New guy, long question

[hogwild69]

I've been surfing for some answers and this forum looks friendly and I hope some of you will find the patience to help me. My name's Greg and here's my situation: My 2 sons and I would like to get our feet wet with a couple of recurve bows. It's to keep it simple and discover whether archery is something we want to pursue further. We have the land to practice all we'd care/need to. I can't seem to find a shop that has anyone knowledgeable to help me.

We are fairly big men; 6'7", 285 for oldest, 6'4" 200 for youngest, 6'4" 250 for me.

About what size recurve, draw weight, pull length, should I consider that would be appropriate for us to practice with and if we like it; also make for good beginner hunting.

I hope I'm not imposing to drop in and ask so much general info. I will check back a couple times a day to see if you guys might help me out and if I need to provide more info to get help.

I'm looking at a PSE Kingfisher at Cabelas to get started. I don't want to tie up a ton of money in case it doesn't catch on at my house, thinking about 40 lb draw to learn the form.
 Thanks Greg

[BEN]

Greg,

I'm sure you'll get all the help you need on here...  

First--start off lighter than you think you can handle. It is much easier to develop proper form with a too-light bow, than too heavy! Besides, many people overestimte what they can handle. Drawing a trad. bow is MUCH different than drawing a compound with let-off! However, with your guys size---I'm not gonna tell you how much to start with     40# sounds good though.

Second--a good  place to find starter bows is from Lost Nation Archery--they are a sponser here and carry many used bows. Or--check the classifieds here, maybe even post a "want to buy" ad with general wants.......

As far as checking draw-length: drawing a light weight bow to a comfortable anchor point and having  someone mark your arrow to the leading edge of your bow. That would be your draw-length. Add at least 1" generally for arrow length.  Any bow shop should be able to check your draw length for you....It can be a challenge though finding Trad-archery knowledgeable folks in the big-box sporting goods stores--not enough money or techy enough for them.

Heck, I just noticed where you're from. There's lots of folks on here from Georgia--i'm sure someone local will chime in here soon.

Hope this helped!

[bretto]

Welcome to TradGang. Ben hit it on the head. Lots of Georgians on here. You might give a location of were You are and then someone could give You a better idea of shops close to You.

[mahantango]

I strongly recommend looking for a couple good, used vintage recurves versus the low-end entry level imports. Less money and far better quality IMO. Plus they have resale value if you change your mind or upgrade. A couple great bows that come to mind that won't set you back much$ are Ben Pearson Mustang, Hunter, Collegian, Wing Falcon, Gull, White Wing, Howatt Cavalier and Bear Cub. With you guys size, stick with a 62" bow in 40-50# range and try to get some coaching from someone who shoots TRADITIONAL. It will greatly shorten the learning curve and the frustration level.

[George D. Stout]

Sent you a PM.

[Rob DiStefano]

welcome to trad gang, greg!

the very bestest thing you do is seek one-on-one in person help from a knowledgeable local archer/bowhunter.  that in itself will save lots of time and dollars.  

the worst thing you can do is buy gear without solid knowledge and without trying.  please take some time to read through this article ....

 trad archery newbies

....

[Killdeer]

Here is a link to the Georgia bowhunter forum on this site. You will have a ball meeting all your Georgia TG buddies, and planning your meet-n-greets and equipment tryouts. That forum is probably the most or second-most active state forum here.

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum&f=34&submit=Go

Killdeer  

[joevan125]

Where do you live in Georgia, i travel over there a couple times a week and i could bring you a car load of bows to shoot.

Wouldnt be a problem at all and i would be glad to help.

[acadian archer]

fairly big??? welcome aboard from a 5'6 155 lb Canuck.

good advice on here, ask all the questions you want - you've come to the right place.

as someone said- look at all the sponsors on here- good bows in all price ranges. find something that catches your eye and give it a shot.

try to join a local club as first hand knowlege and experience will speed things up a lot for you

[hunterace]

Originally posted by hogwild69:
I've been surfing for some answers and this forum looks friendly and I hope some of you will find the patience to help me. My name's Greg and here's my situation: My 2 sons and I would like to get our feet wet with a couple of recurve bows. It's to keep it simple and discover whether archery is something we want to pursue further. We have the land to practice all we'd care/need to. I can't seem to find a shop that has anyone knowledgeable to help me.

We are fairly big men; 6'7", 285 for oldest, 6'4" 200 for youngest, 6'4" 250 for me.

About what size recurve, draw weight, pull length, should I consider that would be appropriate for us to practice with and if we like it; also make for good beginner hunting.

I hope I'm not imposing to drop in and ask so much general info. I will check back a couple times a day to see if you guys might help me out and if I need to provide more info to get help.

I'm looking at a PSE Kingfisher at Cabelas to get started. I don't want to tie up a ton of money in case it doesn't catch on at my house, thinking about 40 lb draw to learn the form.
 Thanks Greg

hummmm where have i seen this before   , welcome to tradgang  

[gregg dudley]

The Georgia trad shooters are top shelf.  Check out the link Killie posted to get more information about guys in your area.  There are some shoots coming up real soon and their state shoot is the second full weeeknd of March in Culloden (near Macon).  GOing to a shoot lets you see and try a lot of different equipment out.

I agree with buying a vintage or used bow vs throwing down the same money for a new import. With your physical builds, you should not have any problems with hunting weight recurves.  If you practice you will build strength fast.

[Hawkeye]

Two thoughts...

With the l-o-n-g wingspan that probably accompanies your family's height, I'd be looking for a bow that is a bit longer than the norm.  If you are considering recurves, maybe a 64" bow, or even a 66" or 68," although they are few and far between.  Just something to consider.

Second, I don't know what part of the state you are in, but some friends of mine are part of a really great group down in Appling, GA, and they have a nice and fairly sizeable event that I think is usually held at the end of May.  I know you could find some help and good options there if you could attend.  The link I have is from last year, but it should lead you to someone to contact:  http://www.applingarchers.com/

This is a great sport, and I think you are starting off just right.  I hope you can find some of the  same type of enjoyment that I have from the stick and string.

Daryl

[hogwild69]

Wow; thanks for all the quick replies. I will moke all this over.

Mr Joe V- I really appreciate your offer. I live in Henry County (Stockbridge) and I fly weekly to New Mexico to work. I will follow up with you in PM's to talk further when I know I'll be in town for a few days.

Mr Sheppard- thanks for specific models to consider. Mr Harding- appreciate the length recommendation.

The suggestions are much appreciated. Both the bow forums I've been to have been helpful. Thanks folks; Greg

[woodchucker]

For the money you guys would spend,and your LOOOOONG draw lengths..... How about a longbow??? You can find Bear Montana longbows VERY reasonable,and even cheaper used!!! At thier 64" length they are very "long draw" friendly. 45# would be a good weight,after all you guys are BIG and you will gain alittle extra poundage drawing them over 28".

Chris Dewitt(Bowspirit) here has been shooting a Montana for years and LOVES his!!!!! At about 6'4" or so and his long arms,He's a real "knuckle dragger" and shoots his 65# bow very comfortably even with it "stacking" over 28".

Just a thought..... It might be easier to find a 64" or 66" longbow than a recurve that long.

Welcome to the Gang!!!!!!!!!!                

[hogwild69]

The long bow is starting to intrigue me with it's advantage of draw length. I'm glad I had sense enough to get these inputs- sure is better than going in blind.

Will I be likely to not get burned on a used bow? Read something about "limb warp" whatever that is?

[Rob DiStefano]

Originally posted by hogwild69:
The long bow is starting to intrigue me with it's advantage of draw length. I'm glad I had sense enough to get these inputs- sure is better than going in blind.

Will I be likely to not get burned on a used bow? Read something about "limb warp" whatever that is?

there is no draw length advantage to a longbow over a recurve.  there are strengths and compromises with each style of stick bow.  learn and choose well.

as a newbie, if you don't know what yer buying in a bow, you might have issues.  we can help via this cyber campfire only so much - it's always best to seek local help from folks who really know about trad archery.  

buying via the trad gang classifieds is one of the safest bets in a used bow purchase.

[Killdeer]

With anything used, it is best to go in knowing what you are looking for and who you are dealing with. There are bad eggs in every henhouse, but this is the one with the least foxes, that I have seen.

Limb twist is reversable, and there is probably a how-to on this site for that.

You are in Georgia, and there is a TradGang member for every square mile in that state, unless they legislated more. Hit the Georgia forum onsite here and meet your neighbors. Go to some shoots and try out some bows. Keep asking questions. You are on the right track.

Killdeer  

[hogwild69]

Meeting a local would be my safest bet. My constraints are that I travel weekly. There are 3 of us and I'm going to buy 1 bow at a time, therefore I likely will end up with 3 different type of bows as I go through the learning curve. I'd like to make a purchase within 2 month that is usable to start getting practice. A 66" long bow with a 40ish pound range is leading the pack for now. Will continue monitoring for yall's input Thanks Greg.

[Rob DiStefano]

good plan, greg.  we're here for ya if need be.