Trad Gang

Hi everyone!

I'm quite new to this. I've been interested in archery forever, but never found the opportunity to start. I recently moved to northern Iowa for a summer job and when I found out that my room mates all bowhunt, I knew it was time to try. I located a local man who started the archery in schools program and yesterday he gave me a free lesson with his genesis (compound) bows. As I expected, he suggested that I buy my own equipment ASAP.

This guy happens to be a Hoyt dealer, and so we discussed compound options. I didn't bring up the fact that I am more interested in learning on a recurve, but the more I thought about it afterwards, the more I'd like to learn on a recurve. (Eventually I'd like to be able to hunt with whatever bow I purchase...once I'm good enough)

I haven't heard back from the guy about his suggestions, I know Hoyt makes two hunting recurves, but I think they may be a little out of my league.

So, I'm a 20 yr. old female, 5'3" tall, right-handed, and have a 26" draw length. I figure something in the range of 35-40# would be good because then I could eventually hunt deer with it.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a good bow for me?

The price I was quoted for all the compound stuff I would need is $600, so if I could get all the recurve equipment for less than that I'd be a happy camper.

Thanks!

Welcome!
Great Tree makes some great starter bows, at a nice price(3 rivers archery).
I personally shoot and love the Hoyt recurves. Right now im shooting the Gamemaster II, which you can get into for about $450.00.
No expert here, but your probably going to want to start out with something in the 20-30# range.
Developing form and strength, thus working your way up to a hunting weight.
Others here will give you more bow suggestions.
Good luck, and keep us posted.
                             Steve.

First of all, welcome. You've come to the right place for your questions. I'm sure there will be tons of folks coming to answer all your questions. You should be able to outfit yourself for well under $600. Check out the classifieds and post a "want" add in there. There have been a number of times beginners were completely outfitted on here for little or no money.

My wife's spec's are similar to yours.  She started out with a 30# recurve but was dissappointed because it was "too weak".  I recently picked her up a second hand longbow like mine that is 45#.  She loves it and it fits her very well.  Because it fits her well, she has more confidence in it and shoots it much better than the recurve.  She just shot her first 3D shoot last weekend ans is already asking when the next one is.  To save some money you might check out the classifieds here.  You can find a good bow for less than the new price and without the wait.

Welcome Sarah! You've come to the right place. There are a bunch of fellow Trad Gangers from Iowa and other places that can help you tremendously.Stay away from the bows with training wheels you don't need them. Take a look on the Trad Gang Bow Classifieds there are great bargins there. Look for a recurve with those specs that your comfortable with money wise and weight wise.I'm sure there might even be some Iowa Folks willing to get together and let you shoot some of there bows . Are there any Trad Shops around you? Try  to shoot as many bows as you can to help your decision. Some of our Bowyer Sponsors offer a try before you buy bow. I'm sure some bowyers will chime in and help you out also. I hope I helped.

If you're close to the Des Moines area I think there used to be a traditional shop, but I can't remeber the name.  It would be a good place to try out some different bows.

Thanks for such speedy replies, keep em' coming!

wislnwings: you said your wife was unhappy with the 30#, do you think she could have started off at the higher weight?

I keep coming back to the Dorado. It seems like a lot of people think it's a good bow. I'll see what the dealer says. I really respect his opinion and would love to support his business even if it's more pricey than going the classified route.

I read an article yesterday about using heavier arrows instead of lighter ones on lighter draw weights like what I'd be shooting. It can be found here:  http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:meiv8fxW_dQJ:www.huntingfortomorrow.com/women_files/You%27re%2520hunting%2520with%2520THAT.doc+recurve+woman+hunt&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3&gl=us&clie nt=firefox-a (http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:meiv8fxW_dQJ:www.huntingfortomorrow.com/women_files/You%27re%2520hunting%2520with%2520THAT.doc+recurve+woman+hunt&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3&gl=us&client=firefox-a)

Any thoughts? What do the women in your lives prefer?

Yes, she had shot some of my 50# bows prior.  Their wieght was too much for her to be comfortable with.  The 30# turned out to be too light, so it was kind of trial and error to find her comfortable wieght range.  She does not hunt so arrow wight has not been much of a concern.  As long as the arrow is tuned to the bow and she gets good flight we're happy.  For hunting I like an arrow that is around 11-12 per pound of draw wieght.  That's just my opinion.

Sarah, your specs are very close to mine, well, except the age thing...  :rolleyes:  Feel free to PM me and ask questions.

I went to the Trad Club forum and did a search. Here is a trad organization in your state. I went to the shoot schedule calendar and came up with this. You can navigate the site from there.

http://hawkeyemail.net/iba/iba_calendar.htm


The most valuable thing that you can do is find trad shoots and get your hands on as many bows as you can. Your small stature makes shorter bows acceptable, (while longer bows are more forgiving, a short draw removes the discomfort of finger pinch) and you will likely be looking for a grip that is not too huge for your hand. Only you will be able to tell if a riser feels to heavy in the hand, or is so light that your bow hand flies all over the place.

I have evolved through solid fiberglass bows into mid-sixties and seventies Ben Pearsons, Damon Howatts and Bears, into Morrisons and Centaurs.

My favorite "cheapie" bows are Bear Kodiak Magnums, Grizzlies, and Super Kodiaks, favorite Ben Pearson is a Colt 707 I got when I was fifteen. I got a BP All-American from a deadbeat-unit-sale at a mini-warehouse and it shoots real well, too.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Killdeer/Misspent%20Youth/1975BParchery.jpg)

These are just some ideas I'm throwing out there, there are other members with more up-to-date info on starter three-piece recurves, which ones are made the best, shoot the smoothest and have the best warranties/service. The tip about placing an ad in the trad bow want-ads is a good one, too.

Be sure to read the warnings at the beginning of the forum.
Killdeer  :campfire:

Saw this on the St. Judes auction and figured you might want to take a look.  Good price and a good cause as well.

http://tradgang.net/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=121;t=000010

Start out light like 35# my wife and daughter both shoot some, I started my daughter out with a 40# and soon discovered it was to much for her so we dropped down to 35# for her and my wife. That weight seems to be the ticket for beginners. Look for a good used bow to get you started, glad to have you join our camp   :campfire:      (http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y275/420W/BeckyatHawkeye.jpg)

Welcome to the Gang Sarah!!!! There is a lot of good talk and good people to get you started.

Hi Sarah, and welcome to the gang. I'll put in my two cents here. Listen to what Stone Knife said. Please don't think you have to get a heavy bow straight away. You can buy a light weight bow, develop your form without risk of injury or getting frustrated. Then when you are comfortable with your shooting, and want to try going up in weight, you will have no problem selling the bow to help pay for your next one.
I hate hearing about people that give up archery because they couldn't get confident with the bow, just because it was too heavy for them.
Have fun with your archery and always remember that this is one of the best places to get advice and encouragement.
   :wavey:

Welcome aboard Sarah.  If you are around Des Moines check out Barfoot Traditions.  They have alot of used bows and an indoor range to try them out.  If you are close to the MN border you can check out The Footed Shaft in Rochester and Lamont has alot of used bows to try out also.  Just missed the ITBS trad shoot in Ames on Memorial Day weekend.  Otherwise I would start out with a cheaper used bow, till you decide exact what you like and what works for you.
Chris

Sarah,
Please, do not over bow yourself in the beginning! It will ruin your form and confidence! As noted you will be able to get set up petty inexspensively to start. A 30# bow with apropriate arrrows will shoot just as fast as a 40-50#er. Shoot the light bow intill your form is just a natural thing to do for you. There are many top shooters on this sight that will be more than willing to help you if you ask. once you are confident in you form (consistant) and want to move up in wt. for a hunting bow then go for it! You should easilly be able to get set up with two bows (light & heavy) for under $600.00. Get the light one and wait a while and try out as many bows as you can before you buy the heavy one so that you get the right bow for you to hunt with... Above all else, keep it fun!

The classifieds here will get you more than set-up for under $600. You can also buy a new Quinn for under $300 and have a bow you can get heavier limbs for as you get stronger and have a real shooter of a bow.

I agree with Vermonster.I was also going to suggest a Quinn Stallion.I would start with about 30# at 28" limbs for a 60" bow.You really need a light weight to learn good form.If you think at all about the weight of holding the string at full draw it is too heavy to learn on.

The Quinn Stallion is about $250 new with a warranty.It would allow you to get a set of heavier limbs later and limbs aren't too expensive for that bow.

The Quinn really is a bow that shoots as well as many much more expensive bows.Just do a search on Quinn and see.

Thanks everyone again for the advice! It's nice to hear similar stories of women getting setup. Encouraging too.

If I went with the Quinn, wouldn't I want something heavier than 30# since I would really only be pulling 24# at 26"?

I'm going to take your good advice and try for a used bow (or perhaps a Quinn). The Footed Shaft is not too far but it will take me a week before I will be able to get up there.

Until then, my ears are wide open for more advice.

Go with a Quinn.  Buy one set of light limbs and then get a hunting weight set. Thats what I would do.

Sarah
When you get ready to hunt you will want to pull as much weight as you can accuratly shoot.The problem is that if you try to learn shooting using too much weight you will learn bad habits.It doesn't matter if you can pull it easily enough.If you learn what a good shot sequence feels like with a light weight bow,when you go to heavier limbs it will have become automatic and the weight won't matter as much.

You can learn on any bow light enough, but for the price and the ability of a takedown bow to go up in weight after you learn shooting,it will be very hard to beat the Quinn.

IMHO it would even do some of the stronger men good to practice with a light weight bow.

Quinn is an outstanding bow!

Sarah

welcome to Iowa! Lots of traditional shooting going on here. The Footed Shaft in Rochester, MN is a great place to go and try some used bows. LeMont is a fine fellow and will steer you right. If you are not too far from Iowa City, you can come on down and shoot.

Most bows are measured at 28" draw length so you will be pulling about 6 lbs less at your 26" draw. A bow in the 35-45(@28") range would be fine for learning and eventual hunting.

Going to a traditional 3-D shoot is a fun way to get to try lots of bows and get some pointers not to mention meet lots of folks.

My girl has an interest too, so I got her a Jack Howard Classic, she loves it!
(http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l182/highcountry_photos/IMG_0576-1.jpg)

And; several O.L. Adcock's, original and Dave's Schafer Silver Tips, some Black Widows, Groves, original Bighorn, Matlock,and a few others. She just has to grow into them.

Welcome Sarah
it sounds like you are close to Lake Mills, a trip to Rochester Mn, the Footed Shafthe usually has a number of used bows on hand. Pm me and I will give you his address and phone. just a thought..

Sarah,I am from Mn and also would recomend the footed shaft.He usually has good selection and great to deal with.Also Coon Rapids club has trad. 3-D shoot fathers day weekend,lots usually available there as well. Good luck.cornfed

I've got the address for the Footed Shaft and will make a trip up there as soon as I can (probably next weekend). Hopefully I'll come back and be ready to shoot on my own!

What sorts of questions do you ask before you buy a bow (or what sorts of questions should I ask...)?

Also, is there anything specific I should be looking for in any of the specs?

I've seen a lot of bow materials (metal, wood, glass etc.) listed on bow specs, do materials matter?

Where are you in Northern IA? The reason I ask is I know of a Hoyt dealer you has Genisis bows to get people started but is pro-compound in Lake Mills IA, (Great guy BTW, Just not a trad shooter)if you are in the Lake Mills area let me know. I have a good friend there whos wife, son and daughter all shoot trad and I am sure they can help you out, I have built them all alot of bows over the years so they may have a loaner laying around to. I am about 15 miles south of them.

"Can I try this one?"

Killdeer  :bigsmyl:

Jason,
I'm in Lake Mills. the Hoyt Dealer you are thinking of is probably the guy I know, John Carlson. He is a great guy.

I would love to get the information for that family you know! I'll PM you right away.

  :)

QuoteOriginally posted by Sarah:

What sorts of questions do you ask before you buy a bow (or what sorts of questions should I ask...)?

Have the dealer or seller check you for eye dominance. I know you said you are right handed but with traditional bows it doesn't matter so much. Both hands will be doing something that feels strange in the beginning. My wife and daughter are right handed but left eye dominant so they shoot "left handed" (i.e. hold the bow in the right hand to align the arrow under their dominant, left, eye.) It's confusing, I know but easy to check. Any trad dealer should be able to help you.
It's worth repeating the advice to start with light weight bows. I know how you feel, when I started I wanted the heaviest bow I could draw back. I think most people begin that way. Please trust on this one start light #25 or #30 @ 28 is not too light to start with. And ask for advice on form. Archers love to spread the addiction.    :D   The more advice you get in the beginning the less you'll have to unlearn later.
Aram

Well said, Aram. You always come up with something pertinent and wise.

Killdeer  :thumbsup:

Aram (and Killdeer):

Hah! I've just had a revelation. All this time I thought I was right eye dominant, but whenever I've done the test (for fun, you know it just gets brought up sometimes) I was doing it wrong!

I just redid it correctly and am left-eye dominant.

How does this change things?

That all depends on what aiming method you use to shoot with.

?

Some say that with instinctive shooting it doesn't matter which eye is dominant so shoot from your physically dominant side. If you gap shoot, split gap, etc. Having the dominant eye closer to the string makes life and hitting much easier.

i am right handed but left eye dominat, i believe you will definitly want a right handed bow unless you are left handed? i can shoot both right and left handed but not to well lefty.

Sarah is is GOOD to see you here!!! WELCOME!!!  :thumbsup:

Sarah my wife is right handed and left eye dominant.  She shoots right handed because when she tried a left handed bow it felt odd to her and she couldn't hit the broadside of a barn.  Shooting right handed was where her strength was and she feels confident.  Funny thing though, she shoots a shotgun for sporting clays left handed.

Sarah,
Welcome! You are getting lots of good advice here. Your specs are similar to mine also "except for the age thing". I was on my own when I started. I'm helping my niece get started and she is coming along alot faster than I ever did. So I'm sure you will do great. There are some nice starter bows you can get for around $200.00. The Great Tree Deermaster from 3RA is one that I can recommend. If you can make it to some shoots, that would be good. I think my best advice would be to work on form and don't worry about accuracy until your form is pretty good. I love to help getting new ones started so if there is anything I can do to help let me know. Feel free to pm me. I may have some equipment that needs a new home.
:archer:

b.glass:

The Deermaster looks like a beautiful bow (but what do i know!). What makes you recommend it?

Most people start with a right handed bow because it's the most available (someone in the family shoots one or they've seen people shoot that way. We do learn a lot just by watching others.) Once you get used to shooting one way it's a lot harder to switch to a dominant eye. It would feel awkward and inaccurate. Still some people go through the trouble of switching and it does ultimately improve their shooting. it just takes a year or two  :(
Shooting cross dominant is possible but in my experience it's a lot easier to start with the eye dominance. It will give you a lot more aiming options and even with instinctive aiming it will improve your range. The only "draw back" (pun alarm    :rolleyes: ) is at 3D shoots most bows will be right handed and you don't get to try as many (though lefties have the coolest bows    :thumbsup: )

oh boy. i can see this decision is going to be fun.

since I don't really have any "habits" formed yet as far as archery handedness goes (except for what I perceive to be "normal"), would it make sense to just start out with lefty bows so that I can start off on the "right foot"?

I do like the idea of strengthening my left arm...

Welcome Sarah....you're in good hands here.  Great folks here at Trad and with a ton of knowledge.  I'll be following this one as well.  My girlfriend has taken a huge interest in trad archery since I got started.  I've recently been searching for a bow to surprise her with.  This post will definitely help my decision.

Good luck and have fun!

CJ

Sarah, My wife just started to shoot as well.  She is 5'0" and draws 24" long.  The bow I had made for her is 28#@24" which would be around 40#@28".  I think this is a really good place for a beginner to start.

Sarah
You need to get somewhere you can try and shoot left and right handed bows.If left feels too akward to you it will be ok to shoot right handed.I've heard of fine archers that shot right handed with left eye dominance.

Welcome aboard! I would try as many bows as you can before you commit to buying. RH, LH, longbows, recurves...
Good luck on your newly acquired hobby, and you are at the right place for questions to get answered. (You could also save a lot of cash by checking the classifieds here)  :wavey:

The Deermaster recurve is inexpensive and you can get it in a lower poundage. My daughter shoots one and does well with it. I put elk antler burrs on the limb bolts yesterday and it looks too cool! I will try to post pics later. One down fall is that you can't buy limbs only. You would have to buy another whole bow. But that has advantages too. Besides you can have two of three bows for the price of one. Not that you would want that many of the same bow!
 :saywhat:

I also recommend the Quinn bows. That's what I bought as a beginner and continue to shoot. I have since bought higher poundage limbs for the bow. I think the grip is also smaller than alot of wood bows, which may or may not be more comfortable for you.

Quinn bows is also a great Mom and Pop shop out of Texas. They are very nice people who respond quickly to emails and phone calls. Feel free to contact them with any questions. They will be more than happy to help you out and offer advice. One of the Quinn daughters is a national champion archer who shoots a Quinn Comet XL that only costs $220 new. The standard Comet is only $160 and is offered in weights from 15-35lb.

Here's a link to their web site:
 http://www.quinnsarchery.com/quinn\\'s_archery_002.htm

Hi Sarah, you just missed the Iowa Traditional Bowhunter Society's annual rendezvous in Ames.  It's a really fun shoot.  I would ditto Iowa Lefty's suggestion to check out Bearfoot Traditions in Des Moines or The Footed Shaft in Rochester MN.  If you are planning to make the trip to Des Moines better get directions to Bearfoot.  It's a bit of trick to find, but well worth it.  Tom, the owner, would be very helpful in getting you set up with a bow that fits you.

Hi & welcome Sarah, I'd suggest drawing back both left & right handed bows & going with what feels most natural to you. I'm left eye dominant but shoot as well both left & right handed & shoot instinctively.
The best advise has already been given, seek out traditional shooters & simply ask for some help. I'd also recommend taking some shooting instruction & try & nail down good form from the start. A good solid foundation now will stand you in good stead for the rest of your life, then it's just a joy to pick up a stick & string.

Good luck & all the best - Q.

Hi Sarah.
A left handed bow no more than 30# would be my best suggestion. I have taught many women how to shoot but we wont go in to that... Also I would not start off with big heavy arrows at first. You will be severly disadvantaged with heavy arrows at that bow weight. Some light easton  redline carbon arrows in 1000 deflection or 780's might work if you leave them long. Worry about a hunting setup later.

Sarah, Welcome. I won't add any more info since it seems you have plenty to deal with. Hope you find some thing you like and continue to enjoy archery and this forum. Tradgang has changed my perspective on archery forever.

Oh Sarah!!   :eek:  I forgot to tell ya.... You've gone and done it now- you are soooooooo hooked!!!  :bigsmyl:    :campfire:    :archer:

Sarah, I have a 35# Indian Archery semi-static recurve. It is nice and straight and a very good shooter, it would be around 30#s at your draw. It is quick and quiet and has a new string. You are more than Welcome to have it and learn proper form and shooting techniques. I will also send ya a tab to go with it. Ya can get yourself some 1816's cut to 28"s or so with 125 grain points and you will be good to go. All I ask is ya pass the bow on to someone else to learn on when you are done. This will be a very cheap way to get started with a nice little shooter!! If you are interested PM me and I will get your addy and send the bow out by the end of the week! Shawn

Welcome Sarah.      Just north of you, in Mn. Definately worth a drive to The Footed Shaft, Lamont WILL NOT steer you wrong! Shoot both handed while you are there and see what feels more natural. Good luck and have fun.

BTW  Coon Rapids Traditional Shoot is coming up, fairly big event in Mn. for traditional archers. Quite a few bow vendors will be there as well as Lamont.

By the way the bow is a righty and I think you should shoot right handed if you are right handed. I know plenty of people who are left eye dominant and shoot righty as it is more natural for theem and lends to good form and such. Shawn

:thumbsup:  to Shawn.

I got a message back from the Hoyt dealer today, he suggested that I stick to compound as I would be more satisfied...    :saywhat:

Like I told b.glass: I want to develop a skill, not just own a weapon!  

I PMed Shawn about his bow.

Anyway, I'm very curious about this LH/RH thing and want desperately to check out a shoot. Jason or northener, how to I find out more about the shoot in Coon Rapids, MN? Anyone in the area feel like carpooling?

As always, thanks for all your help and suggestions. It's nice to have this much support.

Sarah i have 6 new carbon express heritage 150  arrows and some used magnus stinger broadheads that i can flech up for you if you would like them, there yours. PM ME

sure thing.

Way to go Shawn!
Sarah, in Army Basic, they made us figure out which eye was dominant, and shoot accordingly. Left eye shot left handed, etc. I think it hurt more than it helped. I couldnt hit anything lefthanded, but qualified expert when I switched back to rigthand(and that was a gun "easier" than a bow I think)...shoot what is comfortable, your brain will adjust to whichever way you go. Dont sweat the small stuff....everything is small stuff. Just shoot, use good form and the rest will come.

When I was shooting compound with the Hoyt dealer, I kept closing my left eye in order to focus properly (with my non-dominant right eye). I assume this could be considered bad form because my depth perception would be reduced.

At the time I thought nothing of it because I thought I was right eye dominant, but now after thinking about it, I can see that being quite a handicap later on when it counts in the field.

Any thoughts on that?

That you have to close your left eye indicates the extent of your left eye dominance. Were I starting fresh, as I am also left eye dominant, I would try a left handed bow.

My dominance is enough that I have to think about it to SEE through my right in order to aim. Otherwise, I just naturally use my left, or both. In a hunting situation, you don't have time for those shenanigans. I have shot right-handed for so many years that whatever my aiming system is (I am afraid to analyze it!!) has adapted to my eyes' condition.

If you have to squint or close the offside eye, you are sufficiently handicapped so as to seriously consider a lefty (or "correct", as a minority here would say) bow. Lucky you, you have a chance to start out correctly.

The other option wold be to buy an old double shelf Cub or Grizzly from the 1950s, and switch hit at will.

Killdeer

A compound shooter usually closes their off eye to be able to focus through the peep. Instincitive shooting doesnt require that.
I would still suggest trying both LH and RH bows, and go from there.
Either way you choose, you will love it.
Good luck on your journey.
Killy....you mean you didnt mean to hit either of those running rabbits???? I for one thought you were a very good shot.

Hee hee! Between you, me and Shawn, poor Sarah's head must be reeling! You and Shawn both make very valid points. Only Sarah will be able to feel what will be right for her.

Archery, like any shooting sport, is mostly a mental challenge. It is a very lonely journey, but the rewards are very real, and custom-made for the individual. We can point out the roads, but the traveller must choose. Well, unless they pay us to coach...

I've only done this for 43 years, and I'm not qualified to coach.    
Killdeer

Get the DVD "Masters of the Barebow" volume 1. Its a good shooting video that will help you learn the different styles of shooting. There is a lady from Alabama that shoots 3D tournaments very succesfuly that hasnt been shooting for very long that tells about her style of shooting a takedown longbow. And make sure you get an arm guard to wear before trying out all these bows.

welcome to the family so many bows to look at and try boy you are going to have fun.  :biglaugh:

Welcome aboard, Sarah...Glad you are choosing the traditional route.

David

Let me throw in my .02 worth


One of the best shooters I know is left eyed, but shoots right handed..BUT he had to overcome some issues to become one of the best! Why not start out left handed to match your dominate eye and save the headaches?

Sarah, Hello & Welcome to the camp fire @ this Pow wow.... When finding a bow it is best to try as many as you can.....A recurved bow is closer to a wheelie bow in the handle, but You might find a long bow shoots better in Your hands... Good Luck...

Sarah - I didn't notice this thread until today so maybe one of the other Iowans on here has already volunteered this info... the Iowa Traditional Bowhunters Society (ITBS) has a website at  www.iowatbs.com (http://www.iowatbs.com)  where you can find out about them.  Myself and a few of the other club directors float around the forums on a half regular basis.  
The annual Rendezvous just happened in Ames over Memorial Day weekend, but the upcoming shoot in Coon Rapids, MN is supposed to be a good one from what I hear (June 14 & 15) and isn't horribly far away.  I'm going to try and make it up there this year.  
If you're looking for any other ITBS specific info don't hesitate to send me a PM.
Happy shooting!
Mark

Hey All,

Just a bit of an update.

I managed to get off work early today and zipped up to the Footed Shaft.

Unfortunately, Lamont didn't have any lefty bows in stock. Also we discovered that my draw length is shorter than 28" (I think 26 or 24...) and talked about how going lefty would mean a lower draw weight while I work up the strength on my left side.

Since he didn't have anything to sell me, he said to wait for the Coon Rapids shoot and see what they have up there. He gave me a loaner bow (30#) to start getting some strength in my left arm with.

The bow he gave me can shoot either way, so I think I'm just going to practice both sides so that I can remember form on my right and try to translate it to my left.

(I'm still very bare bones, as I only have one crappy carbon arrow that my room mates found in the backyard and nothing else...I'll aquire some soon   ;)   )

If anyone wants to carpool to the Coon Rapids shoot, PM me.

PM me your address and I'll send you some better than crappy woodies you can shoot with until you get settled in.

Sarah other have probally said this already.

some of us shoot right handed and are left eye dom.

I do, and probally couldn't shoot left handed if my life depended on it.

Just something to think about, if it feels natural I'd go with it.

But hey thats just my 2cents

Welcome aboard buy the way.

Sarah, looks like you have a lot of responses and I didn't have time to read through them all but I wanted to help if I could. My wife has small hands and is 5'3" also and she prefers bows with smaller handles on them. She has 2 Saxon recurves that fit her hand great and they are 35# and 44# at 24" draw.

Welcome Sarah,

I am right handed and shoot left handed because I am left eye dominant. In the end you will do what is most comfortable for you, but I would strongly recommend you go the lefty route if it works for you. In the long run your overall shooting accuracy should be noticably better if you shoot your dominant side. I know many have mastered it otherwise but for the vast majority accuracy is higher shooting dominant eye. Have fun.

I can send you a FRED BEAR 64 IN 40##28 IF YOU WANNA TRY IT. it's a sweet shooten bow and not to heavey for you to get your form down the right way???THIS BOW IS A LEFTY

Hey Sarah - you might wanna think about this beauty and helping out the St Judes kids

Only a few minutes left to bid

http://tradgang.net/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=122;t=000129

Thanks everyone again for your excellent advice (and equipment offers). You're a top notch lot.

I wanted to update you on the goings-on in my archery adventures.

Dean has been so kind as to set me up with a 62" Fred Bear Grizzly 42# @ 28" (I'm still not quite sure exactly what my draw is, maybe 24"...) and between that and the lovely woodies vermonster sent me, I'm ready to practice like mad.

I'm headed to the shoot in Coon Rapids this weekend, I'm guessing I'll be there Saturday making the rounds.

So far I'm loving the sport and can't wait to improve. Thanks for a good welcome.      :archer:

Good Man That Dean Sarah! Enjoy and enjoy Coon Rapids. You have alot of fun.