First recurve

[highmuley]

So last year I was supposed to dedicate myself to persuing elk with my bow. Life being what it is....I lost sight of this goal. I have set this goal this year (someone please periodically PM me to remind me to stay focused on this goal!!!!!). However, I really want to shoot a recurve instead of my compound. I really like the Martin Diablo (plus it's a local company).Does anyone have a review of this bow OR any suggestions on a quality recurve for under $300? Please let me know folks. Thank you in advance.

[Special T]

Did you shoot a compound before a re-curve? I don't plan on big game hunting just small game. I bought a Samic Sage. For around $225 you can get a bow, half a doz arrows, finger glove and a stringer. I got mine in a 45lb poundage. It is MUCH harder to get good shooting habits with a heavy  lb bow in a re curve. start with a bow that you can get light the work up th elbs with heavyer limbs.

[dreamunelk]

Follow Special T's advice.  You can always go to a more expensive bow later if you get hooked.  If you do get hooked you might as well plan on an addition or new shop.  It is just as addictive as reloading and guns.  If you are like me you just can't kick any of the addictions so..............

[carpsniperg2]

I really do not like the feel of the modern recurve bows. I have owned the dorado, game master and game master II. I have shot the buffalo as well. Why I shoot them well.  I really like the older style recurve's. For 300.00 there is some great used bows out there. A lot of the older bears can be bought used in good shape for around 300.00.

[dreamunelk]

DON'T look on ebay.  One bow turns into two and then three and then things go exponential!   You can also try a longbow.  Much lighter to pack around and makes a decent walking stick.  Occasionally you may get close enough to shoot.

[Stick em]

Stay away from Martin. It took me almost 4 months to have my limbs replaced. These were 45# stock, prefabbed and hanging in there shop limbs. I had a dealer repeatedly call (after waiting 2 months) Martin until the limbs shipped. My buddy had the same problem with their compound department. He had his limbs replaced 3 times and finally they shipped him a different bow. They kept his riser without asking. Go for a Hoyt and you'll be happy

[highmuley]

Excellent advice folks! Really appreciate it. I have looked at used bows (even on eBay) and I am not opposed to a used bow at all. The concern of course is with damaged limbs. My favorite descriptions are "in great condition. Minor harline fractures on limbs" or "vintage bow"....and than the price triples cause its "vintage". Keep the info comin folks!

[coxral]

Check your draw length! Usually a little shorter traditional than compound. Duane Spangler taught me that one.  SO, a 45# at 28" is less at say 26" is roughly 40#'s +/-! Gotta stay at/above 40# at YOUR draw length to be legal. Although I've never heard anyone being checked here. Also, check the Leatherwall (traditional forum) classifeids, great deals. They also have swap n trades! Got a nice 70's Bear Grizzly recurve for $110! Good luck! And as said previously, you're gonna get addicted!!!

[wideleft]

I hunt with a 50# Martin X-200.  I really enjoy shooting it and it must weight in at 4lbs or less with a quiver full of arrows.  Great bow to get started with and you can usually find them online for a great deal. Good luck with your search.

[TONTO]

 Started out a few tears back shooting my late fathers 1966 grizzly, but felt I was over drawing the 58" bow so last year I found a 1969 Bear Alaskan in an antique shop, it's 62" 50#@28 got a pretty good price on a fairly rare bow. Alaskan's aren't realy colector items but not many made in hunting wieght. Hoping to fill my late cow with it and move on. Been eyeing a 1970 super kodiak Got a big pile of seasoning staves I've been collecting, next phase I hope is making meat with a home made stick.