Looking for Advice: New recurve

[Beers]

I got tax returns comin', and I'm planning to spend them on a recurve. My problem is I don't have any experience w/ them, and I can't get my hands on one locally. NONE of the local shops have any traditional recurves. One shop has 3 recurves, but they're all modern aluminum alloy risers, take down models. I really don't want to order something I've never touched over the internet, but it looks like I won't have much choice...

What I'm looking for is a one piece, traditional recurve. 55-60 # draw. I plan to hunt with it. I don't really know any thing about what companies are reputable in this field, or what a particular companies' quality and customer service is like. I've only recently become interested in traditional archery, and my ignorance is still vast in this regard. This seemed the best place to seek a little advice to get me started in the right direction. Any info, experience or opinions will be welcomed and appreciated.

[Mad Dog]

Beers,  I used to run a trad. archery shop, many years ago.  I sold a lot of new and used recurves.  The company that I bought my personal bows from was Great plains traditional bow company.  They have a website, just google them up.  I personally used thw 1 piece wolf creek, made out of zebra wood.  If you have never shot a recurve, I would suggest keeping the weight 55 lbs., and under.  As far as supplies, contact three rivers archery and/or kustom king arrows.  Both companies are located in Indiana, and both do mail order.  I custom built wood arrows back then, and shot very heavy 5/16" ramin wood arrows in my bow.  That coupled with snuffer broadheads, accounted for several whitetails for me.  Good luck!  If you can wait until summer, you could go to some traditional archery shoots, and get some hands on with a lot of different bows.

Mad Dog

[jgalar]

Traditional has different meanings to different people. If your Idea about traditional includes a bow made with fiberglass then the Martin X-200 might be a good choice.
If you don't mind a take down design the PSE Impalla is inexpensive and a good shooter. Its available at Cabelas.
55-60lb pull is heavy. My bows go from 28lbs to 50lbs. There is quite a bit of extra effort pulling a 50 over a 45.

Below are some places that I have dealt with before for various items
http://www.fsdiscountarchery.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=2
http://www.keystonecountrystore.com/Traditional_Recurves_-_Longbows_-_Accessories.html
http://www.eders.com/Archery_and_Bowhunting_Recurves_and_Longbows-c48-p2,20,48.html

more traditional, but still not too expensive
http://216.119.68.89/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1&zenid=3e54136cef7cda138c61832ffb4c6f33

[mjh]

A Martin Hunter or a Mamba new or used may be a good start.  45 to 50lbs depending upon experience with bows in general.  Many of the custom bows get pretty darn pricey.  Start with a well known model, get some experience then save your money for one or more custom bows.  Get Traditional Bowhunter magazine there are several Traditional Archery websites out there, there are books, find local or state archery clubs/orgainzations got to regular and traditioanl 3D shoots  and have lots of fun!

[Beers]

Thanks for all the info guys, I'm still doing alot of research. Funny you mentioned the Martin, those were some of the first I looked at. I'll let you all know what I wind up with, and how it works out for me.

[theoldarcher]

Two excellent on-line sources of traditional equipment and lots of free information:

   Lost Nations Archery; Larry Murray--honest, open, and knowledgeable
   Three Rivers Archery; who ever answers the phone or emails you--they are all great

Another idea: try to make it to some of the larger traditional shoots this summer, such as the Michigan Traditional Bowhunters Jamboree, Grayling, MI or the Comptons Traditional Archers gathering at Berrien Springs, MI, or the Cloverdale, IN trad shoot in June .  These are excellent places to handle and shoot lots of traditional bows. 

Take you time, try lots of 'em, and one will latch on to you like a leach!     

Best of luck, Arch  (been traditional for over 55 years, and still going)

[Mac11700]

I don't know how much you want to spend...but..if you ever get a chance to shoot one of these...you'll be happy...http://www.blackwidowbows.com/

Mac

[groundhawg]

check out the following websites for used bows and for opinions on new.
tradgang.com
stickbow.com
tradtalk.com                   you would be smart to start off with no more than a 50lb bow and an inexpensive one at that. bear grizzly, martin hunter or x200 would be good ones to look at. they can be found used and in good shape for less than $200 and you can always get your money back.  theres plenty of time to move to the high dollar bows. you can learn to shoot with a less expensive bow and they can and will kill any critter walking. ive got two black widows and enjoy them but dont let anybody convince you that they are the only bow out there.
someone gave you good advice when they suggested going to "trad shoots" and checking out the different bows there. the shoots are lots of fun and people are willing to help you learn to be a better shot. you can find shoots in your area by researching a little bit on the sites i mentioned. good luck..............groundhawg

[Mac11700]

ive got two black widows and enjoy them but dont let anybody convince you that they are the only bow out there.

I've shot a bunch of traditional equipment over the years...some inexpensive bows...and some costing more than $1500...and few bows draw as smooth as a properly tuned  Black Widow recurve...No...they aren't the only game in town...but..for someone wanting a great bow...and is willing to spend the money for one...they will have a truly superb shooting set up. I've seen some really good deals on them in the various shops I have been in..while still expensive as compared to some of the other makes they still are a good buy....and they do hold their value more than most other manufactures. http://www.blackwidowbows.com/...You can test drive one of their bows and see for yourself...and they do sell Martins now too

Mac

[jmack]

If you truly have no experience with recurves or traditional archery in general, then a 55-60lb bow is going to be too much by far for you. Please don't misunderstand, I'm not calling anyone weak, but 55lbs of draw at any length is stout. Trad archery is FORM, FORM, FORM. It would be hard for a big burly bear of a man to learn proper form with even a 45-50lb bow if just beginning. If you are not an archer, then the muscles used for drawing, and then holding (the hardest part) a bow at full draw, will most likely be underdeveloped. If you are moderately strong, or have some archery experience, then a bow of 35-40lbs is ideal for learning. I am unsure of your hunting laws, but here in Texas there is a minimum of 40lbs at your draw length to be legal for hunting. This is more than adequate for taking deer sized game. Take a look over at www.tradgang.com, there you will find a wealth of knowledge, and many people more than happy to help with any questions you may have.

[Woodbutcher]

 jmack, you nailed it!! Said it better than I could! I did what you said years ago, and it went well.
                                                          Woodbutcher

[Illhunter]

I am thinking of getting a recurve and went to local shop about a yr ago and they will let you shoot as many and as long as you want which is great except for being about an hour away but i would agree if you are not an avid bow shooter go with lower weight. When i did this i shoot at 60 lbs with compound and with the recurve i was doing good to shoot 45-50 tried 55 lbs was to heavy to get good form and consistent shot placement. I would need alot of practice but I would buy one at about #45 just my opinion as far as brand i would like to shoot black widow but to pricey for me. i shot a samnick but also have looked at some of the others like pse and hoyt. Which I would choose is hard to say without shooting them personally.

Terry