Switching from Compound Bow to Traditional Recurve Bow?

In this video Clay discuses the difference between compound bows and traditional bows, recurve bows and longbows when it comes to making the switch from compound to trad. We'll answer questions like:

How long does it take to become accurate with a recurve?
Can you hold a traditional bow at full draw?
How do the shot distances differ between the two?
What about speed and arrow penetration?
And more.

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[sebastienraymond]

The satisfaction of achieving a good level of precision in traditional archery and the possibility of continuous improvement are very satisfying sensations that attract many archers, once we eliminate and get through our many beginner mistakes in this fantastic sport.

[CybrR]

Bought my first bow decided to go recurve. It comes in today. Super excited

[jamescooper]

You said it best when you said "Everything on a compound is designed to take the archer out of the equation". I feel most hunters who place killing an animal as the highest priority are using compounds. The guys that just enjoy the experience of the hunt and place the kill a bit lower in priority and like the simplicity of the equipment are using traditional bows. Some just want it "easier". Some just like to be out chasing game. The biggest thing a new trad shooter can do is start at short range, like 25 feet, and stay short for a good long time until their form and shot cycle are getting ingrained and they are really getting used to it. Then move back 5 feet and do it all over again. Too many begginers want to start shooting at 30 yards and cant understand why their arrows are going out in the scrub brush.

[whilomforge]

I remember the day I decided to quit shooting my compound. I shot a buck at 48 yards. I know a lot of guys that think that’s a short distance, but for me it just seemed like I was cheating. I don’t look down my nose at anybody that shoots compounds, it’s just not for me. It’s been 10 years this October since I even picked one up, and I have no desire to ever go back... plus I get to break my buddies chops about them using “training wheels” 😂. They don’t appreciate that part, though.

[jonnyvaldez]

I am learning to shoot and hunt with a recurve mainly using yours and a few other channels' tutorials. My dad passed away before teaching me to hunt but left me with a love and respect for the outdoors. Clay, I appreciate all your detailed videos because they really help the new guys like me!

[johngarnergarner]

That's good stuff. I've been hunting with compounds for well over 25 years. A couple of years ago I jumped into traditional archery. Here's my take on both. My first compound was a top of the line Mathews that I bought from my brother. He had used it for three years. Since then, I have owned many bows from most of the most well known bow companies. I feel that anyone buying a compound should always go with the flagship models but maybe three or four years old, much like a used car----and that's primarily because compound bows have topped out in performance. So, you can save a lot of money and not sacrifice anything. The newest models ----I have perform better, although there are certainly advancements in tuning the bows but that's about it. I have a 10 year old Bowtech that shoots just as well as their new models.
When I decided to get into traditional archery I did a lot of on line research and watched a lot of videos and reviews. So, instead of spending a lot of money on a custom bow, I went out and bought a Black Hunter recurve that I paid a little over $115.00 . After I got into trad archery I then purchased a custom recurve from one of the best known bowyers out there. That bow cost $1, 500. It's a one piece and it truly is a work of art. But here's the truth. It does not shoot any better than the cheap Black Hunter. In fact, the cheap Black Hunter is faster. So, I just feel that you can get started in traditional archery and learn how to shoot without breaking the bank. Just change out your string. You'll definitely see a difference there. But sure it's harder to harvest an animal with trad equipment. But when you do there is no greater rush.

[jean-micheltanguay]

3 years ago I picked up my first bow ever and it was a compound bow.

Yesterday I bought my first long bow and watching your videos made things a little easier.

I still love shooting my compound but the challenge and the "simplicity" of a traditional bow won my heart.

[PAcountryJoe]

Made the leap from compound to recurve and only regret is wish I would have sooner !! Great videos Clay!!

[FalenAnjel]

I am always learning new things in Recurve barebow and I just love that no tools are helping me screw up or get a great shot. I can't blame it on anything other than myself... well maybe the off arrow tip is loose and I'll tighten it before the shot if I feel it.

[Insomniac]

My biggest advice to any starter Archer is, do not try to shoot a compound bow with all the goodies on it as your first few shots. I personally think a archer needs to realise how easy it is to miss, and how much freaking satisfaction you get when your arrow flys true and hits the mark!

[roddboyer]

Traditional archery.... putting the arch back in archery! Gotta love it!!!

[peternguyen]

"If Traditional was easy, compound bows would not exist"
SOMEONE CALL THE POLICE, SHOTS FIRED

[mohunter]

Great advice Clay. I think the biggest thing I struggled with when I decided to go Trad was arrow wt. Front of Center wt. proper spine and arrow tuning. Speed is almost a non factor with trad bows, but Momentum and perfect arrow flight is Everything. Be prepared to have a much heavier arrow setup than you're used to with a compound. Hair popping sharp fixed blade Broadheads are a must!!! Watch as many videos as you can about arrow tuning for trad set ups as you can.

[Mtn_Nomad]

Ive been compound hunting for 15 years now but I've been bit by the Trad bug. Trying super hard to decide where to start. Enjoying your videos

[jeremypaluck]

I first picked up a compound bow, then I bought a traditional after a couple years, then a crossbow.
Crossbow went first, then with much hesitation the compound went as well.
I've been happily hunting with purely my traditional bow now!
Love it

[bowman]

Archery, easy to learn, lifetime to master! Love trad thanks for your videos.

[jdr]

My first bow was a recurve with traditional rest. Have often though of going back. Love seeing info on the two. Awesome video!

[vieuxacadian]

I've been a Trad Bow hunter since about 1970 and Her is wisdom . PROPER REPEATABLE FORM . Most beginners OVERBOW themselves unless They have an experienced instructor to assist . Hunting / stalking skills can beat distance . Good video .

[marksmallman]

Great advice Clay, I started archery with my son six years ago, we live in Spain, made my first bows from pvc pipe, they worked ok for us but snapped after two months. I then found on ebay a Ben Pearson colt for little money which I bought and refurbished as it was a bit rough, now own three, a colt a couger and a hunter all from the late sixties early seventies, they are beautiful and shoot well, or as well as I can, love the sport and I am still learning every day, wish I could hunt as you do, not possible here though, keep up the good work.

[jonpatterson]

I've all but put my compound up to shoot traditional. Opening day is this Saturday, I'll be in the woods with my longbow