I am another one that is interested in shooting a trad bow. I have not shot one since back in the 70's so I donot remember that much about them. I have been into the compound thing for a long time though. So my questions are.

1. Is there a general size bow one should start with besides keeping the DW down to arround 45#?
2. Do they come with different DL?
3. Can they be tuned?

Any other advise would be deeply appreciated before I try to locate a bow.

Thanks

Ed

Gotta get off the computer so I'll give the short answer:
1. I'd recommend 60" min recurve, 64" longbow
2. Yes, if they are custom made. If not 28" is standard. You can ussually get away with shooting this recommended draw however. What is your draw on compound? Figure loosing about an inch.
3. Yes, bow and arrows can be adjusted in order to tune.

Okay, I shoot a 28" DL on my compounds so I need to find one that is 27" or the standard 28" will do? Not sure what you mean about losing an inch. Thanks for the reply.

Ed

You lose an inch usually with shooting fingers with traditional bows! Most bows measure the DW @ 28" unless custom made 54# @ 27" etc... You can shoot a 28" DL bow but if you are drawing only 27" you lose 3 pounds per inch of DW. For example, If you shoot a bow marked 50# @ 28" and only pulling 27", you would be at 47# @ 27", I hope this makes sense! You are fine shooting a 28" inch bow with a 27" Draw, it will just be 3# light than what you would be at drawing 28".

Your at 27" now with your compound, you will more then likely be an Inch or so less with a traditional bow. Everyone usually looses an Inch or so when going from a compound to a traditional bow whether they shot with a release or not with there compound. Some people don't loose any draw length when switching but most that I've seen do. Some will even loose 2" of draw length. When I shot a compound my draw length was 29" and I shot fingers. My draw length now with my recurve Is just a tiny tad under 28". A 28" standard will do you just fine. As for tuning a traditional bow, you bet they can be tuned. Brace height, nocking point on your string, etc. Sounds like your going to start off light In draw weight which Is a good thing. What kind of arrows you want to shoot?

I don't know what kind of arrows I am going to shoot Shultzy. That was another question I was going to ask as to what kind I should shoot. I am not sure what bow I will be getting so I guess I should wait and see then huh? I so have some old XX75 1816's from way back when. Don't know if they will work or not.

So you think a 45# would be good to begin with? I see there are lots on ebay that range from 25-50#.

Thanks

Ed

BHF I think I understand now what you all are talking about. As I have said, I know compounds and how to tune them but I can see there is much to learn about trad bows. Little at a timeI guess.

Ed

It really depends on your draw weight. You said you have some 1816's, they would work but If It were me I'd give 1916's a try or maybe even 2016's. Yes, 45lbs Is perfect for starting out.

Okay Shultzy, Soon as I get a bow I will go from there.


Thanks

Ed