Made the leap

[Encore 280]

Just ordered a PSE Stinger 3G bow from Cabela's. On sale for $100 off plus I added on my $150 of points so I think I got a pretty good deal. Read all the reviews or most of them anyway and it sounds like a pretty good bow. I haven't shot a bow since the middle 70's when I had my recurve so it's gonna be an eye opener. I'm really looking forward to giving archery hunting a try but I don't know if I'll be ready and have enough confidence by next season or not but I'm hoping I can do a lot of practicing and be efficient with it. Not sure I'm ready to hang up the Encore yet. Hope I made a good choice on the bow.

[boneaddict]

Congrats on the new bow and welcome back.....but where is the Recurve?   

[Encore 280]

I'm really mad at myself for getting rid of the recurve. It was one I built in high school, 60# and I really liked it and I practiced with it quite a bit but never had the confidence to hunt with it. When I was saving money to buy a new 4x4 truck I sold by bow and cross bow that I made from a kit in high school also. I didn't care for the crossbow as much as I did the recurve, I wish I could find it. Live and learn I guess.

[Band]

With research, shooting practice, and trial and error there is no reason you shouldn't be fully prepared for next year's archery season.  Nothing wrong with that bow either.  Good luck!

[Encore 280]

Thanks! I'm looking forward to this because I've had issues with my right shoulder for the last couple of years and just late this summer it seems like it healed itself because I haven't had any pain for a few months now so I'm thinking I'll start with a light draw weight and work my way up. As soon as the bow comes in I'll head for Tulalip Cabela's and get some needed equipment then get started. I'm thinking this is gonna be fun.

[boneaddict]

Perfect time to start!   

[Encore 280]

Huh?!! I just turned 66!!!

[Band]

What poundage bow did you get, Encore?

[Encore 280]

Adjustable 50-70 I think it said. The other one was 30-50 but I thought that was too light. It's the PSE on sale at Cabela's online.

[Band]

I had shoulder problems as well and had to lay off my bow for a few months while it healed.  In my opinion you ought to start at the low end of your bow (50 lbs.) so you don't push your luck on that shoulder.  I shoot 60 lbs. and I'm here to tell you that my arrows go all the way through deer and elk with a good shot, so I don't see any compelling reason to go all the way up to the 70 lbs. capability on your bow.

[Encore 280]

My doctor said it was "rotator cuff tendonitis", I did the physical therapy for 6 weeks but that didn't help much so I just left it alone and it finally just went away. My plan is to start at the 50 but not push it, maybe a half dozen shots and see how it feels after that then go from there. My boy has one and he's got it set at 60# but I wasn't even going to try to pull it back. I've tried it before and couldn't get it all the way back but I think it must have been set a bit higher cuz when I was younger my recurve was 60lbs but that was close to 40 years ago. I'm really looking forward to getting it set up and shooting.

[Band]

My doctor said it was "rotator cuff tendonitis", I did the physical therapy for 6 weeks but that didn't help much so I just left it alone and it finally just went away. My plan is to start at the 50 but not push it, maybe a half dozen shots and see how it feels after that then go from there.

I also had rotator cuff problems (in both shoulders) that didn't heal much before I quit physical therapy, but they seemed to heal on their own within a few months afterwards.  I'd suggest waiting a couple days after your initial shooting session to make sure you're good to go, and then keep it at 50 lbs. for a few more shooting sessions before increasing the poundage.  You've got plenty of time to work your way up there to 60.

[Encore 280]

Thanks for all the info. Yeah I don't plan on rushing it at all. Just going to take my time and get the un-used muscles in shape and in working order one day at a time.

[jkthomps]

Nice purchase! Bummer to read about your recurve... good luck on your future outings!

[Encore 280]

Thanks!! Just got it in the mail today then took it in to have it set up for me and got some arrows and everything I need for it. Tomorrow I'll see how it's gonna work out. I miss that recurve and I'm thinking that I may just buy one in the future.