New member introduction: sjt85

[sjt85]

Good day all, just wanted to introduce myself as a new member. I hope this is the right forum to post - did not see a new member section. I am relatively new to archery but have been handed down two recurves, and have had a blast getting my feet wet. Hoping somebody knowledgeable can comment on one of the bows.

The first bow I was given is a Bear takedown. It had 55# limbs, so I bought some lighter limbs to start out with. The riser is a "B" size and the limbs are #3:





The second bow seems to be somewhat rare  - I can't find much information on it. It's a Zodiac takedown recurve:







I would love to hear if anybody can share information on the Zodiac Archery company in general or this model bow!

[Oregon Okie]

Welcome to the group. I'm sure someone will be along shortly with a surprising amount of info on your bows. There is the trad history/collecting forum down lower that might give you some info too.
That target bow is pretty funky looking.
Best of luck.

[BowMIke]

Welcome to the Gang! Two nice bows, but I am not personally familiar with either one. I'm sure there are many in the Gang who have knowledge about them to share.

[KentuckyTJ]

Welcome from Kentucky!

[woodchucker]

Welcome to our campfire, My Friend!!!!!      

The first bow is a Bear Magnizium Takedown. Definately an antique,and probly not safe to shoot!!!!! Send it to me,and I'll take my chances. I'm old,and nobody would miss me if it blew up & killed me.....  

Honestly though... Probly one of the best bows ever made!!! Definately a Classic & worth holding on to!!!!! If you NEVER own another bow, It will serve you till you die! Hang on to it!!!!!

As for the 2nd bow, I'm not sure... Appears to be an Outer's Corp, That made alot of outdoor gear in the 1970's. I could be wrong though. Shakespear also made a few metal handle recurves.

Welcome Again!!!!! Lots to learn, and many GREAT ptople to learn from!!!

[The Whittler]

Welcome to the gang from Maine.

[BOWMARKS]

Welcome to the Gang from Pa.  

[carbonflyr]

[jt85]

Welcome from Oklahoma

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Welcome!

[Mudd]

Welcome to the gang!

 

[Son of Texas]

Welcome from Texas!!!

[daveycrockett]

Originally posted by Son of Texas:
Welcome from Texas!!!

DITTO!!!  

[Friend]

W
E
L
C
O
M
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[mike g]

Welcome fro Ca.            

[JamesV]

Welcome from the Mississippi Delta

James

[dirtguy]

Welcome from CT!

[sjt85]

Originally posted by woodchucker:
Welcome to our campfire, My Friend!!!!!              

The first bow is a Bear Magnizium Takedown. Definately an antique,and probly not safe to shoot!!!!! Send it to me,and I'll take my chances. I'm old,and nobody would miss me if it blew up & killed me.....      

Honestly though... Probly one of the best bows ever made!!! Definately a Classic & worth holding on to!!!!! If you NEVER own another bow, It will serve you till you die! Hang on to it!!!!!

As for the 2nd bow, I'm not sure... Appears to be an Outer's Corp, That made alot of outdoor gear in the 1970's. I could be wrong though. Shakespear also made a few metal handle recurves.

Welcome Again!!!!! Lots to learn, and many GREAT ptople to learn from!!!

I think I was spoiled from the start with the Bear. It's so smooth and forgiving, the Zodiac seems harsh and also seems to have more handshock (I may not have the brace height correct, but there isn't much guidance for brace height on this bow - not much information at all). I even thought about picking up a "C" Riser for the bear, but they don't seem to be as popular as the "A" Riser - why?

As for the Zodiac, I somehow came across another post on tradgang that shows a Carroll bow that looks very similar in riser and limbs to my Zodiac. Although the grip on my bow seems to be further forward... here is the thread:

 Carroll Bow

[woodchucker]

Not familiar with a "C" Riser... Differant Riser/Limb Combos give you differant Bow length/draw weight, combinations. This was Bear Archery's way of allowing people to "custom order" the type of bow they wanted.

"A" Riser + #1 Limbs = 56" Bow

"A" Riser + #3 Limbs = 60" Bow

"B" Riser + #1 Limbs = 60" Bow

"B" Riser + #3 Limbs = 64" Bow

Most is personal preferance. Some folks like a longer bow, some a shorter bow. Some folks like longer limbs, for a smoother drawing bow. Some folks have a long draw length, and like a longer bow for less "finger pinch"... Like I said, mostly personal preferance. A new riser will probly set you back at LEAST $500, IF you can find one!!! I'd keep the riser you have, and buy extra limbs, IF needed. You were VERY LUCKY to recieve such a fine gift!!!!! You stated that it came with 55# limbs, and they are just about PERFECT as far as hunting weight goes. You bought a lighter set of limbs, and they will be fine for getting started on the "Traditional Road"... Looks like you're all set!!!!!

Good Luck!!! and keep us posted!!!!!

[mahantango]

Welcome! That Zodiac is way cool. It does look very much like a Carrolls' and I'm guessing needs a high brace height, 9" or better.