Metal riser bows ARE traditional here's a quote from someone who enjoys archery history.
"Happen to have a mate who has a Indian recurved bow made of steel circa mid to late 1700's with the original silk string and faint traces of gold decoration still visible for a bargain basement price years ago . Pretty sure the chinese utilized steel bows in the same period and know they used a steel hinge [ folding bow ] mid 1700's . Dont know for sure how far back steel bows would go but another couple of hundred years is probable ."
Looks like wood is a preference rather that a guideline.
I better pop some popcorn now. LOL

Can open, worms everywhere.......


I have a metal risored recurve that I use for my indoor spot leagues.   I have no issues with them.

Its true. Thang Whug - a Neanderthal made the first bow riser from material he found- near what is now Roswell New Mexico - nearly 150,000 years ago!!


  :p

Sorry Guys it must be the moon phase and I'm feeling onry. Need to go out in the cold for a while. ;^)

The whole what is traditional thing is stupid and a complete waste of time. Shoot what makes you happy and to heck with what joe blow at the local range or on an internet bulletin board says. If your happy shooting it and are having fun that's all that matters.

I agree with you, but this could get interesting...

I also agree.

As long as someone doesn't open up a can of whoop ---, it will be OK.

Here's what you have been waiting for.I don't agree.
 If you have to defend whether something is or isn't traditonal it probably isn't. With that said  what difference does it make unless your going into an organized shoot then they will decide for you. Good Luck.

everyone throw away your takedowns, glass or carbon backed bows,  oh no more aluminum or carbon shafts.  modern steel broadheas would have to go.  as for me i like mine, it may not be classified as traditional to some people but it is traditional enough for me and more traditional than most "bowhunters"

jrchambers I think your getting confused with primitive archery.
As far as being a traditional bowhunter I never have understood what that is unless there is some place that defines what it is in order to hunt some place? If they don't allow carbon arrows then I guess they aren't traditional there.

oh im not confused im just making a point that as long as it is a real limb and shooting with your fingers it is traditional. i dont care what kind of material that is used for the bow if it is made into a recurve or longbow,  all of these new advanced materials could be made into compounds or crossbows,  but the maker has decided to make them into a less advanced weapon. regardless of the material you still have to be able to shoot it like one of the most primitive bows.  it took a while but im trying to say if the act of shooting is the same the mechanics are the same than it is still traditional

Who has a right to say what is traditional?  Did any of us live in the time that archery was first developed?  Would that not be "traditional archery?"  What a person defines as traditional is that persons own opinion.  No one else has a right to bash that person for their beliefs.  It is okay to differ on matters of opinion, but do not force them on anyone else.  Shoot what you like and enjoy.

When archery was first developed there was no tradtional class so I don't see how just because its dated bc it has to be traditional. Alot of archers shot releases bc are they to be considered as tradtional also?
 Seeing that there is no official definition by any sanctioned organization I would say any one and everyone has a right to define traditonal how they please. Metal riser doesn't please me. If it does you, fine for you. JMHO

At Trad Gang, we do have a right to decide what is traditional for this site....and that keeps the site on track.

We've made it real simple.  Bows without wheels and cables.

There were metal risers before compounds, and carbon arrows before compounds, and glass.

This thread serves no purpose but to be divisive....so lets all go shoot our bows or go hunting....and stop the bickering.