Help with recurve selection...

[Doegirl]

I'm looking at two Bear recurves on Ebay. They both are lower in poundage than my Kodiak Mag (55lbs), which will help me out alot. I need some expert advice here on some concerns I have.
1. Choice number one is a circa 1967 Kodiak Magnum. In the photo the top limb looks a little funny, but it could be just the photo angle. Take a look and tell me what you all think:
cgi.ebay.com/Bear-Kodiak-Magnum-Recurve-Bow-52-48-1967-Left-Hand_W0QQitemZ230324503918QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item230324503918&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50
2. #2 is a 1976 Bear Grizzly. It's got a good deal of scratching on it, but nothing too major:
cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-GRIZZLY-BEAR-RECURVE-1976-LEFT-HANDED-58-50_W0QQitemZ320339117697QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item320339117697&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

I'd prefer that '67 Kodiak Mag, but either would definitely fit the bill. Thoughts?

[smj]

Hi Doegirl! As to the '67 Magnum - I'd drop the seller an email and let them know your concern - ask them to set the bow flat on a table or railing and take a photo from straight off the side of the bow, with the camera the same height as the bow so you can really see the curves. I think that the bow is probably OK, bit it is a bit hard to tell from the photos offered. The photos off end are distorted by the angle it was taken from. Looking at just the limb photos - you can tell both limbs are photographed as one limb has Bear written on it - and they look OK in those pics. But I'd contact the seller to be sure, at least tell them what bothers you and get it from them that they assure the bow is in proper condition for use.

The second bow looks as though it has had a life that saw a lot of use! The finish is off the grip... So long as there are no cracks hidden by the scratches along one of the glue lines, you should be OK. As to the finish, it would not be hard to fix if you care to put an afternoons effort in to it. I would email the seller and specifically ask about any cracks on glue lines. Even if stable, it opens the joint to the weather and this can create a long term problem with a glue failure on the joint, which is the end of the bow.

I'd say both bows have promise! Way to dig!!!

[BT]

I see what you are seeing...I think and if it is what it looks to be then thats just a damn shame.
That said....if it turns out to be o.k. (no twist) then that bow is going well over a few hundred dollars....which would still be a good deal

[akdd]

Have you checked out craigs list for your area. I picked up a 43# bear recurve off there for $50. Make sure that you don't overbow yourself. I was shooting 65# with my compound and found that 50# was to much when I started shooting traditional. Went the the 43# bear for a starting point and now I have worked back up to a 56# Whip.