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Traditional Bow Recommendations

ThomasHemlock

ThomasHemlock

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 26, 2018
Messages
409
Location
Locust Grove, Virginia
I've been shooting a 40# Samick Sage recurve and a 35# Wing Archery Red Wing Hunter for a couple years and have been hunting with the Sage exclusively this year and took my first deer with a recurve on opening day. My plan has always been to use the Sage while learning to shoot/hunt with a traditional bow and then, if I liked it, to upgrade to a nicer bow. I can't spend $1200 on a Black Widow or the other really high end bows so I'm looking at the Bear Super Kodiak, Bear Super Grizzly, Martin (Damon Howitt) Freedom, and Dryad Epic TD Recurve. I'd prefer a one piece recurve but am will to consider a take down. I DO NOT want a metal riser and I don't care about the limb options afforded by an ILF system. The bow will be for recreational shooting and hunting. I have no plans to compete at all. I plan to stay at 45lb AMO draw weight... with my draw length that puts it at 48.5lbs.

I know that everyone will recommend shooting as many bows as possible and choosing the one that's "right for you." Unfortunately that's not realistic. I can get to Lancaster Archery (it's about 4hrs away) but they carry limited brands in stock in the pro shop. I don't know of any archery shops anywhere near me that carry traditional bows (other than Samicks and cheap PSEs).

I'm not interested in a used bow.

Questions:
1) Does anyone shoot one of the bows I've listed above? If so, what are your thoughts?
2) Any recommendations on bows / bowers in the sub $800 range?
3) Do any of you VA guys know of an archery shop that carries a decent selection of traditional bows in VA? I'm in the Fredericksburg / Culpeper area.

Aside from those specifics, feel free to share what (traditional) bow you shoot and what you think of it (regardless of price).

Thanks.
 
Nothing wrong with a Samick - I've started a few off with them and they shoot fine. For under 800 you can pick up just about any bow (used) over on the leatherwall forum. I have shot a bunch but have pretty much been exclusive with Cari-Bows lately. In fact I just bought a used one for 500 and Abe is making me a custom Wolverine right now. I have 6 of his bows. My second favorite recurve is a Bruin huntmaster. JD Berry makes great longbows. there are so many to choose from. Can you make it to one of your state trad shoots? They usually will let you try their bows and would be a great way to shoot a few to decide what you like. We are all different. A lot of people love Black Widows, to me I have one but its never been to the woods since i bought it - just not my favorite bow. Try a few is what i would recommend and go with what shoots best for you..
 
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I'd mention using a stick and 550 cord however, 550 cord comments are frowned upon.
 
ThomasHemlock said:
I've been shooting a 40# Samick Sage recurve and a 35# Wing Archery Red Wing Hunter for a couple years and have been hunting with the Sage exclusively this year and took my first deer with a recurve on opening day. My plan has always been to use the Sage while learning to shoot/hunt with a traditional bow and then, if I liked it, to upgrade to a nicer bow. I can't spend $1200 on a Black Widow or the other really high end bows so I'm looking at the Bear Super Kodiak, Bear Super Grizzly, Martin (Damon Howitt) Freedom, and Dryad Epic TD Recurve. I'd prefer a one piece recurve but am will to consider a take down. I DO NOT want a metal riser and I don't care about the limb options afforded by an ILF system. The bow will be for recreational shooting and hunting. I have no plans to compete at all. I plan to stay at 45lb AMO draw weight... with my draw length that puts it at 48.5lbs.

I know that everyone will recommend shooting as many bows as possible and choosing the one that's "right for you." Unfortunately that's not realistic. I can get to Lancaster Archery (it's about 4hrs away) but they carry limited brands in stock in the pro shop. I don't know of any archery shops anywhere near me that carry traditional bows (other than Samicks and cheap PSEs).

I'm not interested in a used bow.

Questions:
1) Does anyone shoot one of the bows I've listed above? If so, what are your thoughts?
2) Any recommendations on bows / bowers in the sub $800 range?
3) Do any of you VA guys know of an archery shop that carries a decent selection of traditional bows in VA? I'm in the Fredericksburg / Culpeper area.

Aside from those specifics, feel free to share what (traditional) bow you shoot and what you think of it (regardless of price).

Thanks.
Click to expand...
Hoffmans in Warrenton
 
Check out this flier that came with my TBM yesterday. Not exactly what I would want to beat the brush with, but WOW are they sweet!
255c980319b6e336b7fd653292d1dd9d.jpg
0fc3a08cb7786fc593e83949089642de.jpg
97fbeacbf6bb6a9e733e5fa67fbe7501.jpg


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1) Don't assume the sage isn't good enough for what you want. Trust me when I tell you this, If you put a quality string on the sage, it COMPLETELY changes the bow.

2) As Dave stated, almost any bow can be bought used for less than $800.

The beauty of the sage is how cheap and available replacement limbs are. For less than $75 you can have as many pair as you'd like.
 
DaveT1963 said:
Nothing wrong with a Samick - I've started a few off with them and they should fine. For under 800 you can pick up just about any bow (used) over on the leatherwall forum. I have shot a bunch but have pretty much been exclusive with Cari-Bows lately. In fact I just bought a used one for 500 and Abe is making me a custom Wolverine right now. I have 6 of his bows. My second favorite recurve is a Bruin huntmaster. JD Berry makes great longbows. there are so many to choose from. Can you make it to one of your state trad shoots? They usually will let you try their bows and would be a great way to shoot a few to decide what you like. We are all different. A lot of people love Black Widows, to me I have one but its never been to the woods since i bought it - just not my favorite bow. Try a few is what i would recommend and go with what shoots best for you..
Click to expand...

Thanks. The Sage has definately been the right bow to get me started and I'm still hunting with it. Just starting my research for the new bow purchase after the season ends. I haven't looked into Cari-bows at all. I'll check 'em out.
 
DanielB89 said:
1) Don't assume the sage isn't good enough for what you want. Trust me when I tell you this, If you put a quality string on the sage, it COMPLETELY changes the bow.

2) As Dave stated, almost any bow can be bought used for less than $800.

The beauty of the sage is how cheap and available replacement limbs are. For less than $75 you can have as many pair as you'd like.
Click to expand...

Completely agree and I'm not trashing the Sage at all. I killed with it already this year. I'm just looking to buy another bow. I'm sure I'll purchase quite a few bows in the future... just trying to figure out which one is next.
 
I shot the old Grizzlies for years. I had three of them ranging from 55 to 75 pounds. All three were good bows. I have experience with the old Super Kodiak and the Kodiak Magnum also. I wish I still had all of them. I have shot several of the old Damon Howatt bows and really liked the Mamba. Currently I shoot an original Stalker recurve and older Mahaska longbow both made for me and both pull 64 pounds at my draw. I believe you would be happy with any of the new Bear or DH hunting bows. I recently messed up and shot a couple of the new Bear bows and believe the mistake is going to cost me. I see a new K Mag in my future!
There are some really great buys frequently as mentioned on the Leather Wall. Also check out RMS gear. They always have a great selection to choose from.
Norkal
 
Also, both my boys shoot Sage TD’s and think highly of them. I have shot both of them and they both feel and shoot well.
 
I’ve seen a lot of those bows your looking at forsale on Archerytalk trad classified section. Nice bows for sure.

If you keep watching something you like will come up in the next few months. Good luck
 
Look at Striker Bows they make a great bow and have an option to get it now pay it monthly till it’s paid off. I have 3 striker 2 recurve and and one long bow all of them are take downs all custom build to my liking

Striker Bows - Handcrafted Traditional Longbows & Recurves

Striker bows has been handcrafting traditional bows since 1997. Specializing in a reflex deflex design, with a pistol style grip. One-Piece & Takedowns.
strikerbows.com strikerbows.com


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I am using a takedown 45# 62" pse mustang. People are always commenting on the speed of this bow. I think it was under $200.
I recently purchased a 49# 68" Kohannah longbow for under $600. Not only beautiful but no stacking or hand shock. Will swich to this for saddke hunting once I am more comfortable.
 
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