wanting to learn about traditional archery

[NICKF]

hello everyone....first post in traditional bows

I have shot a compound bow for several years and i would like to try out a recurve bow but i have a few questions.

1. If i have a 65# compound bow, what would draw weight would you suggest with a recurve.
2. Any suggestions for a good recurve bow to white-tail hunt with for a beginner.

[PowDuck]

Welcome to Tradbow, NICKF

When I switched I was shooting 60# with compound and got a 55# recurve. Different folks will say different things. The main thing about draw weight (IMO) as compared to compound let-off is that you won't be holding the recurve at full draw for any lengthy amount of time.
I think 53# - 57# should be a good fit.

As for which recurve ......... heck of a good question. There are several good ones out there. ChekMate comes to my mind first. Hopefully you would be able to shoot someone else's or some at a trad archery shop and see what fits you best.

Good luck with the switch. I'll probably never go back.

[Richard McCullough]

Go with a lighter weight to start out with, 50 pounds is a good starting point and work up if you want. I started with 50 then went to 55 pounds.

Check-mate is a good brand, Martin is also. heck they are good just need to figure out how much you want to spend.

[LBR]

I'd go with 45-50 pounds at your draw. 45# will shoot clean through a whitetail, as long as you have a arrow that flies true and a sharp broadhead. I'd rather be 10# lighter than I can handle than 5# heavier--it makes a world of difference.

Starter bow--need more info. If you have an unusually long or short draw, you'd do better with a bow custom made for you. If you have the average 27,28, or even 29" draw, most any of the older bows will do fine--Bear, Pearson, Martin, Root, Shakespeare, etc. Should be able to pick one up for under $100 in pretty good shape. In this draw range, I'd stick to a 60" or 62" recurve in the above mentioned.

Anyone that knows me knows I am partial to Chek-Mate. You can get a new one starting at $200, with warranty. Custom made if you prefer. Will kill any animal just as dead as a bow that cost $1,000. The $200 dollar one won't be as fancy as most high-dollar bows, but the deer won't mind.

Pick up the book "Become the Arrow" by Byron Ferguson (ignore what he says about wood shafts though), and/or Rick Welch's Instructional Shooting/Hunting Video, Volume II. Don't try to copy everything they do (you can't anyway--they have different styles), but use them to develop your own style. The basics will remain the same regardless. Good luck! Feel free to e-mail me if you need help.


Chad