Guest bluejay Posted January 9, 2007 Report Share Posted January 9, 2007 I would like to give it a try. Does any of you have direct experience in this type of change? I am fascinating by those bows, especially the most “hi-tech” ones, such as the Hoyt Gamemaster or the Pse Coyote. Any feedback on those two models? What should I look for? What are the main differences? What about the weight? I presently shoot my compound at about 60#..... should I go for the same weight in a take-down bow? ….or should I choose a little less (…50-55)? Would it be possible to mount a few simple accessories, such as sights (front and rear) and standard rest? What about the arrows? Can I still use the XX75/XX78 types or shall I go for wooden ones? Are there big differences in performances in the field, compare to a compound? Can I still expect accuracy out to 30/40 yds.? Is the shooting “sequence” different? ..well, excluding the let-off part… Apologies for the many questions I have posted, …I am “knowledge thirsty”. Thank you in advance for your help. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njbowhntr Posted January 9, 2007 Report Share Posted January 9, 2007 Re: Switching from Compound to Traditional...... I will start by saying it is the biggest switch you can make. It will be extremely exhilerating, yet very humbling. I made the switch last year in the off season, and got my first buck with it this past season. I will try to answer some of your questions. I do not have any experience with either of those models. I shoot a custom Steve Welte Deathwish. When looking for a bow it is like looking for a compound. You are looking for a bow that fits you comfortably. The main differences are pretty obvious. No cams, which means no let-off. You will have to figure out a solid anchor point, being you do not have the pocket that the cam makes at full draw. As for weight, I use to shoot a 57# compound. I can pull as high as 70#, but 57# worked the best for hunting. My longbow is 52# @ 28inches. That is one thing to remember. When you look at the draw weight of a trad bow, that is the weight at 28inches. You would add or subtract 2.5# for each inch +/- 28 inches. As for sights and accessories. If the bow has mount holes, then mount away. If your bow does not, I would not recommend drilling just for the purpose. If you are going to shoot sights, then a standard rest will be acceptable. If you plan on shooting instinctive, your best bet is to shoot off the shelf. This puts the arrow closer to your point-of-aim, your finger. Arrows. You can shoot any arrow you want. I shoot Carbon Express carbons just for the durablity. Performance. You should expect a big decrease when compared to a compound. You will not have the velocity, which in turn affects your kinetic energy, that you have with a compound. This is going to shorten your "proficient" kill zone to under 30 yards. My "proficient" kill zone is 20 yards, with my compound I have harvested out to 47 yards. I also shoot instinctive. Shooting sequence does change. With the compound you draw into the pocket, anchor string, breathe, aquire target in sights, breathe, aim steady, breathe, and release. With a trad bow, shooting instinctive, you never take your eyes off the single hair you want to hit. You come to full draw, pause for a split second, and release arrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimPic Posted January 9, 2007 Report Share Posted January 9, 2007 Re: Switching from Compound to Traditional...... Ron gave some good advice.Also,don't overbow yourself.A 60# recurve is nothing like a 60# compound.Start light--40#/45# would do you good to start and it's still plenty to kill any deer on the continent.I'm not familiar with those 2 bows but if they're take downs and they feel good in your hand,you can get light limbs now and bump up to heavier limbs if and when you need them.My favorite hunting bow is 48# and i've been shooting stickbows for a long time and believe me--it'll do the job. Accuracy is very attainable with trad bows.Look at olympic archers--they shoot 90meters.Alot of practice goes into attaining accuracy and perfect form is an absolute,but it can happen. Stay away from wood arows at first.They're awesome to make and shoot but you really have to know what shoots well off your bow.Carbons and aluminums are the way to start out with--you need the consistancy and with wood being the way they are,you won't have that variable to deal with The shooting sequence is similar.You have to have proper form when shooting your compound--it's a must have when shooting trad bows,also. like Ron said--it can be exhilirating but also frustrating--but its the most satifying feeling you'll ever have when it all comes together.Good luck and let us know what you decide.Any questions--ask away.There's a few of stick shooters here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bluejay Posted January 10, 2007 Report Share Posted January 10, 2007 Re: Switching from Compound to Traditional...... Many thanks Guys for the info. I guess I'll have to drive to the shop and handle those bows to get the feelings. I think I am gonna look for something in the 45-50# range. My intention is to get a "modern" take-down, and start with mounting sights and peep, and a standard "simple" rest. Then, (if I get enough confidence and proficiency) move on and maybe get the sights out of the way and eventually switch to a traditional rest and instinctive shooting. The maximum range I am looking to shoot while hunting will be 30 yds. and no more. Is there some websites from which I can gather more information on the technics? Thnx Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimPic Posted January 10, 2007 Report Share Posted January 10, 2007 Re: Switching from Compound to Traditional...... Pm sent,bluejay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bluejay Posted January 11, 2007 Report Share Posted January 11, 2007 Re: Switching from Compound to Traditional...... [ QUOTE ] Pm sent,bluejay [/ QUOTE ] Thanks Man, going to check them out...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magnatecsteve Posted January 12, 2007 Report Share Posted January 12, 2007 Re: Switching from Compound to Traditional...... You already have some great advice so far. I have been shooting both recurve and longbow alot the past year or so, it is definately not an easy transition. Like mentioned, don't overbow yourself. I would get some videos to help with shooting mechanics, the hardest part will be getting a consistent anchor and release. Get a tab and glove and experiment with both to see which you like best, I prefer the glove. The bows you mentioned are center shot, so you will have more selection when it comes to arrow selection. I would go with at least a 125gr point. Best of luck and ask more questions if you have them!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bluejay Posted January 12, 2007 Report Share Posted January 12, 2007 Re: Switching from Compound to Traditional...... [ QUOTE ] You already have some great advice so far. I have been shooting both recurve and longbow alot the past year or so, it is definately not an easy transition. Like mentioned, don't overbow yourself. I would get some videos to help with shooting mechanics, the hardest part will be getting a consistent anchor and release. Get a tab and glove and experiment with both to see which you like best, I prefer the glove. The bows you mentioned are center shot, so you will have more selection when it comes to arrow selection. I would go with at least a 125gr point. Best of luck and ask more questions if you have them!! [/ QUOTE ] Thanks for your reply. As far as "overbow", what would you suggest? Do you think 50# will be too much? With my compund @ 60#, I can practice all day long Also, my CP is 30" length...is it the same for recurves? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimPic Posted January 12, 2007 Report Share Posted January 12, 2007 Re: Switching from Compound to Traditional...... bluejay--you'll lose at least an inch in draw--maybe an 1.5".Most trad bows are scaled at 28"(45#@28",50#@28",etc.).If you get a 50#@28" bow and you draw 29",you'll be pulling-and holding-about 53#.If you're comfortable shooting a 60# compound,that's because you're basically holding about 20#.I'd look for for something at 45#@28" at the very heaviest.You're gonna use differant muscles shooting these things and perfect form is an absolute must--too heavy a bow and there goes the from down the drain.Along with accuracy & consistancy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rad_112176 Posted January 13, 2007 Report Share Posted January 13, 2007 Re: Switching from Compound to Traditional...... I just wanted to say those are some great suggestions. I am also looking at getting into shooting some traditional bows this year and this advice will really help out. What would you suggest as far as a recurve or a longbow? Is one easier than the other? I am looking at going traditional so there will be no sight or peep. Thanks for the help and you can pm me if you have certain brands that you think are better for new comers and others to stay away from. Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimPic Posted January 14, 2007 Report Share Posted January 14, 2007 Re: Switching from Compound to Traditional...... rad--most people that start shooting trad find recurves easier to learn on over longbows.The grip and weight seem to be more akin to a compound.As fr specific brands--shoot whatever and as many differant bows that you can get your hands on and you'll know what feels right for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rad_112176 Posted January 14, 2007 Report Share Posted January 14, 2007 Re: Switching from Compound to Traditional...... Thanks JimPic.. Going to start shoping after tax season. Any idea what a good one should cost? I know the saying goes you get what you pay for. I have seen these things to be as much as a compound. Is that normal? I want a nice one so i don't mind paying that much and don't want to buy one now to start off with and then have to buy another next year when i realize the one i buy is not a good one. Is there anything you look for when shopping? What causes the price to go from 300 to 1000? The wood it is made from possibly. Sorry for keep bothering you with questions, but don't know anyone that shoots them so noone else to help me with questions. Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimPic Posted January 14, 2007 Report Share Posted January 14, 2007 Re: Switching from Compound to Traditional...... Once you know what you like and feels good for you,buy used.Don't invest alot of money into your 1st bow unless you know exactly what you want.A good custom bow can run you anywhere from $400 to well over $1000.Alot of things play into the cost--demand,materials,advertising,etc.It doesn't make one any better than the other.It's all about what shoots good for you. I'd look for an old Bear,Wing,Darton,Pearson recurve on ebay or something.You can usually pick these older bows up for under $100 and when you sell it,you'll get your $$ back out of it.Make sure the limbs are straight,no de-laminations,no major cracks or gouges.Or you can buy new like a pse,hoyt,internature,martin and still get off relatively cheap as compared to a custom.Here's few sites to check out for custom bowyers and traditional classifieds http://www.women-outdoors.com/traditional/bowyers.htm http://65-242-99-131.hagenhosting.com/cgi-bin/classifieds.cgi http://tradgang.com//noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=forum;f=5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adjam5 Posted January 14, 2007 Report Share Posted January 14, 2007 Re: Switching from Compound to Traditional...... I've been sucking up the info guys...keep it coming...I'm thinking about going traditional myself and appreciate the ifo being given to BlueJay. I'm thinking about the Bear Kodiak and the Martin Savanah, the Mathews Heritage is out of reach price wise. That would be my 1st choice. Gander Mtn had some on display. Looking for a bigger challenge and I think traditional is the way to do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magnatecsteve Posted January 16, 2007 Report Share Posted January 16, 2007 Re: Switching from Compound to Traditional...... I started off shooting the recurve first, it is about the same draw weight as my longbow, but the longbow stacks ALOT more than the recurve. That means the weight is constantly building the further you draw. The recurve is a smoother draw due to the limbs. My longbow is a straight limb Howard Hill, so it stacks more than the newer "hybred" longbows that use reflex/deflex limbs, I hear they are alot smoother than a straight limb longbow. I have a Bear Grizzly recurve that I picked up with VERY little use for only $100.00, so shop around! Don't get in a rush, I spent a good summer shooting trad bows and still wasn't quite confident enough to hunt this past fall, maybe this coming fall. Good luck and don't get too frustrated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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