With the exception of the Traditional Longbow all of the Great Northern bows are of reflex-deflex design. This means that the handle or riser is curved towards the shooter and the limb portion is curved in an arc away from the shooter. Simply stated, the more reflex-deflex built into a bow's design, the shorter it can be while still retaining smoothness in draw, even at greater draw lengths. This design also increases efficiency and speed. Great Northern bow designs span from no deflex / moderate reflex (Traditional Longbow) to the extreme high performance of the Fireball. The reflex-deflex design is extended to its ultimate capacity in the Ghost Recurve models.

The original design concept of the Ghost came from Glenn St. Charles' "Thunderbird", crafted in the early 1950's. This sleek one piece recurve hides amazing speed and smoothness in a simple design. The limbs measure 1 1/2" wide at the fadeout and taper to a fine 9/16" at the string nock. The riser is 16" to 17" long depending on bow length. The handle is 4 7/8" in circumference at the leather grip. The arrow shelf is 1/8" out from the center, so as to shoot the same as our longbows. The Ghost Recurve is available in Red Elm, Osage, or Hickory limb core and your choice of riser wood. Nock overlays are made to match the riser unless otherwise specified. Available in 58", 60", or 62" length. Recommended brace height: 7 1/4" - 7 1/2".

The Super Ghost has the exact same limb design as the Ghost, but features a contoured (cut to center) handle with positive hand placement. The Super Ghost has the same deadly speed and stability as the original Ghost. Both the Ghost and the Super Ghost sport 8" 'power wedges' in the limb tips to further enhance speed and smoothness. The Super Ghost Recurve is available in Red Elm, Osage, Hickory or Bamboo limb core wood and your choice of riser wood. Available in 58", 60", or 62" length. Recommended brace height: 7 1/4" - 7 1/2".

Great Northern's original time proven longbow design. Unequaled stability and smoothness that only a longer bow can provide. With a sleek narrow limb, slightly set back, measuring 1 1/8" wide at the fadeout and tapering to 9/16" at the string nocks. The riser is 15" long and measures 4 3/4" in circumference around the leather handle wrap. The Traditional Longbow's efficiency is enhanced by the precise trapezoid cross section of the limbs, which reduces limb mass, eliminates hand shock and increases performance. The Traditional Longbow is available in Red Elm, Osage, Hickory, or Bamboo limb core wood and your choice of riser wood. Available in 66", 68", or 70" length. Recommended brace height: 6 3/4".

The Bushbow is somewhat patterned after the Plains bow of our Native Americans, with a wider and flatter limb measuring 1 1/2" wide at the fadeout and tapering to 9/16" at the string nocks. The deflexed riser is 16" long and measures a sleek 4 3/4" in circumference around the leather handle wrap. The limb tips on the Bushbow have a 4 1/2" power wedge, discreetly inserted within the laminations, which eliminates the need for nock overlays. The Bushbow is available in Red Elm, Osage, Hickory, or Bamboo limb core wood and your choice of riser wood. Note: this bow is both Rick's and Jerry's hunting bow of choice. Available in 60", 62", or 64" length. Recommended brace height: 6 3/4".

Designed for Ladies and intermediates without the custom price. These 60" deflex, reflex Longbows are of White Ash laminated core with Osage riser, and with brown glass on the front and back. We do not custom build these bows, but try to have a selection in stock with weights from 30 lbs. to 45 lbs. at 28" draw. These are very nice looking bows with excellent shooting characteristics. Recommended brace height: 6 1/2".