Couple random Trad questions as I've found myself shooting my recurve some this past month (and really enjoying it). I bought this recurve around 7 years ago, have only shot a couple time each year - mostly as a way to get others involved at get-togethers at my Dad's cabin (everyone loves to sling a few arrows). When I measure this bow unstrung - it is a 48" recurve (very small) 50# at 28" (it's a Nirk Rebel). What do you gain by going with a longer bow? Typically easier to shoot? Also, do Trad bows "wear out" over time and lose poundage? ...the trad bow sure brings back the enjoyment of shooting!
A longer bow is usually more forgiving, at least when it comes to Longbows. So in a sense it is easier to shoot a longer bow, at least for me it is!!!!! I have a couple of old Bear bows, 65' Kodiak Magnum and a 69' Bear Grizzly, both my sons but I enjoy shooting them as well. There is no sign of them wearing out anytime soon! I'm sure if you leave a bow strung for years and years with out shooting it much it will loose a bit. Schulty will chime in here and give you the lowdown on his bow! He has shot the same bow for 14+ years! Your right, there is something special walking into the woods with my Longbow in my hands!
Thanks - I was not sure. Believe it's 52" strung. It is a youth model bow...made by Martin. I will snap quick pics tonight. Also - Pros/Cons/Opinions on Recurve vs. Longbow?...Thanks for the help!
I think when you measure a bow It's measured while It's not strung from tip to tip, the string Is usually 3 Inches shorter then that (correct me If I'm wrong anyone). Most bows have the AMO written on them as well so just go by that. Here's a helpful link for ya- http://www.bowhunting.net/artman/publish/TailorMaidMeasuring.shtml As Joe said I'm going on 14 years with my recurve this year. I did have some trouble with mine last fall In which I lost 12lbs at my draw length. I think that was more due to the fact of the bow maker then anything (not a very good bowyer). I've talked with other bowyers who have purposely left their bows strung (recurves only) for 10 years straight without taking the string off to see If they would loose any draw weight and most said they didn't. A good bow should last a long time, longer then mine. I'm still going to hunt with mine this year and maybe even much longer then that, depends If It keeps loosing draw weight. If It does It again she's getting retired. Preference between a longbow and a recurve Is In the eye of the beholder. Some like one better then the other for many different reasons. As for me I'm a recurve guy and my reasons are because It's shorter and that much easier to maneuver around with. But then again It's all I've ever hunted with and I know If I was to hunt with a longbow I'd get used to that In time as well. A person can shoot anything that's out there and get used to It, just takes time. What It really comes down to Is what feels good In your hand regardless If It's a longbow or recurve. Good luck!!
Also, do Trad bows "wear out" over time and lose poundage? There is a life for all wood bows. However, glass bows will live much longer. Eventually, glass will crack at some point, and you may find glue failer, but not for a long, long, long time. We are still shooting my dad's mid 60's Bear Kodiak Mag and my Mom's BearCub without any problems.
I still occasionally shoot some of my old bows and they don't seem to have lost any poundage. My oldest bows are a 1956 bear Kodiak and a 1951 bear Grizzly, both still shoot very well. Bow length is measured un-strung. That's why two 62" recurves may be totally different when shooting from a commercial blind. Depending on the limb design one could be shorter when strung woodsman
Here are 3 quick pics...only had cell phone camera with me so sorry for quality...I didn't realize that my Quiver was covering the AMO data...it states AMO 52", 50# at 28" I have become very efficient out to 15 yards in a short time...if continue to progress, would love to try a whitetail this fall. I do not know my arrow speed, but at 50# draw, what is minimum arrow weight I would be looking at to hunt deer? Sure I would use a cut on impact head...currently I shoot 2213 with 100 gr. tips out of it, weighing 435 grains.
Good job on the shooting. There is no reason you shouldn't hunt with this bow all season! The rule of thumb is usually 10 - 12 grains per pound of draw weight! I'm pulling 52# and shooting a 610gr arrow mow a days, hard hitting!
Thanks...was thinking I probably wanted at least 500 gr. arrow. Would like to avoid getting new arrows...a 145 gr. head would get me to 480 gr, then maybe add some weight to arrows...not sure what that would do to spine and flight though...I'll give it another month and see where I'm at. I have shot a total of 1 arrow out of my compound this summer since I've been shooting the recurve lately
Don't worry, your pins on the compound haven't moved! Since I bought my first Longbow back in Jan of 08', I switched to Longbow only and have shot ZERO arrows thru my compound.:d I think the bowtech is under my bed, not to sure where it's at....
