Help for a new traditional shooter...

[green valley gobbler]

Hello,
    I am looking at getting into traditional shooting.  I've been a compound shooter for over 20 years and a few weeks back had the opportunity to pick up a recurve and instantly discovered how fun it can be to shoot traditional equipment!  I want to purchase a bow and have spent many hours researching which one I want to start with.  Everyone has a different opinion and it makes it difficult to sort through all those opinions.  I'd love to be able to shoot several bows to see what suits me, but that doesn't seem possible.  I've also talked to many friends who are traditional shooters and have been referred to several bows.  Not even sure if I want to choose a recurve or a long bow.  One that gets great reviews pretty much everywhere I've looked, without breaking the bank, is the Bear Montana.  Like I mentioned I do not want to break the bank, would like to have a bow that is fun to shoot and also one that I could consider hunting with.  Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas everyone!

[Rob DiStefano]

welcome to trad archery bowhunting, cory!

this article may help ...

 traditonal archery for bowhunters

there are TONS of good stick bows out there, and many will work just fine without breaking the bank.  used trad bows will almost always be the best bargain as long as the bow fits you well.  if at all possible, trying b4 buying is the absolute Best way to go.

good luck, have FUN!

[bretto]

You won't hear much negativity about a Bear Montana.

There's a great Traditional show the end of January in Kalamazoo Michigan. I would say You could view most every style bow made at this event.

There's more information on here just use the search option. Merry Christmas

bretto

[BOHO]

welcome to Tradgang and Merry Christmas !!  Ive shot a Montana years ago and it was a very nice bow. Just make sure your brace height is set right for the bow and dont overbow yourself. Enjoy !!

[Stumpkiller]

Welcome!

One reason there are so many choices is because there are so many tastes.  One man's treasure is another man's trash.  I HIGHLY recommend you check out the classifieds and see what might appeal to you in the used bows.  That way if you find a bow that is pretty but does not satisfy you can resell and try again.  As Rob says, a bow has to fit you.  Hang around here and you will see tastes run in all directions.

Unless terribly abused a traditional bow will hold up for decades, likely centuries.  Unlike compounds, a bow from the mid 1960's will keep up in performance with some of the modern recurves.  And more recent longbows (80's & 90's) have caught up to them.  But you will find it's not so much about speed.  Shooting without sights means the bow has to become an extension of you and has to behave in such a way that your brain and muscles can adopt to it.  When you find the one it's like love.  You will know.    

[longbowben]

You could check what members live close and go try their bows out.And the classifieds are full of great deals on just like new custom bows for half the price of a new one.Where in PA do you live?

[Tommy]

I'll second what everyone has said so far. Try to meet up with some folks and try different styles/makes of bows. Depending where in PA you are, there should be some TG'ers around. If you find yourself coming down I-81 through Virginia, give me a shout and between my buddy and I, we should have 15 or so to try out.

Welcome to the 'Gang and Merry Christmas!

[markliep]

Best inexpensive bow that you can get in low & hunting weights is the one I got for my daughter - its a Samick Sage - easily found at a number of places - there's a pretty good Pete Ward review online too - if you're a bit more oriented towards target/Olympic ILF style a Hoyt excel 23" riser & black trad tech limbs is what Anthony Camera recommends for starters - M

[mcgroundstalker]

Hey Cory! Welcome to The Gang...

First: Click onto "New To Trad Archery"

Second: Before ya buy a bow maybe you should shoot some or at least handle a few to help make up your mind... It's important not to be "over - bowed" and have a "grip and feel" that you like before you shoot the darn thing.

This time of year is kinda slow when it comes to shoots and gatherings... Maybe you can check out "Trad Events and Gatherings" and meet with a bunch of fellas that would love to show off their stuff... I've been at this game over ten years and it's a blast! Try not to make a mistake and buy what someone else likes...

Good Luck!

... mike ...    ...

[ronp]

Welcome to the forum.  Check the classifieds here for equipment.  Plenty of choices.  And for your first bow (it won't be your last!), don't go too heavy in draw weight.

[ronp]

Try to get to a 3d shoot or rendezvous to check out different bows and equipment, too.

[T Lail]

I second the Samick Sage...for the money (around $129.00) it is the best bow out there.....my daughter and son in law shoot one as there primary bow now.....for a novice on up, you won't go wrong with a Samick Sage.....

[bigbadjon]

I think the best starter bow that is available commonly is a Martin Hunter. I believe it suits almost any archer for target or hunting appications.

[Zradix]

be sure to check out the classy's here...
  http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum&f=5&submit=Go  

Try out as many as you can before buying.
I'd suggest around a 40-45# at first..if not a bit lower. At least you can hunt most game with 40-45# (check your game laws)

No reason to buy new at first..if you're like most of us you'll go thru a bunch before finding the "ONE".

You can pick up almost any compound and it'll be OK because you are so disassociated with it ( release aid, sights, etc.

Trad bows can/should be much more "fitted" to your personal shooting style and wants. Because of the way you shoot it you'll really notice little differences that can make you hate or fall in love with a bow.

Welcome to the club!

[stalkin4elk]

Welcome to the passion and TG.
All of the above plus agree with a grip that "just feels right" for YOU. Some won't be natural.
For about 12 bucks get Byron Ferguson's BECOME THE ARROW. MASTERS OF THE BAREBOW dvd series is also excellent. Both have a wealth of tuning tips and explain the different shooting styles and equipment.You will likely experiment with different styles before finding the best for you.
While you are waiting for your order, search Moebow in the Shooters forum and Youtube and study form from a master for free!