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M'Lady Kateryn, Greetings.<br>
<br>
That's a tough call. Most of the lower priced bows are just junk.<br>
<br>
Your newbie could get by with a light traditional stick longbow for
a little over $100, but I don't recommend they start there. A
traditional bow shot off the hand takes quite a bit of patience and
practice to use well for most people. We wouldn't want a new archer
to get frustrated.<br>
<br>
They might consider a light take-down recurve from 3Rivers, FS
Discount Archery (lowest prices), or Old Bow.com. Some of these are
less than $200, even as low as $119. This is the sort of bow they
could use for a year or two with good results, then pass on to
another archer when they want something better. Just make sure you
advise them NOT to get something with an open riser that will have
to be taped over to be SCA legal. Most of these have wooden risers
anyway.<br>
<br>
Here are my best recommendations for moderately-priced bows they
might want to keep for years:<br>
<br>
Black Rhino M-58 bow: $225 from Black Rhino:
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.bows.net/blackrhino.htm">http://www.bows.net/blackrhino.htm</a><br>
<br>
Ragim Fox longbow, $239 from Old Bow.com:
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.oldbow.com/ragim_fox_longbow_ss1.htm">http://www.oldbow.com/ragim_fox_longbow_ss1.htm</a><br>
<br>
Ragim Wolf longbow, $249 from Old Bow.com:
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.oldbow.com/wolf_longbow_ss1.htm">http://www.oldbow.com/wolf_longbow_ss1.htm</a><br>
<br>
Nirk/Martin Rebel recurve, $199 from 3Rivers:
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.3riversarchery.com/Youth+Archery+Bows++Nirk+Rebel+Recurve+Bow+By%3A+Martin_c16_s94_p0_i2307X_product.html">http://www.3riversarchery.com/Youth+Archery+Bows++Nirk+Rebel+Recurve+Bow+By%3A+Martin_c16_s94_p0_i2307X_product.html</a><br>
<br>
3Rivers/Martin Shadow longbow, $250 from 3 Rivers:
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.3riversarchery.com/Youth+Archery+Bows++3Rivers+%22Shadow%22+Longbow_c16_s94_p0_i3360X_product.html">http://www.3riversarchery.com/Youth+Archery+Bows++3Rivers+%22Shadow%22+Longbow_c16_s94_p0_i3360X_product.html</a><br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Several of my friends shoot the Nirk Rebel with excellent results.
This is probably the best value for the money.<br>
<br>
I favor the Shadow longbow as an excellent choice, though it only
comes in three draw weights. It is essentially the little brother
(sister?) of the Tred Barta longbow, also sold by 3Rivers, which I
shoot. The Barta bow is a truly outstanding bow, but not available
below 40#. The Shadow comes from the same factory and uses the same
basic design, though it is a bit shorter.<br>
<br>
Some of the youngsters on my range use various Black Rhino bows.
These are excellent quality. The M-58 is large enough for an adult.<br>
<br>
In the past I considered buying the Ragim Wolf for myself, but went
another direction. Now it and the slightly shorter Fox cost almost
as much as the Shadow. They are available in a greater range of draw
weights than the Shadow, but the Shadow is probably a better choice.<br>
<br>
They might get a good used bow from Old Bow.com. These will be in
good condition, but selection may be limited. I don't recommend
buying a used bow on eBay. This is a good way to get burned with
something that is cracked or worn out.<br>
<br>
Your new archer should work closely with an experienced marshal to
measure their correct draw weight. If possible they should find an
example of the bow they are interested in (even if it is a
different draw weight) in they can hold it and feel for the comfort
of the grip.<br>
<br>
Kind regards,<br>
<br>
<br>
Lord Mungo Napier, Shire of Isenfir TA Marshal<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
On 6/2/2011 11:35 AM, Marybeth Lavrakas wrote:
<blockquote cite="mid:398943.53454.qm@web65910.mail.ac4.yahoo.com"
type="cite">
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<div>Hello all,<br>
<br>
I recently had a fairly new person to the SCA ask me what bow
I would recommend for a beginner to start with. I didn't have
a good answer for him, because I've only ever shot with
longbows and know nothing about recurves or other styles.
What would be your top recommendation for a new target archer
who understandably doesn't want to spend $300 right off the
bat.<br>
<br>
(Although...didn't Ascham say something about it being better
to pay double for a good bow than half for one that breaks?
LOL)<br>
<br>
Thanks, Kateryn Rous<br>
</div>
</div>
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