What Bow to Buy? What is the Difference?

[jhg]

There was a time when my groups where about 12 inches at 15 yrds. Then I shot a bow that shrunk them to 3 inches. Group after group. That bow made me good.

 Buy a bow like that.

The only way to find out is to try some out.

Joshua

[GRIZZSLAYR]

Thank you all for your posts. I know that I am going to have to shoot some. I mainly was looking for individual experiences towards craftsmanship and overall fit and finish quality for the most part. Also, there is nothing wrong with Bear. He was a great guy who made great bows and they still do. I just want something a little more outside the everyday norm. I guess at this point it's time to pull the trigger, buy one, and start slingin arrows. I will look into the loaner program aswell. Any further thoughts keep the recommendations comming. I welcome all advice.

[stevem]

Grizz- I have a Kota TFX and like it.  I also have several other bows, expensive and not so expensive, and like them.  Please don't spend much money on a first bow.  As advised, get a light weight inexpensive bow to start with.  I probably have more bows than 3 or 4 people together should have, and I doubt that spending over $500 will get you a better bow.  As you spend more I believe you are getting better woods to look at, nicer finish to admire, inlays to drool on, etc.  Here's what you need to think about more than 'brand'- length, draw weight, mass of riser, high, med. or low grip and TD or one piece.  Good luck.

[eflanders]

A lot of great advise here as always but usually one big difference between today's recurves and longbows lies in the grip.  Usually the grips are quite different on longbows than from recurves. (There are some exceptions to this like the new ZipStick).   If you are transitioning from a compound to traditional, some think shooting a recurve is an easier transition due to the grip.  

All of the bows you listed are well known for quality fit and finish.  Each will feel slightly different in the hand and at the shot.  Proper tuning can help with much of this but even when each of the bows are tuned to perfection, they will have a different feel to them.  Buying a bow is much like buying a new car.  You really have to test drive each of them to see which one fits your needs, wants and desires the best!  

Given your situation / location I would suggest you work with a reputable dealer of used bows that will allow you to return it / trade it if it doesn't feel right to you.  There are several of these folks that help sponsor this website.