Joining the Club

[Scott Jacobsen]

I'm going to be officially picking up the hobby soon, and can't wait.  Before I purchase my set-up though, I have some questions for the experts.

I'm basically completely new to archery, but have been hunting my whole life and have shot a bit as a kid.
I've been doing some research and here is my current set-up:

 http://www.3riversarchery.com/AdultBowKit.asp?i=2495&show=info

(Comes with  http://www.3riversarchery.com/Bows+Recurves+Recurve+Imported+Sage+No+Tools+Take-Down+Bow_c44_s155_p292_i2490X_product.html).

I was thinking about getting a 35# bow. I'm 17, athletic, but not a body builder by any means, and  I predict that 35# would be a good starter weight.

I also have a 72-74" arm reach, and am 6' tall, if that makes a difference.

Basically what I need to know is:
-Will that bow be sufficient for me to start out with?
-Will I need any other accessories that are not covered in the starter kit?

AND, most importantly, I need some help with choosing the right arrows.
-Any suggestions on arrows that will work well with the bow mentioned above, and will be good for a beginner (long lasting, durable, straight-shooting, but not too expensive)?


Thanks a ton!
Hopefully in a few months I'll be able to give starters like me advice, but I have to start somewhere.

PS. I don't have access to a legit archery store within a 2 hour drive, which is why I can't get fitted with the right bow/arrow

[canshooter]

In my opinion there is nothing wrong with that starter kit. 35lbs is a very good weight for learning with...much better than going all macho and getting a 50-60 lb bow that you cant draw and hold. I started with a very similar bow with a weight of 34lbs and now shoot a win bow in 38lbs in competition.

I use Carbon Express Heritage 150's 32.5 inch shaft with 3 4 inch fletch and 150 grain field points and not only are they virtually indestructible but they fly well out of both bows.

You can find them here:  http://www.3riversarchery.com/Arrows+Shafting+Fletched+Carbon+Pre-Fletched++Express+Heritage_c58_s195_p230_i6730X_product.html  and save a second shipping charge. 3 rivers can probably give you some advise on whether they are suitable for the bow you have chosen.

[Scott Jacobsen]

Thanks for the reply.

I was curious though, how do I find the right arrow length and all that?

Isn't it draw-length + 1 to 2 inches?

(And how do I test draw-length? Do I take a tape measure from the bow-rest to the arrow knock while I have it pulled back to my firing position (chin))?

Thanks,
Scotty

[GREATBROWNKNOCKEMDOWN]

Dont have any info for you . but just saying welcome aboard and any help you need you will find it here. YOur going to love what your getting into!!

[Bill Skinner]

Welcome to the club.  For a 35# bow, I would choose a Carbon Express 30-50.  I would leave it full length.  If possible, try to find a coach.  He or she needs to be familiar with traditional archery tackel.  See if there are any local clubs or 3-D shoots in your area.  Bill

[30coupe]

That looks like a very sensible way to start. The 35# bow will be perfect for working on form, even after you progress to a heavier bow for hunting. You will be able to get more reps without getting fatigued and having your form go away. You will want a fairly light spined arrow. Personally, I'd go with a Beman ICS Bowhunter 600. They are pretty cheap, very durable, and plenty accurate. I use the 500s for hunting and they work great.

Welcome to the addiction...um...hobby! You found the right place to start...lots of great folks and great information here!

Russ

[JoeArizona]

You will really like the Samick Sage bow.  It's not a beauty queen, but it's a shooter.  
And when it's time to move up in weight, you can buy new limbs for $69.

Good luck!

[Mudd]

Welcome to tradgang. Enjoy the journey with the rest of us.

God bless,Mudd

[bowslinger]

Scott,

There are a couple of ways to measure draw length, but the most reliable is to find a local archery store and have them assist you.  I read that you are 2 hours from a a legitimate archery store, but the drive may be worth it to start.

From your earlier post, you most likely have about a 28 to 28.5-inch draw length.  However, your draw length may be a little more or less.  Proper form will help you measure proper arrow length.  That can be a little uncertain for someone just starting out.  For comparison, I am 6'0" with a 72.5-inch wingspan and have a draw length of about 28.5 inches shooting traditional gear.  Where you anchor, arm geometry, etc., all play a role in your draw length, which can vary  between two people of similar builds.  I typically add at least 1.5 inches to my draw length, but the bow design can also affect that to some degree, so I would add 2 inches to your draw length to start.

To help determine proper form, check out "Terry's Form Clock" under the Shooter's Forum.  Also, read whatever books you can prior to purchasing your gear.  It will help familiarize you with some of the lingo associated with traditional gear.  Maybe you have already done that.  Two books I would recommend are Instinctive Shooting by G. Fred Asbell and A Beginner's Guide to Traditional Archery by Brian Sorrells.  There are many other good references, but these will get you started without breaking the bank.

Another good reference for tuning a bow is OL Adcock's tuning guide which is free at the following web address:  http://bowmaker.net/index2.htm.

Good luck and don't be shy about asking for advice.  Not all advice will work for you, but by trying different suggestions, you will find what does!

Mike

[Uncle Buck]

Mike the sage is a good shooting bow,and would be a great choice But I personaly dont like starter kits, there is always  Something in itI dont like or need. For exanple I am not a Fan of backquivers, 35# is a good starting wt. If there is a club in your area that respects traditional achery, join it and attend shoots. Watch what successful shooters do and try it, use what works for you and discard( after a fair trial) what doesnt, work on your form if your form is right accuracy will follow. and welcome to our world.

[Scott Jacobsen]

Thanks for the help and replies.
I got some standard 30" aluminum arrows (just for starters), and I think they are going to work fine.  

I'm also going to read those books that bowslinger recommended.

Thanks again, hopefully I'll be shooting by this weekend.

[portugeejn]

I second the "Beginners Guide to Traditional Archery" by Sorrells.  That is the book that got me started,and I have given my copy to another budding archer or I'd send it to you.  It was very helpful to me just starting out.  Have fun!

RonP

[stevemfwills]

most important....have fun

[Killdeer]

You might start a thread looking for Trad Gang members in California. There are some, as I have seen some great posts from left coasters.

I am impressed by the common sense you have shown in your choice of equipment. I think it is an ideal start into the sport. This is quality gear, and you will be able to develop form without the bad habits that come from being overbowed. The folks at 3Rivers should be able to give you some starting point for arrows.

Ask lots of questions!
Killdeer