Introduction, thanks, and a question

[duckclay]

Hi all, my name is Brad and I'm an addict where bowhunting is concerned. I spent about 10 years hunting whitetails, hogs, and turkeys here in FL and then had to give it up due to access that simply wasn't there anymore. Well, I'm back in the game and I'm going traditional all the way so this website has been HUGE for me in this quest.
I would like to thank all of you here for the invaluable info and honest opinions I've read. Because of you all I'm shooting a Bear recurve nearly daily and also working on my first bow board (just finished the tiller tree and ready to dive into that stage of the process). Thank you, thank you, and thank you.
My question is really more of a plea for more of those honest opinions. I'm planning an elk hunt next September and would really like to have a new bow to take. I love the BW, Blacktails, and many more, but frankly would like to spend less money for my first "custom" bow. In your opinion what are the best manufacturers to look at for a recurve in the $500-600 range? I'd like it to be in the 55-58lb range @ 28" and probably 60" NTN. I'm open to other suggestions and this bow will be used for everything from the elk next year to Alabama and Mississippi whitetail. This won't be my last custom bow so I'm sure I'll end up with a lot bigger bill on the next few. It's just that I'm having to budget for all of the other "start-up" costs on this hunt.
Once again, my appreciation for all input.

[Hill Hunter]

Look at a Jordon Stalker, made by John Jordon in Ohio, toward the low end of your range, a great shooting bow and a great guy.

[Claypipe]

Hello and welcome to the    .  Travis aka Gabby.

[Killdeer]

Go to as many shoots as you can, shoot as many bows as you can, try to ignore all the "this bow is best" posts and see what type of bow suits you.

Only you can decide whether to go recurve or longbow, straight, locator or high wrist grip, wood or carbon arrows. You can get a used bow from a major bowyer for your 600 dollars.

Killdeer

[arrowslinger22]

Look at RER bows, they are in your price range and are great shooters.  They are a sponsor here.

[Pullonmylimb]

Bob Lee is an excellent bow for the money.  Fast and stable.  You can get one new for about what your looking to spend or fine one used in the classifieds for much less.

Killdeer is correct though.  I've owned 3 big name bows that I didn't shoot very well and others would state as their go to.  Depends on your style and what clicks for you.

Whole world full of options to explore.

Greg

[Mudd]

Welcome to tradgang!!

You've already received some really good guidance here. I might add(and I'm sorry if I missed this piece already being said) Once you've tried a number of bows and figured out what style you'd like to try be sure and look at the classifieds here for one that has been tamed by someone else already.

Enjoy the journey with the rest of us.

God bless,Mudd

[Sixby]

My standard working recurve is in that price range. Starts at 550.00 for a threepiece takedown.There a pic of one on my website.God Bless and good luck Steve.

[nutmeg]

duckclay, first of all welcome. Listen to what Killdeer says. The bow that is for you will speak to you. That is, you will know it when you shoot it. I can tell you that this bow or that bow is the best on earth and it will feel like a fence post in your hand. Good luck and have fun because that's what it's all about. Welcome aboard. (nut)

[duckclay]

Thank you so much for the welcoming and the tips. I can't possibly express how much I enjoy getting back into this and can see that it will be a new life-long obsession. I can say that here because I'm certain that you are all in the same boat with the same "addiction".

Everybody seems to be in agreement that I need to shoot the bow first, which make sense. One problem here is the availability of traditional-centric bow shops or lack thereof in the area. I did see Big Jim's bows at the last shoot in Ocala and as much as I wanted to ask to shoot one, it was raining and I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I will admit to wavering on my resolution to get a recurve after seeing some of his takedown longbows. Absolutely beautiful pieces of work.

I will be on the lookout for the next shoot here or at Tanneyhill in AL as my best friend and fellow bowhunter lives nearby.

Steve- I really like your bows and will be in touch. Is the working bow you referred to the Black Eagle? Is there any chance I can find one around Central Florida to shoot?

Once again, thank you all.

[bawana bowman]

duckclay,

Here is a link to shoot schedule for the local club on the Space Coast.
 http://brevardarchers.com/schedule.html
Unfortunately today is their only 3d shoot this month before season opens. However there is another scheduled in October. Most of the members shoots cable guns, but a lot of them also shoot trad. They sometimes will shoot wheels in the morning and then go trad in the afternoon. (This is when those of us that are dedicated trad shooters really shine.)
There usually is a good mix of longbows and recurves, and I'm sure you could try out different ones if you ask.
Most of the shoots are held at Wickham Park in Melbourne.
Where you located in Central Florida? I'm in Cocoa, have an assortment of longbows and recurves  I'd be willing to let you try if we could arrange a meeting.

[Smallwood]

http://www.rmsgear.com/our_bowyers.htm

[CRS]

If I was you, I would read Killdeer's post.

There are certain bows that you will naturally  shoot very well, and the bow will pick you as much as you pick the bow.

There is a whole bunch of science trying to figure which bow is best for you, but the easiest way is to just shoot them.  When it is right, you will know it.

What kind of Bear bow do you shoot now?  Do you like it, is it right for you?  If yes, why not get the same model bow in the range weight you are looking for.  There is something to be said of having the " same" bow in different weights.

I had to do that with longbows to get any kind of consistency in my shooting when changing draw weights.

[JimB]

If you like '50's style recurves,Whisperstik's Mojostik recurve is a lot of bow for the money.They are fast and quiet.I have shot relatively heavy risered bows for most of my life but found the Mojostik very easy to shoot from the first time I picked it up.I have two now and they are a joy to carry and fun to shoot.I have a lot of confidence in them.

Also,don't forget the classified's here.You can often pick up a like new bow of the type you are looking for,for $350-$400.The good thing about a used one is,you can usually sell it for what you paid,if you need to.It is a good way to get into a custom bow without a lot of risk,if it doesn't suit you.The ones I have bought here looked like brand new bows.

[duckclay]

I would really like to thank you all again. I'll be checking out the next shoot @ Wickham in Oct. if possible. I'm in the midst of planning/paying for an upcoming wedding so I'll have to check with the master scheduler and make sure I can make it.

Bawana- Thanks for the link. I'm in St. Cloud now but actually used to live across the road from Wickham Park. I'll give you a shout before the shoot and I really appreciate the offer.

Smallwood-Thanks for the link. Great bow inventory there. I'll be checking back with them as well as the classifieds here once I know what I want.

CRS- I agree with you and will heed Killdeer's advice. I'm currently shooting my friend's Black Bear 60" ntn, 50# @ 28". Love the bow and will be getting a Bear for myself one day. Just wanted to try out the non-assembly line style.

To everyone else- I'm looking at RER now, like the Fedora, can't find the Jordan Stalker, really like the Mojostick and Bob Lee.

You're all great. Thank you so much. It's nice to have a group of "guides" on this hunt.
Brad

[seabass]

all good advice here.listen to these guys and gals[killdeer].they know what they are talking about.i wish i had known them before i bought my first custom.good luck,steve

[Big Riser]

RER BOWS ARE A VERY GOOD CHOICE AND YOU CAN GO WRONG.GOOD FOLKS THAT WILL WORK WITH YOU.I JUST ORDERED ONE.WILL GET IN MAY.

[straitera]

Bunch of folks making plenty good deals on customs in the classifieds. Good luck.

[rastaman]

Welcome to Tradgang...lots of good advice already given.