I have been interested in learning traditional archery for a short while now. I've read really great reviews for this bow. The only shop close to me only carries Hoyt Recurves which are really high in price. I'd like to spend $500 or less. Any recommenfations on another bow over this one? Any thoughts or advice for someone interested in learning traditional archery?

I received a Bear Grizzly as a Christmas present a couple of years ago. It's my first and only traditional bow so I can't comment on other choices, but I really enjoy shooting it. I practice instinctual shooting without any accessories, just bare bow and arrows. This makes it a lot of fun to just pick up and shoot. I have the 50# bow and plan to take it hunting this year.

I'd look for a lightly used Martin Mamba or Hunter.

Do you feel that I would benefit that much with a step up bow like the Martins? They are about $200 more new. They are great looking bows.

I just bought a Vista/Samik Sage takedown. For $150, you will be hard pressed to get a better bow. It's definitely not in the same class as the higher end bows, but I didn't want to drop a lot of coin on something I may or may not decide to get back into.

Well constructed, shoots as good as I can. Plus, with a takedown you can order limbs of varying draw weights should you so choose.

I'm all in - bow, arrows, stringer, glove, etc. for probably in the $250 range.

I've got 7 Martin bows. Got them all off of Ebay, lightly/barely used, for less than $400 each, sometimes much less. Several were around $200. My Mamba was <$200 IIRC. Deals are out there, just have to look.

The Samik Sage is thought of very highly as a great beginners bow. They are Korean, and as any competitive archer knows, the Koreans are *really* good at archery. They know how to make a good bow.

If I go the Ebay route, what's the best way to determine the draw weight I should go with? The charts I've looked at show 40-55# for my size build

There's a 55# Hunter on EBay right now. Am I better off starting light?

I gave my nephew a Sammich Sage 50# for Christmas. He had it strung and we were slingin arrows in minutes. Very simple, inexpensive and fun to shoot.

Have you ever shot a compound? If so, what draw weight? Typically you drop 15-20# when you go from a compound to a traditional bow. Draw length also drops an inch or two.

I'll pile on in favor of the Samick Sage. I have one and have been very happy with it.

No, I have not shot a compound bow. I was thinking 45-50# would be a good place for me start though.

Log - I found this Hunter for less than the Grizzly. What do you think, is 55# too much for a beginner?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/181685453226?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

It'll be a little heavy, but not too bad. Martin's tend to run heavy, so if you draw 28", you might be pulling closer to 58#. If you pull 27", it'll probably be at 55#. I'm 6'4", and pull 29".

If you get it, just practice drawing it (without an arrow) a number of times every day for a week. You'll see a pretty quick improvement in strength.

Thanks Log!

So I have a Martin Hunter on the way. I picked up some arrows.

Where do I start? I'd like to learn proper form and technique from the get go, so I don't develop a bunch of bad habits. Any recs for videos, books, or favorite YouTube Channels? TIA!

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So I have a Martin Hunter on the way. I picked up some arrows.

Where do I start? I'd like to learn proper form and technique from the get go, so I don't develop a bunch of bad habits. Any recs for videos, books, or favorite YouTube Channels? TIA!

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So I am guessing you are not interested in buying a used Hoyt Dorado??

Look at books/videos by Byron Ferguson and G. Fred Asbell.

You said traditional archery and this came to mind. I am sure it was here not long ago, but it is still amazing.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEG-ly9tQGk

This guy makes really good bows. My dad and I have shot them for years when he owned wing archery in Jacksonville. He makes a higher end bow now but I imagine you can get a good deal from him. Roy Hall in Henderson also makes some great looking bows.

http://www.bobleebows.net/
http://navajobows.com/