Adult beginner bows?

[Paul/KS]

A buddy of mine has become interested in archery. He's been here a couple times for some informal lessons and to shoot a few of my lighter weight bows. He's talking about getting his own so I'm wondering what all is out there these days for an adult beginner? I'm thinking a good take down with light weight limbs to start then work up. Any suggestions?

[Sam McMichael]

Once you decide what style bow you prefer, it might be a good idea to buy a used bow by one of the more esteemed bowyers. That way, you get a quality bow that will still bring decent money if you later want to sell it. Try the classifieds, you usually can find a reasonable deal. Good luck on your quest.

[The Whittler]

Hitman Archery sells Black Hunter in different models at a very reasonable price. You get a new bow and if you have a problem with it I'm sure he can take care of it.

I have one (Black Hunter Stealth) and it shoots just as good as my customs.

[Bowguy67]

Every time someone mentions this black hunter stuff I need to say it's Chinese and unless from a real importer, not Amazon (fulfillment company) for instance, which skirts the Pittman Robertson fees. As sportsman we need to support that. It's raised many billions of dollars for our wildlife.
I know that's not answering your question. Something I could recommend is starting with the used market. It's already depreciated  He could always trade up whenever he needs. He could also prob find an old used Bear for a couple hundred bucks if not get someone to give him one.
A new grizzly is only 400 on top of these thoughts. So if the man decided to get into shotgunning for instance 400 would prob be an easy bargain to put things in perspective

[woodchucker]

I too, would suggest a good Bear production bow. (new or used)

A 40-45# bow is a good starting weight.
Recurve? Bear Grizzly, been around for decades. Fred Bear marketed it as "The Working Man's Bow"
Longbow? The Bear Montana is a GREAT longbow!! My son Little Bear wanted a longbow. I found him a used 45# Montana about 7-8 years ago. He still loves it!! It's his "go to" hunting bow...

[John Cholin]

Bear Grizzly

I believe that bow has started more bowhunters than all the rest and for good reason.

Stick a Big One,

JMC

[woodchucker]

Just one old woodchucker's opinion...

Many times here, the topic suggests a take down, for the ability to change limbs and increase weight.
I would caution against that? Many times, new shooters jump weight as soon as they feel comfortable drawing their bows. A bow you are comfortable shooting,  is a bow you become proficient with.
I have aquired quite a few old Bear recurves over the years, from 40-55#

I raised 2 boys that learned to shoot. they had their pick... They would try a heavier bow and struggle with it, only to go back to a lighter bow. In truth, they used what they shot best with!!

IMHO, Increasing weight too soon, lets bad habits, stay bad habits... OMMV

[Paul/KS]

Well to clarify, I started him on an old Bear Cub recurve at 18# then moved him up a notch to the Martin Stick that I have which draws 30#. He's doing OK with that one too.
I'd offer it to him but I kind of like having it around to introduce beginners to the longbow.

[toddster]

Here is my two cents today.  It is a great time to get into traditional archery.  I suggest that he shoot few different bows, recurve/longbow.  Get idea what feels best at this point.  Then I suggest finding a buddy like you who can loan him one for a while, then get true specs for form.  Then as June comes so to, does archery shoots with a lot of vendors, Cloverdale, In. always a great show, think there is one in Kansas.

[Trenton G.]

I'm going to have to recommend the black hunter as well. Absolutely the best bow for the money out there right now as far as buying a new bow goes. I've bought several for the archery club here at school and have been really impressed with how they perform. The string isn't the greatest that comes with them but it's not terrible either. Limbs are cheap so changing weights is fairly easy, and they offer both longbow and recurve limbs although it doesn't have the true longbow feel.