Help picking hunting bow

[Skidkid]

I am torn right down the middle! I've got both bows shooting good and there are pros and cons for each. This is my first year hunting trad and the first season out in the woods in a couple years, lots of time hunting with compound in the past. Will be ground hunting whitetail and bear here in the mountains of Virginia on public land. Just finished my Torges seat to take out. Here is the lineup:

HABU Vyperkahn recurve, 62", 58@30. Autumn Hunter 2219s with 175gr Zwickey Eskimos. Arrow weight: 670gr

Big Jim Thunderchild, 58", 50@30. Woodies with 160gr VPA 3 blade (or 160 ACE). Arrow weight:630gr

I recently got the TC and still learning it, and it shoots a lot different than my HABU. I feel slightly more confident with the HABU, I don't have to think about my shot at all, the arrow just goes there. TC I feel like I really have to be tuned in to the shot. Both bows I am shooting really well, both are tuned really well.

HABU is a LOT heavier, which has positives but I am going pretty deep, plan to be mobile and may still-hunt as well. Also a bit longer. And although not crazy loud, it is certainly louder than the TC. But the bow just thumps and hits so much faster and harder than the TC.

TC is light, agile, and I really wanted to hunt with woodies out of a longbow. I don't have same level of confidence and thats without staring down a whitetail at eye level!

Season starts this weekend, y'all's input is always helpful.

[rastaman]

I would go with the Habu until you feel more confident with the TC.

[Maclean]

rastaman is spot on. I'd wait to hunt with the Thunderchild until I spent more time with it and had total confidence in it.   

[Skidkid]

Thats were my head was as well, confidence seemed most important attribute. With that being said, it isn't a big difference just enough that it seems to matter. Appreciate the input y'all

[F. Dobbs]

I also agree with rastaman, for YOU. Heavy mass weight is a hindrance to me, I can't stand heavy mass weight bows.

I would STRONGLY suggest the VPA 3 blade.

So, again, from what you typed, go with what rasta said.

Oh, and best of luck.

[Terry Green]

What season starts?  What are you hunting?

[STICKBENDER98]

Use what you have confidence in, if you're using a bow setup that has you second guessing yourself you'll end up regretting it in my opinion.  Keep practicing with the TC to get the same confidence you have with the HABU.  Good luck this season.


Jason 

[The Whittler]

When that deer/animal walks out your heart will start pumping the last thing your going to think about is how to get this bow to shoot my arrow were I want it.

[Skidkid]

I appreciate all the input, I may have poisoned the well a bit with my comments on confidence. I have confidence in both bows to take the shot, otherwise I wouldn't be in the woods with them or consider it. I do have more time with the HABU so everything is much more ingrained whereas that TC I have to focus on the process much more. I was a gunnery instructor in the Marine Corps, so big proponent of working things until you can't mess them up. I feel good on my shot with the TC, just not at that ingrained level yet.

[Skidkid]

Terry- after whitetail but am hoping to cross paths with black bear

[Tom]

I also am looking forward to Sat opening here in Va. Have two bows lined up for me as well, Stalker hybrid a Hummingbird recurve. Both shoot well for me but the Stalker and I have history so it has first at bat. I would take the bow you are most likely not to have think about the shot as it is exciting enough when game is at hand without having to think shot process.Good luck to you either way.

[Terry Green]

OK, that question was just for the choice of head.... I already knew the bow....

Habu 100%, yet with that weight and draw length, I would shoot a Z Delta 4 blade 100% also, or at least make the Eskimo a 4 blade. 

Best of luck Sir!

[Skidkid]

Thank y'all, I'm looking forward to the time in the woods! I'm going out with the HABU, have everything set up and ready to go. Appreciate all the insight, getting my mind right and locked in