Picking a Bow?

[cp55002]

Hello all, I would like to get into traditional archery. I’ve shot archery on and off for 20 years. My father started my younger brother and I shooting instinctively when we were about 6 or so. Around age 14 I took up training wheels and shot those bows until last year. My brother stayed with traditional archery equipment. He shots a beautiful Mahaska longbow. I want to make the switch back to traditional equipment for simplicities sake. I’ve tried to do all the homework I could on the subject. I like the Idea of a longbow. I didn’t think this would be such a difficult decision.  I plan on shooting 3D’s for practice and hopefully be good enough to hunt with it next year for whitetail. I’ve been trying to decipher which longbow is best suited for my needs. What are the advantages of a straight stay longbow over a longbow with reflex-deflexed limbs. Everything I’ve researched and the limited opinions I have received told me to go with a reflex-deflexed style longbow. With my limited experience (and only having shot a Mahaska with reflex-deflexed bow design), I like them. So what are the differences between a straight stay bow and reflex-deflexed. (Arrow speeds, length of bow, smoothness of draw, hand shock?) I know the best way to buy a bow is to shot it first and see what feels best. That being said I don’t know of any traditional shops around that sell hunting poundage bows near me. It also seems that most of the bows I have found are custom made online. (Great Plains, Mahaska) One of my concerns is spending 500-700 dollars on something I’m not 100% sure I’m not going to love. Another question I have is overall bow length. I plan on hunting from a tree stand. I guess a shorter bow say 60-62” is easier to shot from a tree stand than say a 68” bow. I have a shorter draw length (27.5”) that should help me get away with a shorter bow? What are your opinions on bow length for hunting? Thanks for your time and opinions. My apologies if this are in the wrong forum. Chris

[beaver#1]

nope your in the right places.  i have both bow one with heavt r/d/ and one with straighter limbs. i like them both. but if you are going to be hunting out of a tree stand i would go with a r/d style bow,  you can get them in shorter lengths and they tend to be easasier to find in those shorter lengths.  some people say they are faster, and they may be ,  but i personally like my stright limb bow the most, but i also hunt only on the ground.  i would go with what you know you like. i have only heard good things about the mahaska bows. hope this ramble helps a bit.

[jess stuart]

If you like longbows that is what you should look for, don't settle for something else you will most likely regret it later.  

I would suggest that you not overbow yourself.  Go to shoots, ask around about other trad shooters, most will help.  Many would allow you to take a few shots with their bows.  Length and type is ultimately going to be up to you and what you like.  I would look at some of the used bows for sale here on this site as well as other sites.

[lpcjon2]

Chris all I have are longbows and none are reflex-deflex If you are starting out I wouldn't spend 500-700 dollars on any bow.you have to have something that fits you,if your brother has a recurve see if that is the right weight for you find your draw weight and start from that don't over do it in weight.check out Maddog bows in the sponsors banner and talk to Mike he is a great guy and I know he does a scrap bow(made from leftover wood) that is inexpensive and looks great.ease into it and read the newbee thread on  powwow top of the page.Good Luck

[George D. Stout]

Don't buy a thing until you shoot some.  Spend the first half of this year getting around to some shoots that have plenty of opportunity for such entertainment 8^).  There are some wonderful bows out there, and it's hard to make a bad choice, but still the bow must fit you.

[mountain trapper]

I am really please with my Thunder Horn Heart Stopper.  Its a r/d long bow. Its 50# @ 28'' and is 60'' oal.  Very smooth bow.

[LongbowGuy83]

I think that the r/d longbows are a little more 'forgiving'. Might be an easier transition than a non r/d style. Check the classifieds on here. Some good deals usually. Welcome to the addiction  

Oh yea, start out with a little lighter weight. I didn't and it was harder for me to get my form down. There is some expertise on this site also. Good luck.

[V-Archer]

Sent you a PM

[cp55002]

Thanks for all the advice! I'm going to do some more searching around. What is everyone's opinion of used vs. new? What to look out for in a used bow? Thanks again for all the help. Chris

[GREASEMAN]

My choice for an all around Longbow would be R/D 58" to 62"limited to no hand shock and fast as greased lightning!!Greater selection also!

[Predator Man]

For your draw a 60"+ reflex/deflex would be good. Check out jason's bows   www.jkbows.com   I have owned several in the past and for the money they are superior to any I have shot. On that note they are superior to any longbow I have shot for twice the money. He is a great guy to work with and I am sure he will be happy to sell you one.  Used is ok but for a newby its easy to get something you dont need.  Also dont get to much weight. If your used to a 70 pound compound Try a 45 - 52 pound longbow. If you shoot a 60 pound compound get a 40-42 pound bow. Jason's bows are fairly easy to recover your money on for the most part also. If you didn't like it you might only loose $100.  I dont see how you could not like them though.

[BlacktailBowhunter]

Horne take down Brush Bows are a great bow and there are a few in the classifieds right now for about half of new. They are a R/D bow and what I currently shoot.

Good luck,

Paul