recurve bow questions

[Mike_Parson]

i am considering getting into hunting with a recurve. I am 6' tall and weigh 225 lbs. i know i need a bow with a length of 60+ inches. i am not sure what draw weight i should get. i currently pull 63 lbs comfortably on my compound. i would like to get a take down bow and i have a brand i think i like. i am just not sure of the weight i should get. i hope to use it to hunt deer and elk with and maybe a few other critters should i get the chance. Any recommendations from you non-compound shooters out there?

[longbowelk]

Mike;
you will find that while you can pull 63# with a compound most are now like 80% let off so you only hold a couple of pounds. So to start and learn you may want to start light and build up in weight. The key is to be light enough to get a complete draw and release and not lead to shot issues later. I usually recommend a 40# @28" to start. After all if your draw is longer than that spec on a bow you gain 3lbs per inch usually.

[poisonarrow]

If at all possible go to a bowyer and talk face to face. He will have a number of bows to try and can steer you right. It amazes me that when getting into traditional guys go out and buy a $200.00 recurve . If you would buy a $200.00 compound buy a $200.00 recurve. There is a huge difference in recurves. Usually it pays to spend a little time and get it right to start with.

I shoot a Great Plains and am more than satisfied. The shop is in Copeland Kansas. Shane Unruh is a great guy and has excellent service. He bought the business from Bill Foreman a few years ago. Great Plains has been in business for 30 years.

[Mike_Parson]

there is not a bow shop for 120 miles from me, so going and shooting is limited. the big box stores have a very select group of recurve bows and the mom and pop shops dont have any at all. SO, im down to buying online. I have decided on a brand that does offer new limbs if i want to go up in poundage and i am going to start with a 35# bow.

[longbowelk]

I don't know which bow you picked but if you ever need online or over the phone shop help with traditional, I always recommend people give Rocky Mountain Specialty Gear hear in Denver a call. They provide great service and willing to talk to clients even over the phone about what they need help with.

[Ben Nicholson]

Does your state have a traditional shoot? That's a great way to try a bunch of bows. Personally I shoot a Tall Tines and a Checkmate for my recurves. Starting low weight (40#'s or so), is the right way to go.

Good luck,
Ben

[Texasgamehunter]

Like said above you need to do yourself a favor and start with low weight and learn your form and anchor points. That is the best way to learn the skills you need to have.

[TurkeyBowMaster]

I pull 70 with ease on compound and went with 55 on a Hoyt Buffalo and it was tough at the start. I am working out with one of the bow excersise things and that is making the recurve easier. A really good takedown is the ultament goal but starting out with something inexpensive is not much of a sacrifice... they will kill too. The shooter is the most important part of trad shooting. Good luck and I hope to see a dead elk with it in the picture.