Whats the best recurve for me?

[mapesd]

I am thinking about getting a recurve soon. I don't no much about them but at the last 3-D shoot after shooting the compound a bunch of guys went through with recurves so I tagged along. They had a blast! I let a few fly from a 60# bow with no trouble so I think something close to that would be good. My price range is a Max of $200. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks. Dan

[TomBow]

HSOList has good deals on recurves almost daily so I'd check there. I got a recurve for $45, a 45#, 58" Older Darton Ranger. Can't pull it back to full draw so I will have to work into it. I pull 70# on a compound without trouble but the recurve "loads" (increases in poundage steadily as you draw back) differently. There are a few shops that specialize in "traditional" non-compound bows. Also check out the traditional archery websites for more information.

[mapesd]

Thanks for the help TomBow! Do you no anything about a Red Wing Hunter? Also, are the old bear grizzly bows good or are the more of a collectors item?

[Bogsucker]

You may want to consider riser style and length before purchasing a bow.
Generally bows with a straight or deflexed (deepest grip point further from string than fade out of limb) riser are more forgiving and easier to shoot as the effects of bowhand torque are reduced. Reflexed riser bows generally shoot faster though are prone to magnifying the effects of poor form. A longer bow is generally more forgiving also. I shoot a Chek-Mate Hunter II 62" long with a deflexed riser. 60 lbs seems a little high to start out with. I'm shooting 54# and after 2 months am working into it fairly well though after 20 practice shots and a 30 shot 3D course my shoulder tells me thats enough! Unless your planning on hunting some large critters I'd start out with a bow over 60" long and in the 50 lb range.

[This message has been edited by Bogsucker (edited 04-30-2004).]

[Ruttin' Buck]

Mapesd...if you're looking to pick up something used to work with you can usually find them cheap at garage sales, flea markets, etc.

I have a 45# I picked up a number of years ago from a guy in my college dorm for $40. Then a few years later I found a Browning 60# at a flea market for $10. Both shoot nice.

I shoot both of them on occassion. The 60#'er isn't so bad on your arms or shoulders as it it on your fingers. I shoot 2 fingers with a tab for recurve so I usually need to build up some skin like a guitar player...then it's more comfortable.

If you buy used inspect the limbs for stress cracks in the finish. This usually means the bow was mistreated by either being dry fired repeatedly, overstressed when stringing or the limbs were twisted. Speaking of which, in the unstrung state make sure the limbs are not twisted or warped. This usually means water has made it through the finish or that it was stored poorly. Finally, check the ends where the string hooks up. Make sure the heavy coat of laquer and limbs are not chipped or damaged from being dropped.

Good luck!

[bmc]

Look at Martin Archery's recurves. I've got the x-200 and it goes for right about $200. I hunted one year with it and missed a 6 ptr 3x at 15-20 yards.....back to the compound now. But I hunt small game and bowfish with it.

Brian

[Bogsucker]

I'd recommend the "split finger" style; Three fingers, Two under-one over. I've been switching between tab and glove and can't make up my mind which is better, but I'm leaning towards the tab. Pick up an arm guard too, if you don't have one.

send me an email at [email protected] for more info on arrow spine/size selection.

[This message has been edited by Bogsucker (edited 05-03-2004).]

[mapesd]

Thanks guys! I took the wife to some garage sales this weekend and luck was on my side! I found a Ben Pearson 7070 for $50. It is 62 inches long and has a 45 pound pull at 28". It looks brand new! I have not gotten to shoot it yet due to no string but hopefully I will get one after work today. I guess I will have to try to set the outback down for a change!!!! Now I just have one more question??? Tab, or glove??? The few times I have shot a recurve I used two fingers, is this the proper way? I have too many questions! Thanks for the help!

[Ben Nicholson]

Look at Checkmate bows (do a web search). You can get a custom recurve for 200 bones. Start with a low weight 40 - 45lbs. Have Fun.

Ben

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"There can be no greater issue than that of conservation in this country." Theodore Roosevelt

[Ben Nicholson]

oopps, I should have read all the post first. LOL. I must have read bogsuckers mind. LOL