Recurve Wanting To Get Started

[J-DUB]

I am wanting to get a recurve this year and start shooting it and then hunting once i feel comfortable with it. I have only shot compounds so I am not sure how to get started, what poundage, etc. or if i get an entry level bow or get a Bob Lee (high end) and do it one time? Any help would be appreciated.

[caughtandhobble]

I see that you live in Call... I would recommend going to the next Golden Triangle 3D shoot. Those guys are as nice as it gets and they all can really shoot. The shoot is between Winnie and Beaumont and there is a better than average chance that you will make some new friends. There will be some really nice bows there that you can check out, along with a wealth of knowledge.... If you ever make to Highlands (East of Houston) I will be more than happy to help out any way that I can. Good Luck and welcome.

[Bisch]

Recurve Wanting To Get Started

As much as I love mySarrels longbows, I would recommend that you start with a low end or used bow. Then once you have figured things out a bit, move up.

Here is my reasoning:

1. If you are just starting out with trad, you should really start with a lower draw weight. How low depends on the person, but as a general rule, I would say most folks should NOT start out with anything more than 45# at their draw length. Learning proper form is one of the most important things you can do to be successful with trad, and it is almost impossible if you are fighting the bow the whole time you are trying to learn.

2. There are a gazillion different bows out there, and there are a gazillion different folks who will tell you each one is the best or worst. You should really shoot a lot of different bows and decide for yourself which one is the best for you before making a high end purchase. As an example, you mentioned Bob Lee, I mentioned Sarrels, they are both top of the line, but I like one better than the other, and so will you!

On another note, you mentioned that you are an experienced compound shooter. One of the things you will have to accept is that you will never be as good with trad gear (no sights or letoff) as you were with the wheels (sights and letoff). You are also going to have to accept that you will suck out loud with trad gear at first. Shooting with no sights takes time to learn, and you have to be willing to put in the time and practice. I added that because I have seen quite a few compound guys try to make the switch, and when they can't shoot worth a flip, give up on it and go back to the wheels.

Like Ben said above, go to any local 3D shoot you can and meet other local trad guys. You will make some great friends, and also find so son who can mentor you while you are learning.

I can also tell you this: because trad is so hard to learn and stay proficient at, it makes every success even that much sweeter!!!

Good luck, and welcome to the fun side!

Bisch

[White Falcon]

Look on Lancaster Archery. They have some good recurves for under $150.

[PSD Ryan]

I went from a compound to recurve. Went to Lancaster and they set me up with a hoyt excel with black max limbs, helped me pick out some arrows, and got me a string. Complete setup was under 400

[RickBarbee]

I went from a compound to recurve. Went to Lancaster and they set me up with a hoyt excel with black max limbs, helped me pick out some arrows, and got me a string. Complete setup was under 400

And will out handle & out shoot many of the $1000 plus customs on the market today.

[PSD Ryan]

And will out handle & out shoot many of the $1000 plus customs on the market today.

My groups would say otherwise, but I'd be just as bad with a $1500 rig lol

[J-DUB]

Thanks Guys!

[Bud Ellis]

Yes what bisch said !

[JTBean]

What Bisch said. I picked a Samick Sage to learn with. You can pick one up for under $150. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006R8SWUO..._nGBGxb6GNTVYC
I bought it with #50 limbs and wish I had started lower.

You can buy different limbs for this bow.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Engine Co. 29]

Don't do like everyone else does, including me. Start with about a 40# draw weight, work on your form, relax and enjoy shooting. Your shoulder will thank you later, and you'll be much less frustrated.

[Chunky]

Don't forget to check out the sticky threads at the top of this section on getting started.

[Junkers88]

I'm in a similar situation only that I don't already own any kind of bow. I ordered the Samick Journey so that as money permits and my skill increases I can order limbs in higher weights. We're on a pretty tight budget down here so buying a one piece bow now to learn on and another heavy enough to hunt with is out of the question. The Samick Journey, and Sage, are "take down" bows.

Go pull a few bows to see what you like and what draw weight you'll be able to handle easily. I initially was going to get my chosen bow in a 30lb weight as I was afraid I'd not be able to pull anything much heavier. I visited a friend who is a bow hunter and he let me pull his Bear back to anchor a couple times and it wasn't that bad. Turns out that bow is a 50lb dw at 28" dl. I pull a 29.5" or so dl.

The bow I have coming is a 45lb dw. I only tell you this so that you'll avoid buying something that you'll quickly out-strength or out-skill

Richard