Archery as a hobby...do I wanna get into this? Maybe!

SuperMag · Nov 28, 2013

I used to hunt with a compound bow years and years ago.

My range has extensive archery facilities, and I'm considering getting into it as a hobby. But I want to keep things simple, so I'm considering a longbow or perhaps a hybrid recurve.

You longbow/recurve freaks--what do you recommend for a decent bow that I can grow into as my skills improve? I don't necessarily want a "starter" bow, but I also don't need a custom $1000 rig either.

What equipment will I need? I think it's a bow, arrows, arm guard, and belt quiver to get started.

If it matters--I'm 6'4" and can easily draw 50lbs.

Thanks for the advice

WheelHead · Nov 28, 2013

I did once when I first had moved into my current house where the property was not large enough to shoot anything else. I got bord by the second week and just drive my ass to the range...lol

firefighter_21701 · Nov 28, 2013

It's a good hobby and a great way to hunt

Shinny · Nov 28, 2013

I've decided to get a new bow since my daughter has expressed interest in archery. I shot 25 yrs ago and loved it then and my daughter really loves it.

rrrrrrkevin · Nov 28, 2013

I think the next Traditional Classic at Baltimore Bowmen is in May? Im not sure. I picked up my first really nice longbow there. I would buy something to hold you off till then and buy a keeper there and keep the other one around incase you want to bring a buddy. Its like a flea market for traditional archery and they even have a range where most of the vendors will allow you to try out the bow you're interested in. HUGE selection of trad bows/arrows and accessories and probably the biggest wealth of archery knowledge you will find in one place.

SuperMag · Nov 28, 2013

I appreciate the heads-up on that.

I'm looking around online and the options are pretty extensive.

possumman · Nov 28, 2013

Check out Sportsmans Guide catalog - they sometimes have reasonable longbows and recurves, I think they may have some from PSE at reasonable prices-around $200 or so-50lb is a good place to start, cedar arrows with feathers is the way to go, shot with finger tab or gloves. Good luck

shaddydan · Nov 28, 2013

Lancaster Archery in PA is a great place to start. Really knowlegeable staff plus indoor shooting facilities. Its a little drive but well worth it. A lot of Samick bows in the $200 range.

SuperMag · Nov 28, 2013

Very cool thank you...I appreciate the info!

Gordon · Nov 29, 2013

archerytalk.com they have traditional equipment for sale as well as advice.

SuperMag · Nov 29, 2013

I had a chance to shoot some longbow and some recurve. The longbows had significantly more hand shock than the recurves. Some of this gear is big bucks!

I'm really not interested in all the bells and whistles like sights and counterbalances. Since I'll be doing this as a hobby, I want to develop basic skills associated with instinctive shooting. The challenge of that is what appeals to me.

Right now the PSE Blackhawk recurve is the front runner. It's a one-piece, 60" in length with a 50-lb draw, and is highly regarded as a well-made and reliable recurve for someone getting into the sport. I could go with a longer bow, but I don't think it's really necessary. I'll get my draw length measured on it and then decide on arrows...

Thanks for all the help!

Gordon · Nov 30, 2013

There were a few recurves on CL under 200. I shoot both LB and R never experienced hand shock. I have a Martin Victory 66" 50#@ 28" draw new that I would consider selling.

SuperMag · Nov 30, 2013

The longbow that I shot was a traditional longbow--not a hybrid or American flatbow. It had D-shaped limbs (cross-section), was 72" long, and fairly heavy. Fun to launch big fat arrows with. But I'll probably go with something a bit more portable. I don't think I'll do a three-piece tho.

Archeryrob · Dec 3, 2013

I bought bows years ago from this guys and he comes to the traditional Classic in Baltimore. Nice and affordable stuff.

Elk Ridge Archery

nedsurf · Dec 3, 2013

I'm not sure if you are looking to do bow hunting or target archery but I will share this about bow hunting. I hunt with a gun to fill the freezer. I hunt with a bow to give myself a challenging hunt. It requires one to take only perfect shots or the game will only be wounded and you end up tracking it for a while. I now only hunt from the ground using natural blinds. It is a very humbling experience and the activity gives great knowledge of how to pattern deer. I enjoy just shooting the bow at the range also.

DD55 · Dec 3, 2013

I have been thinking about it also. I use to have a bear compound bow when I was younger.

winch · Dec 3, 2013

I too used to do archery, then drifted away for many years. I got the itch and bought a Bear Grizzly 50#. About $339 everywhere. I like it so far.

Franklin · Dec 3, 2013

Martin,bear and Hoyt make really nice recurves. Some take down and some not. I have really been liking the martin's.

Sewer Rat · Dec 5, 2013

shaddydan said:
Lancaster Archery in PA is a great place to start. Really knowlegeable staff plus indoor shooting facilities. Its a little drive but well worth it. A lot of Samick bows in the $200 range.

ditto on this

Hattrick · Dec 5, 2013

Im liking the ILFs. I wouldnt buy a bow without shooting it first they are finky things they either fit you or they dont. In my opion the recurve is easier to shoot than the longbow. Me i am a longbow guy and have recurves too. My go to bow is a Morrision ILF before that a 21st Century before that a homemade bow. I have a Horn recurve too that i shoot really well and have hunted with but for some reason i always grab the longbow. Do as these guys say hit the baltimore bowens shoot an have at it.

Archery as a hobby...do I wanna get into this? Maybe!

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