Hello Gents,

I'm in the market for a short AMO recurve or longbow to suit my smaller stature.  I'm 5'3" and shoot a 40-50lb compound almost daily. My draw length is between 25" - 26" (I haven't settled on my shooting style/anchor points for traditional yet).

I started shooting stick bows at a young age (5yrs old) but switched to compounds as a pre-teen and have been shooting them exclusively since (I'm 26 now).  After visiting with my Dad recently and shooting a recurve again, I'm itching to get into traditional.

The recurve I was shooting was a 60", 35lb - certainly fun, but felt too big for my spastic and wiry little frame  

In summary, I'm lookin' for something with 48" - 56" AMO.  At least 35lb rating so I can hunt with it someday (my primary goal). And here's the kicker...I've only got about $300 to spend  :(

What are your thoughts?


THANKS!!!!!

Buy used for the first bow, just to discover what you like.

Good luck,
F-Manny

x2 on the start used. I started 4 - 5 years ago and I've been through probably 20 different bows. I buy a used bow that sounds perfect, then find something different that I want to try. I just checked and my total cost from the buying and selling and the opportunity to try a lot of really quality bows has been less than $100. Buy one decent bow new and then change your mind and you will be out that $100 or more and will have only tried one bow.

The other , maybe most important thing to do is find a local trad group and try everything they have to offer and you will get a lot of valuable suggestions at the same time.

I figure its one heck of a fun trip and I'm going to enjoy as many stops along the way as possible.

Ron

Used bow or might want to take a look a Maddog midsize.

Used.
I am 5'4" and love Kodiak Magnums. You can get them used for around 100 to 200 dollars, depending on year and condition. Tons of them out there in all poundages. They are all 52" AMO.

Killdeer

I second Killy, I started my nephew with a Kodiak Mag when he was 12 and to this day he favors the Mags over all the customs that I have had. He is now 17 yrs. old and has a 28.5" draw.That's the little guy in my Avatar.Nows he's 5'11" and about 200lbs.

Lots and lots of used bows on the "auction site"(or here in the classifieds) in the 48" to 56" range. One note, brand names other than Bear usually go cheaper .....Browning, Shakespere, Ben Pearson, Wing, Herters, etc. I have the same draw length as you, keep in mind when selecting a draw weight that all those bows's draw weights are marked at a 28" draw, so deduct about six lbs. and you'll have what you would be drawing.

 Welcome to the TradGang!!  

Welcome from Kentucky!

HMMM I have a like new Martin Rebel I've been contemplating selling. Just can't convince myself that it needs to go.

Thanks for all the help guys.  My dad's first recommendation was a Bear Magnum too, but the Maddogs are awesome (but I don't know if I can hang on for 10-14 weeks).  

Plenty for me to think about.  Wish there were more trad shops around Western PA so I could put my hands on a few!  Oh well.

Welcome. Bear Kodiak Mag, Wing Red Wing Hunter, Browning Wasp, Howaat Hi-Speed. All available for under 200 bucks, just keep an eye on **** and Craigslist.

Another vote for a K-Mag if its gotta be short.  I've got two and absolutely love them, but I shoot a little longer bow much better.
Ken

I'm barely 5'3"... anything less than perfect form will not get me to reach all of my 25 inches draw length. I like my short bows around 54"-56"... though I prefer 60" or longer now. After shooting longer length bows for a while you start to not notice the couple of extra inches.

Welcome back to Trad. For your bow, go used you will need the extra $$ for other accessories. Also, starting out light weight is perfect.

Kodiak Mag >------->

I am also a chort guy and have tried many bows and have built 30 some bows. On a good day I reach a 25" draw so I have been trying to find the best between the speed and the smoothness 0f a bow. I finally built a 56" static tip recurve that seems to give me the best of both worlds. You should buy used as they all suggested to see what sort of grip fits the best for you and what length is comfortable. Then you know what direction to go. Just have fun and welcome to the Gang.        

Chort