Need Advice on First Bow and Accessories

[Bowless_Bowman]

I've been putting off getting a recurve for many years now. Unfortunately there are no real archery shops in this part of Canada, so ordering online is my only real option.

I met up with a traditional archery group, but didn't really gain terribly much, other than a bit of practice with 15# target bows and some 40# longbows. I have also gone to a hunting and fishing store nearby, but their selection was pitiful, and only had overpriced 50# mass production recurves that were too heavy for prolonged practice shooting.

Having held or shot a few bows, I'm looking for something traditional, shooting off the shelf, preferably one piece, shooting at a target for now. I'm 6', 175 lbs with ~27" arms. From the bows I have tried, I'm pretty confident with a something like a 40# Samick Red Stag. I remember looking at Canadian Chek-Mate Bows as well, but they weren't taking orders at the time, and are now seemingly defunct.

I'm looking for help in deciding between a more "custom" bow, or a generic brand bow. I'd like to keep my archery budget at $500-600 max, although that would include arrows, bow string, bow stringer, arm guard, etc.

Thanks for the help.

[macbow]

A lot of folks here have started with the Samick for the money they shoot great.

I'd suggest waiting for the custom bow till you more info to make your selection.

[Mike Mecredy]

I can help you out,  www.maddogarchery.com

[Joe2Crow]

You can buy really good used bows for about 50-60% of new prices and have a really good bow. If you buy it right, you should be able to get your money back if you decide to sell it. Not so if you buy new.  Just stick with the poundage you are comfortable with and with lengths that aren't too short or too long, ie. 58-62" for a recurve.  I only buy used bows so I can try lots of different styles and makers. Good luck.

[TSHOOTER]

Originally posted by Mike Mecredy:
I can help you out,  www.maddogarchery.com  

Contact Mike.  Good guy and good bows.

[gonefishing600]

Go cheap on your first bow, until you can zero in on your perfect draw weight, and that perfect grip. It may even benefit you in the long run to take a road trip to a bowyer that has several bows in stock so you can find out what fits you.

Good luck!

[Bjorn]

Yes don't overspend and definitely don't think 'I'll grow into it'. Get a comfortable 35-40 # no more. Get arrows tuned and have some fun! You could get a 3 pc and stronger limbs in 1 year; but I would not bother. Get a good moderately priced bow and don't make too many plans just yet. Your tastes will change!  

[Bowless_Bowman]

Originally posted by macbow:
A lot of folks here have started with the Samick for the money they shoot great.

I'd suggest waiting for the custom bow till you more info to make your selection.

Yeah, I think I'll stick to checking my local craigslist for something cheap, convenient, and I won't regret making mistakes or giving the bow a few dings.

 

Originally posted by Mike Mecredy:
I can help you out,  www.maddogarchery.com  

I appreciate the offer. Unless you've got some sort of package for a new or used recurve with gear, I'm not terribly keen on getting something brand new, and without being able to try it out either.

 

Originally posted by Joe2Crow:
You can buy really good used bows for about 50-60% of new prices and have a really good bow. If you buy it right, you should be able to get your money back if you decide to sell it. Not so if you buy new.  Just stick with the poundage you are comfortable with and with lengths that aren't too short or too long, ie. 58-62" for a recurve.  I only buy used bows so I can try lots of different styles and makers. Good luck.

Thanks for the advice. I'm currently looking for a used recurve that' ~60" and 25-40# @ 28". I'm keeping an eye open for a used bow locally, since it would probably come with arrows as well. If all else fails, I'll order a Samick Red Stag from Lancaster Archery Supply for $200CAD + shipping.

I'm still curious where I would go online for a used bow section, or just shop around for new bows from online retailers. I don't know if there is such a store the folks here would recommend.

 

Originally posted by gonefishing600:
Go cheap on your first bow, until you can zero in on your perfect draw weight, and that perfect grip. It may even benefit you in the long run to take a road trip to a bowyer that has several bows in stock so you can find out what fits you.

Good luck!

So a bowyer is s person who builds bows? I'll see if I can find one that builds recurves in this part of Canada, but unfortunately I don't have the means to travel about right now. There are enough hunters here, and I've seen several bows listed in my local listings, but all are in the 50-60# range, so there's no way I can start with that, and develop proper form, or have an actual prolonged practice session.

 

Originally posted by Bjorn:
Yes don't overspend and definitely don't think 'I'll grow into it'. Get a comfortable 35-40 # no more. Get arrows tuned and have some fun! You could get a 3 pc and stronger limbs in 1 year; but I would not bother. Get a good moderately priced bow and don't make too many plans just yet. Your tastes will change!      

Gahhhh.

I saw a Samick Sage with #25 and #45 limbs + arrows + lots of other gear all for sale in my local listings for $150, but unfortunately I wan't the first to jump at that deal.

I'll keep looking for now. If I can't find anything by the tail end of August, I'll just order a generic entry bow online.

Thanks for all the advice to everybody.

[Mike Mecredy]

can't please 'em all I guess

[stevem]

I think you are on the right tract.  40 pounds and not more than $150 for your first bow.  But get decent arrows that are matched to the draw weight and your length, or you'll go crazy with bad arrow flight.

[legends1]

What you are looking for is out there. Best if you can try it out and make sure it fits you right. If not you will fight getting it to shoot for you.

[Jhawk]

I would seriously talk with one of the bowyers that have reached out to you.  Sure you may be able to get a used bow for a couple dollars cheaper, but I say it will be more expensive and frustrating very soon down the road.  You can find some great deals on used bows, however for a new archer it can be difficult to know what to look for.

Talking with a bowyer, you will get their expertise and they will help you find success with your set up.  You have a pretty healthy budget and could get a sweet rig.

[JDunlap]

Discussing with a bowyer is a good idea.

[mahantango]

Rocky Mountain Specialty Gear (RMSG) has probably the largest selection of used bows online.

[Bowwild]

Good luck with your entry. You would do very well to make contact with one of the bowyers, (Mike's offer would be a good one.) Counting on getting arrows that work for you and the bow you pick is a bit of a long shot. If the person you buy from has the same draw as you and a similar release, then maybe the arrows that person throws in might work. I sure wouldn't make that an important part of the consideration.

Are you left or right-eye dominant?  It is important, (some debate this) that you learn to shoot with both eyes open. Bringing the string the dominant eye is a great aid in this.

For example, if you bought a bow from me (I'm a lefty and my bows wouldn't be good starters) my arrows wouldn't work for you.

1. Get a bow that works for you.
2. Get a tab or glove and armguard as well.
3. Get arrows and field tips that will tune to the bow.

The bowyer is going to be able to discuss your draw length (your arm length, height, and weight have little to do with this.).


By the way, a $500-600 budget is quite strong actually to start out. You could easily get a nice used recurve form $150-250 and even a used custom for $400.  A half-dozen arrows, the tab, and arm guard would spend the other $100.