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Help Picking a Trad Bow

GodsCountry

GodsCountry

Member
Joined
Sep 22, 2018
Messages
91
Alright, some background on my search for a trad bow...

I’m a compound shooter. I don’t have any bow shops near me that offer much in the trad department. That said, whatever I buy will likely be online. Classifieds, eBay, etc.

I’m looking for something that I can CONFIDENTLY kill whitetails with, from a tree, and something pleasurable to shoot in the backyard. Something I will enjoy practicing with. Likely something in the $300-500 range. Ideally not a custom bow that I will put me on a waiting list.
I’m also not interested in a Sage Sammick. I have a feeling I’m going to dive deep into this, and I don’t want to spend on a bow I’ll surely replace quickly.

I’ve read quite a bit on the different types of bows, and I’m still pretty undecided.

Hybrid Longbows: I like the idea of them being quiet. I like the idea of them being lightweight, but I’ve also heard the lack of mass can make stability an issue. I’ve generally heard that most people don’t shoot longbows as well as recurves.

One-peice recurves: Probably what I’d consider most aesthetic. Most of the bear bows fit my price range, but I’ve found the reviews are really hit or miss on the Bear bows. Some people love them, some people think it’s all marketing. I have reservations about being stuck with one draw weight. Most say recurves are FAR easier to be accurate with.

Takedown recurves: i think most of them are ugly as sin. I have no interest in an aluminum riser. I like the idea of limb change outs. Most of the takedowns seem far out of my price range.


I’d also like to hear thoughts on draw weights, knowing I want a hunting bow. Half of the internet says “start with a 30 lb sammick” half of the internet says “any adult man should have no problem pulling back #45 to start”.

Saddle Hunters, help a brother out.
 
My opinion is, you cant go wrong with a takedown. Change out limbs to dial in your draw weight...just more flexibility. Since your just starting, keep in mind that the shorter the bow, the more unforgiving and the more finger pinch you will get. Longer bows and your starting to get into control issues (obsticals, draw, etc.). Stay around 58-60 inches. SHOOT 3 UNDER (fingers). Im a split finger guy and that limits me as most production bows are tillered for 3 under. Look on the traditional archery forums and pick up a used bow. You WILL change up draw weights as you go. Best not invest a bunch up front on a new bow. Lastly, let go of chasing speed. Heavy FOC arrow and the heavier the better. I shoot carbons with 240 grains up front. over 700 grains total arrow weight.
 
With that said, you cannot go wrong with the Galaxy Ember (at Lancaster Archery). Bow is 200 bucks, then you can buy either RD long bow limbs or recurve limbs in carious weights for around 80 bucks. Great hunting bow, tough as hell and good shooter. I own several high dollar custom bows and like the Ember equally as well. Do a google search of the ember and look at the abuse the guys dish out to them.
 
always89y said:
My opinion is, you cant go wrong with a takedown. Change out limbs to dial in your draw weight...just more flexibility. Since your just starting, keep in mind that the shorter the bow, the more unforgiving and the more finger pinch you will get. Longer bows and your starting to get into control issues (obsticals, draw, etc.). Stay around 58-60 inches. SHOOT 3 UNDER (fingers). Im a split finger guy and that limits me as most production bows are tillered for 3 under. Look on the traditional archery forums and pick up a used bow. You WILL change up draw weights as you go. Best not invest a bunch up front on a new bow. Lastly, let go of chasing speed. Heavy FOC arrow and the heavier the better. I shoot carbons with 240 grains up front. over 700 grains total arrow weight.
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Do you have any recommendations on takedown models? Does it matter if it is ILF? I’m not seeing a ton in my price range.
 
Yes sir. See above. Galaxy Ember from Lancaster Archery. Excellent bow. I would go against the norm as say start at 50 lbs. If its comfortable, your good. If not, you have some wiggle room to step down a bit ( or up).
 
Where are you located? There are lots of traditional bow shoots around the country. I suggest you attend one of them and try out bows til your heart's content. Ordering a bow from an advertisement or a website works about as well as picking a spouse the same way.
 
In your price range, I would buy a used bow. Ricky racer is correct, the grip is very important in a trad bow and I would recommend that you test a few out as well. Do you know your actual draw length by chance? It is difficult to make a specific recommendation on bow and/or draw weight until we know that. I've seen guys buy a bow marked 40#@28" only to find out that it is nowhere near 40 pounds for them.

For what it's worth....Opinions vary greatly in traditional bows. Some guys prefer takedowns, recurves, heavy mass in the riser, heavy arrows, etc... and some guys, myself included, don't like any of those things and we do just fine :)
 
Jasper2 said:
In your price range, I would buy a used bow. Ricky racer is correct, the grip is very important in a trad bow and I would recommend that you test a few out as well. Do you know your actual draw length by chance? It is difficult to make a specific recommendation on bow and/or draw weight until we know that. I've seen guys buy a bow marked 40#@28" only to find out that it is nowhere near 40 pounds for them.

For what it's worth....Opinions vary greatly in traditional bows. Some guys prefer takedowns, recurves, heavy mass in the riser, heavy arrows, etc... and some guys, myself included, don't like any of those things and we do just fine :)
Click to expand...

I’ve handled self bows, hybrids, and recurves. My draw is 27” compound, 26” trad.
 
Ok then, at 26" you have a lot more options and can even get away with some of the shorter bows out there. Many bows are marked at 28" so you will lose around 5 pounds at your draw length. I recommend used bc even if you decide to sell it at a later date, you can usually get a good portion of your money back and try something else....especially if it's a decent custom bow. I'm a hybrid longbow guy, though I'm hesitant to even call some of them "long" bows, I don't own a bow over 60 inches and most are 54-58"
 
DaveT1963 said:
The Samick Sage O mentioned above is a takedown and you can get different limbs. It is an awesome shooting bow.

https://www.amazon.com/Samick-Sage-...amick+sage&dpPl=1&dpID=21pWWiEZWiL&ref=plSrch
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Just bought a used 30lb Sage off of ebay for like $85, looks brand new except it had a flipper rest on it. Will be buying some 45-50lb limbs once my form is halfway decent, they are only $55 new. I picked up my compound and recurve at the same time... That was a mistake.
 
I am not a expert . I shoot a 70 lb compound and I assumed I would be fine with a 60 lb recurve Not ! found out quick it is a totally different deal. Sage buy the lower weight limbs and maybe a set for hunting. Work on your form and release with the lower weight then move up later .JMO Good Luck
 
Allegheny Tom said:
Handles cut to center are easier to shoot...less critical of arrow spine and your release.
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This is a very important and often overlooked piece to the puzzle. Personally, I believe this is a big part of the reason that many people think a recurve is easier to shoot accurately. In my observations, many guys are way overspined on arrows and you just can't get away with that on longbows.....many of which are not cut to center.
Also, FWIW beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. I think most takedowns are ugly as well and I haven't shot a compound in many years! Hard to beat the looks, simplicity and smooth flowing lines of a 1 piece R/D hybrid longbow.
 
I think my takedowns are works of art :) But I also like the clean lines of a well built one piece longbow or recurve. Heck I like them all and this addiction is more expensive then saddle hunting....... and now their is kayak fishing....... good thing I am single and financially independent
 
DaveT1963 said:
I think my takedowns are works of art :) But I also like the clean lines of a well built one piece longbow or recurve. Heck I like them all and this addiction is more expensive then saddle hunting....... and now their is kayak fishing....... good thing I am single and financially independent
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Have you priced graphite paddles for that kayak? Yikes!

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Allegheny Tom said:
Have you priced graphite paddles for that kayak? Yikes!

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Click to expand...

yep, manufacturers take advantage of anything trendy in men's sports.... because they know wer are stupid enough to pay these silly prices.
 
I picked up a 50lb bear Kodiak hunter used off of an online auction for $60 in very good condition. This past fall was the first year that I really shot a trad. bow and tried to focus on my form I will say this I would definitely start with something low poundage it seems to me it is very hard to keep good form when after three shots you’re shaking like a leaf shooting compound for 25 years can really spoil a guy I will definitely be reaching out for some tips and tricks on Tradd bow shooting soon
 
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