How can you tell what bow is right for you?

[BCBubba]

As I continue my path to become a better Traditional Archer, I have a question. How can you tell a certain bow fits you? Do Traditional Bows have a Different Draw length? The Compound Bow I use to shoot was a 26 draw length, what would my draw length be for a Trad Bow? Thanks for any and all help.


~Bubba

[bayoulongbowman]

Thats easy ,     order whisperstik recurve. Maybe the finest recurve I have evershot...it took me awhile to figure  it out , mine loves 63#spine woodies , carbon vaporwoods , Legacy's ...its so much fun to shoot ....I just wish I had orded in 60 pounds...     demo this bow , its the REAL DEAL!       :thumbsup:You probably have about 25 inch draw...get someone to measure you...good luck ..marco

[NY Yankee]

BCBubba, What you want to do is go to a shop or to someone who has several different bows, or a shoot like Denton hill in July. A trad. bow will draw as far as you pull it, but you shouldn't pull one much  past it's intended length. The average of 28" draw is used for the "average archer" if there is one. I draw 29" with my fingers. If you shaot a compound with a release, your draw may change a lot when you go to fingers. Each person has a weight they like a t their personal draw length. Thats up to you. Start about 20 pounds lighter than your compound and have someone measure your draw. You can then tell how many pounds ant what length you are shooting. The bow that feels the best to you is the right one.

[Killdeer]

In mid-May, about 90 miles away from you, there will be a major shoot just outside of Baltimore. There will be lots of people, lots of vendors, and free camping. Spend the weekend, try some bows, and suffer through a little information overload.

If you want someone to walk you through some basics, I'll be there, camped with a bunch of TradGangers. It is the simple questions that I can answer the best.  :D  

Killdeer  

[BCBubba]

Kill,

Where at in MD, I have family in Glen Burnie and know the area quite well, any info you can relay on this shoot/camping trip would be great. Thanks,

~Bubba

[JL]

Bubba,

Look in the Trad events section of this site. There are many that haunt this site that make the Baltimore and Cloudersport (Denton Hill) shoots. Denton Hill may be the biggest shoot of them all. Either will allow you to shoot more bows than you can stand. You can also put a handshake on some of the folks who hang here. We hold a Tradgang members 3D shoot at both events. Both are fun shoots but if you can get off work, get to both early so you can get a good spot and shoot to your hearts content. I live about 30 min's from the Baltimore shoot and it is our home shoot. The Denton Hill shoot is a good 5&1/2 hr drive for us but we wouldn't miss it for anything, within reason. Wish it was next week! Check it out;

  http://www.baltimorebowmen.com/  

JL

[BCBubba]

Jl,

Thanks for the info, I will certainly check it out!

[R H Clark]

Great advice above. You really need to try a few bows.The only thing I would add is to try to find a good priced used bow you like.It will take you some time shooting to really know what you like in a bow.Your likes and dislikes in bows will change over time and you may want to sell that bow and buy another.