Beginning traditional

[Mclineman]

Hi, I live in north Texas and mostly hunt the limited public land in my area. I haven't purchased a bow yet, I'm leaning toward a longbow. I shot a Bear Montana today at cabelas. I was wondering if you guys could recommend or Point me in the direction of any other good quality longbows for a beginner. Thanks

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Any bow will do, even old recurves like Ben Pearson, Shakespeare, Browning, Damon howatt and bear to name a few.
Once you get into it and have the opportunity to try other bows then you can move towards a better fit if needed.  

The biggest thing to keep in mind is to not over bow yourself. The biggest mistake people make is to get a bow with similar draw weight to their compound. Having properly tuned arrows is more important than the bow.

If you liked the Montana, go with it.  You can upgrade later. The important thing now is to get shooting.

[bear mike]

Welcome to the best website to learn from some of the best. If you listen to the folks here it will help a whole bunch. There is plenty of knowledge on this page.

[Vesty]

I would highly recommend a Great Northern Field bow. Very reasonable price wise and extremely well made.

[YosemiteSam]

I'd highly recommend getting one of the cheaper production recurves to start off.  You can start off with some light draw weight limbs, like 25-30# to work on form.  Then, as your technique and accuracy improve, you can step up to 40-45# and then up to 50+ if you so choose.  You'll have 2 or 3 configurations for the same price as an entry-level Bear bow.

Once you've figured out how to shoot, how you like to shoot and more about what you might like to shoot, then try something more custom and nicer shooting. Maybe some of the bows offered by vendors who advertise here, for example.

[texbow2]

I would suggest a call to Lancaster archery or Three Rivers. They have a good selection of inexpensive bows that will fit you. Get something 30-35lbs at your draw and some matching arrows and get started. You can think about a hunting weight bow after shooting for a few months. Go to any local shoots or leagues, most people are more than willing to let you try bows out.

[Krex1010]

The Montana is a nice bow, The Maddog Prairie Predator is a great value and a sweet shooter....the sammick bows are a great place to start as well, don’t rule out used bows either.....but take it someone who made the mistake of overbowing himself...whatever bow you get, start with a low weight. I started out with bows in the 45# range, and even though I didn’t feel like I was struggling with the weight, my shooting was bad.....it wasn’t until I stepped back and got a 36# bow that my shooting took a huge step forward, I was really able to concentrate on my form. And now I shoot my heavier bows much better......I’m a fairly strong fellow too, I was shooting 70# compounds before I got hooked up with this trad cult lol.

[styksnstryngs]

Take a look at the Galaxy longbow at Lancaster. I'd take it over the montaba any day.

[JNewton]

The Samick Sage recurves, their longbows, and their October Mtn. Products counterparts (I've read & heard both brands come from the same factory......) seem to be a pretty good bang for the buck. I'm happy with my OMP Ozark Hunter longbow. Definitely listen to the advice to not go nuts with a high poundage setup.

[Sam McMichael]

I am a fan of Hill style bows. There are a number of great bowyers around and some are sponsors here. Since you are something of a beginner and the better known longbows are can be expensive, you would be wise to check out the classified section. You can find some good deals if you find this type of bow appealing. Enjoy your search.

[old_goat2]

I love longbows too but I don't recommend them for people first starting out. The added mass of a three piece bow is very beneficial to beginners who's form isn't quite up to snuff yet. The Sage is a great starter bow, but if you have the coin, there are some reasonably priced ILF bows that are wood riser and black limbs so you can get a light set of limbs to start and then heavier limbs later. Find a coach and take some lessons before you ingrain too many bad habits or at least get good instructional videos like Masters of the Barebow and video your shooting, it's hard to tell what you are doing with your form while you're actually shooting even for a lot of experienced shooters! There are some traditional organizations in Texas that you could join and maybe help you find local resources and maybe instructors, good luck and have fun!

[the rifleman]

Check out the classifieds for a great deal on a custom bow-- prices will be close on some to what you would pay for the montana.  Start light---30-35#s is not too light when beginning--- this will help you develop solid form and understand/ achieve proper back tension.  Be sure to get arrows spined light enough for this poundage--- 800 spine carbons or 1716 aluminums for example for a bow in mid 30 s.  Shops will try to sell you arrows that are too stiff.  Lots of great longbows out there with a " hybrid" handle that are easy to learn to shoot.  Plan on keeping the lightweight bow even after you move up in poundage--- you will likely find yourself reaching for it as they are just enjoyable to shoot.

[dagwood64]

Mclineman,

I have a Samick Phoenix II Recurve, 60" 40#@28 that I can loan you. That way you can shoot a bow until you have your form down, and know what weight you want to shoot.

Have a Blessed day,
Duane

[northener]

Started compound went to recurve, then longbow various grip styles, then ILF with recurve limbs. Have used  traditional for 20 years now.

My take- - get a Hoyt Excel Riser with 40 lb Excel limbs AT your draw length. You will not regret it.

I would not recommend a longbow to someone starting out in traditional equipment. Many reasons.

[mahantango]

There is nothing wrong with starting with a longbow. As long as it fits you. The Montana is good, but the Galaxy recommended above is better.

[yard dog]

Dagwood, paying it forward..... love seeing that... very generous..

[BWallace10327]

I started out with a 25# bow, but I was 8.  Glad I wasn't overbowed....    

But seriously... my wrist rocket's draw weight might be in the ball park considering some suggestions.  A new archer shoudln't get a really heavy bow, but 40-45# isn't really that much...effort isn't something to be avoided at all costs.