Trad Shooter's Paradox?

[Kingsnake]

OK . . .So I am planning of transitioning to trad instead of wheely as part of my LIFE PLAN to "Simplify."  But, as I read and learn, this 'simplification' is going to be rather complex.  To paraphrase Steven Tyler (Aerosmith) and Dolly Parton:  "You'd be surprised how much it costs to look this cheap."  Should simplifying things be so complex?

[reddogge]

It's a lot simpler than people lead you to believe. I've taught 2 children and 5 grandchildren to shoot traditional bows and it is not rocket science.

[Archie]

I'm not sure that traditional archery is necessarily cheaper OR simpler than compound archery.  The guys on this site generally have a lot better understanding of archery than most compound shooters... due to the simple fact that in trad archery, the archer does the work, where in compound archery, the bow tech and the tech equipment does the work.  We trad archers have to know more because we choose equipment that can't take the guesswork out of it.  

I do trad archery because I prefer this part, where I had to learn consistent form with a finger release, learn the dynamics of arrow flight and tuning, build up the muscle strength to hold peak weight at full draw, etc.  If anything, shooting my longbow takes a lot more on my part than shooting my compound did.  

And my trad gear was pretty pricey, too.  But boy, it is so much more satisfying than shooting the compound was.  Yes... very satisfying.  As a matter of fact, I think I'm going to go shoot my bow right now...

[Glunt]

Like many things in life, it can be as simple or complicated as you want it to be. Get a bow thats a comfortable weight to shoot, a decent string, glove or tab, arm guard, & some arrows.

Pull it back to the same place every time, point it at your target and let go.  If you hit right, aim left next time.

We have to have something to talk about so you can read for years on  speed, anchor, back tension, amount of limb reflex, whats a real longbow, aiming styles, limb material, blah, blah blah...

You can cherry pick what you want as you get into it.  The basics are 90%.

[Yellow Dog]

Doug, you're leaving the complicated side of archery. The reason those of us that left the other side did so because it became too mechanical, from an equipment side and a mental side, to be fun anymore. Make it fun and welcome, this flinging arrows with sticks is simple and effective. Relax and enjoy. You'll learn a ton from the great folks on this site.

   

[MT Longbow]

Remember you don't have to break the bank to do it either. Take your time, find a trad guy who knows proper form, learn it right from the beginning and you'll be amazed how much more fun you have shooting your bow.  I really did. I mean it's amazing how much more fun it is!  When your shot develops go to a 3d shoot and your face will hurt from smiling so much!

[creekwood]

It is also worth remembering that if a person drops a tidy sum of money on a wheel bow today and uses it for five years, at the end of that short time, that bow has become antiquated and is worth almost nothing. That beautifully made longbow or recurve, at the end of the same time may be still worth 75% or more of the new price. And, after a score or more years have passed, it may become worth even more than the original price. Simplifying...? I don't know about that, I suppose we need to define terms before we can make that determination. Using my own terms, I would say that it is much more simple, though requiring much more concentration, focus and practice to keep an acceptacle level of proficiency.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

The transition from using something that shoots arrows, to something that you shoot instinctively.... with practice, it's the most fulfilling thing you'll ever do....

like the guys above stated you don't have to make it complicated at all. learning the basics of bow tuning is as simple as twisting a string and moving your string nock up or down, and watch what your arrows are doing.

you can self teach yourself form, but it will come easier if you find someone to help you out.

The biggest thing to remember is that it's still much like shooting training wheels in that consistency in your arrow shafts and having the right spine is important, and having a consistent anchor point, and using even back tension upon release is critical to good accuracy.  

forget about yardage.... get up there close about 10 yards and work on focusing on the spot you want that arrow to go. "Aim small, miss small" it takes awhile, but before you know it you'll be blowing nocks...Kirk

[creekwood]

Originally posted by Kingsnake:
OK . . .So I am planning on transitioning to trad...  

"Transitioning to trad" is a journey, not a destination. Don't forget to enjoy the trip.

[Ragnarok Forge]

Simple is as simple does!  Trad is simple for those who want it that way. Buy an inexpensive bow off the classifieds, get the right arrows, a tab and arm guard and shoot your heart out.  It is that simple.

[Bill Carlsen]

It takes more to be proficient with a stick bow. However, once you "pay your dues" and learn what it really takes to get an arrow from here to there it does become simpler once you learn what equipment works best for  you. Once the equipment is tuned properly, with the bow and arrow properly matched, your only concern should be maintaining your brace height, nocking point and shooting the same arrows. You will have a steep learning curve at first, IMO, but in time it becomes second nature and equipment is much more low maintenance than compound stuff.

[Zradix]

What they said..X2

I would just like to add that knowledge of what's going on with your setup helps...

[wtpops]

I will say this. Have FUN, when you start learning the ins and outs, have FUN, a little farther into your learning curve, have FUN. If it stops being fun forget about all the ins and outs and the learning curve and go back to having FUN. If you do this all the other stuff will come.

Enjoy the journey. Every now and then i have to step back and just go shoot some arrows and watch them fly.

[atatarpm]

The differance: compounds to master a machine
stick and string: to master ones ownself.

[Chuck from Texas]

Trad archery does not have to be expensive. Buy a used bow they are as good as new bow and half the price. I have bought great used bows for $250 and under. Use aluminum arrows they fly as well as any. Buy the shafts and fit them out yourself. Gloves, tabs, arm guards, quiver etc, are not expensive.
Chuck

[PaddyMac]

It's complicated if you over think it. I see that a lot on here and some guys just like the math, like the FOC thing and all and nothing wrong with that, but once I got my arrows tuned, it's just a simple thing that's a daily part of my life.

[Kingsnake]

Thank you ALL for the amazing feedback!  I have some martial arts in my background, so the concept of 'mastery of self' is close to my heart.  I must admit, I am already guilty of coveting a few of the Black Widow bows I have seen, but I am working hard to find an inexpensive 'starter' bow.

Really enjoying this site and the great people who give so willingly of their knowledge.  Thanks!

Doug

[Norminator]

Be one with your bow, grasshopper. lol

Norm from Canuckistan

[monterey]

Here's an example of how cheap and easy it can be to get started.  My son in law calls yesterday and says he picked up a nice recurve at the thrift store for $4.99.  It's a 30# 60" York recurve.  Perfect limbs!!  Needs a string ($9.50) and some arrows.  Any archery shop that caters at least a little bit to the trad buys will let you try some arrows till you get good arrow flight.  Spring for a half dozen ($40.00).

At $54.49 a new guy would be ready to start shooting.  You should already have all the other stuff you need to shoot.

Start with a light bow.  If you come to full draw and are holding about what you held with your wheel bow, you will be very comfortable and able to concentrate on form.

[Shakes.602]

My 2 Cents Worth    , You are Most Welcome to the  FAMILY of  TRADGANG and of  Traditional Archery!!