First thing first, decide how you are going to use the bow. If you are a hunter, thing about the weight of the bow along with arm length. You don't want something bulky holding you down. If you are a target archer, you want a longer bow to help you stay stable.
Opt for whether you would prefer a compound bow or a recurve bow when shopping. While bows are much better to aim and draw if they are a compound type, recurves can be difficult since draw weight requires the skill of an experienced archer. Compound bows tend to be most popular, and recurve is more of a beginner bow. Even though compounds are for beginners too, recurve teaches the basics without the high tech stuff.
Evaluate your budget before deciding on a type of bow. Recurves are often much less expensive than compound bows, and the accessories needed to get started with a recurve are far fewer.
Determine your draw length, which is the distance that you can naturally draw a bowstring. To get a rough measure of your draw length, stretch out your bow hand as if you were drawing a bow, and make a fist. Place that fist against a wall and assume proper shooting posture, and then have someone measure from the wall to the corner of your mouth. Note that if you're right handed, your bow hand will be your left hand, and if you are left handed it will be your right.
Choose your best draw weight. This is the force you need to pull back the string. Archers will need something easier so they don't get tired fast. Average strength males will want a draw weight of 50 pounds or so while a woman wants about half of that weight.
Shopping in a big store may not offer knowledgeable staff so make sure to go in with information at hand. You will want to buy from a specialty store if you can but it isn't always possible. Make sure you get someone helpful as you want to make a sound decision.
Opt for whether you would prefer a compound bow or a recurve bow when shopping. While bows are much better to aim and draw if they are a compound type, recurves can be difficult since draw weight requires the skill of an experienced archer. Compound bows tend to be most popular, and recurve is more of a beginner bow. Even though compounds are for beginners too, recurve teaches the basics without the high tech stuff.
Evaluate your budget before deciding on a type of bow. Recurves are often much less expensive than compound bows, and the accessories needed to get started with a recurve are far fewer.
Determine your draw length, which is the distance that you can naturally draw a bowstring. To get a rough measure of your draw length, stretch out your bow hand as if you were drawing a bow, and make a fist. Place that fist against a wall and assume proper shooting posture, and then have someone measure from the wall to the corner of your mouth. Note that if you're right handed, your bow hand will be your left hand, and if you are left handed it will be your right.
Choose your best draw weight. This is the force you need to pull back the string. Archers will need something easier so they don't get tired fast. Average strength males will want a draw weight of 50 pounds or so while a woman wants about half of that weight.
Shopping in a big store may not offer knowledgeable staff so make sure to go in with information at hand. You will want to buy from a specialty store if you can but it isn't always possible. Make sure you get someone helpful as you want to make a sound decision.
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Learn more about compound bows for sale. Stop by Justin Phillips's site where you can find out all about compound bow reviews and what it can do for you.
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