Help choosing 1st recurve

[freebird134]

My new years resolution is to develop my trad skills and am going to buy a beginner bow to learn on.  I have a 50# longbow that's too much for me to handle now, so I was thinking about getting something 30-35# to learn on.  I was going to get a Samick Sage  because of the price and the good feedback, but we are getting more than expected back in taxes and I'm thinking about other/better options.  Can you help?    

I was leaning towards the Hoyt Excel with cheap 30# limbs to learn on, then upgrading to heavier limbs in the future.

But I was also thinking about a nicer Samick take down or one-piece.

Then I discovered this beautiful Bear Alaskan 30# on auction (   web page   )

Any other good suggestions?   Thanks!!

[nineworlds9]

The sage is a best buy new or used.  Perfect to learn on and performs as well as many more expensive bows.  Truly If you're passing on the sage I would try the classifieds first for a used custom or vintage bow.  If new you might consider a Martin x200 or something similar.

[freebird134]

Also dont rule out a nice entry level ILF setup.  I would save my money on the Hoyt unless you just really want a Hoyt. [/QB]

Everyone seems to say the Hoyt is the best entry level ILF setup?  What do you think is a better choice?  I can get into a Hoyt Excel and 30# limbs for ~$300 brand new.

[nineworlds9]

Ack you got me, brain snafu, I was picturing a different Hoyt when I wrote that post.  Yes yes that's the ticket,

[nineworlds9]

I dunno lots of folks love the ILFs for adjustability etc.  the resale would be good no doubt, but me personally I like simplicity and a minimum of parts or adjustments out in the woods or whatever.  Just for that reason the Sage has my vote hands down for value and basic good performance.  My vote is save your tax money get a Sage.  Then when youre through keep it as a beater or sell it get back almost all your little bit of money and get something you truly drool over.

[freebird134]

Nineworlds: Maybe you were thinking of the Hoyt Buffalo, dorado, or Gamemaster.  Guys seem to think they are over priced.

I agree with you entirely: simplicity is best.  Eventually I want to graduate to my 50# Bear Montana longbow.  But I thought the Hoyt, with all it's adjustability, etc would be a good crutch while learning!

It seems the only downside of the Sage is that it's kind of ugly  

[nineworlds9]

Originally posted by freebird134:
Nineworlds: Maybe you were thinking of the Hoyt Buffalo, dorado, or Gamemaster.  Guys seem to think they are over priced.

I agree with you entirely: simplicity is best.  Eventually I want to graduate to my 50# Bear Montana longbow.  But I thought the Hoyt, with all it's adjustability, etc would be a good crutch while learning!

It seems the only downside of the Sage is that it's kind of ugly    

Yeah, that's what it was, those Hoyt's to me are nice but a bit heavy on the name if you get what I mean.  Go with what excites you.  I mean if you spend the bucks on the ILF rig you will get most of your money back out, and yes they do work, and you could find a used one too.  As for the looks of the Sage, yes not the prettiest thing, but if you're handy you'd be amazed what a dremel, some sandpaper and finish work can do LoL.

[Cavalry Scout]

I am a newbie also and went thru 4-5 different bows.  Finally broke down and got a Samick Sage.  I highly recommend it!  I went over to the shooting form thread, read about 9 thousand post, worked on my arrow set up and shoot 4-5 times per week.  I also put on a raised rest, really improved my shot groups.  You can get lighter limbs and hunting limbs and still be under 300 bucks.  I plan to "upgrade" to big name bow as soon as the "Swamp Sage " makes meat.

[old_goat2]

ILF is sweet way up go, can work your way to higher poundage with same set of limbs. I got a nice used one with three sets of limbs on here for four hundred. 40, 45 and 55.

[nineworlds9]

Originally posted by old_goat2:
ILF is sweet way up go, can work your way to higher poundage with same set of limbs. I got a nice used one with three sets of limbs on here for four hundred. 40, 45 and 55.

Well there ya go!  That's why the 'Gang is IT

[freebird134]

Originally posted by nineworlds9:
Well there ya go!  That's why the 'Gang is IT

I'm really glad I found this forum.  I hang out on ArcheryTalk a lot, but the trad folks are limited there.  Thanks for all the responses guys!!!

[heydeerman]

I recently got an ILF set up and would recommend it. The limbs are readily available used or new at affordable prices. Moving up or down in weight or from recurve to longbow is easy.

[katman]

If you want a bow that you plan on keeping and later upgrading to high quality limbs go ILF. If you are just looking for a introductory bow to build poundage hard to beat the price of the sage and extra limbs a little later are also inexpensive.

[freebird134]

What kind of rest would you guys put on an ILF like the Excel?  I was thinking about using vanes at first, just as I perfect form and until I get a fletcher that will handle 5" feathers (I use a Helix blazer jig now).

[jlowrey75]

Ilf set up. No doubt. I have three. Love the versatility. Set the limbs @ 45# and go practice, make an adjustment to 52lbs and go hunting.

[freebird134]

Originally posted by jayl2012:
Ilf set up. No doubt. I have three. Love the versatility. Set the limbs @ 45# and go practice, make an adjustment to 52lbs and go hunting.

I've heard lighter is better.  I was thinking of getting a 30 or 35#. What do you guys think?