Hello everyone, this is my first post and I appreciate any help you can give me. I want to get into traditional archery, particularly hunting. Ive used compound bows mostly but a few years ago shot a recurve and absolutely loved it. Ive been wanting to get a longbow or recurve and hunt traditionally for some time now. Been looking at a lot of bows, and i cant afford some of the higher end ones, but was looking at PSE's longbows and recurves and they are in my price range(under $250 preferably). Particularly the Legacy longbow and blackhawk recurve. Which of the two would you recommend for me? Im also planning on archery hunting in western PA for deer mostly so also would help if you can tell me my minimum draw weight for deer hunting. Im a fit guy and wont have trouble with higher weights so just wondering what is recommended. If anyone has better bows theyd recommend in this price range, that will be helpful too.Thank you so much, I appreciate any advice

Welcome Ionizer... I was in the same boat just a few weeks ago and my recommendation would be to do what I did. Even though you are a fit guy I would still start with a lower weight to aid in comfort and getting used to shooting traditional, it feels a lot different than compounds. I would start with something in the 40-50lb range. As far as choosing a bow I would watch the classifieds and pick up something you like, that way you can get a premium bow at a discounted price, then if you feel you don't like it you can put it back up for sale or trade.

Thankyou thats a big help. 45 is plenty to kill deer right?

45# is plenty for deer. Welcome to the gang.  

Thankyou! Im so excited to get into traditional archery. Ill be on the lookout here for anyone selling good bows fairly cheap.

I see you are from Pa.,if you could at all hold out till the end of July there is the largest Tradionional Archery Rendezvous around being held in Coudersport,Pa.  This is called Ski Denton.

There will be over 100 trad.archery vendors and more than enough different new and used bows to shoot at your convienience.  

A super place to get the grip on things!!  

I have been there 7 times and seem to come home with a new one each year.      

Welcome Ionizer!

Ditto on lower poundage start...I jumped back into Trad after shooting a 65lb wheelie for years with a 58# draw recurve. I bumped down to a 45# longbow and accuracy and form greatly improved. Another thought...get one even lighter and master form, then accuracy, then work on building up to higher poundage if you desire. As said above, 45# is plenty for deer with super sharp broadheads, tuned arrows and accurate placement as you will see mirrored in other posts on this site. Good Luck!

Seems to me you could find a nice older Bear recurve well within that price range.45lbe is fine for deer.good luck Glen

Welcome to the world of trad. You could not have picked a better site than Trad Gang. As you you have already seen, much advice is readily available and there are many good sources for equipment. 45# is a very good draw weight for a beginner is is quite adequate for deer. Since you are fit, you indicated that you have an interest in higher draw weights down the road, but my advice is not to rush things at all.

Stay with a lighter weight that you can handle well.  Form is far more important than how powerful your bow is. Later on, if you still feel the desire for a heavier draw weight, increase but do not over bow yourself. Work up to higher poundage bows carefully.

Two word sequences need to be burned into your brain from the beginning - practice, practice, practice and form, form, form.

This is a fun journey. One word of caution, though. This hobby can be totally addictive.

I took a quick peek at Rocky Mt Specialty's and Raptor's used bow inventories, and they have some very decent recurves that are within your price guidelines. Old Bears, Pearsons, etc are very good bows, and will have some mojo as well. Plus, both places can give you good advice; any of the Clums at RMSG or Ted at Raptor will be a big help if you have questions.  They are sponsors here. Good luck and welcome to trad archery.

Welcome to trad gang!

Jared,
Welcome to TradGang !!! Where in Pennsylvania are you from? I also agree to start with a lighter weight bow and work your way up. Don't make the same mistake I made.    


Bill

Thanks for all the advice. I am from the Pittsburgh area. I think i will start with a 45#. I might have to wait till August though because I might get it as a birthday present. I really dont want to wait that long though so maybe i can convince the wife to give me an early present.

Welcome to Tradgang! I can highly recommend the Samick Sage no tools take down recurve as a first bow. If you are a pretty well built guy than start around 40-45# of draw weight. This is light enough for you to master form and you can definately kill deer with it.

I would run a wanted add in the TG Classifieds and state the lengths and poundage your looking for and see what shows up.I  think you could get into a real descent bow for 250$ going the used bow route.

That Traditional Archery rendevous sounds great But now I have to split time between that and Dixons Muzzleloading fair.

I have an old Wing Slimline Pro recurve, 58", 45# @28. Shot it a few years, until I knew my preferences, and got a used longbow here in the classifieds (still shoot 45#).
The Wing looks used, shoots fine. It's a fast bow. I'd sell it at a very reasonable price, if you're interested - PM me if you are.

Joe