Finding the Ideal Fit
Before you can begin archery, it is essential to find a bow that meets your individual needs and budget. This will enable you to enjoy the sport more and enhance performance. When purchasing traditional archery bows, there are various factors such as draw weight, limbs, and riser to consider. Once you make an informed decision about which bow best suits your requirements and budget, focus on learning new techniques and honing existing ones.
First, you must decide which bow type is suitable for you – recurve or compound? This decision depends on your goals, discipline level and preferences as well as where you intend to shoot it.
Recurvebows are straightforward in design, featuring limbs that curve towards the archer from their riser but gradually bend away at their tip. They’re ideal for shooters looking to increase arrow speed, as well as hunters or competitors looking for an edge in competition.
Compoundbows feature more intricate design with limbs that curve away from the bow’s tip. They’re popular among professional archers seeking to increase arrow speed or for hunting situations where longbows cannot be used.
As a general guideline, start with the lowest draw weight that you feel confident shooting and gradually increase it until you feel comfortable and secure with it. The higher the poundage, the less force must be applied when drawing back and you will be able to shoot faster.
Next, select a draw length that accommodates your height and arm length. This will prevent wrist strain and the bow will be able to support all of your body weight.
For youth bows, the draw length should be at least 25 inches; for adults, 28-31 inches is recommended. Please note that these lengths may differ between manufacturers.
To guarantee the draw length you select is suitable, ask a trained archery professional to measure it for you. It’s also helpful to keep your head and neck relaxed when measuring so as not to strain any muscles while doing so.
Once you know your draw length, make sure the bow you’re considering can accommodate it. Most bows come with a chart showing which draw lengths they accept, so chances are good that one of them will meet all your requirements.
When selecting an arrow length, take into account your bow’s length and the type of spine you have selected.
A stiff arrow with a high point weight is best for heavy bows, while one with a low point weight works better with light bows. Your local archery shop can assist you in selecting the ideal arrow length based on your specific bow and needs.
The spine of an arrow’s shaft will determine its ability to clear the bow without fletchings landing on it, significantly improving accuracy at longer ranges. Arrows with good spines that clear without fletchings landing will ensure they stay in their intended spot as they exit the target, helping keep grouping tightened up.
