So if any of you have exceptional memories you know I was asking a few questions on here a few years ago. Well, I'm back to lookin' the traditional stuff over. I'm a good shot with a compound, but I'm a lousy hunter and I figure I might as well have an excuse for not getting more deer. (Actually that's just a easy way for me to validate getting another bow...anyway) I'm a lefty and that makes trying bows at shops impossible. I remember shooting some no-name bow of my dads when I was a kid. That bow is gone and it was waaay to heavy for me back then. What poundage should I start at? If I remember correctly 45 or 50# is usually recommended. I'm young (21) and fairly stout (6'2" 225#) so I know I'll be tempted to go up in weight. Any advice on recurve vs. r/d vs. straight longbow? Are carbon arrows out of the question if I'm using a release (hold the "boo's" please haha)?

I started out with a 40# one piece recurve that I borrowed from a cousin to get the feel of trad archery , target shooting only , then after a year I bought myself a 50# take down recurve and began hunting with it . In your case I would go with 45# minimum . I shoot aluminum only , though I have tried carbons with it and found them not to my liking . I have a release that I got on clearance and plan to experiment with , but I currently shoot fingers/glove , I don't like tabs . I've looked at longbows , but I don't think that I'm quite ready to take that plunge just yet . I've shot one or two , but found the recurve a little more tolerant of my lousy form .

If at all possible, I'd advise trying to pull pack various bows. You want one that you can pull straight back (without shaking) to anchor and hold for about 5-10 without shaking. For a first time bow, it may be around 40 pounds or so. Don't get into the "I'll get stronger" type of thinking. You will most definetely get stronger, but it takes some time.