When starting traditional archery or upgrading your bow after some experience, several important factors to take into account include your intended use for the bow, budget limitations and experience level.
You likely know the importance of a good bow as an archer’s tool, but how do you go about selecting the perfect one? Before purchasing your first bow, here are some basic things to consider:
Measure Your Bow Length
A great way to determine the size of your bow is by measuring your arm span. There are various methods for doing this, but the most straightforward method is standing up and stretching out both arms as far as possible. This measurement will give you a good indication as to which length works best for you.
Once you’ve taken your arms’ measurements, divide this number by 2.5 to determine your draw length. This is an accurate way of determining what size bow fits best.
Traditional bow limbs and riser are made of wood. Depending on the species, these can vary in strength and durability; wood being more robust than composite materials, so always ensure that the limbs of your bow are made with quality materials.
When selecting a bow, weight should be taken into consideration. A heavy bow may become tiring and cause you to lose balance; on the other hand, one that’s too light may be difficult to handle and may not provide you with the accuracy desired.
No matter your requirements, there are a variety of traditional bows to choose from – including longbows, wooden recurve bows and Asian horse-bows. There should be something that meets both your aesthetic and functional needs.
When selecting an arrow for hunting, there are a few different types to choose from. Generally speaking, hunting requires heavier arrows than target practice or competition use.
The weight of your arrows plays a significant role in how accurate and powerful your shot is. A lighter arrow may be more precise and penetrate further, but it will fly slower than one with heavier mass.
When selecting a recurve bow, it’s wise to select one with an extensive draw weight range so you can shoot it at various distances. Doing this will help you remain consistent in your technique and enhance your archery skillset.
Make sure the draw weight of your recurve bow falls within a safe range for both your age and weight, in order to avoid injury.
Furthermore, you should seek a bow that is easy to shoot and has an ergonomic grip. This way, you can comfortably shoot it for hours on end without straining yourself.
