Is this a good deal?

[Treespain]

Im trying to make the switch from compound to traditional on a  budget so i've been looking at a few used recurves and their reviews. I was looking at the samick sage, which there are plenty of information on and also I found a Bear Hunter TD for $150 used. Is this a nice shooting bow? There seems to be a lack of good information on it and i'm wondering should i pick it up or just order a sage instead. What are some things I should be wary of when buying a used recurve?

Thanks ahead of time!

-Travis

[jrbows]

If you can get your hands on both bows and shoot them the best deal will probably jump out at you I've bought well priced bows that I couldn't shoot if you have options try to explore as many as possible sometimes the 35 dollar flea-market bow is the best deal, good luck.

[damascusdave]

One important factor is the draw weight of the Bear bow...how much draw weight are you planning to start with?

DDave

[Treespain]

I was planning to start with a 55# or 60#.  Im pulling #65 pounds on an old compound now and I can shoot all day without being sore. The used bear I was looking at has 60# limbs and from what ive seen its hard to find replacement limbs for it.

[dirtguy]

If the bow has straight limbs and is otherwise in decent shape, the price is fine.  Whether you should buy it or a Samick, or anything else is not something we can really tell you.  As jrbows said, it would be good to shoot them first.

A few words to the wise - get a draw weight that you can easily handle.  It is not uncommon for guys who move from compound to trad to be over bowed.  #40 is not a bad place to start as it is light and legal for deer in most states.  Again - make sure you are not over bowed, better lighter than heavier.

Every bow feels and shoots different.  If you have a longer draw, a short recurve could be a problem.  I will say that for most people a 60 0r 62 inch recurve (like a Bear Grizzly or a Howatt Hunter two very common used bows) in the right draw weight is generally going to work fine.

Again - shoot a few before you buy!
And have fun, you are starting a great adventure!

[D.J. Carr]

You probably need a little lighter draw weight to start.  I just switched from a wheel bow and was shooting a 70# Matthews and a 45# Bear was more then enough to start out.
Somewhere I think it indicates when switching you need to start about 30# lighter.
Shooting traditional is a complete different game, you have to think about things differently.

[WildmanSC]

You should start out with at least a 15# lighter stick bow you buy than your compound.  Pass on the Bear Hunter, it is definitely too heavy for you.  Hint whatever traditional bow you buy will have zero letoff.  I would recommend no more than 45#.  Look in the Tradbows classifieds and find a bow in your price range that's no more than 45# at your draw length.

Bill

[Treespain]

Thanks for all the input! I believe ill go with a 45# sage then, I found a pretty good deal on one. I feel as soon as I get one bow im gonna want another so I might as well start somewhere!

-Travis

[r-man]

lancaster got me a sage in 3-4days last month, bows ok, but becarfull over drawing it, 28" is it.

[dirtguy]

Travis - Yes, you will end up with more than one!

   

[Treespain]

Just put a bid on a sage so well see!
-Travis

[nineworlds9]

55 or 60 too much to start unless you have patience to wait 3 months to get stronger.  As others have said I suggest max 45 even if a big fella.

[Treespain]

I took the advice and put a bid on a 45# one. well know in two days if it will be mine!

[VictoryHunter]

Yes the draw weight dilemma is the most important advice for a beginner. You did good! Hope you get a good deal on a bow. Welcome to the gang!

[nineworlds9]

Originally posted by Treespain:
I took the advice and put a bid on a 45# one. well know in two days if it will be mine!

Excellent!  Good luck.  For a first bow you can't really go wrong with any decently made bow in a reasonable draw weight.  At the beginning (and really for the rest of our lives haha) the shooter is 9/10 of the equation so enjoy and hope you have a ball with the Sage.  I once had one, now its more a matter of "umm honey Ive had that old bow for months, ages really, no its not a new one!"   :D

[Butch Speer]

45 lbs. is a good choice. I wouldn't worry about over drawing the Samick. You're not going to hurt it if drawn to your natural draw length. Best of luck

[Treespain]

Haha thanks for all the great advice! Ill post again soon.
-Travis

[JBridegroom22]

I have a friend who I'm trying to get into archery. I told him to get a #45 sage to start with. I've only been shooting 2 years and I started with a #40 longbow. Best decision I could have made. I just saw a sage bowfishing kit. I think I am going to get it next year. One for a bowfishing bow so I don't damage another bow and two because they look pretty nice and get great reviews. Best of luck.
Josh

[Treespain]

Thanks ill let yall know how it goes as soon as its in hand! I just found out that my friends family has 3 or 4 of them solely for bowfishing.
-travis

[ClintonG]

I have to agree with what just about everyone above has said.  I would NOT recommend starting with such a heavy Trad bow.  I shoot near 80 pounds with a compound all day comfortably as well.  My 55 pound ACS longbow feels much heavier and I have been shooting traditional for a few years.  I have no where near the experience these other guys do but I am a relatively recent Traditional convert myself so I can tell you for certain you won't be happy with a 60 pound recurve as a starter traditional bow.  It just won't be ANY fun and that is after all what this is all about!  Good luck to you.