New here.....want to get started in trad.

[GOODWIN]

Hello from Memphis, TN. I'm wanting to get started in traditional archery and need some advice...and a bow. I've been shooting a 70lb compound (uh oh, is that a no no to say here) for sometime and would like a change. I grew up shooting recurves bowfishing and just playing around so I'm somewhat familiar with the basic form and technique (and I know everyone is different). I went to a fellow's house this evening and shot a few of his bows, a black widow down to old Bear recurves. So I guess my question(s) is what size recurve would be best for me to start with. I shot some bows that were 58-60in and 42-50lbs. I felt fairly comfortable shooting an old Kodiak at 45lbs. So my next step is to buy a bow and money is fairly tight right now that I'm in school. I've been looking on **** a little bit but don't really know what I'm looking for. If anyone has any older recurves they would like to sell let me know. I'm looking for something under or around $100. I'm interested in the Kodiak's or something similar. Thanks for any advice you can give and I'm looking forward to talking to some of you and learning more about traditional archery.

[Ian johnson]

post a want add in the classifides here, good luck

[Biff]

Goodwin- There is a 3-D club that shoots once a month at Herb Parsons lake just outside of Memphis. I'm from Jackson Tn, and it's only a 1 hr. trip for me, should be close for you . You didn't mention if you wanted a hunting bow, or target. If your friend had Blackwidows, Bears and such, I believe he could help you decide what you will need. Anyway, congradulation on leaving the training wheels behind, and shooting a real bow!  Biff

[woodchucker]

PLEASE!!!!! Stay away from that place!!!!!

Yes you CAN get good deals.....But there are to many "dummies" selling JUNK!!!!!    

Stick to the TradGang Classifieds,Great Deals from Great People!!!!!  

[Whip]

Boy, you came to the right place!  Lots of help around here.  The suggestion to put a want ad in the classifieds is a great idea.  So is taking up the offer to go to a traditional shoot in your area.  I think you will find that traditional archers are very willing to help someone new and will go out of their way to get you on track.
A Kodiak in the 45-50# range would be a great bow to get going with.  Heck, it could last a long time to come yet!

[GOODWIN]

Thanks for the suggestions. I put an ad in the classifieds and already got some responses...man, I'm going to love this site. Looks like I can't go wrong with a Kodiak. Keep the advice coming...I'll take all I can get. Thanks, Chad

[30coupe]

It would be hard to go wrong with any of the older Bear bows in the 45-50 pound range. I am partial to the Black Bear. It is a 60 inch bow with a slim grip that works for me. Grizzlies are also good bows but generally run about $125-150 range. I don't know much about the Kodiaks, but the Grayling, MI, Bear bows are well made and great shooters.

[whitebuffalo]

I agree with 30coupe,,pretty hard to beat a bear when your going cheap,,JB

[sidebuster]

You can go to this site for used bows.

 http://65-242-99-131.hagenhosting.com/cgi-bin/classifieds.cgi

[GOODWIN]

Thanks for all the replies. I've got a better idea of what I'm looking for now. And I'm definently going to check out the traditional group in my area and try to make it to some shoots.

[headknocker]

Welcome aboard, I told you that you would like it here........When you wanna shoot again, Mark.

[GOODWIN]

Originally posted by headknocker:
Welcome aboard, I told you that you would like it here........When you wanna shoot again, Mark.

Hopefully soon. I have to work this weekend...got your message though. I'm going to try to make the shoot on the 21st. You plan on going?

[SOS]

Goodwin,

With a friend helping, you'll get started in the right direction quickly.  You're doing right by thinking 45# range.  Once you find your starter bow, have your buddy help you with arrow selection and release type.  He may have tabs and gloves you can try.  Search for some threads on learning to shoot.  Start close with eyes closed to practice getting to a good anchor and pulling through the shoot.  Welcome.