Selecting an archery bow

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!