Guest ronin Posted January 15, 2006 Report Share Posted January 15, 2006 I was thinking of taking the long bow plunge this year. I've hunted with a compound for three years now but I wanted to get a little more basic. Any thoughts on a few good books, brands of bows, etc.? Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arrow32 Posted January 15, 2006 Report Share Posted January 15, 2006 Re: Traditional Bows I couldnt help you but id like to get me one to. If i could get some info on what to get. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VTbowman Posted January 15, 2006 Report Share Posted January 15, 2006 Re: Traditional Bows 1st dont go out and buy top dollar when there are so many used bows for very good prices. Find one that fits you and play with it for awhile. I have seen a ton of guy do what you want and find its not for them after they sunk serious cash into it. Dont fool yourself either. Trad archery can be as expensive, if not more, then compound archery. Bows can range from $100 used to #1500 new. Quivers around $70 and up... Your 1st trad bow should be around 35 to 45 pounds. That seems light compared to what you may of shot for compound, but think of it this way. Your compound is not a 70# bow at full draw. Its more like a 22# bow wiht the let off. It let off so you can hold longer be more steady, etc.. So that weak 45# is twice that of a comound at full draw. Thats where it make a difference for bows. Full draw. Arrows can also be somewhat a pain to figure out at 1st. No one can tell you get this and they will work perfectly. This is because trad bows have risers that are not all cut to center shot like compounds. In other words, when the arrow is strung, at rest, it will not point straight forward, other it will point off to the left (or right depending on what hand your are). The trick is to find an arrow just weak enough to flex around the riser since its not center shot, but stiff enough to rebound back and fly straight. You can tune arrows by leaving them full length and heavy tipped and either raiser (or lower) tip weight until they fly true. Heavier will weaken the spine and less will stiffen it. Also you can stiffen the spine up by cutting the shaft down bit by bit. Its a long process but the trad folks out there can get ya REAL close since they know every bow and arrow combo made it seems. Recurves are easier to learn on over long bows due to the efficiency of the design, and grip IMO. Umm.... I think I have scared you enough for now. If you need anything; ask. We have a few trad shooters here now. Good Luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ronin Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 Re: Traditional Bows Actually, you have intrigued me. Any books you would recommend? I normally read a lot before I make a move. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimPic Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 Re: Traditional Bows GrnMtnMan gave you some excellant advice!Get a used,light poundage bow-preferably a recurve(the learning curve seems to be quicker)and work on your form.When you're ready to move to a custom or better production bow,shoot as many bows that you can get your hands on-then you'll know what you like and want in a bow. There's a couple of good books out by G.Fred Asbell,"Instinctive Shooting" and Byron Ferguson's,"Become the Arrow".They're both good reads but they do focus on the authors particular style of shooting-you may or may not use their style of shooting but you'll definitely get alot of useful information that you can adapt to your own style. As far as brands of bows--there are so many talented bowyers that are building top-notch bows that it's just too hard to name a few.Personally,I shoot Black Widow recurves.That's what feels the best in my hand,shoots best for me and they're exactly what I look for in a hunting bow.Good luck to you!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest deerhntnwithdogs Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 Re: Traditional Bows I made the plunge recently too. May I suggest going to http://p081.ezboard.com/fpaleoplanet69529frm13 and starting a post about Red Oak board bow directions. Would give you the ones I used but I lost them once I memorized them haha. You can get a 1"X2"X6' Red Oak Panel board. and a string. You can find a lot of board bow instructions in the Traditional Bowyers Bible Volume 1 you can get it at Barnes and Nobles I know. It will cost you about 15bucks total for the board and string. (Plus stain and clear coat and leather grip if wanted) The only tools you really need are a woodplane, woodworkers rasps, rat tail file, and bandsaw or jigsaw and dremel tools speed it up too. Good luck this way will definetly give you a great sense of pride in your bow. Here are some pics of my most recent project: I almost finished my second longbow. I still have to do the stain and the last bit of tillering and the rest of the cosmetic stuff. heres some pics of it without the stain and all the above mentioned stuff. Done in 2 days. Wit the help of a bandsaw lol Side: Front: Arrow Shelf: At almost full draw haha: Its not quite at full draw because I havent finished the tillering yet and ive been having some elbow problems since late last nite but I think its almost gone so hopefully Ill be shooting this baby tomorow I think I just got my elbow sore with all the planing and rasping I had to so today to the limbs. P.S. You like my pj's? Polar Bears baby. haha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VTbowman Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 Re: Traditional Bows Yep building is fun and can be rewarding but its not a good place to start out. IMHO I suggest you get a factory bow 1st, like Martin, Bear, PSE etc. since used bows of these companies can be found very cheap. My buddy found a 40# Bear recurve at a garage sale for $5. Its in mint condition. Garage sales in the spring is where you will find the best (cheapest) deals and if it ends up not being a great bow then who cares, it did not set you back much at all. Bying new; go to the Cabelas catolog. Now your looking up over $100 but still not breaking the bank. JMO ChekMate is an excellent and super value for a custom bow. www.recurve.com Looking at $300 or higher there. I paid $450 for mine and its the sweetest thing I have every shot. Black Widows. Man now your talk big bucks but they are top dog sellers and super bows. $1000 Here is an excellent forum to go to and browse threw or sigh up and ask away. They also have a great classified section and you can find good deals there too. www.TradGang.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ODH Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 Re: Traditional Bows Browning Cobra 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ronin Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 Re: Traditional Bows Thanks all! Greast advice and I'm on it as we speak. I'll post my future path. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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