Resilience: When it comes to durability, fiberglass bows are a top choice. They can endure a variety of conditions such as snow, rain, mud, or even being left outside on wet ground overnight without delaminating. Additionally, these bows are nearly indestructible and perfect for activities like bow fishing, hunting, canoeing, and boating. You don't have to worry about overdrawing with fiberglass bows and they can even be left strung for long periods without the limbs following the string. However, if you're looking for a more powerful model, you'll have to search the used market. It's essential to inspect for cracks, hairline splits, and twisted limbs before making a purchase.

Efficiency: While a solid fiberglass bow may not cast an arrow as efficiently as a built laminated recurve and longbow, it can still be lethal and has been used to harvest many trophy animals. However, heavier fiberglass bows may experience stacking due to their narrow limb design. If you plan to use a fiberglass bow for deer hunting, it's recommended to add an additional 5-10 pounds to compensate for the slower cast. For example, my B7 Comet 45 lb. shoots at 158.27 FPS, while my other 45 lb. recurves typically shoot between 170-184 FPS.


Shakespeare Parabow #50 RH Brushmaster (Thanks to Lewis Kent), #45  Model B-7 Comet, #18 Model B-9 Fury
Early Shakespeare Parabow Sharpshooter Longbow 40 lbs. with a Waverly Ohio tag
    The Shakespeare Parabow series offered a range of bows with varying weights, from 18 lbs. to 65 lbs. While most models are suitable for both right-handed and left-handed users, it's important to note that a few were exclusively designed for right-hand use. The Parabow B2 Brushmaster, B1 Hunter, B11, B-8 Rocket, B12, and B12 Omni Bow are only available in right-hand models. Unfortunately, I was not aware of this and ended up bidding on a 50# Brushmaster, only to find out upon its arrival that it was a right-hand model. Despite my disappointment, the bow was still a beauty, and thankfully, my friend ended up purchasing it. You can check it out in this blog post.

    I believe that many people have fond memories of the simple bow. Personally, I recall using them during camp as a child and practicing target shooting during my late teenage years. However, one particular memory that truly moved me was when I stumbled upon a 50-pound Shakespeare Parabow Brushmaster while moose hunting in Alaska. It had been left leaning against a tree for over forty years, undisturbed and waiting for me to discover it. Despite some debates in traditional archery forums, I firmly believe that the fiberglass bow has greatly contributed to American archery.

Chris Libby with son Clint
 Chris Libby wrote a much more in-depth article on solid fiberglass for Traditional Bowhunter "Ayuh…Fiberglass!" (http://www.tradbow.com/public/272.cfm) In his article, his last paragraph brilliantly places the Solid Fiberglass Bow into its rightful place in modern archery.


“Dismiss my affection for "self-bows" made of fiberglass, as nostalgia, and the bows themselves as children's toys and mere junk, if you will. However, the fact remains that these bows are as much a part of the history and culture of archery during the last century, as are Howard Hill's bamboo longbows and Fred Bear's Kodiak recurves. If it wasn't for the solid fiberglass bow, millions of people wouldn't ever have known the feeling of standing under a blue sky in the warm summer sun and watching an arrow arch in its mystical path toward the target. Given the importance and overall usefulness of this basic but deadly introductory weapon to our sport, as far as I'm concerned I'll agree with my Grandfather; "Ayuh…Fiberglass!" “



Parabow by Shakespeare

B-1 Hunter Shakespeare 1960-68

  • Charcoal color fiberglass
  • Leather grip
  • Shaped static nocks
  • 55” 51” string
  • Draw: 35#-65# 1960-61, 35#-55 1962, 35#-60# 1963-68
  • RH only
  • 6 ½ brace
B-2 Bushmaster 1960-62

B-1 C 1964-70

  • Charcoal fiberglass
  • Leather grip
  • Shaped static nocks
  • 63” 60” string 1960-62
  • 55” 1964-70
  • Draw: 35#-65#1960-62, 45# 1965, 40-50# 1966-70
  • RH only
  • 6 3/4" brace
B-3 Sharpshooter 1960-65

  • Red, Black finished fiberglass, Red 1962-65
  • Mottled gray grip 1960, white pistol 1962,63
  • 60”-57” string
  • RH LH 1960-61
  • RH 1962-65
  • Draw: 20#-40#
  • 7” brace
B-4 Robin 1960-62

  • Red and black finish 60-61, red 1962
  • White plastic grip
  • White nocks
  • RH LH
  • 54” 50” string
  • Draw: 20#
  • 6" brace

B-6 Marksman 1960-62
  • Brown, white mottled fiberglass 1960
  • White plastic grip, brown 1960
  • White tips 1961, 62 brown.
  • 58" 55" string
  • RH LH
  • 25#—50#
  • 6 3/4 brace
B-7 Comet 1960-62
  • Brown and white molted fiberglass, two-tone brown 1961, forest brown 1962
  • White plastic grip 1960, Brown 1961,62
  • 56” 53” string
  • RH LH
  • Draw: #40-#55 1960, 35-55# 1961
  • 6 1/2 brace
B-8 Rocket 1960-75
  • Red finished fiberglass 60-61, green 62-68
  • White handle, wt. pistol grip 1962-75
  • 56” 53 ½” string
  • RH LH 1960-61, 1965-75
  • RH 1962-64
  • Draw: 25-35# 1960-61, 20-45# 1963-77
  • 6 ½ brace
B-9 Fury 1960-75
  • Red, Yellow, or green fiberglass 60-61, red or green 1962,
  • White handle
  • 50” 46” string
  • 6” brace
  • RH LH      
  • draw: 18#
B-10 Will Scarlet 1960-65
  • Red finish fiberglass
  • White handle and nocks
  • 48” 41 1/2“string
  • RH LH
  • draw: 12#
  • 5” brace
B-11, 1962,63
  • Fiberglass gold finish
  • Pistol grip black, 6’ sight window
  • 66”
  • draw: 20#-50#, #30-50# 1963
  • RH 
  • 7 “brace height
B-12, 1962-63,
Omni Bow 1964- 67
  • Fiberglass copper finish
  • Pistol grip black, 6’ sight window
  • 64”
  • Draw: 20#-50# 1962, 20-55# 1963-,67
  • RH
  • 7 “brace height

Here are some beauty shots of George Stout's Parabow. Looks like he had a great day!!!


Thank you, George.



© Copyright, Larry Vienneau Jr.

All rights reserved.
 

47 comments:

  1. Great post! Thanks for sharing! Archery rocks!

    -QualityArcheryBows.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. where might i get a string for a b-2 brushmaster 60 inch draw wgt. 50lbs. at 28inch

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mark
      I order strings from eBay vendors, they are all pretty good. You'll need a string 56 inches, 14-16 strands. You could also use a fast flight string with it too

      Delete
  3. Hi my name is Paul and this seems to be the only knowledgeable place on vintage Shakespeare archery equipment. I have a question on what string you would recommend for my B-1 hunter I just found. I has been years since I have done archery and could really use the help of someone who has this much knowledge. the specs of the bow are 55" with a 45 lbs draw. also the leather wrap is quite ate up. is there a specific leather I should use?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Paul
    sorry for the delay ! needed to find the address for the leather wraps. I use a tennis racket leather wrap. The only problem is most have a logo embossed. I found one that does not Tennis Warehouse in San Luis Obispo CA. I have one wrap left but I can't find my invoice but it is 22mm x 1300mm x 1.3mm in tan "TWLG2213" SCAN BAR number 2Y70G
    web address: http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/TW_Private_Label_Leather_Grips/descpageZONS-TWLG.html
    I do a practice wrapping to figure out length, then soak it in water for a couple mins. after I apply it I wrap it with a ace ankle bandage and let it dry. then trim the excess.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hey i had a similar question to mark, where might i get a string for a B 9 Fury 46 inch draw wgt. 18lbs. at 22inch

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Michael
      You will need a 42 inch string, 12 strands or less. There are many good venders on EBay

      Delete
  6. I have a nice parabow hunter 2 40#. I always see just the hunter. Is the hunter 2 a different bow or is it the same thing? I have the original set that it came in with the wrist guard over shoulder bow holder and target. Also has original string and the 1958 nfaa hunting manual. I can't find another set like this anywhere and am curious to find out more.
    Thanks alot

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi
      The Hunter B1 and B1-c are the same bow. I think the difference was one was sold as a kit like the one you have. send photos and I will add it to the post

      Delete
  7. I inherited several 1950's through 1960's recurved bows. The one I am working up to using is 5 and a half feet tall. I am 6ft 2inches and this bow is a genuine beast.

    However I am going to begin with a 1950s Shakespeare Paramore Recurved Bow that my Uncle used regularly before he died of cancer at 21 years of age.

    I was named after him so their is sentimental value but I want to work my way up through all of the bows.

    What kind of bow line would I need to purchase to restring the Shakespeare Parabow?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Douglass, What is the length of the bow and what is the draw weight?
      your string should be 4 inch shorter than your bow length.
      With a solid fiberglass bow you can have either a B-50 Dacron or Fast Flight string.
      for D-50
      12 strands- up to forty pounds
      14 strands- up to fifty pounds
      16 strands - up to sixty

      Delete
  8. Any one give me some info on the b 8 rocket

    ReplyDelete
  9. Any one give me some info on the b 8 rocket

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Teri
      What exactly do you want to know?
      These were available 15-45lbs, and were Right handed bows.

      Delete
  10. I found a B-6 Parabow in the closet with the original string and it says 40 on the front of the bottom limb. There's no other stickers. My husband passed in 2012 and I think this was his bow when he was younger. Any information you can give me would be appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi JoAnn
    It is hard to tell you much without decals or photos. Thev40 means it is a 40 lb bow

    ReplyDelete
  12. The single pic of Ann is with an Apollo steel bow from the UK. You can clearly(?)
    see the distinctive nocks & sight!

    ReplyDelete
  13. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Just got a brushmaster cat B-2 it says use a 60 inch string. I also got a cat B-3 but it has no other info. I'm curios what the pull weights are on them

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    2. I have a 1960 catalog. The B3 actually could be up to 65lbs

      Delete
  15. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  16. What length of string should I get for the b-3 it says 35# at 28inch

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. B-3 20-40lbs. You need a 57inch string

      Delete
    2. I wasnt able to get a 57 inch string online. I ordered a 56 for my B-2 and B-3 will that extra inch be too much force for the b-3? I don't want it to shatter on me

      Delete
    3. Don't worry, they are pretty tough bows

      Delete
    4. Sweet thank you!! You have been a big help this is the only site with solid info

      Delete
  17. I have a solid fiberglass parabow b12 been trying to find info on what year wher made

    ReplyDelete
  18. I still have the 56 inch B 8 Rocket ,45# from my early teens.what string size do I need?

    ReplyDelete
  19. I still have the 56 inch B 8 Rocket ,45# from my early teens.what string size do I need?

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi Larry, I am looking for my first fiberglass bow. You mention to look for twisted limbs, is this more prevalent with the laminated bows or the fiberglass? If you have a glass bow with this issue, can it be straightened? Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SorryI didn't get back to you. Thisted limbs are less likely then laminated bows. Fixing a twist in a solid fiberglass is the same in a laminated now. Apply heat (hair dryer) and twist in direction opposite the twist. Take your time

      Delete

    2. Thanks Larry. I have two Parabows, a b-3 and b-8. The b-8 has a little twist that I need to straighten. The b-3 is 30lbs and a very nice short range practice bow.

      Delete
  21. I found a Parabow B-2 in the original box. The bow still has the string on it (loose) and It has a DECAL in gold, black and red that says Brush Master Cat. B-2 Fiberglass 60" string Parabow Waverly, O. U.S. Pat 2,689,559. and stamped in ink lower on the bow is 60lb @ 28". --- The box is green burlap-like print with paper label that reads: Cat. No. B-2, Parabow Archery Equipment, Brushmaster Bow, Solid Fiberglass, Parallel Plastics, Inc. Waverly, Ohio. ----- There is no mention of Shakespeare anywhere... is this pre-Shakespeare?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi sorry for the delay is responding, your message went to the spam folder...I don't know why.
      In 1959 Shakespeare bought Parabow. Your kit is an early one and is before Shakespeare acquired them. Great Find!!!

      Delete
  22. I have a b8 and I was wondering if it is suppose to be a recurve or not.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I am trying to find a Shakespeare Brushmaster bow. It's solid fiberglass with a leather grip. I bought one in the early 1960's and my brother killed his first bow kill with it. The one I had was grey and was 40 lbs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello
      If you use Facebook we have a group for buy, sell, trade

      https://www.facebook.com/groups/Vintagebowcollectors/

      Delete
    2. Tony are you still looking for the Bushmaster? I found one while cleaning out my grandmother's house.

      Delete
  24. So i have been playing with a Paul Bunyan 100 . Great shooting bow with 10 strand ff string.What co. made these bows.

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  25. Tony I have the Bushmaster. Found it while cleaning out my grandmother's house. Looking to sell.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I just Got in January a 60 inch all fiberglass 3200 model flatbow Actionbow by Acationrod #36 pounds that is from 1961-1979 as all were made in the single bow shape and look without any features to tell it apart. I fixed the grip with some fake leather tape and spray painted the bow to original color using light Army Green in a Rust Oleum Spray paint since it was a dyed bow the thing was becoming translucent. I hope to be using the bow soon for general Target practice and for Bow-fishing should my Bow-Fishing arrows ever show up.

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  27. I have a had since early January 2021 the Actionbow by Actionrod the lesser longbow 8200 at 60 inches at 36 pounds I pull from 33--35 pounds and that is anywhere from 1961 to 1979 as all bows of that model including the recurve were made the same with same logo and same colors for each bow a dyed green that has on all become more translucent. The bow is okay but not great, as the bow is so slow being both a full on longbow design and a full on fiberglass bow. The reason I pull 33--35 pounds with such a short draw of 25.5 inches to front ear to 26 inches to back jaw depending on draw of the bow, is that the model of Actionbow has only a 4.5 inch to 5.5 inch brace heights. The Actionbow 8200 longbow had one of the lowest brace heights on a bow for recurve bows/longbows bows that were not made for kids, until the super recurve bows came out in the mid to late 1980's to keep up with the speed of these faster compound bows due to the better wheel/cam designs that were not as basic as well as the use of Dynaflight 77 on the compound that even if used with a standard recurve would not beat an older design compound using the same string. I do not really like the bow that much as the arrows come off slow.

    ReplyDelete