Here is a picture of your standard recurve bow showing most of the parts on a modern style bow.
Arrows
You should have worked out your arrow length from the previous post. It's fine to shoot arrows which are a bit too long, so err on the side of long.
The 'Arrow Spine' is a measure of the stiffness of the arrow. This might take a few minutes to check out, but the right spine arrow ensures it will fly straighter and group tighter. Heavier bows require stiffer arrows, and lighter bows weaker arrows. The correct spine depends on two factors. The first is the length of the arrow itself and the second is the weight of the bow it's to be shot in.
Take into consideration the change of bow weight when a bow is pulled to other than the 'standard' distance of 28" you should be able to work out the actual bow weight you will be drawing.
Once you got all that you will need to reference you arrow manufacturers 'arrow selection chart'. Cross reference the Bow Weight, with the Arrow length to find the correct arrow spine.
In addition the follow are handy if you haven't already considered them.
A Finger tab will save you getting sore fingers.
A Bracer (arm guard) might save you getting a sore fore-arm.
A Bow stringer can help getting the string on the bow and might save you a sore back!
That's it. Have fun!
Want to start archery? Don't know what equipment to buy? Choosing a first set of archery equipment can be confusing. Here are some simple steps to consider.
This should help you getting started in archery to select some of the essentials required without breaking the bank.
Starting out you might consider shooting a re-curve bow, a compound bow or, if you are more historically minded, a traditional longbow.
You might also consider joining a local club. This will give you a great grounding in the basics and give you a feel for the type of archery you want to follow.
First Your Bow
Left handed or right handed?
As you might expect a right handed archer would hold the bow in their left hand and draw the string with their right hand. Choose 'right handed' if this applies to you. Conversely a left handed archer would hold the bow in their right hand and draw the string with their left hand. Choose 'left handed' if this applies to you.
Estimate the “bow length”.
The bow length (the distance from tip to tip running along the curve of the bow ) is related to your arrow length. To help you judge what arrow length you need you can follow these steps,
fully stretch your arms out in front of you with your palms together and your finger tips fully extended.
Ask someone to measure from the centre of your chest to the tips of your fingers.
Add one inch to this measurement and this will give you an approximate arrow length.
Use this chart to help you pick the right bow length. If in doubt, it's ok to use a slightly longer bow length.
| Arrow length (inches) | Bow length |
| 14-18 | 48" |
| 18-20 | 54" |
| 20-22 | 58" |
| 22-24 | 62" |
| 24-26 | 64" |
| 26-28 | 66" |
| 28-30 | 68" |
| 30+ | 70" |
Estimate the “bow weight”.
This is the poundage of the bow when pulled to 28". If the bow is pulled more than 28" then the poundage increase further. If you pull the bow less than 28" the poundage won't be as high. A little bit of judgment should be exercised to determine the right bow weight. The poundage change works out about 2# per inch you pull.
A good starting point for the average man is a 28# draw, a woman a 24# draw. You also need to consider your draw length. If you are a man with a short 26" draw, then maybe you should consider the 32# bow because you won't be pulling it as far. In the same way a woman with a long draw might consider a lower poundage.
If you are not sure, get advise!
