What are some good, simple Bows?

[Kestrel]

I don't have any archery equipment at all, but I'm kind of thinking about getting something. I'm not that interested in a wild, complicated looking compound bow. What other options do I have? (I'm also not interested in period-correct replicas, etc.)

I'm thinking about something like a regular recurve, maybe. I also saw a bow being used by a guy on the Outdoor channel in a boat. He was shooting fish at night. It looked similar to a recurve, but seemed to have some sort of compound draw mechanism farther down the bow shaft, closer to where you hold it. Does anyone know what kind of bow this might be? Are they good? The guy was shooting fish, like he could have done it in his sleep - he rarely missed.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Steve

 

[Penman]

There are a couple of magazines you could look for: Instinctive Archer and Traditional Bowhunter. Both of these journals have ads from bowyers who make traditional equipment, as well as articles on making your own and on using traditional equipment. Have fun!

 

[Sunray]

Go to an archery shop. Not a regular sporting goods/gun store though. One that specializes in archery. The arrow length and draw weight of a bow is a personal thing and really should be fitted to you by somebody who knows how. You'll be able to try out a few bows as well. There's all kinds of 'em and are priced from inexpensive to horrendously expensive.
Do not buy a bow of a draw weight that is more than you can easily lift the same weight. You'll hurt yourself. However, most places have laws that say how light the draw weight can be for hunting. If you're not intending to hunt with a bow, it doesn't matter.
The main advantage of a compound is that the draw weight is adjustable and you aren't pulling the whole thing and holding it. Either a recurve or straight bow requires you to pull and hold the whole weight.
I can shoot a 40 pound recurve or long bow all day without hurting myself. No aches or pains after the day's shoot. You are likely different. It kind of depends on how much excercise you get at work.
If you sit at a desk all day and don't get much exercise, you lose upper body tone. Upper body tone is essential for archery. Especially, your back and shoulders. When you draw a bow, you push the bow away from you and pull the string at the same time using your back and shoulders, not your arms.

 

[Baba Louie]

SteveW13
Check out the link to Cabela's recurve/longbow page to see what is available and for how much. Click on the "All comparison". Then, do as Sunray advised.
Don't hesitate to start light and work your way up. Especially if you have kids or a female type significant other that might benefit from a lighter drawing bow.
I like a 55# Longbow w/ a 31"-32" shaft. YMMV.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...og/category-link.jhtml_A&_DAV=MainCatcat21424

 

[lee n. field]

Instinctive Archer and Traditional Bowhunter.

Also Primitive Archery magazine.

 

[bad_dad_brad]

Just my two cents, but the nostagia one feels when looking at a beautiful re-curve bow soon pales quickly if you are a beginning archer. They are difficult to master.

If you want to get into the "Zen" of archery, start easy. Look into the Matthews Genesis compound target bow - about $160. This is a quality little bow, easy to draw, same pull the entire draw, and it is very accurate with a peep site attached.

Once you get the hang of things, then step up. But I would (and I did) start with this little gem. I shoot it often when I want to relax (in my living/dining room!)

http://bbrothersc.zoovy.com/product/GEN