T.A.-

I’ll put my $0.02 in, but please understand that I am by no means an expert. First, it is difficult to answer the “ideal” draw weight. It is basically what you are comfortable with. I believe 35# is the minimum to LEGALLY kill a deer here in PA. Mind you legally is not always ETHICALLY. Next, what is your experience? If you have been shooting a 50# recurve for the past 20 years, stay with it. If you are a compound shooter that is just getting into traditional and shooting a 60# with a 70% let off, Maybe adjust down a bit (45#-50#). I hope those with more experience will chime in and correct my mistakes, but this is pretty much the advice I got when I was looking for a longbow.

Draw length is not really an issue as long as you are aware that most bows (unless otherwise specified) are measured at 28”. Shorter would be lighter, longer would be heavier.

Lastly, you are concerned about accuracy (as we all are), and I agree. I can kill a moose with a well placed shot from a 35# bow (not that I ever would) just as easily as I can miss a squirrel with a bad shot from a 100# bow. That being said, one can easily outgrow a 35# bow.

If you have any archery clubs or stores that can help you try out a few styles, it would be a huge help. Also, talking to people will help. I have never owned/fired one, but I believe Shrew makes shorter bows, which could be a plus for your shorter draw.

Well, hope some of this helped. Good luck in your search. Be well.

Alex

😀

Thornbush Archery wrote:

First I was wondering what the optimal lbs is for accuracy concerning recurves? I have heard to go a bit lighter for better accuracy, but I still want to be able to kill a deer.

There isn’t really any direct relationship between poundage and accuracy. Accuracy with a trad bow, regardless of poundage, is a matter of personal ability/technique. With that in mind, I would strongly recommend a lighter-poundage (35-45lb) bow for learning and refining your shooting technique, i.e. improving accuracy. You can focus a lot more on correct form with a lighter bow. One of the most common mistakes made by those making the transition from compound to traditional is buy a bow that is too heavy to start out with.

Thornbush Archery wrote:

Second: My draw length is about 25 inches so I was wondering how this affected it?

General rule of thumb is +- 2 to 3lbs. per inch of draw length. As Lygooshka mentioned, the common measurement for poundage on bows is made @ 28″. So with a 25″ draw, you can expect your poundage to be 6-9lbs. less than the stated draw weight, assuming the bow was measured @ 28″

Good luck with it all, and welcome to a lifelong pursuit!

I find it hard to shoot too light of a recurve as release becomes critical. A heavier recurve leaves the fingers (tab) better and shoots flatter – helping when shooting at unknown distances. With your draw I would not go below 50# @ 28″ for hunting.

JMHO.