Enthusiastic Newbie Needs Bow Recommendations

[Griffith]

Hi Everyone: I've been shooting about 6 months now and really love it. I'm so impressed with the Trad Gang community and am happy to have found you!
I'm a gal, have largish hands with long slender fingers, am 5' 5" tall, and draw only 25". I started with a very light takedown recurve for the first 1000 or so shots. Then I got a Martin Rebel off **** which I am really enjoying. It's 35# at 26, 50" AMO. It fits my hand very well. At first, I didn't really notice the more vertical grip, but now I seem to prefer it over the more "pistol" style grip of the recurve I started with.
I'd like to go a bit more in poundage - to around 40#, and am not ready yet to lay out the cash for a custom bow. I'm looking for something I can work/play with for a good while until I find the custom build that I just have to have!
I ordered a GreatTree Hawk and it was a mistake - the grip and riser are massive for me - couldn't tell by pix and it really didn't come out when talking with the seller (not his fault).

I know you all can recommend some good factory bows to consider! I'd like to keep it to under 58", 56" would be perfect. Take down would be ideal. I'd like a slender strong grip that will fit my hand well - could go vertical or the more pistol style - and a nice, crisp, fast shot.  Ultimately I'm interested in hunting small game, especially birds.

OK, I'll sit back and look for the good input - Many thanks in advance!

[duncan idaho]

If you want to keep it under 58/56 keep checking the traditional adds on this site for a used Cascade Goldenhawk. I would advise you to check the bow collecting / history forum because those gentlemen could provide information a classic low poundage Bear, that someone might sell at a good price.

I know that Kustom King, 3Rivers, Big Jim and Black Widow carry factory bows. Also check the used bow section with RMS gear, they carry a large selection of used bows. I also have small hands, so I know what you are dealing with. When you decide to go custom, check out Bigfoot bows, Kirk's risers were made with us in mind.

[Sean B]

keep checking the classifieds.  something will pop up.   you may like a Toelke Chinook or a Hoots.A Bear Grizzly has a grip you may like, and might be able to get one for a decent price.

good luck and welcome.

[northener]

Noticed your from Mn.


Check out The Footed Shaft in Rochester, largest tradional archery store in Mn. They have quite a few used bows listed on their website.

[Bladepeek]

Without recommending a specific bow, and not to hijack your thread, but I'm guessing you are shooting with someone or with a group. If not, this is the greatest place in the world to locate a group of local shooters. Once you do that, you have access to a lot of OPB's (other peoples bows). When you find one you like, start combing through the classifieds on here. There is a huge variety of bows available and I've found the sellers are a lot more knowledgeable and a lot more open than the those on "that other auction site". You know now what you don't want in a grip and can start looking more closely at the ones you do like.

I'll bet there are at least a dozen currently listed that fall roughly within your range of specs.
Ron

[Rob DiStefano]

welcome to the gang, natalie!

if at all possible, try before you buy.  besides retail stores, going to a trad shoot event will allow you to get close and personal with many dozens of different stick bows.  while most bows might sport heavier draw weights than you'd want, at least you'll get to check out the grips and other common features.

if you do find a bow on the classifieds and buy it, ask for a few days approval to make sure it's the right one.

have fun, enjoy the ride

[northener]

Oh yah......Make it point to attend The tradional only shoot put on by Rapids archery,in Coon Rapids  Held on fathers day weekend. Lots of vendors there.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Welcome Natalie,

Finding the perfect bow can be like looking for the holy grail for a lot of folks. Everyone has their own preferences and feel they are looking for. You can spend a lot of time and money buying and swapping used bows before finding something that fits just right....

There is another option that you may find more appealing..... PM sent....   Kirk

[Gator1]

Sent a pm

Two that come to mind

Older bear grizzly made in 56 and 58 inch

2nd browning wasp I have a 56 inch nice Bows good shooters and reasonably priced used

[LBR]

Samick Sage is a bragain brand new (and under warranty), and the limbs are cheap enough that swapping poundage won't break the bank.

There are some ILF rigs that are also very reasonably priced, and are almost limitless in the variety and price of limbs that are interchangeable.

Black Rhino offers "custom" bows for youth and ladies at very reasonable prices.

Black Creek bows are all-out beautiful and real shooters at surprising prices.

Both are TG sponsors, and both have done a lot to support our sport over the many years they have been in business.

[term]

Get ready to have some fun!!  

             PS keep it light, to heavy to soon can wreck the shooter.   Term

[northener]

Just reading another post here from a sponser, Maddog Archery and noted he has a bow that you might be interested in called the Kasliska.

Check-it out

[Jerry Jeffer]

Go to a trad shoot with some vendors and shoot as many bows as you are interested in. The more bows you shoot, the better idea you will have of what you like.

[Stump73]

St. Joe rivers makes some nice bows also.