longbow setup

Howdy , thinking about jumping into the traditional archery world after this fall season and was lookin for basic suggestion. I want a longbow, im left handed, i have very limited archery experience. I cant spend a fortune but would be ok with waiting longer to get a bow for something i had to save up for . If you have any suggestions about what to start lookin for i would be very greatfull. Also im 6 ft n stout if that helps with draw weight etc... not lookin to hunt with it any time soon but that is the eventual purpose. Thanks!

Rule of thumb, take your compound set up drop 2/2.5ins off your draw length no release just fingers or tab. Me 28.5in draw on my bow with wheels I'm around 26.5in draw on my long bow/recurves. Another thing I read deduct 20lbs from your compound I pull 70 with my wheels. I started with a 45lb super grizzly from Fred Bear a Recurve. I now shoot 55lbs on a centaur longbow I hunt with an everything with that bow.

35-45lb get form down takes loads of practice as you get form add distance add weight slowly casual weight distance but intense practice.

Bad thing not many options for Leftys, good is when I see leftys selling they have a smaller market An tend to let stuff go for much cheaper then initial cost. I'd say reach out to Traditional Bowhunters if Georgia. See if any leftys will be attending an go shoot the options there. First shoots for new guest are free can't beat taking advantage of that.

I like classifieds on stick bow, I've seen some awesome Toelke longbows there for around $300 range. These are fairly expensive custom rigs greatly discounted an even more reduced leftys I've seen have a tough time with trad gear. It's a load of fun I enjoy it. Any questions shoot me a DM. Lots here can help more then me. But start light start close Get foundation then progress.

Where about do you live? I'm a lefty and have both recurves and longbows of different draw weights. You need to shoot different bows to see what you like. I will meet you and can help with all your questions and can make your learning curve faster. Pm me for details

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Pretty much spot on.

Check stick bow, check with big jim and see what used lefty's he has. Go to as many shoots as you can. I know they shoot most every month in Gainesville.

Thank you all, i think going to a shoot first may be the right answer! Dennis thank you for your offer , i make take you up on that later in the year. Work in crazy right now n then well deer season!

longbows are great - smooth as silk and quiet too. True they can be a little cumbersome in the woods, but it forces you to move slow and careful - nothing wrong with that, right? Also they are very intuitive, very much like throwing a baseball once you put in a little practice.

I would watch video clips of Howard Hill or Byron Ferguson to get pumped up if I were you!

Do it! Take the plunge!

I shot a borrowed recurve for a year and after a lot of struggles, got fairly proficient. Check out Clay Hayes videos on for basic info. Key will be pairing a good bow with a quality arrow. Shoot less weight than you think you should because with traditional archery, form is king.

Go to a local shoot and prepare to be amazed at how good those guys really are.

I think most shoots are done for the year because hunting seasons have started. Dennis can help ya out a lot and he is a lefty.

dm/wolfskin said:

I think most shoots are done for the year because hunting seasons have started. Dennis can help ya out a lot and he is a lefty.

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Big Jim has one this weekend.

Thank you all for the advise!

Dennis is really good at teaching someone the basics.

Thank you all, i sent dennis a pm yesterday.