new to Trad Archery

[PAnative]

anything that makes hunting harder, is for me. ive been favoring flintlocks over rifles more and more the past few years so why not move from compounds to  trad right!?

I am determined to get into traditional archery for next years season. Time to buckle down and just do it! I have shot both recurves and longbows, but never in a hunting sense, just targets...I might build one with my dad, he has built quite a few over the years and they are freakin sweet, but if i decide to buy instead, i have a few questions


-what is the pros/cons of recurves and longbows? (personally like the recurve look more)

-what poundage do i need? (i shoot about 68lb on my compound) ive been told 45-50 pounds would be good.

-if i get a used one, what are some things i should look out for?


any other advice is appreciated guys! PS im a college student so i dont have a ton to spend here...

[Razorbak]

Welcome to Traditional archery..greatest sport and lifestyle in my opinion
recurves are heavier in mass in most cases and with alot having a pistol grip which will be alot easier to learn on rather than a traditionl longbow grip unless you get a hybrid style longbow...a longbow is not always easier to learn with but if you can go that route as well..start off a mid weight to learn and get comfortable with first..stay between 40 to 50# at your draw...the average person can handle that weight without to many problems...look for a bow that is sound and have straight limbs and go from there as everyone's preference is different  you can get a 58" to 64" recurve to hunt and shoot targets all day long with that length and as more and more you get into it you will find out what you like and dont like and adjust your taste from there...you might like a quiver on your bow or might not..that comes in time to what your preference is...you can shoot dacron strings with any bow but I would recommend a high performance string as their are many fine sponsors that sell them...look for a used bow or either a new one like a Samick sage as they will not break the bank..get a good set of arrows..you can shoot any shafts but I reccomend carbons as they have a good track record in tuning and being able to change point weights easy..you can do it with other arrows but carbons are tough and wont break as easy...keep your grain weight of your arrows to at least 8 to 10GPI to not void warranty and to keep your bow shooting for a long time...many sponsors here sells everything you need so you dont have to go far to look for it...classifieds here are also awesome to get good quality equipment and also watch as much you tube on traditional archery as that will help as well and ask questions aslo..many members are willing to help..all you need to do is ask..dont expect to be a great shot as it will take time to learn your equipment..dont get discourage as it will take some time...and most important of all...HAVE FUN WITH IT

[GreyGoose]

Try to find a club or group, to see if you can shoot some bows before you buy; otherwise, you might break the budget buying multiple bows (even cheap ones add up).  You'll know you're doing it wrong if you're not having fun.  Welcome!

[KentuckyTJ]

Welcome from Kentucky!

[Frank V]

Welcome from Montana!

I shoot both recurve & longbow. I like longbows better, but lately I'm enjoying shooting both. I think longbows are quieter.
  I'd suggest if you like recurves better start with them. If you like something better you will probably shoot it better too.

The longbow will probably be a bit slower than a comprable recurve. Not horribly slower, but a bit. My longbow chronographs in the mid 160s & my recurve of similar weight goes into the mid 170s. This is with 600+ grain arrows.
   I think a longbow is more forgiving of poor form especially if you choose a short recurve. I've shot the Bear Super mag. 48" & wow, I have to have very good form to shoot well with them.

An advantage of a recurve might be allowing use in a smaller blind or tree stand without interfering with the bow limbs. Shooting from a short stool, I can shoot either a recurve or longbow. Kneeling, I think I'd give the edge to the recurve.
   I think in the end it'll boil down to whichever you like the best & shoot the best.  Some say a recurve is easier to shoot, I don't think so, I think a longbow is easier to shoot. I know it's easier for me to shoot fast with.

As far as how heavy a bow to pick, I'd suggest not over 50lbs to start. Coming from a compound with it's let-off you will find holding ALL the weight will be way different. You can reliably take most big game with a 50lb bow. Shot placement is the name of the game, & an arrow from a 50lb bow in the right spot will put venison in the pan, & there have been plenty of deer taken reliably with 45lb bows too!
  Hope I haven't confused you. In the end, You should probably pick the one you like the best for starters. Later you may find you'd like to try the other.

Looking at used bows, I'd look to be sure the fiberglass wasn't coming loose anywhere, No excessive scratches & for sure no deep scratches that may go into the fiberglass. I'd look at the limbs making sure they weren't twisted. Look at the limb tips to be sure they aren't chipped. Check the string groove to be sure it's smooth. A rough one will wear strings in a hurry.
    I'd probably go for a 60-64" recurve. I kind of like 60".
  You might check the classified listings here. You can ask questions & the seller is a member too.
Good shooting.
Frank

[Sirius Black]

Welcome!

[far rider]

Welcome to the Gang! If it's a challenge you seek, it's a challenge you'll find. The rewards offered by Traditional Archery are only apparent to those who "get it". You'll see. Welcome again!

[Steve Clandinin]

Welcome from Canada,all my brethern above are so correct.One word of caution,Traditional archery isn't just a sport,it will become a lifestyle.If it catches you,you won't be interested in much else.welcome aboard my friend.

[legends1]

Welcome! You have been given some good advice already.I will agree with most of the comments.Again, the most important thing is not getting over bowed.A comfortable bow weight that you will enjoy shooting all day at 3d's and hunt with is better than a bow that is to heavy.As you can already tell there are alot of good and helpful folks here.You will truly enjoy trad archery.

[BOWMARKS]

Another Pa. guy welcome.  

[GreyGoose]

PANative, if you look in the the Traditional Bows section today, there are a couple (1 Samick Sage, 1 Omega) that give you a fair idea of economical options you might be able to find here.  I still recommend shooting before you buy, but it's not too soon to start getting a lead on how things map to your budget.

[wooddamon1]

Welcome