Learn me something about recurves

[Krex1010]

I'm interested in adding a recurve to my bow rack. Looking at some customs like mad dog, great northern and Stewart as well as the martins and bears. I see some recurves have a lot of mass to the risers, the super kodiak for example. Some are more slim through the riser, like the mad dog recurves.  What kind of manners can I expect from each style? Are there any generalities I can take away from each type?

[Fastltz]

No a pro here but ive only shot the curves with more mass and riser size...takedowns....but the big thing I notice is the extra weight really help make for a dead in the hand bow. Some like the weight some not. Many will say this but its true...you gotta try try try them all to find what you like. Good luck.

[Bernie B.]

As Fastitz mentioned..."you gotta try, try, try them all to find what you like".  I'm partial to a little mass in the riser.  I like that bow just sitting there after the release.

My favorite is my '69 Bear Super Kodiak.  If you're looking to use a bow quiver, a little less mass in the riser could be what you're looking for.  Lots of choices out there.

There's nothing wrong with a custom bow, and the ones you mentioned have a great following.  If I was unsure of what I wanted I would take a serious look at the classifieds.  You can usually pick up a great bow for a fraction of a custom.

Bernie

[Keith Zimmerman]

Tons of trad guys in PA.  Gotta be someone close to u.  Where are u located?

[McDave]

I got started with Black Widows, and have liked high mass in the riser ever since. Whatever high mass might mean to us trad guys, it's nothing compared with a compound!

[Arctic Hunter]

I've always liked a little weight. I've shot a couple high end bows that were just too jumpy for me due to being so light. It helps me to steady my bow arm at full draw. It's personal preference I guess.

[Krex1010]

Originally posted by Keith Zimmerman:
Tons of trad guys in PA.  Gotta be someone close to u.  Where are u located?

Keith I'm in southeast pa, delaware county.

I hear what everyone is saying, it can be hard to try a bunch of bows because it's hard to find a place that has a bunch of trad bows to try.  Lancaster archery isn't that far, I suppose I could get them to have a couple of the standards at their showroom for me to try.

[njloco]

You want the timing of the limbs to be as perfect as possible. It should give you that sight window easily, without having to move your head. You shouldn't get any finger pinch. Itshould Fit your hand like a glove and be able to do it without any adjustments once you grab it. It should hug the body but give the string ample room, and most of all, you should be very comfortable and confident with it.

[dbd870]

It really is personal preference. I like my KMag which is pretty light and I like the Black Widow takedowns which are more on the heavy end. Find a 3D shoot in your area and get to know the regulars, that will give you a chance to try a selection out.

[damascusdave]

Just a few minutes ago I was telling a friend on the phone that the bow I have probably always shot the most consistently is my 66 inch 1963 Kodiak Special...I followed that up by saying that I am no longer a big fan of bulky riser bows like that...it all comes down to how hard, or maybe I should say smart, you are willing to work to be able to shoot a lighter, shorter bow well...which of course means I am now in the market for one of those stunning 69 inch Bear Tamerlanes, truly an old man bow

DDave

[shreffler]

The biggest notice is the difference in weight, but you're also going to notice a smaller shelf on a thinner bow, a smaller grip, and all around different manners when you shoot it.

I've always said that it's not about the bow, it's about you putting the same bow in your hand over and over and learning to shoot it well.

For me, having a heavy riser in a 3 piece takedown just helps me be accurate with the same bow so much. I've shot a Kodiak Magnum for a few years before I got my takedown, and although I was proficient with it, I never felt deadly. Getting a takedown with that extra mass in the riser changed that completely for me.

It's all about personal preference. I've chose to go the route of buying from the classifieds here, if something doesn't fit me or if I don't shoot it well, just resell it and buy something else I see that I'd like to try. All trial and error.

Good luck!

[cacciatore]

K1010,don't loose time trust Keith go by his place and he will tell you a couple of things. You can't find a better person.

[KentuckyTJ]

When I look at a bow I have an idea of what is sexy to me. Believe me if you try something that isn't sexy to you, you won't like it no matter if its the best shooting bow on the planet.

Whatever it is you like cosmetically there is a bow out there with that look that shoots great. I like small thin risers myself. I bought and traded for years and found the bows I really like to look at that are great shooters for me.

The hunt is the fun part.

[BAK]

Just  remember there is always a trade off.  More center mass weight adds to stability, but reduces maneuverability and ease of carry.  

A nice light slim long bow is great to pack around but may give you more hand shock than you can handle.  etc.

[njloco]

Damascusdave, a Bear Tamerlane is a big bulky bow ?

[mangonboat]

I add my voice to the chorus of try a lot of bows to see what feels right for you. Ideally, have several bows at a time to switch back and forth and try to identify what you like and what you don't like. I like long and short, one piece and takedowns, slim bows and curvy bows with love handles, and I accept that different bows are better for different tasks and situations and which one(s) you choose might require some compromises. But the one thing I've learned that I cant overlook is a grip that doesn't suit my hand and the way I shoot.

DDave already has some amazing bows and his latest quest is for an "old man" Bear Tamerlane. I've seen old men - and young women - consistently group knitting needle arrows into groups the size of a quarter  with those bows, and when you're done shooting a Tamerlane you can just stare at the bow and think, Man, that's a work of art".  The basics of recurve bows havent changed much in 60 years, the difference is in the details. So play with as many bows as you can get your hands on and see what rocks your boat.