Recurve suggestions

[LeviD1]

So for the past couple years I have been wanting to buy a traditional bow. I am thinking a recurve since I like how it is not quite as long as a long bow. As far as traditional bow knowledge I possess it is slim to none. I want to buy a bow that I will be able to hunt with once I am comfortable with it. I don't want to buy a "beginner" bow that I will want to replace in a year. But buy a good bow I can learn with and use for years. Please correct me if I'm wrong but it seems like the higher end bows are around $400ish. I don't know how draw length differs shooting traditional but my draw length with a compound is 29". I'm thinking of a recurve with a 60 lb draw as I shoot 70 lbs on my compound all day. I am looking for any suggestions as to what bows I should check out and consider with this criteria. I'm left handed as well if that matters at all with availability. Thank you.

[luckyman]

You can find new and used Recurves on ebay in that price range.   A new or used Bear would be good.
I see them listed on here from time to time. New Recurves can easily go from $1,000.and up.
 You might want to try pulling 60# to anchor first to see how it feels.

[quadrafire]

Start with one in the 40 lb range at the beginning for working on form and consistency. Then pick up your heavier bow later for hunting.
If you can find copies of these http://www.3riversarchery.com/masters-of-the-barebow-complete-dvd-set.html   they are well worth the watch.
I have a set, but they are loaned out right now or i'd send them your way.

[Special T]

Where are you located?
I think a Samic Sage is a great bow for the $. An aluminium riser will make for bow that shoots better. Check out Archery Talk you may be able to find a good deal on a LH bow there.

I shoot a 60lb compound and own a 45lb Samic Sage. 45lbs is about perfect for being light enough to develope good form but strong enough to shoot well.

[724wd]

your draw length will likely be shorter with a recurve.  as stated, start low and work up.  pick a bow with a longer OAL, something in the 60-66" range?  I have a short IMF Wing 40 pound bow i bought for $50 and while it shoots fine, it's very twitchy.  the longer recurves i have don't have that problem.  I would suggest a takedown, and get a low pound set of limbs (30-ish pounds) to start.  You'll need to shoot A LOT to get consistent and the lighter limbs will allow you to shoot more.  Then get a heavier set for when you feel comfortable and want to hunt.  but you'll have to practice A LOT with your heavy limbs, too.  Can't just screw them on and go hunting without lots of practice.  trad archery is a whole different ballgame from compound!  If you can, find a riser with ILF limb pockets.  Opens up a whole big world to what limbs you buy.

[LeviD1]

Shooting a lot and practicing won't be a problem. I shoot my compound a ton already. I have been Archery hunting for 12 years now. Just ready for the next challenge. Thanks for all your suggestions. I like the idea of the removable limbs. But honestly I really don't think I'll have a problem shooting in that 55-60 lb range. I work on my bow muscles often not just by shooting a lot.

[Fl0und3rz]

Take a look at the tradtech risers.

[LeviD1]

Thanks for the trad tech info. Those look pretty sweet. Definitely gonna keep those in mind.

[Fl0und3rz]

Thanks for the trad tech info. Those look pretty sweet. Definitely gonna keep those in mind.

I have not got into archery yet, but I like the recommended idea of being able to learn with lightweight limbs and moving up.  They are just a bit out of my budget right now.

[Bofire]

  I have been looking at Sage recurves, they are take down, very well rated, the limbs are changeable to other weights. Bow is around $150.00, extra limbs about $50.00 per set. It was explained to me  that the draw weight is based on 28 inch for all recurves, if you pull more you will have more power. Sage is all set up for sights, reels etc. The one I looked at is 62 inch. They are aluminum risers I think. Think I might get one.
Carl

     http://www.bestrecurvebowguide.com/best-samick-sports-recurve-bows-reviews-accessories/

[LeviD1]

The thing that got me on those sage bows is that it said it's a Korean company. I would much rather buy an American made bow. Just a preference.

[Special T]

Most of thier risers are wood. The Samic Sage is for sure

[Bofire]

I did not see they were Korean. now I have doubt also
Carl

[724wd]

the koreans are HARD CORE trad archers!    WIN & WIN, Samik, and several other companies are Korean based.  They make a great product.  And LeviD1, I know you said you'd be fine shooting with heavier limbs, but the lighter limbs will allow you to work on your form and release without fatigue, and form and release have to be mastered.  I'd encourage you to not poo-poo lighter limbs    they'll make you a better archer!

[Bofire]

 Risers are apparently many materials?? I really like being able to get different limbs
 
    http://www.samicksports.com/

Carl

[jbeaumont21]

This one seems interesting.

https://www.southwestarcheryusa.com/collections/recurve-bows/products/southwest-archery-spyder-takedown-recurve-bow?variant=18230240325

[LeviD1]

Any other good brands? Kinda leaning toward non wood riser just for durability and longevity. Any other good brands besides samick? Just trying to search for options.

[Bofire]

if you look on that Samic link they show alloy risers for some samic bows

[WapitiTalk1]

Levi, here you go brother. Why not go with the best? From my home town in the Big Sky state, .........

http://www.schafersilvertipbows.com

[quadrafire]

Levi, here you go brother. Why not go with the best? From my home town in the Big Sky state, .........

http://www.schafersilvertipbows.com

A buddy of mine has one. NICE

[LeviD1]

Levi, here you go brother. Why not go with the best? From my home town in the Big Sky state, .........

http://www.schafersilvertipbows.com

Wow those are some beautiful looking bows!

[Cab]

If i was you I would get a mid 70's bear grizzly at 50-55lbs. you can get one for around $150 honestly you cant go wrong with old bear bows. if you spend a little more I would get a 1964 bear kodiak its just an incredible bow.

[tlbradford]

Any other good brands? Kinda leaning toward non wood riser just for durability and longevity. Any other good brands besides samick? Just trying to search for options.

I shoot my dad's longbow that was built in '79.  It is wood and glass.  A quality made bow will last a long time.

[Sandberm]

If i was you I would get a mid 70's bear grizzly at 50-55lbs. you can get one for around $150 honestly you cant go wrong with old bear bows. if you spend a little more I would get a 1964 bear kodiak its just an incredible bow.

My bro in law had a Bear Grizzly,55lbs I believe. Great shooting bow. He now has a custom made longbow that some guy on the upper pen in Michigan made him. 50lbs. It is sooooooooo light. It feels like nothing and shoots great. I wanna say he paid $700 for it.

[AWS]

For a hunting bow don't buy an aluminum riser, they are just plain miserable in the cold.  I know little about compound other than they are easy to hold on full draw.  I hunted with a bow in the 1950's, 60's and 70's pre compound era for both big game, small game(even pheasant) and belonged to a archery hunting club.  I started with a ParX 50# bow, aluminum grip and magnesium limbs, it was the coldest bow to hunt with, I tried wrapping the handle with sheep skin, you name it the cold just seemed to seep into my hand no matter what I did, hated that bow in the winter and bought a Bear Grizzly 55#, best thing I ever did as far as archery hunting.

I did end up with a compound in the early 1980's a fellow traded one in on a rifle at my shop, I believe it was a 60# Martin, so easy to hold on a full draw and accuracy was unreal, I could keep arrows in a paper plate to 70 yards, as good as shotgun slug of the day.  I only kept it for a short time as I could no longer archery hunt for deer.

I did see one of the early Kodiak Magnums with the metal strip in them delaminate in a fellows hand at one of our club practice sessions, it took a lot of stitches to put his hand back together.

[luckyman]

Take a look at this bow.
 http://www.greatreearchery.com/viewproduct.asp?menu_id=2&category_id=1&itemtype_id=4&item_id=30&pgsize=&t=
I have around 20 recurve and longbows and this one is my go to bow. Its the fastest hardest hitting of what I have. It cost around $250. It's a one piece which to me means its lighter in the hand and sexier to look at then a take down. Its about twice the price as the Samic Sage and will kick the Sage to the curb.The Sage is a cheap bow and shoots good for what you get but is probably my least favorite to shoot. I have a couple older Bear Kodiaks that I really like also.