Thinking of downgrading my bow!
 

Tierd of being able to shoot 60 yards and ready for the chalenge of the long bow. I have hunted with compound bows since I was 10 years old. My latest bow is a 2006 special order 80# Bowtech Alegence. Ive had my eye on a Martin Savanha longbow. I just think shooting an elk with a longbow would be the ultimate chalenge, with the exception of sheep or goat of corse. Pluss it's only a couple pounds to carry. Any thoughts?

Just don't get overbowed . When shooting trad bows, there is no letoff which many 70# compound shooters quickly find out.

I downgraded to a Bowtech General a while back.I just didn't have the time to practice and maintain my skill with my longbow.While it is faster and easy to shoot a compound well at greater distances on the contrary you'll be upgrading by shooting a real bow!!!

I don't look at it as a downgrade in bows, but more like an opportunity to upgrade your hunting skills.

I agree--don't make the mistake of going to heavy with a first bow. That makes the learning curve a whole lot steeper. Most don't need anything more than 40# or so to begin with, some less than that.

Good instruction goes a long way. I'd go with Masters of the Barebow, Volume III (and probably IV when it comes out--due out soon). For a good read, especially the mental aspects, Rick McKinney's "The Simple Art of Winning" gets great reviews from people that know how to shoot.

I liked the guy when I met him, but I don't like G. Fred Asbell's method of shooting. There's a book out...something about "Classical Archery" by Tony Camara--as best I can tell the only accurate information in it was plagerized from people that know how to shoot.

Rod Jenkins is doing clinics all over the U.S. and all over the world--if you get a chance to be part of one of those, you can learn in a weekend what would take literally years and years to learn on your own. Well worth the money IMO.

As for the Savannah....just depends on your preferances. Lots of folks love them, but I didn't care for the two I've shot. Different strokes for different folks--I do prefer longbows though.

Chad

Good info from all, ill probably shoot a few different bow before i choose one or might even have one made. Ive shot some 45-50# recurves but when i tried my first long bow i kinda liked it better. Guess its like any thing finding the right one is personal preference. I figure I can handle a higher weighted bow like around 60 or so. Heck maby im wrong but that 80# bowtech is an easy pull. Even before the cam breaks over. Ive pulled 90# compound bows back smoothly with ease and good form. Ive shot my grandfathers fred bear 45# recurve quite a bit. I would like to have as much power as iI can get without struggling though so I will shoot some hevyer long bows before I decide. Thank you all for the advise and God bless. Ryan

Got one. Found a bow to use, funny thing it's a recurve. A Fread Bear 60# super kodiac. Boy yall wherent a kidding, a might bit different than them thar compounds. It's gonna take some time to condition my arms to be supper steady when at full draw. Of corse its all instinctive you pull back to your ancor point and release. Now only to try to shoot like Byron Ferguson.......keep dreaming ha ha

The most accuarate archers I know use some kind of aiming system--doesn't require adding sights or anything to the bow.

Another thing to consider if you plan to hunt...if 60# is a bit "stiff" when you are shooting in warm weather, have time to stretch and warm up, etc.....think about how it's going to feel after sitting in a blind/stand for a few hours in cold weather.

In my opinion, a double lung with 40# is much better than a gut shot or miss with 100#. Accuracy is much more impressive than how much you can pull. Just something to think about.

Chad

I wouldnt say down grade bows, rather ratcheting up your ability. There is a reason compounds are so popular. You can be a killer in days. Trad bows take skill and time.

I am sad to see another newbie overbow himself. good luck.

and yeah, you havent downgraded, you raised the bar. welcome to a world without training wheels lol