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Calling all ATOT Archery buffs and Bow Hunters

z1ggy

z1ggy

Lifer
I am looking to purchase a beginner bow. Specifically I think I want a take-down recurve bow. I know next to nothing about archery except what I have just read online. Mainly, I want to target shoot in my backyard ( I live in the woods.. no worries there) and possibly have the ability to hunt small to medium game.

Firstly, what are some good brands? I saw a take down recurve on Cabela's for about $150. Got good reviews.

What type of arrows? Not trying to break the bank so I would assume aluminum would be good enough.

What tips? Obviously field tips for practice and the sharp razor ones for hunting. What are good brands? What are good weights?

What for the fletching/nock? I know almost nothing about this.

Finger and hand protection??

Sights/optics?

Thanks you for your time.
 
Go to a local bow shop, seriously. Find one that specializes in Olympic or target archery, should be at least one near you.

I shoot compound, but I'd still go to a shop to get things taken care of / check out new bows. Ordering over the internet for something that needs to be sized in draw length and arrows with the correct splines isn't something I'd do.
 
Not sure I've ever seen optics mounted on a recurve. It's not really something that you can hold and line up like the letoff on a compound allows.
 
If you do Olympic target shooting, they all have sights. Not saying he needs to start out with a sight, but they exist.
 
Phanuel said:
Go to a local bow shop, seriously. Find one that specializes in Olympic or target archery, should be at least one near you.

I shoot compound, but I'd still go to a shop to get things taken care of / check out new bows. Ordering over the internet for something that needs to be sized in draw length and arrows with the correct splines isn't something I'd do.
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Okay I didn't realize they needed to be "fitted" to a person. Does that cost extra? And does a place like Cabela's have the proper personnel to do this?
 
z1ggy said:
Okay I didn't realize they needed to be "fitted" to a person. Does that cost extra? And does a place like Cabela's have the proper personnel to do this?
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Find a local archery shop that will work more one-on-one with you.
 
vi edit said:
Find a local archery shop that will work more one-on-one with you.
Click to expand...

Okay will do. Closest shop that looks good is about an hour or so away.

How much is acceptable to spend on a quality set up, but not break the bank? I didn't want to spend more than like... $200 total. $150 for the bow and around $50 for arrow and tips, plus the arm/finger protection stuff.
 
we had an archery thread a while back with some good info in it, probably easier to do a google search of anandtech forum if you want to find it.

the basics are:
-find a bow that matches your draw length and preferred draw weight
-get arrows properly spined to match your draw weight and length
-decide what kind of shooting you intend to do (fingers with tab/glove, or mechanical release)
-decide what kind of sighting you intend to do (instinctive/offset point/pin sight/optical ring/peep sight)

not sure about prices as it depends on your location, but im not sure $150 will cover the price of a long term keeper bow. you might have to look into the used market.

there are all kinds of expenses: arrows, replacement fletching, replacement nocks, string wax, bow stringer(for the really heavy poundage), quiver, carrying case, targets, target backstops.
 
That's cool that you're starting out. I just took my first class this past Sunday. We're learning to shoot Olympic recurve bows.

I suggest going to a range and taking a class there. They'll teach you safety, how to aim properly, how to string, and care for the bow. They usually provide beginners equipment including practice arrows.

Beginners bows don't really need any protective gear unless you keep slapping your arm. If you do, it's bad stance. Their draw weight isn't enough to require finger tabs or arm guards.
 
I know nothing about what you're asking, OP...I just love that ATOT is always there to answer anything and everything. 🙂
 
Disclaimer: I'm barely a beginning shooter.

Local shops that I have frequented usually have a "beginner package" for around $200. Comes with a basic recurve bow, arrows and some accessories like a glove and quiver.

I tend to purchase arrows from a local shop so they can cut them down and get them ready to go. Thats after you find your length though. Depending on how the cabelas and other big stores around you are staffed, you could find some experienced bow shooters there for some quick advice.
 
Kelvrick said:
Disclaimer: I'm barely a beginning shooter.

Local shops that I have frequented usually have a "beginner package" for around $200. Comes with a basic recurve bow, arrows and some accessories like a glove and quiver.

I tend to purchase arrows from a local shop so they can cut them down and get them ready to go. Thats after you find your length though. Depending on how the cabelas and other big stores around you are staffed, you could find some experienced bow shooters there for some quick advice.
Click to expand...

I would assume a big name wouldn't have the personal touch a small local shop would. Quick google search didn't show any local shops near me, but I didn't look too hard.

I think one beginners archery class would be fun to do, and besides.. it's still a potential weapon. Not something I'd just like to wing and hope im handling right.
 
In all honesty, I'd try an archery shop. And, if you're lucky, you might be able to get a better quality, used bow, that's being sold on consignment. I'm not into recurves too much - I'd much rather shoot a compound bow. (I think I have 3 around here; I don't shoot two of them much, if ever.)

Maybe the analogy isn't perfect, but a $200 budget would be sort of like saying, "I want to get into computer gaming and have a $300 budget for a computer." Seems a little under budget to me - and with cheaper equipment, you might not get quite as much enjoyment from it. Though - my initial disclaimer - I'm not familiar with prices for recurves. I had one recurve from my father-in-law & had fun playing with it in the back yard. But, I still prefer the easier precision and accuracy of a decent compound bow. I'm also hoping to have the extra cash to purchase a new compound bow one of these years... I always seem to find something else more important to blow the money on though. (Like a new 30 .06 or other such rifle before this year's deer season.)
 
z1ggy said:
What type of arrows? Not trying to break the bank so I would assume aluminum would be good enough.

What tips? Obviously field tips for practice and the sharp razor ones for hunting. What are good brands? What are good weights?
Click to expand...

You should have them custom-made by Bo Jackson

Bo knows best, after all.
 
DrPizza said:
In all honesty, I'd try an archery shop. And, if you're lucky, you might be able to get a better quality, used bow, that's being sold on consignment. I'm not into recurves too much - I'd much rather shoot a compound bow. (I think I have 3 around here; I don't shoot two of them much, if ever.)

Maybe the analogy isn't perfect, but a $200 budget would be sort of like saying, "I want to get into computer gaming and have a $300 budget for a computer." Seems a little under budget to me - and with cheaper equipment, you might not get quite as much enjoyment from it. Though - my initial disclaimer - I'm not familiar with prices for recurves. I had one recurve from my father-in-law & had fun playing with it in the back yard. But, I still prefer the easier precision and accuracy of a decent compound bow. I'm also hoping to have the extra cash to purchase a new compound bow one of these years... I always seem to find something else more important to blow the money on though. (Like a new 30 .06 or other such rifle before this year's deer season.)
Click to expand...

I'm thinking about buying a used one off craigslist, and just find a person with similar height as me. I assume the draw length is a direct function of your arm length, no? So if so, I just need to find a guy my size selling one adjustable within a certain range.

Most of the deals on CL sell the whole package... So the bow, plus case, plus arrows, sometimes quiver and other extras. I don't want to buy garbage, but as a first time thing, I don't want to spend a ton. If I find out I enjoy it and actually went hunting one day, I would buy a nicer one.
 
Digging this thread back up again since I just finished part 1 of my course. Signed up for level two starting in a couple weeks. We'll learn how to shoot with sites and stabilizers as opposed to bare bow shooting. Slowly improving. Scored 115 on our mock tournament at the end of the class. 300 being perfect score. Of course they ran out of the small targets, so I had to use the big one. 😛

Did you ever get your equipment z1ggy?

Been looking to pick up my own bow. Sebastian Flute seems to be the most popular brand I see at my range. All metal risers. Most folks seem to just get the premium limbs, maple and fibreglass as opposed to the carbon fibre ones. Seen a few folks with Hoyt bows but damn are they expensive. $600+ for just the riser. Yes, you should put your money in the riser but that's a bit rich for my blood. It's not bloody golf. 😀
 
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