I will be travelling in CA, AZ, OH & NV states in August; are there any good places to buy trad stuff (maybe in central CA)?
Many thanks for any help!
NO...
All the California shops I'm aware of cater mainly to compound shooters, and some, like my local store, Wilderness Archery, also have a small selection of trad gear.
It's a little out of your way, but since you're coming all the way from Finland....if there is any way, try to arrange a visit to Raptor Archery in Hood River, Oregon, owned by Ted Fry. Raptor Archery is so much more than a trad archery shop; it is really a trad archery museum.
There are a few of us trad shooters spread around the state. Let me know if your trip takes you near Sacramento, and I'll be happy to take you shooting at our local range, and provide you with a bow to shoot with if you don't have one with you.
Rick's House of Arrowsin Sparks (Reno) Nevada has some stuff. At least Rick speaks stick bow. He shoots a Shultz
If you are in the SF Bay Area, let me know. The only local shop that I know of is mostly compounds. I've got gear for you to use if you need it.
If you come to Los Angeles look up Pasadena Roving Archers, we have a good number of trad shooters that meet at the range on a regular basis. Send me a PM and we can get you hooked up with a bow to shoot.
John
On the third Sunday of the month there gathers a bunch of folks making bows and such at the Pasadena range. The club doesn't really host us, they just tolerate us squatting on a bit under the trees. But it's still a great time and visitors are certainly welcome.
Guy
Not in the San Francisco Bay Area. Compound territory as far as shops are concerned.
The only Trad large(ish) gathering in Central CA is in September, there are vendors there:
September 24 & 25 Traditional Archers Of California Rancho Neblina Traditional Rendezvous
Marco
ok, thanks for all.
Oregon might be a bit far off from our original plan. It sure would be interesting to meet other trad archers, if time permits. We have planned a lot driving for our 2 week trip, so lets see!
Timo
Check out sponsors. There are Dave ad Nancy Doran from Archery Past in
Oregon. And may be others in your path
I am thinking about "J & F Discount Archery" that has some REAL good prices!! (Maybe it was F & S)
F&S Discount Archery is more of a 'Catalog' type store...they do have a show room, but it is VERY minimal. More compound's then trad bows on display too the last time I was in there.
F&S's showroom has now gone over to about 99.9% softball and baseball gear. The only archery gear on display is a few odds and ends in the glass cabinet.
I was getting feathers from them but every call I've made the last few months has found them out of basic colors. They say they aren't closing the archery store, but...
Guy
Four Peaks Archery in Mesa, AZ is always an interesting place to go. The owner has the best selection of trad gear in the Phoenix area. His opinions get more vocal as the day gets longer and his beer supply gets shorter.... Terry
Another vote for Four Peaks. He has some stuff that will amaze you. A walk in history, he has been there since 1975.
There used to be many wonderful bow shops in CA, and lots of trads here today. Most folks just get on the 'net for their needs.
The closest trad shop you will find to the San Francisco area is Raptor Archery in Hood River OR. If you have not been you need to go. If you have been..............well, you already knew that.