Trad Gang

Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Frosty the Bowman on January 03, 2013, 02:38:00 AM

Title: bow choice for beginer
Post by: Frosty the Bowman on January 03, 2013, 02:38:00 AM
O.K., you all know I am a rookie and have zero experience for building a bow.

That being said, I was wondering which style bow, a Longbow or a Recurve is better for a beginer to try to tackle.

I like the shorter nature and more manuvirability of a recurve.

But the first Trad bow I fell in love with was a very basic 68" Longbow, only wish it would have been in 40lbs, instead of 25  :(  

I mainly hunt on the ground, spot and stalk or out of blinds natural and manufactuered.

My specs are I am looking for between 40-45lbs, my draw length is about 26".

I just wanted to put this question out here for you all to ponder, so i could get it out of my melon.

So pull up a chair by the fire and set a spell and share your thoughts please  :campfire:  

Thanks guys, you are all great.

Kevin
Title: Re: bow choice for beginer
Post by: rmorris on January 03, 2013, 02:56:00 AM
I have found longbows to be much simpler to build opposed to recurves.  Now if you are wanting the most simple it would be a flat longbow, ( just do a search on hill style bow buildalongs)you will have no issues fitting the form to the riser and I find tillering to be easier on a flat bow opposed to a reflex deflex. Now if you are wanting a reflex deflex longbow( will shoot much more like a recurve) I would go with a 3 piece takedown. Making your forms for the bow is much easier and you can tweak the angle of your riser limb pads till you get optimal performance and smoothness without having to remake your form. Just my thoughts and looking forward to seeing what other have say
Title: Re: bow choice for beginer
Post by: So-Mo Archer on January 03, 2013, 05:02:00 PM
I would have to agree that a longbow is much simpler to get together, and is much more forgiving of rookie miscues. With your draw length, you could get away with a shorter bow that would be good in a blind and still have the weight you're after.

For a brass tacks, simple build with an easy formula, you may want to look at a pyramid style bow. I believe there is a build along on here for one that is very good, just can't recall who made it. These bows offer shorter length while allowing you to have legal draw weights. They are also easier to tiller, I think. Pyramids are a good way to cut your teeth for a small investment, and get a useable weapon in the end.

Good luck to you, and let us know if you need a hand as you go.
Title: Re: bow choice for beginer
Post by: jsweka on January 03, 2013, 06:44:00 PM
Longbow!!
There's a good reason why the professionals charge more for a recurve.
Title: Re: bow choice for beginer
Post by: CalebNH00 on February 25, 2013, 10:21:00 AM
like everyone else said: a longbow. the recurves are much harder as you have to bend the tips and tiller around the recuves. for a beginner a long bow is much simpler.
Title: Re: bow choice for beginer
Post by: Roy from Pa on February 25, 2013, 10:26:00 AM
Frosty ole boy I suggest PVC pipe for your first bow...   :laughing:
Title: Re: bow choice for beginer
Post by: CamoZ on February 25, 2013, 11:11:00 AM
Ha..PVC..I was thinking of that at first too..I went with a piece of Oak from Home Depot..cost me about $8.00..made a rather decent first bow..just finished it actually..

I used a linen backing to be sure I did not spend all that time just to have it break..it came in at just under 30# at 28inch draw..
Title: Re: bow choice for beginer
Post by: Frosty the Bowman on February 25, 2013, 12:02:00 PM
Thanks Roy ole boy, gonna make you one with paperclips, hope it wont be to "strong" for ya  :biglaugh:  

Thanks to all, even you Roy
Title: Re: bow choice for beginer
Post by: Robertfishes on February 25, 2013, 12:07:00 PM
You said you like recurves so why not build a one piece recurve? If your gonna build a bowform it might as well be what you really want.