How to choose a bow?

[ny_bowhunter]

For some reason I want to try my hands at traditional shooting - I've been bowhunting with a compound bow for 8 years now and think it would be great to learn how to instinctively shoot with a recurve.

I shoot a 65-70lb bow with a 28.5" draw. I want to get a take down recurve so I can switch out the limbs to heavier ones once I learn my form. I'd also like to shoot off the shelf and instinctively.

I'm 6'1", what would you guys suggest for a first recurve bow for hunting whitetails on the East Coast? I'd be looking to hunt them with the recurve in a year or two.

[jhansen]

NY,
Might want to ask this one on Pow Wow.  They may delete it here.

Welcome to trad!  You may find that you need a lighter bow than you think you will as a "learner".  You will also probably find that your draw length shortens a bit.  Check out the classifieds on this website for good quality bows at reasonable prices.

John

[Mr.Magoo]

I'd look hard at the Quinn Stallion if I were you.  A bit plain Jane, but you could do a lot worse for your first bow.  Pick some light weight limbs to start and you'll still have money in your pocket.

[BobW]

Marc;

You need to try and get with some "experienced" shooters.  Maybe at a club or something the like.  Also something like one of the regional gatherings are fantastic as to the amount of vendors and equipment.  I see you are in NY, and if you might be near Batavia, there is a gathering there shortly (Hawkeye).

Ask a lot of questions here, and filter out the brand loyalty.  You will have a lot of fun.  Welcome to traditional archery.  I've only put my wheels down 2 years ago, so I know what you are going through.  Careful, this is terribly addicting.

Don't feel shy about asking questions.

If you want a good read, check out the Instinctive shooting books (and video) by G. Fred Asbel.  Wonderful stuff to a learning archer - its tougher to break grained in habits.


BobW

[Orion]

Just a couple of things to keep in mind.  Try to avoid starting with a bow that's too heavy for you.  A 60-70# compound with 60% letoff translates into 24# to 28# holding weight.  With a recurve, you'll be holding the entire draw weight of the bow.  A 45# bow at your draw length might be a good place to start.  Also, keep in mind that the poundage on most trad bows is marked at 28 inches and will increase about 2.5-3# for every inch drawn past that and likewise decrease about 2.5-3# for every inch of draw less than 28 inches.  Given your size, I'm surprised you don't have a longer draw with a compound.  Regardless, folks usually lose 1-2 inches of draw when they switch from a compound to a recurve.  Keep that in mind, too, when selecting a bow.  Tons of good bows out there.  I agree with the advice already provided.  Try to find some trad shoots and trad shooters who can help you locally.  Good luck.

[R H Clark]

If you are buying a bow you haven't shot and you don't mind the metal riser, the Quinn Stallion is about your best priced new bow that shoots as well as any custom I've tried.About $270 new.

The 60" Stallion with 35#-40# limbs to start and maby a set of 50# limbs later.

Do a search on the Stallion and you will find a lot of folks like them.

Your other choice is to find a trad shop or club and shoot a lot of different bows untill you find something you like.

The one best piece of advice I can give you is not to try and find the "BEST" or most expensive bow to start with.

First off "BEST" does not exist.It is different for each person.Second,it will take you some time to even learn what works best for you.That bow that you love your first year may be very different from what you learn works best for you later.

[Dave2old]

Easy in my case! Build it yourself ... and/or order a Shrew! d

[beaver#1]

nyboowhunter,  i was shooting the same weight as you in compounds, im about the same size,  i got a 55#er.  i could hav and should have went alittle lighter.   once you get a good base onn your mucsle and form its easy to go up in weight, so i would go with a 40 or 45

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Find a Trad shop or a Trad event. That would be the best way to find what feels right in the hand. Also You can try different weight of draws to fine the right one. Recurved bows are close in the handle to wheelie bows. Try as many & different kinds before getting one.. The the bow find you.

[Jeff U]

Check out the classified page.  This won't be the last bow you buy so starting with a used one makes much sense.  You'll save time and money.

We all hate to admit many bows shoot very well, not just our particular favorite.  There are a lot of great bows.

If you like the bow you will spend more time practicing.  So, pick one that you really like the look.

Around 50# at 28"

[Onehair]

I have chosen the alphabetical method.( I have a problem)
I would keep my eye on the classifieds here as there are plenty to choose from and you can save some cash.