jackdee - I am new, too, so I dont have your answers, but there are some other forums that are a big help.

Nothing wrong with HuntingNet, these guys are GREAT and have helped me a lot, but there's many more onleatherwall, archery talk, and trad gang. You can find these using a searcher. In fact I think many of the great guys here on HuntingNetspend a lot of time on those, too.

I don't need to bother those sites with too many questions because somebody is already talking about the exact questions you asked. In my town there are so few traditional pros that I have found better (and much more, of course) advice on these sites.In a couple of instances, the local well-intentioned"pro" messed me up, and guys on these sites got me straight.

These guys have completely ruined me - I don't care to shoot my compound any more, and am considering selling it.

What I did learn in a hurry was that you are asking the right questions - the arrows and string are more important than the bow!

Also you should go to 3 Rivers archery and buy the DVD "Masters of the Barebow" for some excellent instruction. Nine experts just describe their equipment, arrows, and technique. Amazing how different they are from each other!

When you get that right arrow and string - prepare to be hooked!