Back to Traditional

shinnecock1 · December 27, 2015, 01:03:00 PM

Hi All,

Happy Holidays, and hopefully you''ll indulge a few newbie questions.

Quick background, but I have dabbled with traditional archery in the past, and have a 45 lb checkmate recurve that I'm hoping to start shooting again. It has been at least 8 years since I've toyed with it. While I still have a dozen properly spined aluminum arrows, I'm curious to hear any suggestions on what you guys are shooting. I wouldn't mind switching to a wood grain look arrow, if possible. Is carbon the easiest starting point?

I was previously shooting 150 grain field points on 30" , 2016 XX75 aluminums. My local pro shop only handles compounds, so I'm at a loss for where to start regarding arrow selection, broad head weight, etc., and am also wondering if I need to replace my current string?

Apologies for the long post, and any/all feedback is appreciated.

23feetupandhappy · December 27, 2015, 02:11:00 PM

Welcome to the Gang!

Gold Tip makes a carbon arrow that has a wood grain finish on it and Big Jims Bow Co is a sponsor on here that sells them!
Big Jom is very helpful and won't lead you astray!
Give him a call!

Ben

Possum Head · December 27, 2015, 02:18:00 PM

Good suggestion to start with Big Jim as you cant beat his prices or arrow expertise. You may well be at a point where you can shoot either a 500 or 600. I've done well with 30" arrows(500's) and 275gr up front but probably from a lower performing 45# curve.

McDave · December 27, 2015, 02:30:00 PM

Yes, if your string is over 8 years old, replace it. Cheap insurance.

December 27, 2015, 02:41:00 PM

Welcome to the Gang!

Wood, aluminum, or carbon is all personal preference. You will find guys that swear by each.

Big Jims Bow Co, 3Rivers Archery, Lancaster Archery, Rocky Mountain Specialty Gear, and the Nocking Point will have everything you could ever think of for supplies!

Good luck, and welcome back to the fun side of archery!

Bisch

shinnecock1 · December 27, 2015, 03:12:00 PM

Thanks fellas...appreciate it! Figured the new year would be a good time to set the goal of getting back into shooting traditional again.

Will reach out to your suggestions, and I'm guessing they can offer guidance on a new string as well. Nice to see that everyone on here is so open to sharing their knowledge. Looking forward to sharpening my skills for next fall.

Thanks again!

maineac · December 27, 2015, 04:01:00 PM

Welcome. This is a great place to get advice. I think the others have already given you some good recommendations. Enjoy the journey that is traditional archery.

December 27, 2015, 04:30:00 PM

If you need a new string try one of these:

Ten Ring Strings

Hunters Choice Bowstrings

SBD Bowstrings

All TG sponsors, and from what I read, all build great strings!

Bisch

MnFn · December 28, 2015, 09:43:00 AM

I would probably just shoot your 2016s until you develope a consistent shot. Nothing wrong with them, they are good arrows. Where you end up might be quite different from what you think you need now.

mike g · December 28, 2015, 12:04:00 PM

Stay with the 2016's, If ya want wood grain look, Get some 2016 Legacys....

shinnecock1 · December 28, 2015, 05:44:00 PM

All great feedback. Appreciate the responses.

Thanks guys

Cyclic-Rivers · December 28, 2015, 06:02:00 PM

Welcome!

GRAYBEARD · December 28, 2015, 06:13:00 PM

2016s are a fine arrow. GET a new string.

jackdaw · December 29, 2015, 09:31:00 PM

Welcome back..!! Here something you need to do if you are serious about being a traditional Archer....rather than "toying" with it....immerse yourself into concentration and form...the building blocks of trad archery. Please don't take this as "picking".... It's just that dedication to shooting consistently well is the only way to get good with a longbow or recurve!!!! Enjoy.....

shinnecock1 · December 30, 2015, 01:26:00 PM

Jackdaw - Thanks and no offense taken at all, it's good to hear the variety of perspectives!

I've always been interested in the beauty simplicity of traditional archery, but lacked the confidence in my bowhunting skills to make the leap. After becoming more proficient with the compound in recent years, I'm interested in taking on the challenge. I realize that this will likely put me back to square one and significantly limit my shot opportunities, but I figured now is as good a time as any!

LBR · December 30, 2015, 11:40:00 PM

Yes on the new string. I'd go with 20 strands of BCY-X. If Flemish, pad the loops to 24. Absolute best bowstring material currently available. Stable, durable, consistent.

Chad