Dubbya

Well, as of today I'm going traditional. I drew a tag for a great recurve only hunt in McAlister, OK (first weekend in november). I'm really new to the whole idea. I need to buy a bow ASAP (probably 55-60# at 28-29" draw). I have some GT ultralight pro 400's, would these be sufficient? I plan on shooting Magnus Stinger broadheads. Anyway, like I said I'm pretty new so any advice or anyting you all have to offer... I'm wide open to it. Thank you

Jody A

how long until that hunt ? have you ever shot trad before ?

kevin1

I wouldn't go higher than 55# on your first trad bow , regardless of what weight compound you shoot now it isn't the same . Could you even become proficient with it in that short a time ? I started with a loaner 35# and shot for a year before I went up to a 50# of my own , and shot that for 6 months before trying to hunt with it . If you add a sighting system you might be able to trim that back a bit , but don't expect the consistancy that you've become accustomed to with your compound . Form will be critical , you should find another trad shooter to coach you before you think about hunting . I had to do the self taught route and I don't reccomend it . Your arrows don't sound like they're properly spined for the bow you're thinking of , buy some that are .

Dubbya

Yes I've shot traditional setups before, I've just never hunted with one (and don't have one of my own). I have plenty of time to become proficient, I shoot every day (literally), and have a couple of guys that areaccomplished traditional shooters that I shoot with. And, If for some reason I'm not proficient or I don't feel comfortable I simply won't hunt and I'll video or take pictures.

Anyway, I guess I should have been more specific, I'm more interested in whatbows are most popular and why? And what do you like/dislike about your setup?

Whitehair

Its good to know you have both a background and friends to help you. Most people would be a lot better off if they had someone helping them when they got started.

Have you decieded what you are looking for in a bow? (I.E- Recurve v. Longbow, short v. long, T/D v. One Piece, Sight v. Instinctive,etc.)

As for weight-45# is comfortable for most people, and its plenty to get through any deer in N.A

Good luck and keep us updated!

Alex The Hawk

You Know what they say, once you go Trad you Won't go back,LOL

Dubbya

Alex, that may not be a problem. As long as I get to be in the woods, I'm happy.

As far as what I'm looking for, I want a recurve and I will be shooting instinctive (sights aren't allowed and I enjoy open sights). I'm doing research right now to find the disadv/adv of one piecevs. take down as well as the short vs. long bows. Any insight in these areas would be great.

Thanks guys.

bigcountry

Longer smoother, shorter less forgiving but more manoverable. To short and may get alot of arrow pinch. I just got another trad bow, a 64" recurve real light draw, and its a blast.

As far as you arrows, really depends. Maybe little light, but depends on your bow you decide.

I have been at it for 6 months now. And one thing I am happy about is I was humble and listened to these guys. 60# and you will be overbowed most likely. Not something you want to learn on. I started at 50# and should have went lighter to 45#. I am still not proficient enough. I ahve real good days and real bad days. We all here shoot close to everyday. I want to consistently hit 4 arrow out of 5 in kill zone from 5 yards to 25 yards before taking this years.

For high dollar take a look at
Blackwidow
Zipper (my fav. takedown)
Fred Bear Grizzly (most affordable I think)
Martin Dreamcatcher (favorite one piece)
Martin Rebel (another affordable bow)

BobCo19-65

Welcome,

Do you know what your draw length is with traditional? It is usuallly 1-2 inches shorter then a compound. I'd also advise you to go with 40-45 pounds at your draw length. Get Byron's book and video. I'd advise a gap style (or secondary vision) aiming method at first. Pure instinctive is very hard to master.

Dubbya

Thanks guys, I went and shot a few bows on my lunch. I shot 45# and 50# Martin recurve at lunch. The 50# bow felt good and it was smoother (and longer) than the other. But I think I'll take you all's advice and go with the 45#, I don't want to develop bad habits. Oh and I won't shoot anything over 20 yards... period.

bobco- thanks for the book advice