Archery

[Shade]

i know some people like ccoa have done archery before, and i myself have always been interested in it and have wanted to buy a bow, but im not sure what kind of bow i would need/specs it should have?

if anyone who does archery could let me know what i should look for that would be appreciated

also this topic is pretty much for general discussion about archery as well

[Atnas]

My parents bought two bows for the family around six years ago, and my dad has a few hunting bows. I am absolutely uncertain what kinds they are or what to recommend. :3

I go out every week or so to practice, but I've never seen a brand name on them.

I'll ask my parents when they're up and hopefully they can tell me what kinds they got.

[ccoa]

I'm extremely fond of Bowtech, myself. Mathews makes nice bows as well, but most of the compounds I buy are Bowtechs.

For learning, you might want to look into an inexpensive recurve bow with a relatively low poundage. You're going to be drawing it a lot, so you don't want it to be too difficult.

If you want to jump right into a compound bow, look for one that can be turned down to a poundage that's comfortable for you and comes in your draw length. Most decent archery stores can help you measure your draw length and change the poundage on bows. Don't worry about getting something really fancy right now, get the cheapest bow that's comfortable for you.

The only accessories you'll want to consider are an inexpensive sight and either a release or finger protectors. I prefer to shoot fingers, but you can get more consistent results from a release. I just find the release to be too mechanical - I'm shooting a bow, not a gun. You can also pass on the sight, if you want. There's nothing wrong with learning to aim by instinct.

For arrows, definitely go carbon. They're more expensive than aluminum arrows, but they're far more durable. Aluminum arrows get bent too easily, and the minute they're bent, they're worthless. Just remember to check your arrows for flaws in the carbon before shooting them and discard them if you see any lighter areas. You'll want at least 6, otherwise you'll be running to the target more often than you stand and shoot. :P

Check with the city and parks and see if there's a free archery range in your area or one in a recreation area with a low annual fee. If there isn't, ask at the archery store where a good indoor range is that isn't too spendy. Preferably a club where you can pay a single flat fee to use it rather than by-use. It should allow you to shoot at different ranges. To start, you'll want 15-20 yards from the target, then work your way to back to 60.

[Shade]

well i havent been to the archery shop in my area yet, but i did go to canadian tire yesterday (hardward store that also has hunting equipment) and saw some bows there

there was 4 of them (all recurve bows)
15" - 9.5 lbs
20" - 10 lbs
40" - 20 lbs
60" - 30 lbs

i was thinking of getting the 15" or 20" but didnt know what the lbs meant lol

[Atnas]

I think it's how hard it is to pull back, which influences how far/hard the arrow is shot.

[ccoa]

The pounds is the pounds of force it imparts to the arrow. Greater poundage = faster arrow = more kinetic force at impact and greater range = more difficult to draw and hold. Try them out and see what's comfortable, remembering you're going to have to draw them over and over when practicing.

[Shade]

ok i think ill go with thw 20" - 10lb for a starting bow
is that a good idea? or is that too low of a poundage?

[Barbatos]

let us know if you accidentally shoot your dog or something

[Shade]

ya i will, but it will probably be a neighbours dog not mine

[Reives]

I looked up an archery club in my area, and the annual member fee was like $200-400 or something. D: More than I expected, but might try it in the future.