Advise the Newbie

[Bullie]

Ok.  I guess this happens to most everyone so I am not surprised, but I think I am ready to start planning "MY" first bow.  The reason I think I am ready is that I have the things I am willing to liquidate to pay for a new bow.    :D  

Anyway, I know I want one but I don't really know what I want yet.  

What I want...or think I want.

(1) A recurve...pretty settled on this.  I have never shot a long bow.

(2) A 3 piece takedown.  I donno why other than its more portable and I just like it.  I have a 3 piece (R. Welch/Dakota) and a 1 piece Martin X-200 and have owned a Bear Kodiak in the past.

(3) # between 45-50 at my LOP which is 27".

What I don't know for sure or have no clue about at all.

(1) Bowyer (This isn't exactly true because I have found myself returning over and over to Bigfoot Bow's website... I keep looking at the takedown Sasquatch recurve.  Partly because I just like the shape and partly because, having been chased by a sasquatch one time, I feel a connection to the name.)

(2) Length of the bow.  Or even range of length that is appropriate.

(3) Woods that would be appropriate and attractive, both in the riser and in the limbs.  I tend to like some contrast and darker woods.  But, I don't know which way to go.

(4) Grip shape.  I am truly lost on this.  The Dakota fits my hand very well and I shoot it well, but I could not tell you what shape is the grip.  

I am looking at a budget of $800-1000.

I appreciate any advice you guys want to pass on to me.  Especially other things I should be considering.  This may not be a "Once in a Lifetime"  but it will definately be a once in a long time.  So, I hope to keep mistakes to a minimum.

[khardrunner]

Much of what you are asking is personal preference but here ya go...

1) sounds like Kirk is your man. There are a hundred other guys within that price range though who also make great stuff.

2) 58-60 inches will probably serve you the best. Talk to the bowyer though and he will make sure you get the exact right length for his bows.

3) cocobolo with osage accents...that's just me

4) send a tracing or clay mold of the grip to the bowyer... or take pics and measurements and send that. Most can do a good job with that stuff.

[Bullie]

Thanks khardrunner.  I guess these are hard questions to answer.  I appreciate it though because it gives me woods combinations to consider.  

I know you are spot on with talking to the bowyer.  I definately will follow that advice when I have made a few more decisions.

[Bullie]

How much difference do limb core woods make?  

No clue where to go with this either.

[bowslinger]

With that kind of money, you may want to consider buying two or three used take down recurves that you feel you could resell for similar money.  This way you get to try out different bows.

Wood color is a personal preference, but I believe aesthetics is important.  If you like the looks of a bow, you will enjoy it more.  

Maybe you can make a decision based on the typical color of foliage and terrain where you usually hunt with a bow.

Good luck with your decision!

[LBR]

What part of MS?  I'm not far from Tupelo, real close to Fulton.

Chad

[Bullie]

LBR, I was in your part of the state a couple weeks ago for a teacher conservation workshop.

I'm in Hernando.   I don't know anyone in my area that is into traditional bows.  Wheel guys abound.

[Bldtrailer]

Have FUN, find some trad. shooters in your area and try thier equip.(most are very willing to share and teach) and HAVE FUN, it's like being a kid all over.(good used equip. is as good new and alot easier on the wallet)

[Bullie]

Bowslinger and bidtrailer good advice.  I have only done a little of the used bow swapping/buying.  I worry a little about over paying for used gear because I am so green to the market.  I appreciate you guys letting me me pick your brains a little as I definitely don't want to sink a whole lot of money into something I wont like.

[TomBow]

Bullie,

You might just get a billion answers on bows to buy because it's a very personal thing when you start talking about what bow is right for you.  Without getting it in your hands and shooting it, it will be hard to judge a bow just by looks.  As far as woods go, it IS up to the eye of the beholder.  If you can get to a traditional shoot, that would be the best place to see alot of different bows and many of the shooters will probably let you shoot their bows, too.  With your budget, you can get into many nice bows.  I would suggest you get a hold of several bowyers and talk to them about woods and bows.  I have a Toelke bow (Montana Bows website), built in Montana and Dan Toelke and his son Jared are some of the best folks you will meet.  Toelke's are some of the best bows you will shoot.  I have a Whip, their longbow, but had the chance twice to visit them and shoot every bow model they make, including some really nice recurves.  Take a look at their website, and other bowyer's websites, to get an idea of the look of different woods.  Grip is definitely another important aspect, as well as the overall design of the bow;  design equals function and feel at the shot.  If you've never shot a longbow, I would suggest shooting a few, just to make sure that it is not what you want.  I  started with a recurve and thought that's the way I would go, until I shot one of Toelke's Whips.  It was love at first shot and the reason that I went that route.  Different folks like different bows so eliminate potential buyer's remorse by putting your hands on and shooting as many different bows as you can before you decide.  Like shooting a bow, take your time in making the decision that you feel is best for you in buying the bow that feels the best FOR YOU.  Give Dan Toelke a call and just talk to him about bows.  He is willing to answer your questions regardless of whether you purchase a bow from him.  The more info you have, the more it will help you make the right choice.  Best of Luck and let us know which way you go.  All of us on TradGang LOVE to see other people's bows, especially real purdy ones, and hear about shooters that love their bows!

[Bullie]

I definitely need to find some trad shooters in the area and check out various bows but, it doesn't seem that north Mississippi is the Mecca of trad gear shooters.

[Keefer]

Mark,
 Referring to your #1 reason to buy a Sasquatch wouldn't have been an old girlfriends parent would it?  

[TomBow]

Uh,think that'd might be Michigan, a "fur piece" from MS that is fo sho.  Search around, you might be able to find some trad shoots near your area on 3D shoots.com.  or is there a Mississippi trad shooters group that you can hook up with, or one in a neighboring state?  Just some ideas.

Oh yeah, NICE SQUIRREL, Man! A 1.96?  That's HUGE!!

[Bullie]

 it was a monster squirrel for sure.  A 1.96 B&Ser doesn't come around every day.

[Bullie]

Keefer, it was a real, live, sure enough, scary, stinky, Arkansas white river bottom Sasquatch.

[Keefer]

You just discribed my Mother in law to a "T" I think she was from that area before she migrated over here...Was it femaleish , hairy and growls as it walks?  

[Bullie]

Yeah.  Matter of fact it kinda was.  

I wrote down the whole story.  It was on here for awhile.  

I need to send you a pic of the world record squirrel.   Heading to Nawlins for a conference or I would send it now.  It is impressive.

[Swinestalker]

I used to work out of Hernando, If you make it to south Ms, look me up, I have lots of different bows and will be happy to let you put some arrows through them to help get a fix on what you prefer.

[Bullie]

Drove through there a couple times this week Swinestalker. Wish I could have talked with you when you were up here.

Maybe I will find someone reasonably nearby that will give me a little advice.