No matter your level of experience or knowledge about archery, there are plenty of bows for sale that can get you started. But make sure that the bow you select meets all your requirements.
Begin by selecting the type of bow you desire – recurve, traditional or compound. Then, gauge its draw length and weight range to find the ideal choice for you.
Recurve bows
Recurve bows are a timeless archery weapon. They’re ideal for target shooting, field shooting, hunting and 3D archery – plus they’re more affordable than compound bows which makes them an attractive option even for beginners.
When shopping for a recurve bow, your needs should always come first. Start by finding one with the ideal draw length and weight.
Recurve bows should have a draw length between 15 to 70 inches. This will enable you to draw and shoot the bow accurately, as well as provide enough power for mid-size and larger game.
A correct bow length will also influence how accurately you can shoot. A recurve bow with a draw length that is too short will make aiming difficult and pulling back the bowstring more challenging.
It can be hazardous if your arm strength is lacking. Therefore, it’s essential that you find the appropriate draw length and weight for your body type.
If you’re new to archery, opt for the lower end of your recommended draw weight range. A bow with a higher draw weight will be more powerful and transfer more energy into your arrows; however, it will also be harder for you to draw back and maintain stability with.
When selecting a recurve bow, comfort of hold should be your top priority. After all, you’ll be using it frequently over an extended period of time.
Finally, a bow that’s lightweight will be easy to transport and shoot with ease. A recurve bow weighing less than three pounds is ideal for beginners.
When shopping for a recurve bow, you’ll want to find one that is both affordable and long-lasting. Look out for models designed with beginners in mind that have features such as sight bushings, threaded limb tips, and ergonomic designs.
It is wise to opt for a bow with interchangeable limbs, so that you can upgrade it as your skill level and experience grows. This makes your bow more customizable and allows you to upgrade to more expensive and powerful models as an experienced archer.
Takedown bows
Takedown bows are a popular option for beginners due to their ease of storage and transport compared to traditional one-piece bows. Plus, these come in various sizes that can accommodate different types of archery.
Beginner archers looking for an affordable first bow will find these models particularly beneficial; many can be bought for less than $100, making them ideal for first-time buyers.
Many bows are constructed with wood, carbon or metals; however, modern takedown recurve bows utilize flexible fiberglass limbs that bend and stretch to create tension and propel an arrow at high speeds. This makes the limbs especially lightweight so as to reduce overall weight of the bow.
Takedown bows offer the advantage of being customizable and upgradable without needing special tools or risks. This allows you to upgrade your limbs as you gain experience and develop skills, giving your bow the best performance it can provide.
These bows are ideal for beginners who wish to practice with a lower draw weight until they gain confidence and technique. They’re easy to set up, plus come equipped with a bow stringer.
The draw weight is the strength required for your bow to pull back on the string, determining how far you can shoot. It’s essential that you select a bow that matches your build and strength so you can learn proper technique with it.
Takedown recurve bows are available in a range of draw weights to suit your needs and shooting style. Depending on the type of archery you plan on engaging in, a higher draw weight may prove more efficient than one with a lower one.
Another advantage of a takedown bow is that they can easily be replaced if damaged or need maintenance. This makes them an excellent option for beginners as it will save them money in the long run.
These bows are an ideal choice for beginners as they come in a range of prices and can be assembled quickly with minimal effort. Additionally, their lightweight design makes them ideal for those who don’t want to carry around too much extra weight around with them.
Bows with adjustable draw weight
Bows with adjustable draw weights are perfect for beginner archers who want to practice on a bow that matches their strength and build. This is essential, as an archery bow that’s too heavy can lead to poor form, fatigue and frustration.
To determine the draw weight that works best for you, measure your wing span (the distance between one middle fingertip and another when stretched at right angles) and divide by 2.5. This is your “draw length,” or how long it takes to pull back to full extension when shooting with a bow.
A shorter draw length generates faster arrow speed, while a longer draw allows you to be more forgiving with mistakes in form. This makes longer bows ideal for beginners since they can shoot it with confidence that their form will remain correct every time.
Another advantage of bows with adjustable draw weights is that you can alter its weight as your strength and experience increases. This can make a significant difference in how accurately and safely you shoot.
Therefore, we suggest purchasing a bow that has an adjustable draw weight range, such as the Diamond Edge Pro. This bow can be adjusted from 30 to 55 lbs and is perfect for beginner archers who want practice using a powerful enough bow for hunting white-tailed deer but not so powerful that they have trouble controlling it during the hunt.
This bow comes in both left- and right-handed versions, so you’re sure to find a model that meets your requirements. It’s fast and powerful with an effortless draw cycle, plus its dual cams provide it with a solid back wall and virtually no creep or vibration when drawn.
For those just starting out, the Spyder 320 is an ideal beginner bow. It’s affordable and sized just right for kids and adolescents, plus it comes with all necessary accessories to get going. Furthermore, adults who have never used a bow before may find this model easy to learn on and not too heavy or expensive.
Bows with adjustable draw length
Bows with adjustable draw lengths are an ideal choice for beginners wanting to learn how to shoot a compound bow. These bows allow you to customize both your draw length and weight as you hone your shooting skillset, making them suitable for both young archers just starting out using a bow, as well as older shooters needing to increase their draw length as their arms grow stronger.
Some bows feature screw ports near the string or cable post, making it simple to adjust draw length. First, put the bow into a bow press and remove all tension from its strings or cables; then unstwist each port until you achieve your desired length. Although this process may take several attempts, it’s fairly straightforward and will save you lots of time in the long run.
There are also bows that don’t feature this system, yet still allow you to adjust draw length by changing cams on the bow. Unfortunately, replacing these cams can be an expensive part of the process and may require a new cam with the proper draw length.
These bows tend to be less efficient than more traditional compounds, making them unsuitable for advanced archers or those intending to compete in top-level tournaments. On the other hand, these bows make a great choice for beginner archers who want to learn how to shoot a compound without spending a fortune on equipment.
Many modern bows on the market feature modular systems that make it simple to adjust draw length by simply swapping out modules with specific draw-length designations. These modules will typically feature an array of numbers or letters indicating exact distance when drawn.
When adjusting the draw length, it’s essential to measure both your chin level and anchor point for accuracy. Measuring these incorrectly can result in issues with the bow such as inaccurate measurement or damage to it.
To accurately measure your chin level and anchor point, use a measuring tape. Measure from the back of your ear lobe to the base of your extended fingers in a standing shooting position. After taking these measurements, write them down for future reference; this will help ensure accuracy over time.
