Recurve or Longbow?
 

Suppose I wanted to try "non-compound" bow hunting....

Which type of bow would you recommend I buy to hunt whitetails.

I can only comfortably draw 63lbs or so with a 65% letoff.

I would like to use the carbon arrows I now have (ICS Hunters 400) and I would like to use a sight. I am not interested in that "instinctive" stuff. I might be later, I don't know.

It would be strictly to bow hunt at this point.

Any ideas on what I should buy?

RE: Recurve or Longbow?
 

Shooting a recurve or a longbow is a lot different than shooting a compound VC1111 . You might go to a dealer and see if they have a loaner bow they will let you shoot .That will give you a better idea .There is no letoff on either one of them .I shoot a 55# in my recurve and 68# in my compound .

RE: Recurve or Longbow?
 

I'd be more inclined to go with a recurve vs. a long bow for hunting. Especially if you're making a change from compounds. I started with recurves and went the other way after a few years. I keep threatening to regress but haven't made the leap yet. You'll find it different. I'd say go with something in the 50-55 pound range. You have no letoff to fall back on.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> Have fun.

RE: Recurve or Longbow?
 

Thanks, guys, I appreciate it. Is there any particular brand that you'd recommend in a recurve?

RE: Recurve or Longbow?
 

vc, I hate to break this to you but Mathews doesn`t make stickbows...sorry.

What is with the poultry reference? My Spanish is just poor enough to infer something really nasty...

The Mouse

RE: Recurve or Longbow?
 

VC - HMMM. Its my opinion that a main advantage to a longbow or recurve is the instinctive style of shooting that comes with it. If you are not cross dominant in your shooting, a 45# longbow/recurve with your carbons will work and you'll be amazed in a few weeks/months the ability you will achieve.

I walked with my Mom last weekend, and along the road I stump shot at aluminum cans. Its amazing that at unknown distances from 10 to 30 yards how accurate a person can be simply drawing a bow back, concentrating and shooting. I hit several cans too, and was very pleased in doing so. I could have hit every one with my old compound, and would have no real satisfaction from it.

That said, for me a longbow feels best. I have small hands, and the grip I think makes a world of difference. I have replied to several threads on reccomendations on bows, and I say go for a really nice custom bow, used - something that is quality and if you decide you don't like it, sell it back on EBAY and you won't lose much .

Check your email too. ......

RE: Recurve or Longbow?
 

Its just a dumb joke that started about a year ago by another member....it means &quot;the chicken master&quot;<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

RE: Recurve or Longbow?
 

Thanks, Stealth, I appreciate it.

RE: Recurve or Longbow?
 

Answering again, and I am NOT a tradioanl expert, but your hand size matters. For me, a Black Widow feels good, or at least the SA models do. I have an original Jim Brackenbury (for sale :)) that also feels good, but the slim grips of a longbow just fits me.

Use this site

http://home.att.net/~sajackson/archery.html

and surf EVERY bowyer, look at the bows and read a bit about them. Thats what I did, and by the sheer &quot;looks&quot; of the bow, the history of the bowyers, how they replied to emails etc I narrowed my choices down to Adcock, Sley and Horne. Talking to OL made the difference, and the bow is going to be with me for life.

BTW, email at [email protected] , the BBS email is for my work and I had surgery on Friday, so may be out a day or two. Would love to talk to you more in detail ....

RE: Recurve or Longbow?
 

VC,

I studied recurves for several years and finally decided to order one last June. A Trails End by Dale Dye, it still won't be here until next October.
Then I ordered another one and got it last August. It was a Dakota Recurve from world champion traditional shooter Rick Welch. It has been loads of fun to shoot.
I shoot a 65lb. compound and received my first recurve at 55lb.
Several formulas state, you should drop down 25% in draw weight when going from a compound to a recurve but I ignored that recommendation and went a little heavier.
Rick Welch states...You should be able to hold a recurve or longbow 3 to 4 seconds per shot at whatever draw weight you choose or you're overbowed. I can hold my 55 lb recurve for 10+ seconds per shot and my 60 lb to 7+ seconds per shot without a problem.
I found, for me anyway, my strength increased rapidly without the let-off like I had on my compound.
But I used to lift weights allot and it helped me in gaining strength for handling my curves.
In October I ordered my thrid recurve from Pat Ley of Sley Bows. I ordered a 60lb draw weight with it. I love this bow so well that I'm going to order another one at 65lbs. from Pat.
Sley Recurves beauty, construction, and craftsmanship are unsurpassed as far as I'm concerned.
Buying used is a good idea to see if you like traditional or not.
I decided to buy new bows because I got exactly the woods, draw length, and draw weight I wanted.
Recurves are more beautiful and shoot better for me but I like Longbows too.
Give traditional a try.
I believe you will like it.
You will get allot more replies to your questions if you post them on the Traditional Forum though.
Lots of knowledge over there.
Good luck.


Sag.

Edited by - Sagittarius on 01/20/2002 00:25:46

RE: Recurve or Longbow?
 

I'd second Stealthy's recommendation on buying used and going 40-45# in weight. No matter if you use sites (not my choice, it'll limit you) or not, you still need to be able to comfortably draw the bow. The worse thing you can do when picking up a stick is to overbow yourself. Bad habits will soon take over, stuff like short drawing the bow, not holding anchor and so on. When you first start shooting, you won't be wanting to strive for accuracy. Get close to the target butt and concentrate on your form, solid bow arm, smooth draw, solid anchor and smooth release. If any one of those things aren't consistent, even with sights, you won't be consistent in your shooting. Shoot often and develope consistent shooting techniques and you will do well with the bow. Buy some books on shooting a stick. It will help you to get the basics down and who better to learn from than those who have already made the mistakes. Most of all, lose the compound gotta hit the X mentality and have fun. X shooting will come later. <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

RE: Recurve or Longbow?
 

VC, If you can find a used Martin Hatfield takedown or someother takedown bow you can start with a lower draw weight and as you improve or desire buy new limbs to increase weight. I have a Martin and two sets of limbs, 50 and 60 lbs. The draw weight is determined at 28 inches so the same set of limbs will vary from shooter to shooter based on thier draw lenght.
I have to agree that it is less complicated to shot instinctive than with sights when using either the long bow or recurve. You will amaze yourself on how fast you can pick up on your instinctive skills with a bow. Just don't try using logic or thinking about it if that's possible in your species.
Unlike your compound you need to cant your stick bows when shooting instinctive.The big thing for me is to always cant the bow the same amount to get consistent results.
You've got a lot of good advice already. Good luck.

RE: Recurve or Longbow?
 

I would second the martin products but I dont like the hatfield in particular. A hunter or the mamba are a couple good bows albeit one pieces. They hold there value pretty good used (its hard to find one under 150 in good shape with no limb twists).

I would recommend a curve for sights. Also going to the lighter weight as Stealthy recommended, but I think 40 would be a little light for ya and 50 would be the tops you could handle. You will get comfortable with it over time but the dedication to shooting this style of bow is needed otherwise you will hit a plateau in time. I also agree that shooting instinctive is the way to go. That or learning to gap/split vision shoot. Once you learn it, its not very far off from a sight pin and with consistent practice you can get VERY good at it. Byron Ferguson's book talks about it (become the arrow). Carbons will work out of any of the bows, becarefully of the weight though. The bows will fly around like mad in your hands with a really light arra and you could end up tainted as to how trad shooting really isnt (hope that made sense <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>). Hope that helps some....

RE: Recurve or Longbow?
 

ps....Dave, its progress not regress <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

RE: Recurve or Longbow?
 

I like recurves, nothing looks or feels like a good recurve. nothing against the longbow but the recurve to me just looks better, feels better, and shoots better.

RE: Recurve or Longbow?
 

Wow. Thanks to all of you for the kind responses.

The only reason I had considered using sights is because my mission with the bow will be to hunt with it, and I do not wish to risk wounding a whitetail. I just thought that sights would be more consistent.

I can now see that with practice and patience it should be okay to hunt instinctively.

I guess its apparent that I have much to learn about all this stuff.

As usual, this is the place to learn it.

Thanks again guys.

RE: Recurve or Longbow?
 

I would get a couple books. Fred Asbells instinctive shootin one and Byrons books are to good how to books. They are different however as Asbell is an instincter and Bryon is a 'sighter'. I know if I say gap someone will slam me for it LOL! Anwyays, as far as wounding goes, practice hard and have fun at it and you will do well. Limit your shots to only high percentage shots less then your max effective range bet it 5 yards or 50 yards and your stickbow will treat you good everytime!

RE: Recurve or Longbow?
 

That's good advice Lilhunter. I enjoy reading about my hobbies (too much!)
:)



Edited by - vc1111 on 01/20/2002 22:57:26

Edited by - vc1111 on 01/20/2002 23:00:11

RE: Recurve or Longbow?
 

neither! i'm just joking! i think i would like to try both someday.

RE: Recurve or Longbow?
 

uh oh...the bug has bitten another one <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>! Man you all have to stop, this wait for new bows just gets looong and loooooong and loooooooooooooooonger <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>!!!

RE: Recurve or Longbow?
 

You guys and your traditional bows! You know what the problem with traditional bows are? They are just way too fun to shoot. I still hunt with a compound, but shooting a recurve or longbow is absolutely a blast. Someday I`ll make the switch for good.:)Then what am I gonna do with 10 compounds, 20 sights, 15 releases, 20 stabilizers, and about 15 dozen carbon arrows?

RE: Recurve or Longbow?
 

holy mackeral...open a friggen proshop of used bows LOL! Not only are they fun but they are gorgeous too boot!