Choosing your first bow
When you first start out in archery, you realise it's not just a case of picking up a bow and a set of arrows - there's a lot more to it than that. Don't worry - we are here to help make sure you get the right set up for you.
We have heard some horror stories of people trying to get set up as a beginner. If you make an appointment to come and see us, at no extra cost - we make sure that not only do we get the right fitting equipment for you, but that you shoot it before you leave.
We make sure you are truly happy and know everything you need to before you step out the door. If you can't make an appointment then give us a call. We have a combined Archery knowledge of over 60 years, so can advise you as to what bow / set up will be best for you.
Beginners Recurve Bows:
About 90% of all archers looking to take up the sport will start out on a wooden beginner's recurve bow.
http://www.thearcherycompany.com/shop/proddetail.a...
This is a great bow to begin your archery life with. Not only is it a great price and quality, but as the limbs are interchangeable, so it will grow with you as you develop in the sport. You can shoot this type of bow in any competition or club environment.
Right or Left Handed?:
The first big thing to check is if you are right or left handed.
A Right handed archer will hold the bow with their left hand and pull the string back with the right.
It might be worth checking your eye dominance at this stage. Although some people will be right handed and have been throughout their life, they might be left eye dominant . Although this doesn't sound too important, if you're having trouble being accurate with hitting the target this could be why.
Next - Choosing the right length bow:
There are a few factors to consider in this, for example height. But as a rough guide to getting this right is:
Stretch out your arms in front of you with your plams touching. Your fingers need to be fully extended. You will need to get someone to measure from the centre of the chest to the end tips of your fingers. Take that measurement and add an inch. This will give you an approximate arrow length.
As a rough guide:
| Calculated Arrow Length | Bow Length |
| 14 - 20 | 54" |
| 20 -24 | 62" |
| 24 - 26 | 64" |
| 26 -28 | 66" |
| 28 - 30 | 68" |
| 30 + | 70" |
Finally - The Poundage
This is how much poundage you will be pulling back on the bow. (so how hard it is to pull).
Industry Standard Poundages are calculated on a 28" draw length. So, if a bow says its 66" Length and the Poundage is 20lbs, that means if you pull the bow back to 28" you will be pulling 20lbs. Anything below, will be slightly less and anything above more.
With your first bow, you need to have something that is not too easy to pull but something not too hard to pull back. When you first start you will be using muscles you've never used before. When you start using them more, you'll find the bow gets easier to pull back.
** If you're unsure of what poundage would be suitable, either make an appointment to come and see us or give us a call and we'll give you some advice - 01767 262 533
