Which kit

[garyalanlane]

Hi, I'm Gary and new to the forum and new to the sport, so hello to all. I'm about to do a bigginners course and then take up compound shooting. I would like any advice you could give me. Firstly I've done so much reading I'm still not sure on the equipment. By the way I want to do in and outdoor target shooting. ("shooting" is that the word) Here's what I have in mind. Bow:- any one of these Bowtech. General, Airbourne 82nd, Commander Or the Guardian. Steering towards the center pivot bows because I Prefer the look. Arrow rest:- Arco sport Spigarelli Top Rest. Stabilizers either:- Beiter, Better One or Mac Triad System. Sight either:- Cooper John, Sureloc Supreme, Axcel Ax 4500, Toxonics Naildriver or these two much cheaper usa ones:- 5" Davis Archery Sight or the Custom bow equipment Quad lite. Scope, I really don't know, suggestions please. Release aid:- Kudlacek genesis G4, Tru-ball Pro Diamond with Talon head or the Omega Release. Arrows not sure either:- Easton fatboys, Easton redline or Beman 9.3 arrows. Any help with draw length, weight arrow length and spine as I can,t get to a dealer so will probaly have to mail order. Not a good idea I know. I know my draw length is 26 but is this the same for compound and arrow length. I'm 5'7" but very strong so what draw weight would you recommend. I really should get myself to a archery retailer. Anyway I'll stop going on now. Thankyou all.

[pyroarch57]

Hiya Gary, welcome to the forum Wow! so many questions, my times limited today, but i`m sure you`ll get plenty of good advice real soon. You`ve picked a great sport, good luck.

[tel]

Welcome Gary - to the forum and the sport!

Golden rule no.1 - don't overthink it.
It seems like you've gone into info overload already and you've still to do your course. Before worrying about equipment just enjoy the course. You may well find that all sorts of things change by the end of it, not least things like draw length - until you've been shooting for a while this will not be a constant and you dont want to waste money on anything that will soon become redundant. I'm sure that once you're safely through your course the people at the club will be able to guide you in the right direction.

so, for now, enjoy!

[geoffretired]

I'd agree with Tel and Pyroarch. Sent you a PM by the way.Cheers.

[Nightimer]

Do your beginners course first.
Get help from other club compound shooters.
The bows that you mention are all high performance bows and I would not advise a raw beginner to get one.
I have a Guardian,Old Glory,Hoyt Ultratech,Sceptre 2 and a Martin Cougar.
Which would I recommend?
All of them for different reasons so it is really a matter of shooting them.
Why have I got them all?
They were brought over many years and were state of the art when bought them.
The Guardian is my latest bow and it is light years ahead of the others.
Would I recommend it yes but not for you (at least not yet!!)

Get one to one help, as everyone on this forum has different opinions and although they are not all wrong it can be confusing.
For instance I have a Davis sight and very good it is.
I also have a Surelock and a Toxonic and they are both good sights.
So that is no use to you at all.
What you must do is to set your BUDGET first then go from there.
The main thing is before you rush off and spend a fortune is to get 2 invaluable things -- help and experience,the first is easy but the second takes time.
Sorry to sound a doom and gloom merchant but rushing in can cost you fortune and as we all know second hand/unsuitable equipment is only worth a fraction of is original cost so try and get MOST of it right first time.

Nightimer

[garyalanlane]

Thanks guys for all your advice. I've taken notes fom each of you and look forward to cracking on with my lessons. Thanks again. Gary

[Marcus26]

Nothing wrong with a Guardian as a first bow if he is happy to spend the money. I have setup a number of customers with top end gear and they have always shot very very well straight up.
The key is to set a budget and then get the best gear within that budget. Don't skimp on the release aid and learn to use it correctly.

[ben_e71]

I have just done very similar to you. Did my beginners course and decided I wanted to shoot compound. (Four more weeks shooting recurve concreted the compound desire in me).

I got my Guardian yesterday and I am really pleased with it (used it for the first time this morning in the wind and rain - even managed to put a few arrows into the boss :-) )

Don't let people put you off a particular bow if you like it. The best thing is to know your budget (as has been said before) and to talk to some knowledgable people. I have always in the past used the internet for everything but this was one purchase I was glad of the advice and support I got from an Archery Specialist shop. They will be able to advise you which kit will go together well to make a complete setup.

Good luck.

[flamingbladerider]

The force is strong in this one

Patience my young Padawan

[Jerry Tee]

Strenght while a valuable asset is not the only thing to consider, you may well be able to draw a heavy bow. BUT you need to be able to draw a bow smoothly so that the arrow does not bounce off the rest ( that reminds me Trophy Taker ) There is also a small matter of face fit and reference on the face for the release aid hand. All these things could alter your choice of bow and axle to axle lenght. You may also come to prefer a certain makers cams for the feel, you can't tell yet.
As for arrows, eight platinum plus 2314's or 2315's will do for when you have finnished you beginers course and start with the compound.