Help with choosing bow

[kdamyork]

This is the first time I.ve ever participated in a forum,so bear with me as I learn. I am very interested shooting a traditional style bow. I'm sure this is going to be a question that will have many answers,but I need input on what bow to purchase.Here is some information. I am a beginner. I'm leaning toward the longbow. I want to shoot for fun and would hunt if I gained enough confidence.I would like to stay under $300 for my first longbow. (Did I hear gasps?) Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.

[KY..Rob]

Not knowing your draw length? I would sugest a 60"-66" and 40#-45# at your draw.

Something with a locator style grip and a good Reflex deflex limb.

As far as $300 bucks there are plenty in the Traditional bow section.

One in there comes to mind there is a 64" 45# @ 28" Thunderstick III made by Jim Rynolds these are great bows and shoot very well, and it is $300 bucks.

But there are lots of options and great bows for the money. Black Creek, Lost Creek, Whisperstick,and the list goes on and on.

Rob

[recurve1]

KY-ROB is right about his length and weight suggestion.You may want to look at the bow that Kustom king archery carries, it is 280.00 dollars.Ive never shot one but havent heard anything negative on them.If you could shoot longbow and a recurve that would be best, because you wont know what you like until you shoot it.Hope this helps.

[BTH]

See if there is a local club with trad archers in it. Go and talk to them and ask to see/shoot their bows. This will give you an idea of what is good for you before you put down the money.
I've found an interesting longbow maker you may want to check out as well. Look up siege work creations. They sell inexpensive longbows.
Welcome and good luck!

[kdamyork]

Thanks to all for  your help. I,m going to look in to your suggestions.

[R H Clark]

The best advise I can give you is to keep saving money untill you can get to a shoot or club where you can try a lot of different bows.

Check out the trad events page.The Howard Hill in Tannehill, Alabama is a good one,so is the Twinn Oaks in Clarksville, Tennessee.There may be even better events closer to you.Get the info and ask the event sponsors what bowyers or venders will be there.

Bows are such personal choices that you will have to decide what you like for yourself.The cheapest way is to just save and shoot untill you find what you want.Otherwise you will most likely be selling a new bow to someone at a loss a bunch of times untill you find the one you like.

For the time being,I would suggest picking up a cheap,under $100 bow to play with.I don't know about longbows but you should be able to find an older light weight,45lbs or less, Pearson or bear recurve cheap.

I would stay away from the cheap bows sometimes found on ****.Stay with a well respected and known bowyer.I've seen very nice longbows sell for $350-$425 that were $600-$900 new.

Just keep looking and don't get in too big of a hurry.

[30coupe]

Check out the classified section here. You can buy a much better bow used, some barely used, than you can a new bow. I agree with the weight suggestions. The length depends on how you will use the bow. If you do decide to hunt, say whitetails, and you plan to use either a tree stand or a pop-up blind, you may want to keep the length down a bit. I wouldn't go over 62" for tree stands and 58-60" is ideal for blinds.

Longer bows tend to have less finger pinch and some feel they are more forgiving. I love my 58" Kanati's for all around hunting. My Mahaska works from a tree stand, but is kind of a pain in my blind. The Kanati's win there. They also have great speed and handle heavy arrows very well for their draw weight.

Don't worry about it too much at this point. Buy a good quality bow of 40-45# draw. Shoot it, working on form and accuracy. My guess is, by the time you are ready to hunt, you will be addicted like the rest of us and you will add to your collection.

[George D. Stout]

I've shot just about every vintage bow that was made...give or take a few.  If you get an idea you may want to try one, send me a pm and I will be happy to talk to you about it.  I've made some of the best buys of my life on that un-named auction site.   You would be well served though, as R H Clark said, to shoot as many as you can before you buy one.

[R H Clark]

George is right about sometimes getting good deals.I was talking more about thoes finish yourself or self bow kits you sometimes see on the auction site.I know of people who have just wasted their money on something that sounded good but turned out to be a piece of junk someone threw together.There is good and bad everywhere.I tend to stay away from bows and bowyers I've never heard of though.

When buying used just know exactly what you are buying and check out who you are buying from.I wouldn't hesitate to buy from the classifieds here but I would check to see if the guy had been here and posted some first if I didn't already know him.

[SlowBowinMO]

Welcome to Trad Gang!   :D    

These guys will take good care of ya!

[30coupe]

RH Clark just reminded me of the Dryad blanks. If you are somewhat handy and don't mind a little sweat equity you can buy a Dryad blank and build a dandy bow yourself for under $300. It involves mainly sanding. They are sponsors here as well, so you can find them in the sponsor's classified section.

[ibehiking]

Lindell Beene of Lakeside Archery (www.lakesidearchery.net) makes a nice recurve called a Thunderhawk that has a nice blend of recurve and longbow characteristics. He has some Christmas sales going on. Plus he has the option of bow blanks also. Good luck in your search and enjoy the experience.

[BigJim]

[kdamyork]

Once again, I thank you for your input. I just remembered a local guy who is very experienced in this field. I think I may try to get in touch with him and start there. I'm also writing down all of your suggestions to follow up on. Thanks for your kindness,and I'm sure I'll have many more questions along the way.

[kdamyork]

Big Jim, I'm in Griffin. I have a hog hunting trip planned in Fargo Ga the dates of the TBG shoot. I certainly do appreciate the invite and advice. I'll have to make a trip down your way sometime. Thanks

[flatsboat]

Michael, if you are in Griffin Ga. there is a bow shop across from the Holiday Inn Express. Ask for Joel Smith, he is member on this site and big longbow fan. Sorry I don't know address but happened on it while in Griffin at meeting.

[kdamyork]

Thanks Bill, I have met Joel before and plan on looking him up to quiz him a little.