New to traditional , need help

[Jehu]

Hey ya'll , brand new to traditional archery and tradgang. Could never get into compounds ,they just turned me off. I tried recurves and longbows last month and loved it. My problem is in selecting a decent bow. Everybody seems to be of the opinion that I just need to try some bows and see what works for me, but that's hard to do as there are no traditional archery shops near me. There is one store that carries a
PSE Sequoia, which Ive heard some "iffy" things about.
 I'm looking at the Bear Montana, Omega Longbow Classic,or the Bamabow Hunter...your thoughts?

[Hermon]

Welcome to traditional archery.

There is nothing better that than getting your hands on bow and seeing what YOU prefer.  Try and find a 3-D bow shoot in your area and go look around.  Most folks will let you handle/shoot their bows if you ask.  If you can find a big event with bowyers or dealers there that would even be better.  

I don't have any experience with any of the bows you listed, but there are a lot of good bows out there.  

Maybe you could post where in florida you are and some other tradganger could help you out?

[LB_hntr]

Welcome to traditional bwhunting and to tradgang!

The Bear Montana is usually availible to shoot and buy at cabelas, bass pro, ganer mtn, etc.

Most of the custom bowyers have a test drive option. They have bows that they keep in stock and for the cost of shipping will let you try them out for a week. Doing this from 2 or 3 bowyers is not a bad idea and will let you see what you like best.

The good news is there really isnt a bad bow out there. used bows are available on here for great prices and if you dont like them you could easily resell it on here.
There are great bowyers that make nice bows in the 400 dollar range (longbows are usually cheaper to make/buy than recurves). And there are great bowyers making longbows in the 800-1000 range and everything in between.

You can't make a bad choice. But to make the best choice you should shoot a couple to see what you like best.

[mike g]

Welcome to Traditional Archery....
  We have a lot of members in FL, maybe some of them are close and will jump in soon.

[Jehu]

Thanks for the advice. I'm in the Pensacola area.

[slowbowjoe]

Welcome.

I'm in the same situation about having no bows to try out around here. The three bows I've owned in about seven years of shooting were (are) all used. Two from the classifieds here. There are lots of very fine bows there around the $400 price. Sellers are always helpful offering information about the bow, which is very helpful.

It's mostly a matter of seeing if the bow is a style that appeals to you, and has the sort of specs you're looking at.
As folks are saying, if and when you want to try something different, you'll have a better idea of what you want, and trade or sell towards your choice.

[Stump73]

welcome!
Just what ever do start with a light weight bow around 40lbs. it will make learn form a lot easier plus you can more with out wearing out. Then later get a heavier bow if you want. A 40lb
bow will kill about anything in north America.

I think it would be to your advantage to have an idea about how you would like to shoot and what your strength and draw would be before spending too much money.  If shooting like Howard Hill appeals to you, get equipment that suits that form. If shooting with form that is more comman  with recurve shooters, go that way.  Get a bow that matches your strength and size in either case.

[Drewster]

Welcome indeed.  Great site with lot of good folks with LOTs of archery knowledge.
#1, don't over bow yourself for starters.  Depending on your age and condition, a 35# to 40# bow is plenty to start with.  Once you develop your form, you can move up in weight.
By all means, try as many different bows as you can.  You will find some types of bows and some shapes of grips will suit you much better than others.  And yes, most other archers will gladly let you try their bows.
I have an Omega and really enjoy shooting it.  It's the fastest bow I have......190 fps.  The grip has a different feel than other bows I have and shoot, but it's not a problem for me.  These bows are built for hunting and speed.
Many good used bows available in the lower poundages for $100 - $150.00.  Buy one that appeals to you and start shooting and learning.  
Warning, it can highly addictive and very fun :-)

[Sam McMichael]

Lots of good advice on this site. Also, go to the TBOF (Traditional Bowhunters of Florida)web site, and I am sure you can find some trad shooters close enough around to really be helpful. Hopefully I'll see you at the TBOF August Rendezvous at Silver Springs. Welcome to Trad Gang and the finer side of archery.

[VictoryHunter]

Welcome!

[JEFF B]

welcome to this awesome site  and to trad shooting

[Frank V]

Jehu

Welcome to the forum.
The only one of the bows you list that I have experience with is the Bear Montana. I've shot one & it was a pretty easy shooting bow. I don't think I'd be afraid of it & they can usually be found used pretty reasonable.
 I'd call 3-Rivers Archery & ask them, they are always willing to help someone. They sell the Bear Montana too.
Good luck, hopefully someone in your area will chime in & let you try a few bows as Mike G suggests.
I would caution you though not to get a bow that is too heavy a draw weight for you. It will really slow down your learning, enjoyment, & probably lead to bad habits.
 Good luck.

[Hud]

This is good place to start. You can find bows on the classifieds, and from some sponsors (websites). There is a drop down menu top center this forum to find sponsors. Many have new/used bows plus arrows and accessories. Browse the site, get familiar with it.  Good bows do not have to be expensive, and properly tune equipment and matching arrows are important. Be sure to read the Newbie Rules and Forum Rules, they will help. The Topic Archives has the How to - Resources and Shooting forums have good information too. Good luck.

[Jehu]

Thanks to all for the great advice. I'm looking at 40# bow weight. I've been shooting a $100 35# longbow that I got off amazon , and you are right..it is extremely addicting.  My main problem is finding traditional guys in my area. Everybody is shooting compounds . I've been searching online and asking around no luck so far. I'll probably have to buy a bow without trying it out. Thanks very much for the info

[Jehu]

Here's another question, arm guards , I live in the deep south so short sleeve shirts are a matter of survival . Are there certain arm guards that would be uncomfortable on a bare arm? Any good ones? Shooting gloves that are compatible with hot weather and ridiculously high humidity?

[LB_hntr]

a leather arm guard wont bother you but it will be warm and sweaty. Most likely once you get your form down and the bugs worked out you wont need an arm guard except to hold bulky clothing out of the way.
Glove wise same thing. a leather glove will work great but will also be hot and sweaty. I like tabs better for my situations. Might be something to consider for your location if a glove starts to bother you.

Congrats again and enjoy this journey.

[Frank V]

Arm guards will be sweaty, but we put up with them sometimes. I've found I can shoot both recurves & longbows without an arm guard unless I've got on a bulky jacket. Usually most of the time.

As for a glove, I use a tab, they are probably the least hot of the bunch & after awhile you will forget you have it on. I use a cordovan tab, it's thin but firm & strong. I shoot a 60lb bow with it without discomfort. Try a tab.

[Kituwa]

Jehu, i am close to you. I have several bows in the 40 pound range you can try out any time you like. I am right off interstate 65 close to Brewton, Al.

[Jehu]

Hey kituwa, that'd be great! message me and we'll get together.