Trad Gang

My wife has expressed interest in taking up trad archery. She's a lefty and has zero experience. What is a good draw weight to start her at? I know 50# is too much for her because she can't draw any of my 50# bows, even left handed. She isn't a delicate flower: 5'10 160 lbs and she handles a hammer and saw handily. Is 35@28 too light, too heavy? I haven't seen a lot of light lefties for sale. Help!!  Thanks.  :help:    :D

Oh yeah...she isn't really interested in hunting, but thinks 3-D would be a blast.

I would definaty start her in the 35 lb range.   My wife and daughters started there and it worked perfect.   To bad she is a leftie.  I just posted a bow around that weight but it is right handed.

I have found that women are often frailer that we expect in their upper body strength.  #35 might be good, but it is better to start light and work up.  #25 might be better.  If possible get her to a good sporting goods store and have her try drawing a mathews genesis (not to purchase as it has wheels,) but it will give you a good idea.  They draw 20#.

My wife is 5'8" and 130 lbs, but I don't think 45# is enough for her.  I suppose if I had someone with a .338 Win to back me up . . .

Oh, you ment for HER to shoot WITH.

I'd say 30# to 35#.  You could have a ball with 3-D.  THE ADMIRAL needs her sight pins so she's still a wheelie bow shooter.  Oh, the shame.    

Just got my wife a Northern Mist Baraga 30# at her draw of 26". She can shoot a good bit before showing any fatigue. She is doing surprisingly well with the learning process. She has another re-flex d-flex at 37#. It seems to be a bit much for her. I do not think you can go wrong with starting off around 30#s or so.

Andy, I have a 37 lb. @ 28" samick three piece that I would be willing to give you if you are interested.  It is not by any means a pretty bow, but it has a fantastic grip, shoots good, and it is a lefty.  If she doesn't like it or even grows out of it you can send it back.  PM if you are interested and we can work out the details.

QuoteOriginally posted by Andy Cooper:
My wife has expressed interest in taking up trad archery. She's a lefty and has zero experience. What is a good draw weight to start her at? I know 50# is too much for her because she can't draw any of my 50# bows, even left handed. She isn't a delicate flower: 5'10 160 lbs and she handles a hammer and saw handily. Is 35@28 too light, too heavy? Help!!  Thanks.

I'm a small framed guy and I weigh in at a "massive".....159 pounds. If you look at my signature, one of my two hunting recurves is 37# at my draw length.

If your wife isn't planning on bowhunting and if 3D and informal target shoots are her cup of tea, get her a 35# bow. If I can handle a 37# recurve, your wife should easily handle a 35# bow since we both are in the same "weight class".      :D  

BTW, once she starts outs with informal archery, I wouldn't be too surprised if she changed her mind about bowhunting with her trad bow.

My wife shoots 40# @ her draw. She is about the same size. When she doesn't shoot for a long time it wears her out after a 30 target shoot. Mid summer she is usually asking for more weight.


Rob

30-35# to start off and learn the basics with. Get her another bow when she grows into it or wants to hunt.

35#@28" is ideal. She probably won't be drawing 28" so that will work out nicely. That's a good weight for most kids too, 'cause they don't draw near 28".

All three of my kids(ages 12, 14, and 17) have 35#@28" bows and that works great for all of them.

I'd go lighter.  I just got my wife a bow, and at 30#, it turned out to be too much weight.  The problem now is that she thinks she doesn't like archery after all... When she really just didn't take to the bow she was shooting.  Its a good idea to make the bow too light at first, because the ease of it may make archery more fun for her.  Is there any reason why 25# would be unacceptable?  If not, go with 25#.

Check out Mike @ Maddogarchery he is a sponsor and has some pictures and stats of the bow he makes. And the quality and price are outstanding.

I agree take her to a bow shop and let her pull a few different bows and see what she likes best.

Andy I just built a double carbon , yew core Talon 11, 56 inch , 12 inch riser , back mounted bow with 38 lb limbs. It would be absolutely perfect for her. I could have it finished in a couple weeks .  

God bless you, steve

Women don't have the Macho got to have a heavy bow problem that men do.  

Get her a 25# bow and watch her smile

I have to agree with Mike. Get her a 25# bow and arrows from Green, a sponsor here.

My 23 year old daughter shoots a 30# Shakespeare and gets tired kinda quick. And she is health and fitness conscience.

Like Mike said, 25# and smiles.

Most women that shoot a 40 lb bow or so draw 24 or 25 inches. that makes a 32 lb or 30 lb bow. My wife shoots a 45 but she has done a bunch of shooting. Hers ends up being about 35 , 36 lbs at her draw.
One thing , the guys are sure right about not overbowing her. It would be better to get her a real light bow to start and then go to a heavier bow when she gets into it, if she wants.
Andy you might consider one of those Sammicks that everyone is saying shoots so good. You won't be out a ton of money finding out if she likes it or not that way.

God bless , Steve