Questions about getting in to traditional archery

From my personal experience I started with 50lbs but that might be too heavy for some people. But if it were me, I would probably start somewhere around 40lbs and I would think you would be fine. But if you think 30 is plenty then go for it!

40-45 pounds is a good starting weight,you can always get heavier limbs for the sage in the future

You can't go too light but you can definitely start too heavy. 35-40lbs is a good starting point. Keep in mind that your draw length will affect the actual draw weight. The Sage is a good bow for the money. Get yourself a good FF string for it, the one that comes with it isn't very good. Make sure you get some properly spined arrows, something in the 500-600 spine. Practice till you start to feel tired then stop. You can buy heavier limbs for about $75 when it gets closer to deer season. If you need any more info, just ask!

Thanks. I've never owned any type of bow but shoot my friend's compound from time to time. Never really wanted one until I came across the previously mentioned websites. I know I can pull a lot heavier, but I'm going to listen to those who have "been there done that" and get it right the first time. What are some good arrows to start with? Price, practice, and hunting wise?

With your limited experience, I'd go no heavier than 40lbs. 35 would be even better. You can go up in weight later. You're gonna want an arrow in the 600 spine range. Remember, you'll need arrows with feather, not plastic vanes unless you're gonna shoot from an elevated rest. You'll also need a shooting glove or tab, armguard and a bow stringer. A Goldtip 1535 would make a good arrow to start with. They aren't real expensive which is good because you'll probably lose a few along the way! You'll need different arrows to hunt with when you go up in draw weight. One more thing, find another traditional archer or group of archers to help you learn to shoot correctly. It's a lot easier than trying to teach yourself as I did. You'll make WAY less mistakes that way. Trust me, I speak from experience on this! Not sure what part of the state you're in, but there's more trad archers around than you think.

Thanks, kmbrown. I live in Flowood.

Well, I'm in Pearl so when you get a bow, pm me and I'll be glad to help you with it. If you happen to be left handed, you're welcome to try some of the bows I've got. Unfortunately, I don't have any RH bows. Kevin

Check this place out http://www.bigjimsbowcompany.com/
He is a really cool guy and he sells blemished goldtips for a lot cheaper than regular ones. Nothing is wrong with them, the finish may just have some minor issues but its purely cosmetic. I bought 6 from him for $28. And you'll need screw in tips because carbon arrows have inserts.

Big Jim's is a good place to get them. He has a 1/2 doz Goldtip Traditional 1535 fletched with 5" feathers for $50. These are blemished shafts. The blemish is strictly cosmetic and you'll probably have to look hard to notice. The 1535 is a 600 spine shaft which will work good with up to a 40lb or so draw weight. You can probably leave them full length (30") and use a 125gr field point to get good arrow flight. $140 for the bow, $60 for arrows and field points, $25 for a glove and arm guard, $15 for a bow stringer, $40 for a target. That's $280. Round that to $300 to cover tax and shipping. That should get you everything you need to start shooting.

It doesn't matter on right or left wing feathers. Both will work fine. Left wing is more common and it's what I shoot. Shield or parabolic is a personal choice. Shield is more traditional looking but they both work just fine. You can have them install the inserts unless you plan on cutting the arrows yourself. With a 35-40lb bow, they should shoot good full length. Typically, you do the 2 hen feathers one color and the **** feather another but it doesn't really matter. I would get feathers in a bright color or colors, makes me easier to find when you miss! Lol

Kmbrown I believe I met you at yazoo a couple weekends back , you were talking to me about the learned shoot. I'm a Pearl fireman and resident. Any way , I didn't realize you were a southpaw as I am. I'm enjoying my Sage as of now but am going to invest in a lil better bow for next year. I would like to try out some different bows if you have some time.

Hey Smokey D I shoot lefty as well so if you're ever around Starkville or the Hattiesburg area holla at me and you can try mine. I have a couple of longbows but my go to is my widow pa.

Smokey D said:

Kmbrown I believe I met you at yazoo a couple weekends back , you were talking to me about the learned shoot. I'm a Pearl fireman and resident. Any way , I didn't realize you were a southpaw as I am. I'm enjoying my Sage as of now but am going to invest in a lil better bow for next year. I would like to try out some different bows if you have some time.

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I've got a good assortment of left handed bows. Any time you wanna sling a few arrows through one, just give me a call. I've got a target in the back yard. Kevin 601-566-4255

Cmane08 my wife is from Starkvegas , so we are up there from time to time.
Kmbrown I'll definately catch up with you and see if we can sling a few arrows.

Do y'all use nocking points? I'm guessing it's all trial and error as to where to set it on the string.

reservoirdawg said:

Do y'all use nocking points? I'm guessing it's all trial and error as to where to set it on the string.

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Get yourself a bow square. I usually start off by setting my nock point 1/2" above zero then adjust from there. Nock height can run anywhere from 1/4"-3/4" depending on shooting style. You can use brass nocks or tie on.

Don't get too caught up in "tuning" right now. Work hard on developing good, consistant form first. If you can find an experienced trad guy near you to shoot with, many form errors and bad habits could be avoided. Trying to tune a trad bow before your form solidifies is like trying to stack BBs on a rollercoaster.

I can promise you ...No you're not wasting your time with it, No you shouldn't have gotten a compound first, and last but certainly not least Yes it'll kill any animal on this continent. With practice and perseverance, you will have 10 fold the amount of fun as your buddies...Good to see the fire has been lit.

If you're gonna be around this weekend and wanna fire a few arrows with it, give me a call. I've got a target behind the house and some arrows you can shoot. I'm no expert but I've been doing this a long time. I can at least get you started in the right direction. Kevin Brown 601-566-4255.