my next bow

[Aaron2k5]

I am shooting a howatt hunter as my first non wheely bow. I'm really enjoying myself, but i want to try another type of kool-aid. I saw an HH badger in the classified and really liked the looks of it.   I like the curved limbs rather than the full "d".  I am shooting a 29 1/2 draw, and have no idea where to begin on my search for a new companion.  I have no trad archery shops around me to try other bows, which is kind of a bummer

[m midd]

its addictive.. Good luck just dont overbow yourself.

[GrayRhino]

What about Cabela's?  I visited one in your neck of the woods a couple years back.  They had Bear, Martin, and Predator bows.  Not custom, but may give you a little better feel for what you like.

There are some bowyers that have a 'test drive' program, such as Black Widow and Stalker Bows.  That will definitely get the kool-aid flowing!

Check these guys out.  I'm sure if you got together with some other trad archers in your state they could really lend you a hand.

 http://www.nebraskatraditionalarchers.org/

[JRY309]

If you don't have any shops around,is there a Triditional shoot you can go to.There is usally some bowyers that attend and you can try out some different bows.Depends on how big the shoot is,but it is another avenue to check out.Some bowyers have a try it before you buy program.

[bulldog18]

What poundage is your howatt hunter. I am afraid that the badger will be too much poundage at your draw length. If you like the hunter,I would look at the martin savannah in your poundage.

[Aaron2k5]

My hunter is 55 @ 28. I've been wanting to jump up in weight for awhile. Might even start working up to a 70 pound bow.  I forgot about cabelas

[bulldog18]

Since you are only five pounds away from the draw weight of the badger, might not be bad for you. Only you can decide if you can handle the extra five or so pounds of the badger's draw. I have a badger and love it. It is one smooth bow. I also have a savannah and it is smooth as well.

[mikebiz]

Just keep in mind that basically every Hill bow that was built by Craig Ekin is probably 3-6# heavier than the weight marked on the bow.  Just ask Rob DiStefano          

I also have a Carbon Badger and it is a smooth draw and quick as can be.  One hell of a piece that you have to special order.  If you can handle the weight, jump on that used one.  You won't be sorry.  Sexiest curves you'll see on a Hill anywhere.    

[Aaron2k5]

I'm going to up this thread asking more to my question. I still haven't gotten a new bow. I'm having a really hard time figuring out what I want.  I eventually want to shoot competitively, and would like to know a good route to follow. Also I will be looking to harvest a deer or two this fall. Any suggestions or good reads?

[David Mitchell]

mikebiz is correct--all my Hills built by Craig are 4# heavier than marked (and than I ordered) and I have one that is 5# heavy.  Go figure.....I have no idea why this is the case.  So if ordering again, I will just order 4# lighter thani want.

[jhg]

Certainly explore other bows but my advice is never sell your Howatt. You might be surprised after shooting a lot of others, then picking it up again, just how sweet it is.

Joshua

[sawtoothscream]

its addictive.  i dont have any good shops around that carry trad bows so i just had to buy and try. grand pa gave me a bear kodiak recurve and my other one gave me a bear longbow. liked both but decided to order a hyrbid longbow and love it, bought another smaller hybrid then traded it for a short recurve which was pretty sweet but traded it back and sold the longbow.  now i have my custom take down hybrid longbow on order. cant wait!!!!!   just accept the fact that you will be spending alot of money.  i still want a mohawk longbow and another recurve

[bluej]

I would keep the weight down, do not try to jump to a heavier weight to soon like I did, it will only hurt you in the long run, good form means everything.

[GRINCH]

Go to a shoot and try different bows and figure out what you want,It'll save you lots of money buying and trading bows till you find the right one,of couse you could simply do like I do and just  buy and trade till you find one you like.