Stick bow,were do I begin?
12-14-2002, 01:52 PM
#1
Fork Horn
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Arnold Missouri USA
Posts: 244
Stick bow,were do I begin?
I have been shooting compounds for 25+ years I am ready to go traditional. I started with a muzzle loader this year with great success, now I want to get down to earth with this!
I would like advice on how to get started...1st bow...arrows...ect. I am shooting 80+ pounds 65% let off 28 1/2 inches from a Pearson?Mcphearson bow.
Give me an idea of what brands are better than others! THANKS!
IN THE KILLZONE!
I would like advice on how to get started...1st bow...arrows...ect. I am shooting 80+ pounds 65% let off 28 1/2 inches from a Pearson?Mcphearson bow.
Give me an idea of what brands are better than others! THANKS!
IN THE KILLZONE!
12-14-2002, 03:45 PM
#2
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Midland Mi USA
Posts: 134
RE: Stick bow,were do I begin?
Good to hear another sportsman has heard the calling of back to the basics. While I am no expert by any stretch of the imagination I would suggest the follow course of action:
First find a local traditional archery club and attend one of their meetings/shoots. Ask questions and I am sure you will find a number of people who will let you draw and shoot their bows. This may give you an idea of what type or make of bow you are looking for. Remember stick bows vary just as much if not more than the compounds so it is definetly a shooters market. Once you have found what you want keep an eye on classifieds or go to a reputable archery shop in search of a good used bow (I reccommend this as an inexpensive step, just in case you decide to change back to compounds). From that point on it is up to you. Take it slow, practice, practice, and practice some more, but remember HAVE FUN!
This is just my oppinion.
God Bless.
Shoot straight, aim well,
and tell tall tales to
good friends.
vcp
First find a local traditional archery club and attend one of their meetings/shoots. Ask questions and I am sure you will find a number of people who will let you draw and shoot their bows. This may give you an idea of what type or make of bow you are looking for. Remember stick bows vary just as much if not more than the compounds so it is definetly a shooters market. Once you have found what you want keep an eye on classifieds or go to a reputable archery shop in search of a good used bow (I reccommend this as an inexpensive step, just in case you decide to change back to compounds). From that point on it is up to you. Take it slow, practice, practice, and practice some more, but remember HAVE FUN!
This is just my oppinion.
God Bless.
Shoot straight, aim well,
and tell tall tales to
good friends.
vcp
12-14-2002, 04:25 PM
#3
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Mississippi USA
Posts: 15,296
RE: Stick bow,were do I begin?
Not much I can add--I think towerrat pretty much hit the nail on the head. So many choices, so many great bows, and what one fellow swears by another may swear at--ain't it grand! lol
Your best bet is to do as TR suggested--try to get your hands on as many bows as possible and see what feels good to you. Meanwhile, do some reading, ask some questions, so you will have a better idea of what you are looking for and at. I like Byron Ferguson's "Become the Arrow" for a great start on the basics.
From the information you gave (and assuming you are comfortable with that set-up), I'd guess you could shoot 50-60 lbs--for starters I'd stay in the 50-55lb range. Your draw will most likely be in the 27-28" range, depending on the riser/grip and your shooting style. Start with a 58-60" recurve, or a (depending on the design) 62-66" longbow.
As for what brands to avoid, that will mostly be your own personal choice. I don't care for the PSE traditional line at all. Martin makes a good bow over-all, but they have a few that I wouldn't reccomend--my opinion. As far as that goes, there are some very well known bows that I just don't like, because they are not comfortable to me. I wouldn't settle for the first one you find that you can pull just because a friend, shop owner, etc. reccomends it unless it feels good to you--you are the one that will be shooting it.
Shop around, sooner or later you will find what you want. Don't be afraid to look as customs, as some of them cost the same or less than some of the new over-the-counter bows and the more expensive used ones. An old Bear, Pearson, Shakespeare, etc. will shoot as good or out-shoot some of the new bows that cost near $1,000, if the shooter does his part.
Good luck, and if we can help just let us know.
Chad
Long Bows Rule!
Your best bet is to do as TR suggested--try to get your hands on as many bows as possible and see what feels good to you. Meanwhile, do some reading, ask some questions, so you will have a better idea of what you are looking for and at. I like Byron Ferguson's "Become the Arrow" for a great start on the basics.
From the information you gave (and assuming you are comfortable with that set-up), I'd guess you could shoot 50-60 lbs--for starters I'd stay in the 50-55lb range. Your draw will most likely be in the 27-28" range, depending on the riser/grip and your shooting style. Start with a 58-60" recurve, or a (depending on the design) 62-66" longbow.
As for what brands to avoid, that will mostly be your own personal choice. I don't care for the PSE traditional line at all. Martin makes a good bow over-all, but they have a few that I wouldn't reccomend--my opinion. As far as that goes, there are some very well known bows that I just don't like, because they are not comfortable to me. I wouldn't settle for the first one you find that you can pull just because a friend, shop owner, etc. reccomends it unless it feels good to you--you are the one that will be shooting it.
Shop around, sooner or later you will find what you want. Don't be afraid to look as customs, as some of them cost the same or less than some of the new over-the-counter bows and the more expensive used ones. An old Bear, Pearson, Shakespeare, etc. will shoot as good or out-shoot some of the new bows that cost near $1,000, if the shooter does his part.
Good luck, and if we can help just let us know.
Chad
Long Bows Rule!
12-14-2002, 05:38 PM
#4
Fork Horn
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Arnold Missouri USA
Posts: 244
RE: Stick bow,were do I begin?
Hey, I have NO traditional dealers close. A few shops have some PSE cyotte and the like hanging on the wall, but try and get arrows or accessories. I'm going to ask around a bit, but I think I will have to rely HEAVILY on you, the pros!
Another dumb question-------------------------------------------------------What is the performance diffrence between the long bow and a recurve? SHOOTABILITY? Does brace hight have anything to do with it?
I have ordered a few catalogs---Black Widow--Martin--and 2 other small custom makers. One sounds great Recurves start at $165(takedown) $185(long bow) in sevral kinds of wood.....WHich material is the best?
IN THE KILLZONE!
Another dumb question-------------------------------------------------------What is the performance diffrence between the long bow and a recurve? SHOOTABILITY? Does brace hight have anything to do with it?
I have ordered a few catalogs---Black Widow--Martin--and 2 other small custom makers. One sounds great Recurves start at $165(takedown) $185(long bow) in sevral kinds of wood.....WHich material is the best?
IN THE KILLZONE!
12-14-2002, 05:50 PM
#5
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Industry Pa. USA
Posts: 242
RE: Stick bow,were do I begin?
http://www.bowjackson.com/
Get a used recurve to start out with. The grip is more similar to a compound's. A 40# to 50# range. 58" to 62" in length. The Bear Grizzly or the Martin Hunter are popular choices. Before you spend serious money, visit on of the larger traditional 3-D shoots and try several bows to see what suits you best.
Get a used recurve to start out with. The grip is more similar to a compound's. A 40# to 50# range. 58" to 62" in length. The Bear Grizzly or the Martin Hunter are popular choices. Before you spend serious money, visit on of the larger traditional 3-D shoots and try several bows to see what suits you best.
12-14-2002, 06:59 PM
#6
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Midland Mi USA
Posts: 134
RE: Stick bow,were do I begin?
Dont give up. As all have stated there are alot of good bows to be found. I personnaly picked up two decent bows from ebay. The first is my favorite and it is a BEAR CUB 60" 54lbs @28in. The CUB was made in the mid 50's (well before my time) and it shoots very well. The second was one I have been wanting just mostly for vanity reasons. My vanity bow is a BEAR 76er made in you guessed in 1976. The 76er is a takedown recurve 58in 50lbs @28in. I have yet to shoot the 76er as it needs some refinement that it didn't get at the factory such as tight fitting limbs and string grooves. When I am done I may use it a 3-D shoots. The point is I picked up both of these bows from ebay. It is a crap shoot buying by pictures only but you can set your price limit on the bow that interests you, if it goes over your limit find another and bid on that one. Currently their is a Pearson Cougar that is in the range of bow specifications LBR reccommended. The Pearson is currently at $41.00. Good luck.
12-14-2002, 09:37 PM
#8
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 9,175
RE: Stick bow,were do I begin?
The grip on recurves USED to be more like compound grips, but that isn't always the case any more. With the thin, low wrist grips that have gotten popular on wheelbows over the past few years, now a great many manufacturers are making their compound grips much more similar to many reflex/deflex longbow grips.
Most recurves have their risers cut close to center, with most longbows being about 1/8" short of center, making recurves less picky about what arrow spine they like. That's the main benefit recurves have over longbows for beginners, as far as I'm concerned.
One of the first things you need to buy is a bow stringer. It's more important than a glove, tab or arm guard. Amost as important as the arrows. Recurve limbs are easily twisted when stringing and unstringing. Learning how to use a stringer is highly recommened for longbows but for a recurve it is a definite MUST.
I am in complete agreement with the suggestion to look hard at the used bows on the market. Going to trad shoots is a great way of seeing a lot of bows from a lot of makers in a short amount of time, and there are always a few bows for sale. But, if you absolutely have to order a new bow, you'd be hard pressed to beat one of Martin's Howatt Hunter recurves.
Most recurves have their risers cut close to center, with most longbows being about 1/8" short of center, making recurves less picky about what arrow spine they like. That's the main benefit recurves have over longbows for beginners, as far as I'm concerned.
One of the first things you need to buy is a bow stringer. It's more important than a glove, tab or arm guard. Amost as important as the arrows. Recurve limbs are easily twisted when stringing and unstringing. Learning how to use a stringer is highly recommened for longbows but for a recurve it is a definite MUST.
I am in complete agreement with the suggestion to look hard at the used bows on the market. Going to trad shoots is a great way of seeing a lot of bows from a lot of makers in a short amount of time, and there are always a few bows for sale. But, if you absolutely have to order a new bow, you'd be hard pressed to beat one of Martin's Howatt Hunter recurves.
12-15-2002, 06:52 AM
#9
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: ......
Posts: 3,643
RE: Stick bow,were do I begin?
My opinion ??
I like hybrid logbows, TD's because they have a bit more mass/weight and I just think they look good
- those with heavy reflex/deflex. Prime examples are Adcock longbows, Sley and Horne. They are fast, forgiving and quiet - they are hunting bows.
That said, starting out, I would get a used bow just to gt the hang of what you like and don't like. Use carbon arrows. Why ? Because starting out you want any errors in shooting to be you, not the arrows ! Carbons shoot very well out of recurves/longbows, and they are always straight and consistant.
There was a dandy OL Adcock recurve sold on EBAY yesterday for $220 +/-, and watching EBAY can get you some nice deals. www.women-outdoors has higher quality bows in their classifieds IMO. I don't know how much you want to spend, but getting a used bow will allow you to sell it or trade it later for something a little different and not lose much $ in the deal. I have traded/bought/sold quite a few bows that way, seldom losing anymor than $20 and thats a good deal to me for being able to test drive a bow for a few days.
These guys aren't tooting their own horn, but LBR sells Chek-mate bows, and the Crusader longbow is loved by many. Get one used and I can just about promise no problems selling it later on with little loss in value ! I like bamboo limbs - I think they have an edge in performance and shootability, but thats my opinion.
You got mail MoNoFletch
Stealthycat's Photo's
I like hybrid logbows, TD's because they have a bit more mass/weight and I just think they look good
- those with heavy reflex/deflex. Prime examples are Adcock longbows, Sley and Horne. They are fast, forgiving and quiet - they are hunting bows.That said, starting out, I would get a used bow just to gt the hang of what you like and don't like. Use carbon arrows. Why ? Because starting out you want any errors in shooting to be you, not the arrows ! Carbons shoot very well out of recurves/longbows, and they are always straight and consistant.
There was a dandy OL Adcock recurve sold on EBAY yesterday for $220 +/-, and watching EBAY can get you some nice deals. www.women-outdoors has higher quality bows in their classifieds IMO. I don't know how much you want to spend, but getting a used bow will allow you to sell it or trade it later for something a little different and not lose much $ in the deal. I have traded/bought/sold quite a few bows that way, seldom losing anymor than $20 and thats a good deal to me for being able to test drive a bow for a few days.
These guys aren't tooting their own horn, but LBR sells Chek-mate bows, and the Crusader longbow is loved by many. Get one used and I can just about promise no problems selling it later on with little loss in value ! I like bamboo limbs - I think they have an edge in performance and shootability, but thats my opinion.
You got mail MoNoFletch
Stealthycat's Photo's
12-15-2002, 09:11 AM
#10
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Windsor Locks CT USA
Posts: 464
RE: Stick bow,were do I begin?
Listen to these guys they won't steer you wrong. The only thing is you might catch the Chad Chekmate virus or the the Crusader visor. The only cure is too buy several bows<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>. I hear the 7 Lakes virus is also going around<img src=icon_smile_tongue.gif border=0 align=middle> Good luck on the switch to traditional. I made it several months ago and am having a great time. My new Hoyt compound is going on the market!
