New to Traditional

[reyes128582]

Good morning trad folks. So i just picked up two recurves from an uncle of mine. One is a Bear Alaskan,66" with a 38 lb draw weight. It doesn't specify draw length to achieve this poundage though. The other is a Colt woods master,58", 28 draw @ 52lbs. My question is what should the brace height be on these bows when strung up with the right string. I have been shooting a compound bow for about 3 years now and love it. I want to get these traditional bows set up right and then start working on form. Any advice would be appreciated, or if there is someone in the local area that would be willing to give a few pointers please holler. Thanks

[TXMark]

I'm no expert on this but I would guess around 7 to 7 1/2 inches. That is where most of my bows shoot the best. It is different for different people and bows. You will likely need to adjust from there but that should be in the ball park.

Welcome to the fun but frustrating side of archery.

Mark

[reyes128582]

Thanks TxMark. The Colt has a 7 inch height, the Alaskan when strung was at 10 inch so I may try a longer string to achieve a shorter brace height. What would be a good arrow to shoot from these bows considering their draw weight, that would be good for target practice and hunting. One all around good arrow. Either aluminum or carbon? What arrow weight should I be looking at as well,also spine?
Thanks again.

[SwampRabbit]

Your string of questions has no straightforward answer. Your arrow selection will depend on which bow, which string, your draw length with that bow, the draw length of that bow, your shooting style and your preferences on broadheads, etc.

General rule of thumb are:

Total arrow weight of at least 10 grains per pound (draw weight).

Production bows typically list thier draw weight for 28" draw... custom bows can be anything.

Braceheight is bowyer specific... usually 6.5-8.5"

String length is usually 3-4" shorter than bow length and varies by bow type.

[reyes128582]

Your string of questions has no straightforward answer. Your arrow selection will depend on which bow, which string, your draw length with that bow, the draw length of that bow, your shooting style and your preferences on broadheads, etc.

General rule of thumb are:

Total arrow weight of at least 10 grains per pound (draw weight).

Production bows typically list thier draw weight for 28" draw... custom bows can be anything.

Braceheight is bowyer specific... usually 6.5-8.5"

String length is usually 3-4" shorter than bow length and varies by bow type.

Thank you sir. I know it's a lot of questions,I just had them all on my mind and wanted to pick someone's brain. Thanks for the advice and in will take all this into consideration. Really looking forward to getting into weeds with these bows. Cheers.

[SwampRabbit]

Thank you sir. I know it's a lot of questions,I just had them all on my mind and wanted to pick someone's brain. Thanks for the advice and in will take all this into consideration. Really looking forward to getting into weeds with these bows. Cheers.

I understand. There are a ton of questions. I have been at it going on 2 years and I still have questions. It is best to try and tackle a few at a time.

When talking arrows, you always need to know your draw weight and length for the bow as a starter. That gives you a ballpark to start from and make adjustments accordingly as you develop consistent form.

[A.J.]

Just Started too a week or so ago. Don't really know anything other than Im having a blast slinging arrows. Hope I don't get tired of it.

[TXMark]

Just keep shooting and read everything you can. It also helps to find an experienced shooter to kind of mentor you at first. You never stop learning with the trad bow.