New member, new to archery, looking for LH bow and a RH bow for a woman

[The Mad Hatta]

Hello! I'm a new member on here, currently living in eastern NC. I'm new to archery, though I've always loved it. I've always loved the beauty of a hardwood longbow or recurve. I messed around with my parents' longbows when I was young, but that's about it. My wife has commented a few times recently that she is interested in archery. Then she saw an archery range at the local gun range we go to, and it piqued her interest, so she attended a ladies day at a range and had a chance to use a 20# recurve for awhile. Her interest has brought back my own memories of having fun with my parents' bows, so now I'm interested in it.

I'm looking for good resources for used bows, as well as good retailers of new bows. I know about the classifieds here, as well as armslist, gunbroker, and of course the ubiquitous big auction site which for some reason I cannot mention here. Are there any other sources for a good selection of used bows?

I've been researching bows to death, but I have limited funds because I'm a college student (again), getting my masters in geo-physics. This semester, I'm also taking a beginner archery class at my university for personal interest and to get a bit of experience/instruction. So, I've been looking at cheaper new bows ($150-250 range), and used bows in the same price range. I've been reading into the benefits of buying new and used, as well as the detractors of each.

The right bow for me..
I'll probably only use it for target and roving for a long time, at least until I'm out of college anyway, and then I can buy a better/stronger bow anyway. I'm 6' tall, 175-180 lbs, 28" draw, and LEFT handed. That last one makes things a bit more difficult. I've been finding tons of great deals on used bows for right-handers.. very sparse selection for lefties. I know I want a recurve, 58-64", and 30-45# draw.. preferably no more than 40# since I'm only using it for target/roving and developing my form.

I'm also looking for a recurve for my wife. She'll use hers the same way, she's 5'7", 125 lbs and RIGHT handed so hers will likely be easier to find. Probably around 20-25# for hers so she can develop her form correctly and easily.

Suggestions would be helpful, but I have been doing lots of research on bows, so if your suggestion is well known, I already know about it and have read up on it. Give me your lesser-known suggestions. What I need more than bow suggestions are sources where I can find quality, used bows for good prices, if there are any left that I didn't mention above. If anyone knows someone who is getting rid of a bow that would fit my wife or I, please let me know. As I said, finding the correct left-handed bow has proven to be taxing at best, so help from this community would be appreciated more than you know.

[Bear Heart]

Have you tried anything around 55#?

[The Mad Hatta]

Nope, the university's archery program does not have bows with draws up to that poundage. I've read that I should not try to go that high for my first bow. I suppose I should try to find someone with a recurve around 50-55# (or find an archery shop) so I can check it out. I did find a bear super kodiak on e.b.a.y for what I think is a very decent price that was 55# left hand. If I had enough funds for two bows for myself, I'd get that one and save it for later!

[Shawn Leonard]

Did you measure your wifes draw length. If she is only drawing 25"s or 26"s than a bow around 35#s at 28"s would be about right, this would give her a 26-29# bow at her draw depending on what it is. She is fairly tall so I would say she draws at least 26"s. I may have something that will work for her. I am going away for the weekend but get back to me on Monday. It is an older Bear Cub but a very good shooter, could use a new string but the one on it is fine. I think it would work well for her. As I said PM me Monday, I would give her the bow but first want to make sure she can use it and also some assurance from you that you will pay it forward as she progresses with archery. Shawn

[Shawn Leonard]

I may even come up with a few arrows for her, but will have to dig some! Shawn

[Shawn Leonard]

You should look into the Samick Sage T/D, they are fine shooters and can be had new for around $140. Get a good string as the ones they come with are junk and a matching set of arrows and you will be on your way. They make them in lefty as well. Shawn

[The Mad Hatta]

Thanks for the offer Shawn, I'll get back in touch with you later.

[Bear Heart]

Check your draw length and see if you can try a heavier bow. I may have something that meets your needs. I have never shot a bow in the 40s so no help there.

[The Mad Hatta]

Bear, I'll need to find someone who has one. The closest archery shop to me is an hour away. Annewakee is actually on the other side of town, but their website only shows hand-made accessories, not bows. I'll give him a call tomorrow to see if he has any bows in his shop that I could hold, or if he just has his accessories.

[Shawn Leonard]

I imagine if you take a drive over and see John he should have something for you to look at, he may not have a lefty but he may be a lefty for all I know. Tell him you wereon Trad Gang and are curious about shooting traditional archery. You may just leave with a quiver, they are some of the very best! Shawn

[VictoryHunter]

Check out Mad Dog bows. I just ordered one for my wife. They are right in your price range and worth more than they cost. Very nice bows.

[nick straatmann]

I have a ben pearson cougar recurve thta is 60" 42@28 that id let go for $75. seems like itd be a good starter for you. shoot me an email if you might be interested.
Thanks Nick
btw welcome to the best site you'll ever find for trad related hunting and fun!

[The Mad Hatta]

Nick, PM sent.

[The Mad Hatta]

I went out and saw John at Anneewakee and he, his wife and even his young son helped me out! They had quite a selection of traditional bows and told me to try whatever I wanted. Their selection of left-hand bows was pretty slim (unsurprisingly and understandably), but they did have a left hand 35# OMP Explorer 2 which I was able to shoot for awhile in their yard. I also had a chance to handle a few right handers with varying draw weights, and it confirmed my assessment that I would be better off with a 35-45# for my first bow. If I go over that, I think it will hamper my progress towards good form and control. After I get a good amount of practice, I'm sure I can go over that easily, but I want to shoot properly, naturally first.

Victory, I checked out mad dog.. thanks for the heads up! They are beautiful bows. The Kaliska might be a consideration for my wife's next bow. Shawn has been gracious enough to provide a good starter bow for my wife, so she will be set for now. Mad dog's bows that will fit me are out of my price range for now. I definitely saved them to a folder in my favorites list though.

Since I'm on that subject.. I think the most aesthetically pleasing (to me) bows that I've saved to my favorites list are made by Acadian Woods and Brooks Bows. They are absolutely gorgeous bows! In fact, they are so beautiful, I felt compelled to let those bowyers know just how beautiful I thought their bows are (sometimes a word of praise or encouragement will hit someone exactly when they need it).

As for a bow for me, I'm still looking and reading.

[The Mad Hatta]

Anyone had experience with the greatree deerslayer? That is probably the most childish name for a bow (did they let a 5th grader name it?), but I've read a number of really good reviews for it, and I have not read a single bad review. After searching for pictures, I finally found a few close-up detailed pictures of the wood, and it looks beautiful as well. Andover Archery has it for $215 shipped. It seems like a very decent bow for that price, new.