As a complete rookie, could yall please point me in a general direction to a recurve or recuve/longbow "hybrid" bow company/builder that has little to no handshock and forgiving? Not too worried about blazing speed. I shoot 29" draw, so from what I understand, I should shoot around a 60" to 62" bow. I'm looking in the $300 to $500 range. I have looked at the Firefly. Any opinions on it? Any advice greatly appreciated! Thanks and have a good day.

Fireflys are great bows.  You can get into lots of good quality bows for that price range.  If you can make it to a shoot I recommend doing so that way you can try out many different options and see what fits you best.  If that is not possible for you keep an eye on the classifieds.  Lots of awesome bows in your price range show up offten.

I draw 29" also.  If you are considering recurves 60" to 62" should be a good length at your draw, but in a longbow I would consider 62" to 66".  Most of the longbows I have are 64" and that seems to be a good length for my 29" draw.  I have a 66" longbow that I like very well, and also have a 62" longbow that I shoot well.  There are a lot of 62" longbows that feel a little unstable to me.  Depends on the design.  A deflexed riser will make a shorter bow shoot well for you.  Look at some used bows.  You should be able to find something really nice for under $500.

I shoot a 29 in. draw, and I shoot a 56" recurve from Bob Lee.  It's called the " Hunter ", the arrow speed 189 fps, with a 435 gr.  Total arrow wt. it is a 43# @ 29" 56" amo, $570 from Bob Lee.

I think it happens to be one of the better bows at that price, it has a 7 1/4 brace ht.  And that is pretty forgiving.  I can shoot off the shelf, or I can have an elevated arrow rest.  Which I choose not to.  It's quiet, smooth its fast.  And it is a three-piece takedown, it's a nice price for three-piece takedown.  I also have no pinching, I was concerned about that especially since it is 56" and a 29 in. draw.  It's really a nice bow.

Give Rob a call at Bob Lee archery


Pastor Carl

You need to get your hands on bows to try out yourself.

Take a look at ChekMate Bows.  They stay "under the radar", but those of us who have them like them a lot.  Chad (LBR) is the seller's representative and a sponsor here on TG (Recurves.com).  He can give you ideas, and a great bit ok knowlege.  No pressure from him as a vendor either.  I own a Crusader LB and a Hunter 2 'curve.  Wouldn't part with either one.  Price on a new one might work in your range, depending on what you choose for materials.  Keep an eye in the classifieds, as they show up every now and then.  

Like Tim Said, there are also many other bows, so the best advice is to get the chance to shoot some.  Each of us have our own little preferences - that is why there are so many.  I got lucky with my first purchase, thougfh there are othere I am interested in......

Good Luck!

BobW

Thanks for all the great advice!

brokenarrow1, what size riser do you have/recommend on the Bob Lee?

I'll look at the ChekMate as well.

Please keep the much needed and heeded advice
coming.

What can yall tell me about Timberhawk bows?
I like the look of these too! Thanks.

Thanks again for all the advice.
I believe I am going to go with a Timberhawk recurve!  

Great choice Scott makes a great bow!