| Upgrading kit is something nearly all archers do. I upgrade every year or so. After 24 years I think I've decided I like the sport.
Here are two true situations that may help you decide what to do , even if the "when " is not clarified.
My first compound was a Merlin Target Master 2. Round wheels, long riser , long limbs and no cnc in sight.
I have had 8 bow upgrades since then(1991) and can shoot550 Portsmouth scores, which is relevant here. I recently sold the Merlin to a friend (his first compound) and within two weeks that bow was shooting higher scores than I am at present. And to add to this, my scorebook shows little improvement since those days with the Merlin. So what were the upgrades for?
The next is based on a collection of information that has come my way over 24 years in archery. This is my experience and others may well disagree. Whenever an archer tells me he/she is thinking of an upgrade; my mind runs along this track," You'll probably be leaving archery in a month or so."
The connection is based on percentages. When some archers upgrade it is to buy higher scores. When the expensive kit does not deliver, what next? Most stop shooting. When some archers upgrade it is to get more suitable equipment. Perhaps they should have had different poundage. Perhaps they can feel the draw is sweeter on a new bow they tried;their old one stacks and feels rough etc. There can be many reasons why one bow feels better to shoot than another and often a beginner will not notice the difference;where a year from now they might.
More archers go down the first route and leave archery soon after paying for a very expensive upgrade.If I'm honest, I fit into the buying improvement group but love the sport too much to leave. I also love trying new equipment, it is a source of great pleasure to me, but that is not a recommendation.
"Don't change your equipment until you are shooting well." I was told that years ago. The reasoning is; if you are shooting well, you are more likely to appreciate the added value of the newer equipment you try out.
Conversely, if you change when you are shooting badly it is probably in an attempt to buy some quick fix.( I'll assume in the last situation the equipment is not faulty. )
If you put me on the spot and ask am I ready for an upgrade I would say;
the time is right when you can feel those subtle differences that make a bow better to shoot. The differences need to be working in your favour too.
Would you feel the difference between a Ferrari and a Focus? YES. would it be in the favour of a new driver, not really!
When this stage will be reached depends on the time spent shooting and the quality of that shooting and the archer.
I hope this is some help.  |