Looking for a bow
 

Hello, I'm thinking about getting a recurve to have as a second bow (or maybe replace my old compound). I'm a bit of a romantic and like the idea of the primative weapon (part of why I instinctive shoot a compound). I like the look and shorter length of a recurve so that's what I'm looking for. Just to give you some data to work with I currently use a 72# 65% letoff compound with 30" draw-length. I instinctive shoot a bare bow with split fingers, both eyes open. My anchor point is a finger above and below my cheekbone with thumb knuckle in ear. I was wondering how much I'd have to change my style to adapt to a recurve and what kind of poundage draw-length I should be looking at? How feasible is it to get a good bow off the web cheap? Should I even attempt that? I really don't want to sink a lot of money into this if it turns out too frustrating for me. They suggested I post this here so the real "hardcores" could give me advice. Thanks in advance.

RE: Looking for a bow
 

Lots of choices out there. For me, I wanted as primative as I can and still be effective and still learn. I went with a longbow, but was disappointed that martin had clear fiberglass backing. I am a newbie, so take it for what its worth.

But if I was going to get a recurve, I really, really like that dream catcher and sarangetti from martin. I like the high dollar customs also like zipper too. But this is just from a pure vainful astetics point of view. I like you, searched and searched Ebay. Wasn't sure if the bows were just some selfbows that people wasn't happy with, so sell on ebay or what. So I bought a brandname.

For me, 55lbs is about my limit for longbows, and I have shot 70lb compounds for 20 years.

I am not too big into takedowns but the advantages like buying different limbs, one for hunting and other for practice sounds real attractive.

RE: Looking for a bow
 

I'd buy a bow that was 45@28 and go from there...... If you end up with a tad more draw than 28, then you will gain a few pounds.... That weight will easily kill any deer sized animal. It will also be light enough for you to develope good form...... A website like tradgang or stickbow.com would be good places to ask questions and search the classified for a cheap used recurve....

I anchor very similar to the way you described, so I think you will be fine...Shooting barebow takes time and patience..... I've been shooting every day for a little over a year and I am just beginning to feel confident in my shot..... IMO, it takes a good 6 months to even have an idea of what's going on..... Dedicate yourself to it and you will happy in the longrun....

Get up close and work on your form..... Work on feeling the shot..... Keep that bow arm steady and still...... Maintain a push and pull throughout the shot..... You have to train your muscles to perform.... Once properly trained, totally concentrate on the spot you want to hit and let your muscles and brain take over.....

My #1 pointer would be to learn how to properly use back tension....

RE: Looking for a bow
 

talondale,

Welcome!
What is your wingspan like? If you are shooting your compound with fingers instinctively, I don't really think your draw will change much when switching over. For your first recurve (I wouldn't count longbows out either, you can get recurves long, and longbows short), I'd suggest around 45 pounds at your draw length. Also, with your long draw length, I really wouldn't get anything too short, especially for your first bow. You also anchor the same as me (see below), and I have a 29" draw, but would not go shorter then a 62" bow (pictured with 66" bow). If you decide to get an off the rack bow, then more then likely it will be set at 28" draw. Now if your draw is actually 30", you will get some stacking, the longer limbs will help eleviate this as well as help out with finger pinch. I wouldn't be too concerned about the frustration level, you'll probably love shooting the recurve if you have the calling, which you seem to have.

RE: Looking for a bow
 

Instinctive with a compound and a trad is a tad different. Id suggest a longer bow to start with. Id also start with a bow around 50lbs at best. Most 50lb bows will stack to about 55 to 60 lbs, at your draw length, relative to the bow.My compounds are set at 70 and 75 lbs with 60% let off and my recurve choice is in the 50 to 55lb range. My favorite recurve, that has killed many deer and hogs, isa 52lb @ 28".

RE: Looking for a bow
 

To be honest I need to go back to a shop and re-measure. I got all set up on my bow 15 years ago and haven't measured again since. I usually take one of my old arrows in when I order new ones and have them cut that length. I was pretty certain it was 30" because of my anchor point being farther back than usual. I'm only 5'10" but I buy 34" sleeves. I'll double check for certain before I buy anything. As far as longbow, well, I just think the recurve looks so cool I'd rather shoot that.

RE: Looking for a bow
 

Well, I went by the local bow shop last night and my draw length is 29". Either I've shrunk or I've been thinking of my arrow length. They didn't have any traditional stuff and no compounds that have a long enough ATAto suita finger shooter. Not sure where I can go to actually shoot some bows to figure out what I want. I may have to buy blind and hope for the best. I did get the name of a traditionalist club that's not too far and I may try going by there some time to see if anyone there has some bows I might be interested in and can actually shoot.

BTW, anyone have any impressions about the PSE Impala? They tag it as a good intro bow.

RE: Looking for a bow
 

That would be a good idea. You could then get a good idea of the poundage you will be able to handle. I'm still thinking in the 45# at 28" though (you'd probably be pulling around 47-48# at 29").