Advice before I invest

[peccav1]

I went to a shoot at a local range and have been bitten by the bowhunting bug.  I am looking to get a beginner setup, get my form down and hit the woods.  I am on a tight budget, so I am hoping I can get some advice before I start spending money.  For a bow, I am looking at the Samick Polaris with 40 pound limbs.  At the shoot, the guys said I have a 28 inch draw.  I am thinking some time at the range will develop my form and then I can upgrade to stronger Sage limbs, which are interchangeable with the Polaris.  Does this sound like a good start?  Also, I would like some arrow suggestions that I could use for both targett and hunting.  I know I need carbon with feather fletching to shoot off the shelf, and the website I am looking at says to get a 500 spine arrow - does that sound accurate?  Thank you for any help.  I can't wait to get going!

[huntsfairchase]

If you're going to get bitten by a bug, this is a good one to get bit by! Sounds like you're headed in the right direction. As most will suggest, start with low poundage and work your way up. And that's what you're doing. As far as the bow, in my way of thinking, it's less important what bow it is and more important that it fits you and you can handle the weight. You can spend more and get more specific after you've shot for a while. Besides, most of us are like a dog chasing his tail when it comes to the "perfect" bow.    

Where are you in Wisconsin?

   

[wazu02]

The samick would is a good bow but I would try and find a used bow here on the classifieds. The 500 spine would work depending on how the bow shelf is cut an the weight tip that you are wanting to shoot. There is a lot of good info on here so I'm sure some of the veterans on here will give you better info. I would recommend not spending a lot at first.

[Drewster]

Welcome to the world of traditional archery.....it's fun and addictive for sure.
The Samick Polaris would be a good bow to start with and the Sage would be even a little better.  The Sage is a great bow for the money.  Get a good fast flight string with either bow.  The strings that come with them are pretty poor quality.
Depending on your age, strength and conditioning, you may want to consider 35# limbs to start.  You don't want to overbow  yourself to start out......big mistake.
Carbon arrows are great.  Not the cheapest, but good shafts.  600 spine shafts will probably fly very well for you with a 35 or 40# bow.  500 spine shafts will likely need a good bit of weight up front and/or leave them long.
Hope this helps.  Have fun and shoot safely.

[257 Roberts]

I just started shooting traditional, I bought a Samic Sage #35 and Gold Tip Traditional Hunters 1535/600 29" long with 100gr heads ( my draw lght is 28" also)... wish I had started this years ago!!!

[awbowman]

Used bow in classifieds is a better bargain IMO

[Biathlonman]

I agree with the other, especially right now.  The bow market is way down.  Buy a 40-45 used bow and use it for awhile.  Should be able to sell it for what you paid or even might make a few dollars to put toward your second.

[beendare]

More advice...its what you wanted, right? grin

Get yourself the book by Anthony Carmera[ sp?] "Shooting the Stickbow"

And get the vid "Masters of the barebow 3"

Those 2 will get you a long ways.....

[JohnnyWayne]

Welcome to the fun    

[peccav1]

Thank you for the advice!  Huntsfairchase, I am down in Racine.  
I truly appreciate all the feedback.  Can't wait to get started.

[huntsfairchase]

Maybe I'll bump into you on the Root sometime and hammer some pig steelies. Been a couple years since I made the trip over.

Best of luck with your journey into the traditional world. And it is a journey. You're in for a lot of fun, frustration at times, but worth it all.

Enjoy it  

[Cyclic-Rivers]

First of all welcome.

I grew up in the Wausau area.

The good news for you is Wisconsin is rich in the archery heritage and there are still a lot of great guys around to learn from.

If you make it up to wausau give me a  shout, my Dad has a  bunch of old bows.  I bet you can get one in the 40 lb range for very, very cheap.

It sounds like you are on a good path, my other thought is, get an older production recurve,  bear, Browning, red wing, Damon Howatt, Ben Pearson, Shakesphere or so on.

Usually you can find something rather inexpensive just to get you shooting.  As you get into it and meet people you will be able to try bows.  eventually you will find one that suits you. Then you can decide what you like and buy something like it.

Wisconsin has a bunch of Bowyers, you could visit their shops and try their stuff.

Big River, RER and Dwyer are a few that come to mind. All Top notch people.

There is a group called Wisconsin Traditional Archers.  They are having a banquet soon in Madison and some upcoming shoots and bunny hunts.  Check them out.  They have a link down toward the bottom of the main forum page.  I know those guys would be happy to help you!!!

Good luck, keep it fun.