NEW TO TRAD. AND NEED A BOW

[MATHEWS2005]

HEY GUYS, I WANT TO START SHOOTING TRAD. STYLE AND I'M LOOKING FOR A BOW.DON'T NO IF I WANT A LONGBOW OR A RECURVE. I SHOOT A 26 DRAW AND 60 LB.S OUT OF MY MATHEWS Z7. WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST AS FAR AS DRAW LENGHT AND POUNDAGE FOR A TRAD. BOW.

[BOWMARKS]

I would find a shop or a shoot that has some traditional shooters and try as many as you can. I do think you will need to drop your poundage five to ten pounds to start with so maybe a takedown would be best , you can always trade up or down on the limbs,the whole bow actualy if not happy with what you first picked like most of us.    

Wellcome aboard I'm sure you will enjoy  MARK

[GingivitisKahn]

Tough to go too far wrong with a used Bear recurve.  You can find them at reasonable prices on the big auction site.

[Whip]

When making the switch to trad a good rule of thumb is to drop down by 15# or so from what you were pulling with wheels. Your draw length will likely at least initially shorten by an inch or two. Trad bows are generally listed at a certain weight at 28", and you need to calculate from there.  Subtract 2-3# for each inch of draw less than 28".  A bow rated at 55# @ 28" might translate to approximately a 45# bow at your draw.  
 
As far as recurve versus longbow, it really comes down to a personal preference.  Try the search feature here and you will find lots of information on the differences and advantages of each.

[MATHEWS2005]

AS FAR AS BRANDS. I WAS THINKING MAYBE A HOMEMADE HICKORY BOW, OLDER BEAR,PEN PEARSON, OR A SAMICK BOW. OUT OF THESE WHAT WOULD YOU NOT SUGGEST!!!!

[Winterhawk1960]

It's hard to beat those old vintage Bear bows. They perform well......and aren't hard on the eyes either.

I was in your shoes just a few short years ago and I can't reinforce enough what has been said about starting with a lightweight bow. For sure, I wouldn't go above 45# @ 28"......and depending on your draw length perhaps less than that. 40# is legal to hunt with in an awful lot of states.

If you can get yourself to any of the traditional get-to-gethers it will give you a lot of help and ability to shoot a variety of bows made by different bowyers.

Let the journey begin.......    

Winterhawk1960

[MATHEWS2005]

WELL, THANKS GUYS.I'M SEARCHING E-BAY!!!

[rastaman]

Why don't you search our classified section here.

[rastaman]

Welcome to tradgang!    

[jarhead_hunter]

There are some good people on this site who have some quality bows for sale.

I would also suggest that you consider the Browning, Wing, Ben Pearson and Shakespeare brands of recurve bows.

They don't have the collector value of other bows and are good learning tools.

Good luck.

Charles.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

What everyone has said.  Start with a lighter bow than normal.  I started with 40-45#ls at 28 and have been staying with those weights. even afetr a 3-d I start to feel it.

Try as many as possible. Try to locate a club or go to the events listing to see what is close. I was fortunate enough to meet someone with 28 different bows on his wall living close by.

The great thing about the classifieds here is, if you buy a reasonably priced bow and take care of it, you should be able to get close to what you bought it for. Also , many of the posters are well known and usually will answer all your questions. Other sites are more focused on moving products.

Good Luck and enjoy the search.

The lower weight and the try before you buy may be the best advice you will find.

[Gen273]

Very good advice has been given.  

[bgremill]

Rather than ****.  I strongly suggest that you search through the classifieds on this site.  The odds of you getting a real quality bow from a real quality person are very, very good.  Plus, you might find someone close to you that can help you learn the basics.  Good luck and enjoy.