Hey gang,

I'm brand new to the sport and to this forum, but I just wanted to say that so far, this website has been the most helpful place to get traditional bow information I've found.

At Christmas, my 9 year old got a youth bow, and became obsessed immediately. Shooting that bow is all he wanted to do, every day all day. So, I made the mistake of shooting with him and I was hooked! Now, I'm shooting every day.

My question is regarding used bows. I bought a Samick Sage from a local bow shop, and I like it very much, but I'm ready to move on to a higher poundage I think, and I don't want to wait forever for new sage limbs. (on backorder) What are your thoughts about purchasing used bows? I'm a little paranoid because I keep hearing about how easy it is to warp limbs and things like that.

Also, for my second bow, should I consider a longbow? I had heard recurves were more forgiving, but now after researching more, it seems that maybe it's actually longbows that are more forgiving. I suppose I can miss just as easy with either!

In my experience, longbows are more forgiving.  Both are extremely fun to shoot!

As far as buying used limbs and bows - I have bought probably 7-8 used bows off the Classifieds here on TG.  I have always gotten what I paid for.  Obviously, you need to do your due diligence and ask all the right questions and look at pictures - but in my experiences, TG members are as good as they get!    

WELCOME!  GREAT you are shooting with your son.

It's awesome.  It's something you can do in the backyard for 15-20min and get some "fun" time with them frequently.

Used is the way to go until you settle in on what you really like.

Recurve vs longbow is all personal preference.  IMHO there is nothing more forgiving than a 62"+ recurve.  

Short bows are less forgiving.  There is a reason target bows are long and have huge risers.  They are forgiving.

It's all in what you like though...so try a couple out.

First of all, Rob, welcome to the addictive and awesome world of traditional archery. There is always something else out there to keep it fun, new, and exciting. ie: tabs or gloves, aluminum or wood, carbon or cane, what kind of wood, long bow or recurve, self bow or laminated, right or left helical, fletch tape or glue, split finger or three under, D style or reflex/deflex, back quiver or bow quiver, Catquiver or hip, two blade or three, single or double bevel, modern camo or wool plaid.

The list could go on and on and on. The main thing is to have fun. That's what got me hooked was just how much more fun it was than compound shooting. I started out with a recurve then shot a longbow. It's been longbows exclusively ever since. (Somewhere around 23 years now.) the fact that you AND YOUR SON are both enjoying it is just icing on the cake.

As far as your question about limbs warping I think it is pretty rare nowadays. There are always good used bows on the classifieds here. Most folks here are great to deal with. I've bought several bows. All but two from right here on the famous Tradgang classifieds.

Best of luck to you and your son. Have fun and try new things. When you find what suits you best stick with it, or try something new. You can always come back to what you found to work best. Lots and lots of great information here and great sponsors, too.

Welcome!!!

Welcome to the Gang, there is a lot of useful information that can be obtained from this site.

If I were you and it were at all possible I would try to attend this event.

195.1 mi, 3 hr 7 min driving time from you and a great investment.

   http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=94;t=002799#000000    

I know there you could gain a wealth of information and possibly shoot a wide assortment of different bows.

Welcome to the         and thanks for giving us a try.

God bless,Mudd

PS:http://www.bing.com/maps/?rtp=~pos.36.3527374267578_-87.1316604614258_Chapmansboro%2c+Tennessee&where1=Chapmansboro%2c+Tennessee&FORM=MIRE3#Y3A9MzYuMzUyNzM3fi04Ny4xMzE2NjAmbHZsP   TE2JnN0eT1yJnJ0cD1wb3MuMzUuMTYwMTc5Xy04NC44NzUzMjBfQ2xldmVsYW5kJTJDJTIwVE5fX19lX35wb3MuMzYuMzUyNzM3Xy04Ny4xMzE2NjBfQ2hhcG1hbnNib3JvJTJDJTIwVGVubmVzc2VlX19fZV8mbW9kZT1EJnJ0b3A9MH4wf   jB+

Welcome to the gang from Maine.

Hey man. Welcome.
To answer your question about buying used bows.  I have been into this trad archery thing about 10 yrs now. And I can't tell you how many bows I've had. And all but 1 were used. It's the way to go when it comes to finding what you like. Especially when you're new to this. It can save you lots of money too.  Good luck in your journey. And welcome

I have bought,sold and traded for a couple hundred bows in the last 10-12 years and as long as you communicate with the seller you very seldom will have a problem. I bet out of all the deals I have ever done, I have had maybe two where the bow was not as described and those two deals were thru fleabay where the seller was not very knowledgable. I would buy with confidence on here! Shawn

Welcome to the forum!    You've got some good advice already so, I won't add anymore. Good luck in your search and hope you find what you are looking for.

you can trust the classifieds here. scammers are rare as hens' teeth (unlike other places), and they are rounded up and scalped quickly, haha!

Welcome!  Sounds like you have been bitten.  The classifieds section is a great place to find a used bow.  But be careful it can can become very addictive,  So many great bows,

Welcome , Great way to raise a family and spend a lot of time with them.

God bless, Steve

Thanks for all the great replies! I didn't even realize there WAS a classifieds section on here! (I'm that new to the site)

My son and I ARE planning to attend the Tennessee Classic. It looks like it's going to be awesome.

welcome !! sent you a PM