New guy questions.

[Escoffier1974]

Good evening;

I'm new here (and I'm a new hunter), and I haven't been able to find the answer to a few questions.

First, I've been getting back into archery shape with an old fiberglass recurve (45# @ 28", about my draw).  It will need to be replaced before I go hunting (it's just not built to be consistent enough: grip and arrow rest not very good).  What are the advantages of moving up in draw weight?

Second, what kind of broadhead should I consider for hunting this fall (2-blade or 3-blade)?  Is one more forgiving than the other?  Is one better with lower weight bows?

Thanks,
D

[Scbenton]

I can only speak for hunting game such as deer, but 45lbs is enough.  I would personally look in to a two blade broadhead, I am trying out the 140gr grizzlies and maybe one from the Simmons line up.  I think an arrow weight of around 550gr should be sufficient.

As far as a bow drawing more than 45lbs that's all personal choice as long as you can hit what your aiming at consistently.

[Roy Steele]

Nothing wrong with going up inweight. AS LONG AS YOU CAN HANDLE IT. #1 Thing someone can do is over bow themselfs.
 I've shot tradition bows for 7 years before starting to build and hunting with self bows 21 years ago. Set on your butt draw and shoot you'll know right away if your over bowed.
   If your shotting 45# and do want to move up do it 5 #'s at a time each summer. That will give to time to work up to it. Yuo'll know right away when you go over the weight you shoot best.
 I shot through and killed umteen does and killed 36 bucks with self bows. With any where from 45# to 65#'s. No matter what poundage you shot your broad being shape is #1111111111.
  As for heads I shot ZWICKYS for 16,17 years before starting to make my own trade points 12 or 13 years ago. I see do reason for anything but 2 blades if you do your part. And cut on contact 2 blades you can't get better pentration than that.
   There's many types and weights. That turns into a personal prefrence.
  GOOD LUCK

[Bobaru]

I guess if I were in your position, and starting over again, I'd get an inexpensive takedown bow with extra limbs.  

I wouldn't worry so much about being over bowed.  I'd concern myself with having a variety so I could determine for myself.  After all, 55 pounds to some would be a very powerful draw weight, while to others it would be very light.  Everyone's different.

Me?  I've got all one piece bows.  And, there are no traditional bow shops close around.  Plus, I'm left handed.  So, when I do get to a store that has a couple recurves, they are all right handed and I can't test them.  If this fits your billing, then go to some big events and bring your shooting tab and try out all the bows you possibly can.  You won't regret that a bit.

And, always have fun with it!

[Escoffier1974]

Good Morning;

Thanks for all the info.  I recall reading in another thread/post that some other states (other than Indiana, which stipulates that bows must be at least 38# at draw length) have higher draw weight requirements.  Is this true?  If so, how common is this, and how high do they go?

Thanks,
D

[Escoffier1974]

Ttt

[Nattybumppo]

#1- Always check your local regs for bow specs.

#2- If you think your bow needs to be replaced it probably needs to be replaced. If for no other reason than you think so. Archery is incredibly mental. You must feel comfortable. If you are shooting 45lbs good though... I wouldn't jump up just to do it. If you want to great. But only go about 5lbs or so. Keep it gradual.

#3- Broad Heads... You trying to start a fight???

If they are EXTREMELY sharp I think a trad bowyer can go to 3-4 blade with no issues. But design and construction are extremely important. I shot 4 blade Muzzy Phantoms last year. This year though I have gone to wood arrows and a Zwickey Eskimos. I have killed deer with both and both were dead if I did my part. Just shoot several kinds out of YOUR set up before you start shooting animals with them.

[SLIMBOB]

My 2 cents worth...Grew up shooting a recurve, and in the early '80s got serious with compounds (with its let-off).  Worked my way up to shooting weights in the 80# + range.  In 1990, Tore, popped, pulled...my rotator cuff day before bow season...At 51, shooting self bows, all my bows are between 45 and 55 lbs.  That range is comfortable to shoot and more than adequate hunting weight, for me.

[lpcjon2]

First off welcome to the fire.

  I would say find your actual draw length first.I would consider getting a bow in the 45-50# range. Practice on your form and nothing else for at least a month or so. As far as arrows when you get the draw length and bow figured out, then we can get you into some good arrows for hunting and shooting(I like wood). And with the broadhead issue,dont worry about that just yet. Start with a 125grn head and work with that until you get efficient with the shooting and form(this should take all summer). And a 125 grn BH has been taking game for years with no problem,its placing it in the spot(and being a sharp head)that kills the animal.Good luck.

[Escoffier1974]

Good evening;

Thanks again for all the input.  I'm not trying to start a fight with the broadhead question, but I'm curious about them.  I like the simplicity of a head like the Zwicky Eskimo (or similar), but I was told that two blade broadheads can give entrance and exit wounds that will seal up and not leave much of a blood trail.  This is why some folks use 3 and 4 blade heads.  Is there any truth to this.  

To be quite honest, my next arrow head purchase will probably be some small game points (small target = less margin for error = improved accuracy), but deer archery season starts in a few months, and I want to have the heads I'm going to use for that ready to go.

As for the bow, anything north of 35# is good here in Indiana.  I just want to make sure that if I get a chance to hunt somewhere else, I don't need to get a new bow for the trip.

Thanks again,
D

[Shakes.602]

Welcome to TradGang!  You will meet some of the Finest and Most Helpful Folks on the Planet Here!    I shoot a 50 lb. for Target, Stumps, and Hunting! Accuracy and Confidence in Your Abilities and Your Equipment doesnt mean you have to shoot Critters with a 75 lb. "He-Man" Bow. They just cause Damage to your Body,  UNLESS  you are used to shooting that heavy a Bow!
        Glad to have You and Good Luck!!