Please Help me choose !!!!

[onecamman]

Hi,
 I am getting into trad. archery for the first time, and was wondering what new recurve to get. I would like to stay at $400 max. I was looking for something 58" or less for hunting. I looked at a bear K mag and loved it. are there any other bows that I should consider? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks Roger  

[BigRonHuntAlot]

If I were in your shoes I would not jump into a new bow, but attend as many trad shooting events and try as many different bows as you can before trying to decide on what bow. Find something you really like before dropping the cash...

[Ybuck]

WELCOME!    
First off i am NO expert, and fairly new to trad archery. I bought a Hoyt Gamemaster II($450.00).Your forum name tells me you may be a compound shooter now? After shooting compounds for 22 plus years, this bow seems to fit me very well. It is drilled out for any "add ons" you might want(rest/sight/stab)
Not to mention, this bow is very smooth, quick, and bomb proof.
With that said, you have a ton of choices in your price range(especially used bows) Good luck, and keep us posted.  

[DannyBows]

Hello Roger,
  I'm from Cleveland, and have family in Middlefield. I'm not an expert, but I would suggest that if you are new to trad a good used production bow is a good place to start. You can get one for less than $400, and can turn it around for what you have in it. Bear, Pearson, Herter's and Browning are a few you can't go wrong with. The best bow length kind of depends on your draw length. If you have a long draw, a short bow can be harder to learn with, less stable and potential stacking. I only draw 26" so it's not an issue for me, but I've read about it.
   If you give more info, such as your draw length, if you're coming from compounds, etc, the guys and gals will be along to give you a wealth of great advise.
  Also, another reason to start with a decent used bow is that you should start with a light weight bow so you can learn proper form without fighting the bow. Then, as you get the form down your muscles will condition and you'll want to move-up in weight to what you feel best with. This first bow will most likely be temporary, a learning tool, so no need to put much money in it. That's my best advise anyway, from experience. I overbowed myself coming from compounds and it was frustrating. I'm finally getting to where I can shoot that bow well, and I've had it for quite awhile.
  Another option is a Take-Down with light weight limbs. That way if you really like the bow you can just get heavier limbs later if need be.

[Shawn Leonard]

Roger, do a bunch of research and see what ya like in a bow. The looks, the grip and how long ya want, recurve or longbow. try some if ya can. if ya can't and like the Bears look for a used one or one that is similar in design. I really do not recommend a short bow for your first. I would stay at 58"s or 60"s, just because most(not all) but most are more forgiving of form and release issues. I will also say that if ya want a K-Mag you can find them used for $100 and you could also find a custom used bow for the other $300 and have two toplay with. This get crazy as I believe you could buy four or 5 nice shooters for $400, I know ya can as I have. it is up to you but do not rush into things and also ask about prices and such. There are a lot of good people oon here and they will give ya agood ballpark on what you should pay for certain bows and such. Last but not least do not as was said above over-bow yourself. If ya shoot 70#s with a compound than 50#s is perfect. Best of luck and if ya have any questions feel free to ask!! Shawn

[NoCams]

Roger,
As usual I am late to your post and you have already gotten a ton of good advice ! I would agree with the above posts about not overbowing yourself, my first was a used Bear Grizzly for $85 off E**y. It was 45lbs and I still use it for a form bow if my form starts slipping.

I also like the advice you got about buying a 3 piece takedown so you can buy different poundage limbs as you need / want them.

BigRonhuntalot was right too about trying different bows at local shoots. You will find that tradgangers are more than willing to let you try their bows at shoots you attend. This will help you and hurt you !!! You will be a multiple bow owner soon, I promise !

When I first got into this trad thing I was convinced that a recurve was all I ever wanted. I have four of them now. However, lately I cannot put my Griffin longbow down. Never thought I would like a longbow, but I love my Griffin. I love how quiet and smooth a good longbow can be compared to a recurve.

And one more thing.... Soon you will be changing your tradgang handle to something close to mine, haha !!! You will go from one cam man to nocam man like me !!! My son and I sold our compounds on E**y this year and have no plans of ever going back. Not bashing them, just hooked on trad bows now. You will find that you cannot lay a trad bow down, you will be shooting whenever and wherever you can. It is a terrible addiction and there is no cure known to man at this time.    

nocams

[owlbait]

Check out the Quinn line of bows. Great shooters, made in U.S.A., and affordable. I really like my Stallion and it is versatile. I now have 2 sets of limbs and shoot fish, targets, and critters with it.

[Ravenclaw]

Try to locate trad guys in your area. They will be more than helpful getting you in the right direction. Shoot as many different bows before deciding. I will suggest good used. Good luck

[Dave Coalter]

Roger,
Don't know how far you are from Michigan. But you might consider coming up to Kalamazoo Jan 26 and 27th. There is a trad, bow show. You will be able to shot all differant kind of bows. Longbows,recurves selfbows. they will all be there and you can shot all day if you want. Kinda like walikng into candy store heaven. Anyway just thought I would throw in the option.

[John C Keith]

I looked it up and he is about 300 miles or so from the area.  I agree it would be a chance to shoot some nice bows before buying.

Stay safe

[stick hunter]

WHISPER STIC BOWS !!!!!!! NEW STARTING AT $425.00

[acadian archer]

look up Chek Mate Bow on the sponsors list. Great performing one piece (I have the Kings Pawn deluxe) and takedowns.

Great looks, performance and quality. You owe yourself a look at them before you decide.