Hello Trad Gang,
I'm Gary from Kaliforniastan.
I'm 45 and wanting to get back into traditional archery. Up until about 15 years ago I was REALLY into it... I subscribed to Traditional Bowhunting and Primitive Archer. I was an associate member of the PBS for about 5 years and a member of my local bow club in Northern California. We had an amazing outdoor long course. I spent most days off there and countless hours shooting and walking.
My first trad bow as an adult was a 70# Martin Howatt takedown recurve that I still have. I also have a 50# Bear Kodiak Magnum recurve and a Darton Ranger recurve. My pride and joy is a 70# Shadow Longbow Eclipse in Hickory, Bamboo, and Osage.
My two "big" bows are "too big" for me now. At one time I could shoot them "all day" and in fact did many field courses with both of them. The upside is my 18 year old son is already stronger now that I ever way so he will be putting them to good use...
Now, though, as I am wanting to get back into the sport I am looking for a new bow. I'll do as much research and reading as I can on this forum. I plan to hunt so I'll likely settle on somewhere around #52-#58.
What a great place this is. I wish I had this sort of information and community available 25 years ago when I first started poking around with it all.
Thanks in advance for all the patient answers to my questions..