Book Recommendations Please.

[pwiles1968]

I am new to archery I started with 5 Lessons in Feb/March, and came straight to the dark side, I have read as much as possible on the internet, I have learned a few things from this wonderful forum, I would like a book that has information on compound shooting not necessarily dedicated to it though.

My shooting appears to be ok I have only scored a couple of rounds so far (830 points on a Windsor round although I want to try that again before I submit the score for the Grand Prix) but obviously I still have a lot to learn so a good book or two would be a good idea especially as I have a birthday coming up.

So recommendations greatly received Thank You.

I am reading "Idiot proof Archery" by Bernie Pellerite. It's a great book, ideal for compound archers. The title of the book does not reflect the content. It's much better than it sounds.

[TJ Mason]

"Core Archery" by Larry Wise is a good guide that concentrates on the correct use of back tension when shooting compound. Compound shooters have mixed feelings about it -- many really don't like Wise's approach -- but I found it useful.

[GeoffT]

Originally Posted by rgsphoto

I am reading "Idiot proof Archery" by Bernie Pellerite. It's a great book, ideal for compound archers. The title of the book does not reflect the content. It's much better than it sounds.

Careful RGS, Marcus got excited last time I mention Bernie Pellerite's book. . I agree with you that it is the best book I have ever read about compound archery (if you can put up with the americanness).

For the recurve archer, I have just finished reading "The Heretic Archer". I thought it was an excellent book. The only downside is that it would appear to have been translated from the Italian to English by someone who speaks neither language.

[joetapley]

Anthing related to compound interest is much too expensive.

it would appear to have been translated from the Italian to English by someone who speaks neither language.

You just have to translate the translation

[Li'l Boy Blue]

Bernie's book is probably the best book on compounds out today but I wouldn't take it as gospel!He know's a lot about how to shoot compound but it can be argued that he is a bit opinionated.
The most important thing to learn on compound is how to get the shot off right so in that view, I would recommend a dvd by carter called straight talk from the pro's. It's a little bit dated (as all books and vids are) but it's still telling you the right way to go

[Marcus26]

Mastering Compound Bows by James Park is the best book I have read on Compound Archery. James is an accomplished recurve (1325) and compound archer (1385) and also an engineer who studies every aspect of archery very carefully and precisely.
Unlike the US books everything in Jim's books are repeatable and useful. He does not believe in the 'do it the same everytime' rubbish that Bernie sprouts, rather 'do it this way and you will find it easier to repeat'.

The best recommendation for his books I think comes from a pair of hunters I met a few years ago. These guys had never been members of archery clubs or competed, yet their technique was just about spot on. At our indoor range they were drilling the FITA faces. One was using a back tension release with a 75# bow and wasn't missing.
They taught themselves how to shoot from this book in their backyard, and are now 2 of the top 3D shooters in the country.

James also uses photos from top shooters to illustrate his points. There are pictures of Clint Freeman, Leigh Cornish (2nd World Field a few years ago) and many other 1360+ archers.

Everything I have read by Bernie and Wise I always found lacking. Wise's Bow Tuning book never worked and now that I understand more about compound design I can say is downright wrong. I threw it in the bin years ago. (long before Park's books came out. )

Alternative Services have a shipment arriving any day now so UK archers can now get this locally.

[pwiles1968]

Originally Posted by Marcus26

Mastering Compound Bows by James Park is the best book I have read on Compound Archery. James is an accomplished recurve (1325) and compound archer (1385) and also an engineer who studies every aspect of archery very carefully and precisely.

I think you sold me with the engineer bit I will keep my eye out for it.

Have You read his other books, the bow tuning one looks promising is it any good?

Originally Posted by GeoffT

Careful RGS, Marcus got excited last time I mention Bernie Pellerite's book. . I agree with you that it is the best book I have ever read about compound archery (if you can put up with the americanness).

Oh I know, but Having read both Bernie Pellerites Book and James Parks books, both have things to offer. As with all books there apeal to me is the ability to say" that makes sense" or " I can relate to that". There is little point in anyone rubbishing any book, it's for the reader to decide if they get anything from it. Archery is full of opinion and "Do it this way" advice. I just suck in all the info an process it with my "BS" filter.

[Marcus26]

The Bow Tuning one is excellent, you can see me in it shooting through paper.
The good thing with the tuning one is that it covers compound and recurve and the methods work. No fluff, just straight up makes sense stuff.

My favourite is the Technique Analysis one, but then that's where my interests lie.