[kirkwhitaker]

I am just now getting into traditional archery and have two questions....
1. am thinking of a martin X200 as my first traditional bow...is 58 or so inches..had thought about a shorter bow but was recommended against it because it stacks so fast. will get one in the 45 lb range...I have a 27" draw and it should stack to about 42 or so I am told..plenty for fun and shooting deer at the range i would care to do so.
2. good instructions on making a self bow. am also into blackpowder and a self bow kinda goes along with a smoke pole...don't ask me about inlines..i don't like 'em...i figure a 35 lb or so self bow would be fun...just don't know how to make them...have plenty of hickory, oak, basswood and other trees to choose from....so i figure i would give that a shot too..
May shoot aluminum arrow this year till i get back used to the traditional bow style....but would eventualy switch to cedar or another wooden arrow...
thanks in advance..
kirk[/code]

 

[TheBowhunter]

I have never shot the Martin so I will leave that subject to the other here.
as for self-Bows you mention Hickory, Oak they are good but Osage is Best but I recomend you start with the others Osage has twist, turns, and knots most Bowyers call this the snake wood. You have to fallow the grain of the wood to keep it from splintering and busting. let me know I will email you more information if you would like.

 

[kirkwhitaker]

yes please...

yes,
please send info...am interested in looking for wood now...since it is less snakey and not turkey season..(can do some early scouting...)
ttyl
send to [email protected]
thanks
kirk

 

[SoftPoint]

Martin X-200 was my first trad. bow. Great bow for the money. It will give you good performance and service for many years.
Cheers!
SoftPoint

 

[ALWAYSSHOOTINSOMETHING]

Martin x 200 is a great bow to start with, don't worry about stacking it won't be a problem at 27" draw and you are right 47# is more than adequate for hunting.

 

[ALWAYSSHOOTINSOMETHING]

Stacking is by definition taking out to much of the curve in the limbs, which causes an excelleration of weight gain in the drawing process making for a radical gain in weight which will feel cumbersone instead of smooth pickup of weight which is prefferable. It can also cause a pintching in your string fingers forcing them to pinch the fingers into the arrow. Also by going with a lighter draw weight makes the weight increase less noticable, if it does stack slightly. My first bow was a 58" grizzley 50#@28" I have a 30" draw, it wasn't until I tried a 64" bow that I knew the griz was stacking. And being in the mid 50's weight wise it wasn't unmanageable.