Were do I even start?

[Soilarch]

Hello, I'm your lastest newb.

I throw the idea around every year that I should switch to trad.  That's happened for about 4 or 5 years now.


Where do I even start?   Best I know is to get a bow (LH) 60" or longer and in the 40-50# range.  Get a bunch of arrows and keep messing with them till something clicks.  I fletch my own now, but I only have the left wing clamp.  Is this the way that'll cut my fingers since I'm LH?

Giving serious thought to selling my compound rig outright to fund the transition.  Figure I may have to sit this season out.  But I'm willing if that's what it'll take.  I have this semester and next left in college.  After that I'll likely have money to re-outfit a compound rig if I decide I miss it.

New bow? Used bow?  Take-down bow so I can buy limbs instead of entire bows as my strength goes up?  Recurve, Longbow, R/D....low wrist, high wrist?

All the "standard" questions I guess.

Thanks

[Buckeye Trad Hunter]

The fletching won't cut your fingers.  They wont even touch  your hand.  I don't think that left or eight wing really matters.  Assuming you are healthy and of normal stature you should be able to shoot a 50 lb. bow as far as grip and recurve or longbow goes that's up to what feels good to you.  But there are others here with way more experience and expertise than I.  This is where I learn everything myself.  you came to the right place.

[Soilarch]

I'm 6'2" 240lbs

My compound is 74#...it's a 2007 model and my old bow was a 2000 model.  The old bow felt heavier than my new one and it only maxed at 60#

I know trad is whole new game though.

I "think" I would like a low-wrist better.  My old mathews had a relatively high-wrist. My new Martin is much lower. (But still not as low as a LB)

Draw length with a release and loop is 28.5-29"

Don't know if that really helps anyone...but there ya go.  Now you got my stats! lol

[woodchucker]

Buy a bow in your price range,new or used really doesn't matter,there are some GREAT deals on the TradGang classifieds.40#-50# is a good start,BTW you don't HAVE to move up in draw weight.Many here have been at this a long time and only draw 40#-45#.I would suggest a recurve,if only because it is the same "style" grip as most compounds.Get a bunch of arrows(you REALLY only need about 6 to get started) fletch them(with feathers)yourself if you choose,and leave them uncut untill you figure out your draw length.Keep missing untill something "clicks"(start close,about 5 yards,you won't miss as much as you think)Gradualy move back a step a day untill your at about 15-20 yards.

Actualy you pretty much had it knocked before you asked  

Welcome to the world of Traditional Archery My Friend,Go have FUN!!!!!  

[TradPaul]

Welcome, and i'm with Woodchucker. You will find that most of us will tell you to not over bow yourself, it will install the worst kind of habits that plague the Trad archer. Maybe go to an archery tackle shop and find a Trad bow to pull on..doesnt have to be LH...find one that you can comfortably hold for 10 sec for a set of 3-5 draws. If you can hold without shaking off your POI then that may be good for you. I'm a LH too, and let me say check the classifieds often, great deals. Dont over spend on your first bow, because you may not like the challenge of trad, or you may move on to bigger and better deals ( i've done this about 6 times in one year) Anyway check places like 3rivers.com for some good stuff to start you out. As for the Grip, figure what you want(recurve or longbow) then get a mid wrist grip, i would go too extreem of a high wrist, some find it to be too aggressive and less forgiving of awkward postions. It's good to have you, hope you get many years of hard hunting, fun shooting challenge out of the trad life, because thats what it becomes....a part of who you are, a Trad Archer.


P.

[mcgroundstalker]

Hey there T! Gonna guess as hunting season gets close is when the "Trad Bug" gets hold of you. I have an idea. Why not get a hold of some books and videos that will give you a "feeling" for this kinda stuff. Traditional Archery is called simple but todays market place has alot of gear and could be overwhelming, sometimes.

Best bet is one on one instruction when it comes to shootin'. Try to get together with some "trad guys" and use a few different bow types to see what clicks with you. Most of us will be involved with hunting season this time of year. Traditional Archery Shoots are great places to meet people and try alot of stuff. Those shoots will start to pop up in the spring time.

Best Of Luck With Whatever You Do!

... mike ...     ...

[b.glass]

It's nice to shoot some bows before deciding on one. You are about 4 hrs. south of where I live and about 5 from 3 Rivers Archery in Ashley IN. Is that an option for you? They can offer alot of help.

[Sharpster]

Hey Soilarch,

I know you from the "high-teck forum. Glad to see you posting here at the "home" of traditional bowhunting! Welcome!

You'll find true experts in every aspect of trad hunting here and all are eager to help. What you'll quickly notice is that disrespectfull, argumentitive posts are virtually never seen here.

Looks like you got enough info on your first question to get started, not much to add. I'd only repeat that even though you have been shooting fairly heavy compounds, it's wise to start out with lower daw weights when you begin shooting traditional gear. No let-off at 1/2 draw with a recurve or long bow and your back muscles will need a bit of re-educating.

Again, a very heart-felt welcome my friend.

Ron

[Soilarch]

YIKES!!!  You've blown my cover Sharpster! lol

Yes, I've spent a good deal of time surfing through the pages here. You're right, can't recall any finger-pointing or chest-pounding. A very nice change.


b.glass, I'd like nothing more than making an all day roadtrip out of a "bowhunt".   However, my truck gets 12.5mpg when it's in a good mood. I will start searching for a store that's closer though.  (All the 'locals' are empty when it comes to trad gear.)

There's certainly another pair of eyes watching the classifieds for now.  (Man, some of these bows are just too pretty...like some really nice shotguns I just don't think I could bring myself to actually HUNT with it.)

Thanks for all the welcomes.

[Lawrenceu]

If your area is anything like mine some pretty nice Bears and Ben Pearsons show up in pawn shops every now and then.

Love the signature line, btw!

[Talondale]

Soilarch,
  I switched from compound about two years ago.  I was pulling 72# on a 65% letoff bow from 1994 easily.  I bought a 50# recurve (53# @ my draw length).  I was shaking and tired the first two weeks after the switch and needed thicker gloves (and I shot fingers with the compound).  It's different for sure but you'll adjust quickly.  Just don't fool yourself into thinking you can make a lateral movement with the weight between the two bow types.  Go with the 40-50# range.

[Soilarch]

I figured 50# was absolute max.  Your experience backs that up.  I'll be looking for stuff in the 40-45# range.

I've checked all the store and pawn shops.  There's a grand total of 3RH recurves in town.   :rolleyes:

[R H Clark]

If you don't have your heart set on exotic wood,a Quinn Stallion is a fine bow.It's a metal riser take down and costs under $300 new.A set of 35 lb limbs would start you out and you can get inexpensive heavier ones after you learn a little.

[Soilarch]

Doesn't have to be nice wood, but I would like it to be wood.  They (stallion) also seem to have a pretty high wrist on them.  Also, 60"?   I'm pretty sure my DL is still going to be at least a solid 28".  I do want to eventually us it for hunting.

I gotta stop thinking about this stuff and just jump.

[R H Clark]

Quinn also sells a wood riser.60" would be fine for 28"-29" draw.Both also comes in a 64" model if you want smooth, and the length won't get in your way.Grip is a personal matter.

My best advice would be to wait untill spring when some trad 3D's are starting.Find a large one near you and go try bows untill you find something you like.

[Pinelander]

Go used, go cheap... if you end up liking the recurve thing for good, it definitely won't be the last recurve you own. I say recurve, because generally speaking... it is the easiest to learn to shoot when first getting started.

Most recurves will have a bit higher grip than what you're used to, but don't sweat it. You will be surprised how easy the transition is. Look for something in the mid-40's to begin with, and see how it goes. Better to be on the lighter side than too heavy. The Quinn grip really isn't that high of grip as recurves go. Their wooden model has a bit higher grip, unless you ask for a lower one.

[StickBowManMI]

I agree with Pinelander. Buy something that is relatively cheap whether a used bow or a new bow. You may want to start with a recurve since they are easier to learn on and don't overbow yourself. Later on after shooting a while you will find that you are drawn towards one type of bow. Eventually you will become addicted like we all are and own many bows that you will need to hide from your wife. The suggestion about 3D shoots and rendevous like Compton or ETAR are great because you will meet many traditional shooters and have the opportunity to try different bows. Welcome to a new way of life You will enjoy it!
Tom

[rheubach]

"Eventually you will become addicted like we all are and own many bows that you will need to hide from your wife."

Tom, that's FUNNY because it is SO TRUE.  She insists that I sell two before I buy another and I haven't been able to find a decent hiding place.  Any suggestions?

Soilarch:  I've been shooting traditional since 1952 (when "traditional" was just "archery") and agree with all of the above advice, particularly the suggestions that you not start out with too much weight.  35 to 40 pounds should be plenty, at least until you've acquired a comfortable form.

Welcome aboard!