Ok ya'll heres the deal I've been shooten my wheel bow instinctively for the last 8 years.Well I'm thinken bout going the rest the way -n- switchen back to a long bow, recurve or selfbow.Just wondering what draw weight should i go with (shoot 55lbs on my compund bout 50% let off)I'm not really interested in getten blazen speeds would much rather it be quiet.....So would going with a bow that was at Ohio's minimum draw weight(40 lbs) be the way to go ? or should I stay at 55 lbs same as my wheel bow?
Just some question from a traditional style rookie.Any help or tips ya'll can fire this way are greatly appreciated.

If god didn't want us to eat animals....Why did he make them outa meat?

Try out a few bows and see what is comfortable to you. My guess is 45# or so. Longbows are usually queter than recurves, but if you take the time to tune them properly and shoot a fairly heavy arrow (8 or more grains per lb) either one should be super quiet. Unless you just have the spare change lying around, I would go with a cheap used bow or three before ordering a custom--you should be able to pick up an old Bear, Pearson, Shakespeare, Martin, etc. for around $100 or less. This way you will find out what type bow, poundage, etc. suits you and if you decide to get a custom you will know what to order. Good luck!

Chad

Long Bows Rule!

I just started shooting a recurve in June. You wouldn't believe how much I've learned and how much I still don't know. I was shooting a 65# compound bow with 65% letoff. I bought a 60# takedown bow because my draw length is only 26", and I wanted to shoot about 55#. I guessed good because my bow was exactly 55# at my draw length. It took me about 2 months to figure out that was too much bow for me. I was lucky enough to find someone with an identical takedown bow that wanted more draw weight. I am now shooting 50# at my draw length. I am shooting much better, and I can practice until I want to stop rather than because I had to stop. Five pounds doesn't sound like much, but it feels like much after about 15 shots.

I would say stay with the 55 pound and plan on shooting the same shafts (with feathers). This will allow you to use what you already know about the flight of the arrow right away!
Yes the lighter draw weight is a plus but if you are planning on using the compound at anytime in the future using the same draw and arrow will close to duplicate the flight and make life easier.
I bought a takedown to match my compound. Both are shooting #62 and while it is a bit much for Ohio Whitetail, I have used them for Elk and Antelope both out west and in Africa without any change in my perception and shooting style as the flight is very similar out to about 25 or so which is my limit on the recurve instinctivly.

Good Luck and drop me a line if you live in central Ohio and maybe we can meet at Delaware State Park and shoot the archery course together sometime!


Greg

"Getting close to the game is the joy of Bowhunting for me, the harvest is a bonus."

Live 15 ft Python after eating a small Antelope!

Just My 2 cents:
I switched from a 61# compound to a 61# longbow and developed so many bad habits (including Target Panic) that it has taken me to the edge of quiting archery. I have fought back with the help of some good friends to a point that I now enjoy archery again. That switch took place 5 years ago. Over bowing is the worst thing that you can do to yourself when making the switch to traditional. 45# recurves will have no problem harvesting deer sized game with heavy arrows that are equipped with 2 blade broadheads. I have just recently put my 55# limbs on my bow and can handle it extra weight without any problems. It took a lot of form conditioning to be able to shoot well again. I don't believe that I could have accomplished my turn a round with a heavy bow. Go with a 45# recurve and solidify your form first before you try and shoot a heavier bow. If you can afford it, do what I did and buy a bow with 2 sets of limbs. Mine are 45# & 55#'s. Dick

Myself, I went from 68# compound with 50% letoff to 50# in a cheap and used but good recurve and it was all I wanted to handle at the time. If I were in your possition, I'd get an used but solid bow around 40-45# at your draw.

Your draw may change going from the compound to a recurve or longbow so you may want to get your draw length checked on a low weight stick before doing anything.

With a lower weight bow, you'll maybe want to use a heavier grain per # of draw weight arrow and scary sharp 2 blade broadhead. It will maximize the energy of the bow that's transfered to the arrow and the broadhead will minimize the amount of contact taking place as it cuts it's way through the animal, helping you to get the best penetration you can from the combo that you're using.

Most importantly, have fun. Cause that's what it's all about.

Hey thanx for the input ya'll.I've been looken around at a few different bows.I met a guy a cople yrs ago that makes some really sweet selfbows (he lives in Cincinati) At a history festival type thing.(most expensive went $150.00)He also makes flint broadheads that are legal to hunt with here in Ohio...couldn't beleive how sharp they were....thinken bout seeing what he's got.Also got a buddy that now owns a bow shop -n- I'm tryen too get him to get some trad. stuff in for me to scope out.
As for the arrow deal I already shoot arrows that are bout 9 grains per lb of draw weight(carbgon arrows w/ feathers w/ 125 gr magnus 2 blade)I'd much rather have the stoppen power over speed anyday.
Again thanx ya'll.

amosgreg...ya got mail(if I sent it right)....

If god didn't want us to eat animals....Why did he make them outa meat?

Ouchigan>
Call Bruce Clark in Hamilton, OH.
Heck of a nice guy, and he makes a fine longbow for a reasonable price. He always has some on hand, and would let you shoot any of them. His E-mail is:
[email protected]
Tell him I said Hi.

Hey, Ouch, does that guy from Cincinatti have a website?

God bless,
Brandan

John, thanx for the info will give him a holler and scope out what he's got.
Irish -n- rest ya'll heres the web site for the guy in Cinci.
(http://members.aol.com/archaicart/ArchaicArt.html)

If god didn't want us to eat animals....Why did he make them outa meat?