What Bow Should I Get?

[Tim Haden]

I started shooting traditional archery about three years ago when my parents gave me a bow. I shot it casualy at times with my dad and some of his friends. Now three years later after joining the Air Force and moving away from home and the ability to shoot everyday I was looking at getting a bow for myself. The only problem is I have no idea what to get or were to begin. As it is my first bow I want something fairly cheap but good quality as well. Also I am more into the recurve as apposed to longbows. And if I could find one for the right price I would like a takedown but it is not required. Anyone that has suggestions on where I should begin they would be appreciated.

[bearsfeet]

Take a look at the check mate hunter II. I bought one this past year and have fallen in love with it. I bought it not knowing much about it just knowing I wanted to try a new bow out. Thought I would shoot it for awhile and pass it along... nope this is my only bow now got rid of all the others and even have an order in on another.

You can find them in the classifieds from time to time at very good prices.

As always though if you can get your hands on a few different bows to see what feels right to you and what you like that is your best bet.

[Curtis Haden]

1. Decide how much you're going to spend.

(Remember, it doesn't have to have exotic wood veneers to shoot good.  You can always buy a fancy one later if you find THE bow someday.)

2. Start at Quinn's Archery.

3. If you just can't bring yourself to buy a Quinn's, start clicking vendor links in the (Sponsers) drop-down list above.

4. Trust your old dad.          

[JEFF B]

you could have a look in the trad bows for sale on here as well. they have some real good deals and i am sure you will find somthing to shoot. good luck  

[oxnam]

What were you shooting before?  Draw length?

[Diamond Paul]

I haven't shot one, but I've heard nothing but good, especially the price, about the Quinn bows, too.

[owlbait]

Quinn is a great place to start, or end.

[jackdaw]

kohanna makes a really good bow for ANY money, let alone their very affordable prices....good stuff. For a longbow...Mike McCready of Maddog archery makes a real fine bow for not tons of sheckles. If price is no object, check out the classifieds on this site and :'stickbow.com'....lots of great stuff there.

[Margly]

Originally posted by JEFF B:
you could have a look in the trad bows for sale on here as well. they have some real good deals and i am sure you will find something to shoot. good luck    

This is a very good tip    

Decide how much money you can use and do an advertise on the forum.

There is a lot of good bows out there as the Black Widow
Black Douglas
Black Swan
Kwyk Styk
Morrison
Zipper
Bob Lee
Ron La Clair bows etc

Decide if this is a starter or something you also will keep for the rest of your life.

I started with an old Red Wing Hunter 45@28 and that is a keeper I use a lot and it was cheap    

Remember to go light for the first bow to train your form, 40-50# is good and also OK to hunt most of the game with.

Good luck

Margly

[Looper]

You might want to consider getting a classic Bear.  They're great bows and you'll be able to get your money back on it if/when you decide to go the custom route.

[59Alaskan]

Agree with Looper.  You could try several different styles of bows for not much money and not losing much more than shipping if that if/when you trade one out.  Browning, Shakespeare, Damon Howatt, Bear, Ben Pearson...  All made solid shooters you can find for sale on TG classifieds.  Once you find a style you like you can then go for a custom if you choose.

There's good reason why many excellent bowyers copy attributes of these old bows.

[18thcentman]

You really can't go wrong with one of the many bowyers out there.You might go through a couple of bows before you settle on one.For me, that is a fun part of the process.

[Raging Water]

I feel very strongly about what Jeff B said.

There are plenty of good bows for sale on TG Classifieds. I suggest you give more detail about what you plan on using the bow for.

Are you going to hunt? If so, in heavy brush, out of a stand, in the woods, etc.

How about 3 D Shoots?

How tall are you and your draw length?

What draw wt is your current compound before let off?

Information like that would help some of the other TG's give you advice.

[James Wrenn]

Quinn or Samick would be my top choice for a first recurve.It won't be you last and it is best to not spend much money on the first one.jmo

[Ron+dog]

the question is not what but how many

[MountainTool21]

Tim- First off, and I think I speak for ALL of us Tradgangers, We truly appreciate your service and your decision to step up. Every other post on here you cant go wrong with-great bits of information that each tradganger has learned and experienced thru their love and admiration of traditional archery. GREAT STUFF! Keep reading and asking and even more get some "hands-on" as much as you can with as many different bows as you can. This will help to narrow down your search my man. Good luck and god bless. Go Get'em!

[Fletcher]

Whatever you choose, save some money for good arrows.  The arrow is far more important than the bow for shooting well.  The bow is just the launcher; the arrow is what does the flying.

[Tim Haden]

Thank you to everyones post the info has been handy I think I will check out the classifieds and as to a comment to your post old man I like #4 wise guy huh?