vc1111

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?

halcon

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 .

davidmil

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.

vc1111

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

The Mouse

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

stealthycat

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. ......

vc1111

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>

vc1111

Thanks, Stealth, I appreciate it.

stealthycat

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 ....

Sagittarius

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