Buying first traditional bow

Brad77 · November 29, 2009, 10:30:00 PM

I am making the switch from all the high tech gadgets of my Hoyt to the simplicity of a recurve. I am looking at a Bear Cheyenne, and the Bear Super Kodiak. Any suggestions? I want to spend no more then $600. I want a bow that will work on Whitetails and Elk as I am out in the mid-west. Any help would be great.

kanmatt · November 29, 2009, 10:39:00 PM

You will get much better advice from others than me in regards to your question...But welcome. Where in KS are you?

legends1 · November 29, 2009, 10:54:00 PM

I was in Great Bend KS last week visiting family and scouting for next year.If i can help you with a bow let me know.I have 3 instock recurves that i just posted in the Sponsors classified today.You may take a look at that.If not We are giving $50. off all orders through the month.Good Luck and welcome to trad archery.Its a wonderful ride.
Mike

Michael Arnette · November 29, 2009, 10:58:00 PM

Talk to Brian Wessel at Talltines. You might check the classifieds here too for some great deals. I also would reccomend Assenhiemer or Bob Lee if you are looking at used bows.

coyote1956 · November 29, 2009, 11:17:00 PM

Brad, Between your two choices you mention, I'd go with the Super Kodiak for sure! Much better stable Bow, and design shootablillity!! Many, many, bows out there in your price range shoot all you can then pick what works best for you. Ken

LBR · November 29, 2009, 11:23:00 PM

Try to get with someone who knows their stuff and get a bow that fits you as far as length and draw weight. If you can't do that, longer and lighter usually works better. It took me years to decide on a custom bow--until then, I traded on cheap used bows so I could figure out what I liked and what worked for me. Spending more doesn't mean you will shoot better. Get good shooting instruction (Masters of the Barebow III) and develop your shooting style, then later look at a custom bow.

More than likely you shouldn't start out with a draw weight that is good for elk. Don't get hung up on brands, what your buddy shoots, or what 'ol so-and-so shoots on a hunting video--that doesn't mean squat.

Jim P · November 30, 2009, 12:02:00 AM

Definately give mike a call. His Legend bows are very nice and in the price range your looking at.

pooahl · November 30, 2009, 12:25:00 AM

It's like shoes. Try on as many as you can. Not everyone likes the same model. Catalogs are nice, but there's no substitute for going into the store and trying them on.

Get a starter bow for cheap, some used production Bear or Martin or something, maybe a little lighter draw than you were thinking. Then go to shoots and shoot everything you can. Buy and sell off the classifieds to try different models. It'll really only cost you shipping. No big deal. You'll eventually find your ultimate bow FOR YOU. The only way you'll know is by shooting a ton of different models.

If you can make it to one of the big national/regional shoots, all the better - you'll get to try a huge number of models and styles. Get to as many local trad shoots as you can because most guys are cool about letting you try their bows once you strike up a conversation.

Good luck.

Killdeer · November 30, 2009, 06:08:00 AM

"If you can make it to one of the big national/regional shoots, all the better - you'll get to try a huge number of models and styles. Get to as many local trad shoots as you can because most guys are cool about letting you try their bows once you strike up a conversation."

Ditto that. Put off your purchase until this summer, when you have tried at least ten bows besides your original choice. Your choices were pretty good, by the way.

Killdeer

GingivitisKahn · November 30, 2009, 07:00:00 AM

If you are looking for a good, serviceable recurve, you won't go far wrong with Bear. You should be able to get something nice for way under your spending limit (particularly if you're looking at used Bears).

fireball31 · November 30, 2009, 01:46:00 PM

look for a used bear and spend the rest on arrows. Your gonna need'em when your first getting started.

Cherokee Scout · November 30, 2009, 02:09:00 PM

I suggest you buy an inexpensive used bow first. Near 100% of people do not stick with the first bow they buy. You will probably do the same. If you buy a used bow, shoot it for awhile an want to try something different, you can usually sell it for about the same as you paid. With a new bow you will lose about 50% of new value when selling used.
You can buy used Bears for $125 and up.

Elk whisperer · November 30, 2009, 06:35:00 PM

Get somthing in the 55-60 lb range for both elk and deer

FrozenFew · November 30, 2009, 07:01:00 PM

Well I learned on a 45# bow and then bought a 55# bow. I would reccomend starting lighter so you can shoot more comfortably for longer periods of time. buy a 200$ cheapie to start with and then try before you buy is a good stategy as most mentioned. If you practice all spring you should be ready to bump up to 55-60# for elk season next fall!! Congrats on losing the wheels!

Brad77 · November 30, 2009, 07:38:00 PM

Thank you all for the insight. I want to start shooting after I finish out this deer season. I still have one tag to fill yet and the freezer has room. You all made some great points and I think that I will start out on a "used" bow. Anyone else from around the Ft. Riley, Manhattan area?

Yellow Dog · November 30, 2009, 07:50:00 PM

One more tip, go light. Once you make the change and start shooting more with the stick's you'll pick up a minimum of 1" in draw length as you hone your form. I started out at 28.5" and finally ended up at 30". Tack on about 2 to 3 pounds per inch so that 50# bow you started out with will end up about 54 or 55 pounds when your done. Just something to think about