I am thinking about buying my first traditional bow. Considering recurve but I am not stuck on that. The main question is what length and poundage? I currently shoot 2 compounds, one with a release and one with fingers. Both are set @ 65lbs with 31 1/2 draw length. Let me know your recommendations. Thanks.

Start out light--it's a lot easier to work on your form and consistency when you don't have to struggle (at all) with the bow weight. You are probably going to be drawing 30" or better on a recurve, which may make it tough to find an "over the counter" bow that doesn't stack. If you go light enough, it won't affect you to much if you get a bow that does stack. Look for a recurve that is 62" or longer, I'd say 30-35@28--this will put you around at least 35# at your draw, probably closer to 40, even with a 30@28. You can start out heavier, but it's going to be more difficult and take longer to learn how to shoot properly.

Good luck! If you have any questions, ask away.

Chad

What do mean by stack? Is this the same as finger pinch?

No it is not the same as finger pinch. Take a look at the following diagram, this is a draw force curve for a 28", 60 pound bow. As you can see there is basically a straight upward line to 28" (an even increase in poundage as compared to draw. After that point, there is a drastic increase in poundage as compared to draw length. That is where the bow starts stacking. You will get the best performance out of the bow if you get one to match your draw length and where the bow starts to stack. I like you, have a problem buying over the counter bows without having them stack. I finally had a custom one made to my exact specifications. If you are going to buy one over the counter, look for a very long recurve or longbow.

Recently coming from shooting 70# on a compound to a 45# recurve, I second LBR's recommendation to go light.

45# at full pull is much much tougher than my compound. It takes some getting used to. Remember, with the recurve you're holding what the bow pulls, no let off is involved. Changes the game substantially, I found

Do all recurves get their rating at 28"? If so based on the chart above, it looks to me like with my draw lenght (probably 31 w/recurve) I will need to be at 45 or less to achieve 65 lbs at 31. Is this a fair assessment and if so do I really want to try to shoot that much weight when that is all I have been shooting in my compound? As I understand it most states require a minimum of 45 lbs for deer hunting, is this the rating on the bow or is it at full draw with a recurve for the hunter using it?

Most recurves off the shelve do have a 28" rating. That chart above is based only on a single bow, not all bows. The bows usually start to stack because there is nothing left in the limbs to flex. The stacking will not be as abrupt with a longer bow.

You will probably find that your draw will be about 1-2" shorter then with your compound. Probably in the 30" range. If I were you, I'd try to find a bow that is over about 64" at 40-45 pounds at 28". Or if you can get a longer draw bow, then go that route.

Thanks. That gives me a good starting point.

Most over the counter bows are rated at a 28" draw--most custom bows will be rated at the draw length you state.

A good bow will gain 2-3# per inch of draw, unless you go with a real heavyweight. I'd look for one no more than 40# at your draw, maybe even less. Even though it may not meet regulations for hunting weight, you need to get your shooting form and accuracy established before you go to a heavier bow. Think of it like you don't start a new rifle shooter, even a grown man, with a .300 Mag. If you plan to hunt just whitetail and smaller game, 45# will put an arrow clean through one.

State regs. vary--some may require the bow to be 45@28, another require 45@ your draw length, while another doesn't state a draw weight, but requires a shoot a bow that will cast an arrow a certain distance. Best check up on the regs where you plan to hunt to be sure.

Do some looking, you should be able to find a good used (and light draw weight) bow pretty cheap--I'd guess $100, maybe less.

Chad