Ok so I'm looking at buying a trad recurve bow and need some advice. I have been shooting a very old hand-me-down bear compound for a few months to get started in the sport.
Any thoughts on a good starter hunting bow. I was looking at the Bear Grizzly but am not sure what pound draw to buy. My draw length is 30in.
Also I have been shooting Carbon express heritage 150s with feathers and 100 grain field tips. Can I use these arrows with the recurve? Can I use 3 blade broadheads as well or do I need to use 2 blade?
The Bear Grizzly is a very popular bow. They have sold a slew of them for a reason!
Generally speaking, a bow will gain 2 1/2 to 3 pounds in draw weight for every inch you pull past its rated weight at 28". So, if your targeted weight is say, 45 pounds, you would need to get one of about 40 or 38#@28". Yes, in the early days of the Grizzly and other bows, one could get a bow in draw weights other than the five pound increments common today.
45 is capable of taking the game that you have set your sights on. Keep an eye on the classifieds here for good deals on used bows, and welcome!
Killdeer
One thing to consider is your draw length may be shorter with a recurve than wheels.
In my opinion the worst thing you can do is get too much weight, better to start out too light than too heavy.
40 to 45 at your recurve draw length would be a good place to start.
Enjoy the learning, its all good.
Eric
Welcome to the Gang, lsa. You have come to the right place for answers. You will get plenty and you will have to sift thru them to find the right ones for you, including this one.
The first thing would be to find someone in your area to help you get started. The Grizzly is a fine bow, but not best suited for a 30" draw (have your new helper check that for you). With a long draw, something in the low 40's draw weight and around 62" would be good. Whatever bow you pick, you will have to shoot the arrows to see how they are going to work.
As for broadheads, you can use 2 or 3 blades as you wish. Both will do the job just fine with most any setup you get, just don't go too wide. The VPA Terminators/ Woodsmans/ Trailmakers would be a fine choice in 3 blades and with 2 blades the good options are many; Ace Grizzly, STOS, Magnus, Ecplise, etc. Sharpness and shot placement are the important things.
IMO, your arrow choice is more important than the bow. Spend as much as you can afford on your arrows and broadheads; buy the least expensive bow you can get by with. Used bows are by far the best choice for starting out.
Don't forget to have FUN!