Recurve/Traditional vs. Compound

Question

I'm getting my first bow, and I want a recurve bow... However, since I live in Los Angeles, archery supply shops (ones that supply recurve bows in particular) are few and far away (the nearest is in Fullerton, a couple of hours Northeast).

I want to know this: do you think I should get a compound bow instead? I am sort of a beginner, but I do understand the differences between the two... I just feel like I'm cheating when I'm shooting a compound bow... Plus, the recurves are MUCH better looking than the compounds, in my opinion (I prefer the traditional look).

Any good starter bows and/or a place to buy them in the LA area would also be great.

cheers.

Answer 1

i think you should get a compound  because they are more accurate and they are stronger and you defintely want to the arrow through the body

Answer 2

Here's my suggestion.  Come visit us at Rancho Park.  It's near Pico and Motor a few blocks east of the Westside Pavilion.

We offer a free intro class to archery, and then you can use our stuff for free.  Then when you know exactly what you want you can buy them.

Other places to buy would be K1-archery.com.  He's based in Aliso Viejo.  I usually order from him and meet him at the range down in Long Beach

Answer 3

Well, you could try online, try the possible shop! I like recurves better to, I've never had a compound bow.

Personally I think the only reason you need the advantages of a compound bow is if your gonna auctually use it to hunt, which is something I can't really do much around here!

http://possibleshop.com/bows.htm -possible shop

Answer 4

  You just can't beat Targetbutts suggestion!

Answer 5

You can get recurve bows from most manufacturers online through the three major hunting equipment suppliers, those being: Cabelas, Bass Pro Shop, and Gander Mountain.

Answer 6

Tradition,Tradition, if that is it then you should use a long bow, not a recurve. Each step of progress improves our working base. The recurve is an improvement over the longbow, the compound is over the recurve. At the same time a rimfire gun is an improvement over a cap and ball which was over the flintlock and matchlock.  The compound will shoot straighter and easier IMO than a longbow, thus you will not tire as quickly.  That's my $.02.