mlj64

I'm a frequent visitor to this forum and occasional contributor on the Bowhunting/Tech forums. My archery interest has been 3D and bowhunting with compounds but, thanks to the interest this forum has generated, I &quot;feel the need&quot; to experiment on the primitive <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle> side. My current compounds are set up very similarly: BK2 and Pro38 at 65#, drawlength 27&quot;. What should I aim for in terms of draw length? Draw weight? Recurve or Longbow? Bowlength? Which &quot;starter&quot; bows exist out there?
Thanks for any info
Mark

racks7

Try a 55# Martin Mamba.

Wahya

Hi Mark;

I found it easier to find a cheap used recurve than a longbow so that's how I went. The grip is similar to the compound so it was an easier transition for me as well.

If you're shooting some of the newer, short ata compounds, your draw length may not change much. Mine was 45&quot; ata and my draw went from 29 with a wheel bow to 27 1/2 with the longbow and slightly more with a recurve, but not much.

I would suggest buying a used (cheap but still a sound bow) recurve. You'll be using different muscles to pull the stick, so go lower in weight (another reason for cheap, you may want to upgrade later) say in the 45# range @ 28&quot;. That would make it between 40-45 at your draw. You can see all kinds of them on ebay and if you stay with an ethical seller (according to feedback rating) you will end up with a good bow. If the bow doesnt have a good string on it, get one. Also get yourself a bow stringer and some arrows spined for the bow and head for the bales. Ask lots of questions, either here or other sites and find some folks shooting trad and get them to help too. Take your time, get close to the target butt and concentrate on proper form, solid bow arm, solid and consistent anchor and smooth release instead of accuracy. The accuracy will come automatically if you're doing the basics consistently. Don't get discouraged. Some take to shooting sticks like ducks to water and some, like me, gotta work hard at it to be average. Most of all, have fun. That's what it's all about.

Mike

Floxter

Mike's advice is perfect. Couldn't have said it better.

Jack

Toxophiliac

When I shot compound (Mathews MQ1) I shot a 27&quot; bow. Now that I have adjusted to my recurve I am drawing 28.75. With my compound, the draw was measured to the throat of the grip. With traditional bows, the draw length it the distance to the throat + 1.75&quot;. So I am drawing the same, but just diferant ways of measuring. It took me a couple months before I got up to my draw. I was drawing less that 28 when I first got it.

BobCo19-65

All good suggestions in getting your first bow. However, also get yourself a good book on shooting. I suggest BECOME THE ARROW by Byron Ferguson. It helped me a lot. Remember, you don't need to reinvent the wheel.

Deleted User

[Deleted by Admins]

mlj64

Thyanks very much for the advice offered. I also did a little search in regards PSE and CheckMate. Other bows (read &quot;more expensive&quot are not an option at this time. I'll be going with a CheckMate Falcon, 52#@27. OpinionS? Bowhunter, for me, archery (not only Trad), is ajourney. It has become a journey of discovery in many ways and I have no doubt that the trad way will add a further dimension.

LBR

The Falcon is a great little bow--very light in the hand (depends on your preferences whether this is an advantage or not), quick and forgiving. A good friend of mine has owned several recurves, and still has at least one that cost a good bit more, but his Falcon is his main bow. He has taken lots of deer and other game with it, and loves it. Excellent bow, in my opinion, if that style &quot;fits&quot; you.

Chad

Wahya

I'm glad you decided to go with the Chek-Mate, you can't go wrong with one of Marcs bows. Besides, my opinion for what it's worth is that the PSE is not a consideration, even if it's the only choice (they're junk).