Where to start

[Agrius]

I'm wanting to get into archery, but don't know where to start. I was thinking about getting this: http://www.lancasterarchery.com/samick-trailblazer-68-longbow.html
But I don't really know what I'm doing...

I was hoping you guys would share any useful hints on how to start out and where you go to buy your gear.

 

[SDS]

There are going to be a lot of opinions on this but here is mine. I personally wouldn't start with a longbow. A recurve is more forgiving and you can get similar poundage in a shorter overall length usually. I also wouldn't go out and buy a high dollar bow until you have had a chance to shoot a few and see what you like.

If you look around you will likely find a traditional archery club or shooting events whithin driving distance (not sure where you are so I can't help with that part). Go to those events and talk to anyone and everyone. You will get tons of opinions. You will also likely get to shoot several different bows.

Stickbow.com is a good resource for trad. archery.

SDS

 

[MrKnobbie]

Deciding where to start is related to where you what to go...
Seriously though, what is your current intention as far as archery?
Hunting? If so, where and/or what? Some bows are better for certian types of game or habitat.
Becoming more proficient with traditional weapons? Nothing wrong with that, but maybe a non-production bow is the order of the day. Maybe learning by making a bushbow is the place to start.
What is your draw weight? While not the most important place to start, it might cut down on the variables.
What is about archery that is drawing you in? the tradition, the old world mystique, the challenge? Heck, the gear just looks cool to me.
Have you shot any bows? If so, what did you like about the bow?
Maybe a good place to start is not buying a $200-600 bow, and instead going to a shop that will let you try out a couple. I agree with SDS in so far as trying out some bows before you buy. Got any friends with bows? Even shooting a friend's compound might reveal to you more direction. The look, the feel, the complexity, the goal, the ease of target aquisition.
Have you searched much? Here and other forums? Tradgang, Piratesofarchery, etc. (I'm on TradGang.com too, I just like it here a lot more)
There is plenty of online places to get gear, including trad archery gear. You, my friend, need a real human to help you. That human might be you, but someone else that can literally put a bow and arrow in your hand will do wonders.

I buy from both 3Rivers and Kustom King. That doesn't mean that they are all that is good. They just have good prices for what I need.

My bottom line suggestion: don't start off with a big purchase, try on a few before investing. See what you like. Maybe you like recurves, maybe you don't. Maybe you like compounds or like the let off of a compound. Maybe you want the challenge of instinctive shooting, maybe that is not your deal and you want pin sites.
If $220 is not a big purchase, more power to 'ya! That Samick seems like a good buy! Maybe not a bow to hand down to the kids, but as you said you are getting started.

FYI- I had no idea my draw length for about a year after I started shooting. I shoot 52 lb and 49 lb self bows that my dad made and gave me. I'm looking to make a RudderBow takedown. I shot little fiberglass bow all my youth, so picking it up again was no trouble, other than hitting the target. Still transitioning to instinctive shooting from gap shooting. If your in my neck of the woods, your welcome to try out what I have.

 

[Aven]

Agrius, look and see there is an archery range in driving distance that gives lessons. If there is, start there. They will have loaner equipment and expert advice. I'm not saying that you can't teach yourself. You can. But you can learn some really bad habits that can be very frustrating for you to identify and to correct.

 

[GreyOne]

Keep in mind that if you have not shot a bow, you will need a good bit of practice to build up the muscles involved.
A 25# to 35 # bow is ideal for target shooting, and works well for small game.

A heavier bow-45# to 55#- is good for deer hunting in most states.

I shot a 45# recurve, 30 plus years ago. Recently tried starting back, and found that I needed to go down to a target weight bow to shoot enough to even start regaining my form and skills.

Get to a good archery shop, get some lessons or coaching, and shoot a nice simple recurve for a while, until you _know_ what suits you best.

 

[sadiejane]

Get to a good archery shop, get some lessons or coaching, and shoot a nice simple recurve for a while, until you _know_ what suits you best.

"good" archery shop is the key. and not one of the big box stores that has an "archery dept". find a small locally own business and go talk to em. try out as many bows as they have that are an appropriate weight for you. get em to measure yr draw length. often the small "mom n pop" type archery shops will have used equipment.
look in yr local yellow pages. you might be surprised to find one or more little archery shops in butler bldgs and sheds in rural parts of yr area. if there is an archery range, ask them about trad archery businesses in the surrounding area.

as with any new endeavor, gather information. the more information you have the better choices you will make. and the less $ you will spend in the long run.

good luck and have fun!!

 

[busboy1]

"good" archery shop is the key. and not one of the big box stores that has an "archery dept". find a small locally own business and go talk to em. try out as many bows as they have that are an appropriate weight for you. get em to measure yr draw length. often the small "mom n pop" type archery shops will have used equipment.
look in yr local yellow pages. you might be surprised to find one or more little archery shops in butler bldgs and sheds in rural parts of yr area. if there is an archery range, ask them about trad archery businesses in the surrounding area.

as with any new endeavor, gather information. the more information you have the better choices you will make. and the less $ you will spend in the long run.

good luck and have fun!!

Ill add a little snipet to this after spending some time in your local archery shop, buy from them . Nothing is harder on these small shops to have you do your reasearch there and buy elsewhere. most shops will bend over backwards for you when you buy a bow there, helping you tune it for little to no charge. You buy online and cant get it to shoot straight?, the pro shop will be happy to tune for you ussually about $45 an hour.
I say this couse I have spent alot of time trying to help folks out that bought stuff online and couldnt get it to tune straight mostly an isssue with compounds.