New to Trad and hooked bad.

MMain88 · September 30, 2025, 07:48:00 PM

First off Thanks for adding me.I recently purchased an Inspected Black Hunter from Shatterproof Archery and have been slinging a minimum of 40 arrows a day. Would be more if I could.(wife) I am 3 weeks I to shooting and have done a 3-D shoot with some guys with nice bows. I'd like to move up to the next level of bow already. Do I go full bore 1500$ custom or do I play it smart and stay around 500-600 for my next one? I'll try to attach a picture of my 15yd group from tonight for fun.

mnbwhtr · September 30, 2025, 08:06:56 PM

Doesn't look to me like you need a new one, keep shooting!

MMain88 · October 01, 2025, 09:39:27 AM

Quote from: mnbwhtr on September 30, 2025, 08:06:56 PMDoesn't look to me like you need a new one, keep shooting!

Thank you. I'm happy with my bow for what it is but I love trying everything possible. I'm always searching for that perfect shot feeling. I've went through about 6 compounds before starting the Trad life.

EHK · October 01, 2025, 09:45:38 AM

I completely agree that it doesn't look like you need a new one, but also understood the new bow addiction. You might consider becoming a contributing member here - it supports a good cause and opens up access to the bow classifieds where you can get practically like-new bows for a fraction of the cost of a new custom.

Orion · October 01, 2025, 12:03:09 PM

Go to some trad 3-D shoots and try out a lot of bows. Usually there are a few vendors or folks who just drop atyail gate to sell some of their own stuff. Most will also let you try their bows as well. It's a good idea to develop a better feel for what you like before spending a lot of money.

M60gunner · October 01, 2025, 02:51:34 PM

I go along with Orion's comment on trying before buying unless your pockets are pretty deep. Who knows? You might find a real nice used bow for a lot less. Oh, it doesn't stop with bows, no, the urge to make up your own arrows comes soon enough. That's another rabbit hole altogether. Just plan on "archery stuff" for gifts for the foreseeable future. Have fun and enjoy

stagetek · October 01, 2025, 03:19:27 PM

You're "always" going to need another bow !

Lefty · October 01, 2025, 04:23:26 PM

I would also recommend the used bow route. When I first got heavy into trad, I was buying and trading used bows like crazy. Couldn't even tell you how many different bows I owned over that 10-year period. But it really let me find out what I liked, didn't like and what worked best for me. So, when I did order a bow to be custom made for me, I was able to spend my money on a bow I really liked and could shoot well. A lot of the time all it cost me was postage to try a bunch of different bows.

stevem · October 01, 2025, 07:14:50 PM

Agree that your shooting looks like you already have a good bow! I have owned a fair amount of bows over many years and can offer this- the cost of a bow does not equal how well you will like it or shoot it. Higher prices bows tend to look real nice and you get to request custom features.

Clarkansas · October 01, 2025, 07:31:36 PM

I agree with the used bow route. I've purchased several used bows with great results from this site and from the Rocky Mountain Specialty Gear site. Be careful on other sites. I've heard of several people being scammed.

Good luck and enjoy the ride!

DanDaMan · October 01, 2025, 09:04:13 PM

Another used bow recommendation, and look at doing a long bow this time. If you are going to mix it up and experience the "trad life", then you will have see what it's like when the string doesn't slap the limb. I would recommend Rocky Mountain Specialty Gear https://rmsgear.com for a good shop that does used trad bows. They are great and I have gotten several from them over the years.

Dan

MnFn · October 01, 2025, 09:24:29 PM

Nice shooting Michael! You have gotten very good advice.
I've had quite a few bows and I can name quite a few bows that I wished I had kept instead of wanting to try something else in search of the perfect bow.

I'd try to get to a few shoots and try out as many bows as you can. At least you will be able to weed a few out of consideration.

SweatyTeddy · October 05, 2025, 12:03:50 AM

Man I am with you. I started last year and I have jumped in hard. If you live close to any of the big traditional shoots like ETAR, compton, Kalamazoo, or the TN classic definitely check it out. I went to ETAR last summer and it blew my mind. I'll agree with the other guys used bow is a good route to go if you can find one. I started with a sage, bought a used bow which I like but don't love. I didn't spent tons of money so I can live with it.
I'd also recommend you Check out the broken arrow podcast and stickboys for lots of information.
Have fun with it!

Terry Green · October 07, 2025, 12:00:46 PM

NICE looking arrows!!!

Dirigo · October 09, 2025, 08:57:46 PM

Quote from: Terry Green on October 07, 2025, 12:00:46 PMNICE looking arrows!!!

Agreed. Did you take up arrow building and cresting with the new hobby Michael?

Tajue17 · October 10, 2025, 08:30:18 AM

If you are getting really hooked on traditional,, i can highly recommend not buying any more bows until you make every attempt possible to go to ETAR where you can try so many different bows of different styles, im sure others can recommend some other big events where the vender list is huge.

I must of spent easily over 40K on bows since i got hooked in 1986 which came and went only because at the time i was jumping around so much and i then got consumed into the bow trading virus..

Tru before you buy!!!! Or only buy stuff you can return,,, many dealers have an extensive supply of used bows you can return.... i usually always have a bow on order but at this point i know exactly what i want and a short wait time plays a big role in my orders,,, my blacktail elite will be ready in march..