Just got home from ETAR, had a awesome time, one thing I noticed was more people shooting bows with metal risers, ILF limbs, stabilizers, and elevated rests and plunger buttons, I'm fine with it, I'll stick to my modern longbow, but is this the future of traditional archery or just a fade.

I too noticed what seems to be a trend. Seems to be many "divisions" within the trad community. To each his own. I like the simplicity of stick and string, but shoot a custom made with modern materials. I really respect the self bow guys, but just don't have the time and drive to join them.

Blessings!

I've noticed that also... Maybe because Traditional Archers are only 5%-10% of the archers in this country, something (new) is needed to keep it interesting and keep the money flowing...    ...

Just my two cents worth...

Don't worry postman,
it's a niche within a niche.  Most folks still prefer the warmth and timelessness of pretty wood hehe.  My brother and I are 'new breed', I'm 35 he's 30, and we will always prefer a handbuilt stickbow over metal.  I know we're not alone.

I've been here a while, but haven't posted in a LONG time (like years). So hello to everybody again!! I saw this and thought I could give my two cents:)

I like the feel of wood. I currently have a recurve that I built myself. I had selfbow and a longbow that I sold to make the recurve. But I also don't have the money for lots of different bows since I'm a college student. So, I recently got a hoyt satori. I like the concept of being able to try different limbs, different weights and lengths of the ILF without having to fork out money for a new bow each time while keeping the grip the same. And the indestructability of metal is a plus factor since I want it to last a long time. Hope that all makes sense...

BUT, I do like wood and understand the concern postman. I do think it will stay, but I don't imagine it ever taking over the feel of wood in the hand with the wooden bows.

Postman, none of the things you mentioned are "new" except the ILF limbs and that is just a means of mounting limbs.  I have been in archery since long before compounds and metal risers, sights, stabilizers, plunger buttons and elevated rests were quite common. Many of the older recurves you see still have the holes that were drilled for sights. May just be those aspects of historic archery are making a come back. Like they say, "what goes around comes around".

Just before compound bows got really started metal riser recurves were up and coming. Think Bear, Grooves, Pearson, and of course Hoyt target bows. What I see today by your observation is where we were in early 70's. What has made a big difference IMO is designs and materials. I would put money down that some of these modern Super Recurves are as fast or faster than those early compounds.
We are progressing in how we shoot these bows as well. String walking (fixed crawl) is more prevalent in Trad than say 10 years ago. Sights are being sold and used as well.
I have already heard the rumblings that Trad does not mean what it meant back when the concept was accepted by those with stick and string. I also hear this from wheel bow people when we ask about "Trad stakes"  at shoots.  Lots of stuff to ponder about for sure. Me, I like progress mainly because as I age and cannot shoot bows over 55# I know I can get acceptable performance from modern recurves and LB.

Those metal riser bows are ugly.  I can't be seen shooting an ugly bow  

What year did Fred Bear start making the Bear magnesium riser?

It's all archery and in the end it boils done to a bow and arrow.

Think I will just stay with good ole wood!
Terry

Like I said, I am fine with it, just never been to a shoot this big and couldn't help but notice people shooting this style of bows. But after picking one up in a group I was shooting with I think I will stick with my modern wood longbow.

Compound converts like metal risers. They want their tapped holes to screw in all the accessories they're used to.

Yeah, yeah, we all know metal risers have been around forever. Don't need a history lesson or an argument about how "trad" they are.

They're butt ugly and cold.

I was one of those guys with a metal riser at ETAR. I also ordered a new 3pc stewart slammer while I was at this shoot. I like all bows, I have a LHA bow a few bob lees, hoyt gmx, two border tempest, gillo. All bows are fun to shoot, Im the type of person who doesnt snub their nose at what bow your shooting, Im the type of guy who asks if I can try your bow out.

I'm one of them ILF guys. I have metal, Carbon and wood risers.

History repeats itself is my belief... We started with all wood bows, moved to wood & fiberglass longbows & 'curves, then eventually compounds and carbon & metal components. We're just caught in the history loop... gotta find my bell-bottom jeans and Zubaz.
Rando

i wasn't there, but I see this wondrous wooden beast was - maybe one of you bought it?
 

My favorite bow is a Northern Mist Whisper.  I shoot everything from a Osage self bow to an Trad Tech Titian, with some classic bears and
Wings in between.  

I'm having shoulder surgery in a couple of weeks.  The Titian was purchased as a rehab bow.  I have had fun tuning and shooting it.  Good speed for the draw weight.

Hope to get back to shooting my ASL's after surgery and rehab.  I probably shoot the ILF bow a little better, but enjoy the "tradition"/challenge of the ASL.  

Keeping it Fun!

To each their own and shoot whatever and however makes you happy.

I too have noticed the trend and feel a lot has to do with the current age of social media and the influence it has on others.

Shoot I remember when I thought it was odd to see someone shooting 3 under just because everyone I shot with shot split. Now I see some really wild anchors all the time! If that works for you, go for it!

Me personally, I will stick with my modern wood bows, and split finger instinctive shooting. That other stuff is to complicated and makes me think too much! I go out to shoot or hunt to not think!  

Shooting one bow all the time has to be sooo boring. Wood riser yes metal yes in ILF I can shoot longbow or recurve from many different bowyers. I also like one pcs longbows. Hunt with all of them and not sure which one until I walk out the door to go hunting.