Got a question!

[madoktor1]

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I would like y'alls advice on these bows, please. I am looking at the last three. I have been warned about the Howatt and the Savannah is out of my range. The last two, the L-100 and the Jaguar are the ones I am most interested in. I am looking at 50# DW and, just to remind y'all, my DL is 30" definite with fingers. Thanks in advance.

[red]

Hey madoktor...I can't say my experience was typical, but I started out with the rule of thumb that said go 20 pounds lighter than your compound. I shoot a 65 compound, so I bought a 45 pound JD Berry longbow. Long story short, way, way too light for me. I then moved up to a 52 lb. Morrison Cheyenne recurve...again too light...felt like I had a lot more available at full draw. I am currently shooting a 58 lb. Super Shrew and it seems to be right in my wheel house. I could go more, but this is a comfortable weight and I am shooting well. So, the difference for me only ended up at about 7 lbs. Take the information for what it is worth. As far as purchasing bows, I went with upper end bows...yes, the expense hurts a bit, but they are almost as good as gold in holding their vaule. I traded or sold for nearly everything I had put into them. Not saying that you should do that or that there aren't some really nice bows for less. Just be comfortable knowing that well-crafted bows by talented bowyers demand good prices in the used market place and folks that are really into traditional gear recognize/appreciate the quality and are willing to pay for it. It is really not at all like what happens when you drive a new car off the lot.

[BT]

madoktor1

I like the 60" and the price and the bow...but!....
50# with 6-7# added is a stout bow for anyone.
Really...a stick bow isn't the place to try and show your metal.

I'd look for 50# max which would be a 45# for you and then it would still be a tad over 50#....maybe 53.

With all that being said....

Have you looked at the Bear Grizzly?
The reason I mention it is because it is a better bow (not just an opinion) that the 150...for the money.
I'd really suggest looking at one.

[madoktor1]

The Grizzly's look sweeeeeet! I definitely trust Bear quality having owned one in the past. My only question is the 58" length on the 45# bows. Someone said earlier about going with a longer one due to my DL as stacking would not be so bad. I have also considered having one made. I have been checking on getting a take-down made with two sets of limbs, maybe a 45# and 50# set. Advice on that?

[red]

Not sure what you are planning on spending but here are a couple sites I recommend you take a look at. I have a couple older Bears and their reputation and workmanship is well-known and valued. The newer models don't quite live up to the same standard. These might be slightly higher than a new Bear, but I think you'll get more bow for your dollar.

www.recurves.com/takedown_recurves.html

(Checkmates in the 415 range)

www.dryadbows.com/index.htm

(Oracles can be had for 450)

www.dwyerlongbows.com/

(basic bow 465)

www.holmmadetraditionalbows.com/bows.html

(custom bows at 450)

www.maddogarchery.com/

(great value here...custom recurves 295, longbows 375) I had a buddy that got one of these recurves for 295 and he is very pleased.



These are just a few to choose from. The other option is the tradgang.com classifieds. With the economy being as poor as it is, you can find some really nice bows at rock bottom prices....bows that you might not be able to afford otherwise. Just some thoughts. Good luck. The hunt is half the fun.

[red]

Not saying these are for you, just an example or two...bows that would cost hundreds more if new.

tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=031438

tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=031548

(very nice deal, 340, w/great quiver, 3 strings, shipped and insured to your door)

[BT]

I have found that Bob Lee has about the best sizing advice.
Cant remember what they say though ;D

Maybe go to the site for Bob Lee Archery and look for yourself

[madoktor1]

Thanks for the links, red. BT, I went to Bob Lee's website and all I can say is I had to wipe off the keyboard after looking around. They have some damn nice bows. I didn't see anything about sizing info though.

OK, I found a DW/DL chart and they are showing, on a 62" 55# bow, 55#@28" and 61#@30". Also, according to their site, I wasn't too far off on my thinking of a takedown with multiple limb sets. I guess I need to find someone close to me that has one and just find out what I can handle comfortably.

[madoktor1]

I went to the bow shop to drop off my HCA last Mon. and went back Fri. to approve some repairs. The owner had his two recurves there and two more on the shelf. One was a PSE Kingfisher takedown, one was an older Martin takedown and the other two were one piece Martins. D/W's ranged from 45# to 55# and I must say I was surprised. 45# to 50# is about all I want. LOL. It truly was a very different shooting experience. I was also surprised that I could at least hit the target at 20 yds., not very accurately, but I hit it. Hopefully, in the next year, I will be adding a new recurve to the arsenal. I just want to have the opportunity to shoot a few more manufacturers before I make my decision.

[BT]

The first time I drew a 50# the bow shook so violently, I was lucky to even hit the bail of hay I had as a back stop ;D