I am thinking about switching from a compound bow to a recurve bow? I currently own a brand new Hoyt X-Tec. I have a friend that will buy that bow from me for the full retail price I paid for it. If I buy a recurve?

Here is my problem, I know NOTHING about recurve bows.[] My compond bow has a 29 1/2-inch draw. I shoot with a release & string loop.

I would have to buy my bow off of the internet because no sporting goods store / pro shop near me carries traditional archery equipment.
How do I measure myself to find my "traditional draw lenght"? Does this matter?

Could you gentlemen please point me in the right direction?

With a stickbow, you may loose some draw length, I shoot a mathews at 30", and my trad is in the 29" region. How much and whether you loose anyting will depend to a considerable extent on whether you had the right draw length in the first place. Most shooters are long anyway with a compound. Pros tend to shoot a pretty compact sort of stance, for them they may not loose anything. For instance I shoot a peep, and I anchor along the underside of my jaw with the string touching my nose and with bows in the 36-42" length. On the other hand, these days with the popularity of peeps and hard walls at full draw, can pull back to his ear. It's not a good technique, but you can shoot OK that way. This kind of guy might loos 3" with a trad bow.

I think you will probably be lucky, if you loose say one inch, you are right in the sweet spot for tillering the limbs (28" on stock bows), and should be able to buy your bows over the web no problem. You should also be able to buy a custom bow, which means you will be talking to a bowyer, which can be helpful. There are a lot of bowyers who work int he 350-600 range, so no reason not to get something good.

Don't know what you want this bow for, but if you don't shoot sticks, you may find that it's a lot harder to shoot, poundage wise. It's not always true, but it can be an issue. Be very conservative about draw weight, a bow in the 45-55 pound range is going to be right for most people droping down from the 70 pound area. The release is a much more difficult thing to do correctly than with a release aid, and it's made way worse if you are overbowed to boot. You might think it's going ot be easier to hit targets with the higher velocity one might get with a higher poundage bow, but even that tends not to be true, since inconsistant form will ruin velocity consistancy with the stick. There isn't any drawing to a single point, and getting the same velocity every time within .3%.

i too am just starting out and am curious as to why you have to go just with traditional. i have found shooting traditional has also helped me with shooting my compound bow as my concentration has gotten better for both. there are several hunts here in oklahoma that you can put in for and traditional is one of the hunts. itis traditional only and i am very happy to put in and hope like everyone else that i get drawn but i am also going hog hunting as well as deer hunting with both my compound and definately my longbow and recurve. i have just finished my longbow which is bult by dan quillan and am having fun shooting all three bows. my groups have gone form erratic to i am shoot out to 15 to 20 yards and hitting inside a saucer with my traditionals so i feel like you can shoot bot
just my two cents worth
rob k

robk I have been told it is hard to jump between traditional & modern & still remain accurate at both.
I would also just like to take up traditional archery. I do not plan on keeping my compound once I start.

Sorry for the slow reply--been kinda busy lately! Anyhow......

With your set-up, you may not loose as much draw length as most. The general concensus when you shot compound with fingers you would loose an inch or two of draw length. I'm really not sure how a loop and release would figure into the equation. It will vary some on where you anchor, and you may gain a little bit of draw length as you develop your form and learn to use back tension. On the other hand, some advise shooting in a hunkered over stance, and that will shorten your draw vs. standing straight up. Different grips and bow designs will cause it to vary a little also. Gonna' be a hard call until you get your hands on a bow and do a little shooting, but most likely you will stay in the 28-29" range. It does matter, how much depends on the bow design and type. You don't want to go way long, as you will loose performance. If you go too short, you will have a bow that stacks and isn't as forgiving. How long the bow needs to be for you depends on the bow design. For instance, in some recurve styles you could shoot a 52", others might require a 62". In a longbow, with some you could go 58" or shorter, in others you might need a 68" or longer. Simple huh? lol The bowyer or dealer you buy from should be able to recommend the right length for you, or if you are looking at a used bow the folks here can probably help. You should be able to pick up a good used bow for less than $100, and you can get a great shooting custom (not fancy, but the deer won't care) starting at $200.

I very much agree with Ossage on the bow weight--it's better to get a double lung with 45# than a gut shot with 100#. 45# will take care of any whitetail, as long as you do your part.

Some people do have a problem switching back and forth between traditional equipment and compounds, and others don't have a problem with it. That is a choice you will have to make. I don't shoot compounds anymore because when I became comfortable with traditional bows, I lost interest in compounds--besides, I can't afford another hobby. There are many similarities with the two types of bows--pick a spot, concentrate, follow through--but there are also differences--kind of like a muzzleloader vs. a .30-06. If you can differentiate the particulars of each, and shoot accordingly, you shouldn't have a problem.

If we can help, just ask.

Chad

I don't think there is any difficulty switching back and forth between compound and stick, any more that there is a big dificulty switching back between rifle and shotgun. It's just that being good at either is hard, and if you cut your practice time in half you either need twice the shooting time, or something has to give.

Just pretend I am an idot that should be easy.
I want to drop modern archery all together & only shoot traditional. When I buy a recurve I will sell my compound. So get that switching back thing out of your head.
Please point me in the right direction. I am going to need all of the help I can get. I tried looking up www.tradgang.com but the sight would not work for me.

Hey WK--don't be embarrassed to ask questions--we all had to learn one way or the other. I wish there had been so much information available to me when I started shooting. No dumb questions, so don't worry about it. You might look back at past threads and find some information that interests you, and there are folks here that will be happy to help. If you have a question you rather not post, feel free to send me an e-mail at [email protected].

Chad

I am going down the same road as you.I started last year and have since sold my compound and have a custom recurve on order.To start ,at your draw length 28' will be real close.Even if you draw a hair more stacking should'nt be a problem.I would look for a used recurve here are a few sites www.women-outdoors.coms www.archerytalk.com The tradgang site is a good one,but has been down today.Whatever your compound draw weight is subtract about 15 pounds.So if you were shooting a 60# compound,I'd start with a 45@ 28" recurve.Something at least 60" long Any of the bear or martins or a checkmate are inexspensive and good bows.I would'nt sink a lot in one now.Just something to get started on.Don't overdo the practice,it's real easy to hurt yourself.If there is a archery club in your area,look em up.Most traditional guys are more than happy to help out newcomers.I recomend byron fergusons book become the arrow.Start out close and work on your form.Believe me it's great fun but definetely a challenge compared to a sighted compound.Good luck and don't be afraid to ask questions.

CB

Wolf, we are in a similiar train of thought right now, as I am planning on shooting traditional equipment soon. Its been a long time since I have shot my one and only recurve bow and I never hunted with it. Been shooting compounds 1977, enjoy them too. You won't see me selling my compound, as I hope to use both this deer season. But like you I am longing to start shooting traditional.