Advice on first bow.

[LIzardEye]

I've just fininshed my beginners course and am looking at a first bow and would be grateful for some advice.

The KAP Surprise looks like a very good value bow and I'm thinking of starting with this but I've had
very different opinions from retailers. The first was very positive and said they'd sold hundreds and were
far better than others of the same price. The second was rather dismissive and said they weren't as good as the
Rolan club bow. I know it's only 50 quid and I'll be changing up in six months or so, but I wouldn't want to get off on
the wrong foot.

Can anyone share any experience of this bow?

Many thanks

[Barry C]

If you can stretch to it, an Evolution2 may offer better long term value as you can upgrade the limbs because they are international fitting, or the riser.

[LIzardEye]

Thanks Barry. I looked at the Evolution but can't stretch to it just now.

[Barry C]

Many people have had good things to say about the suprise. ANy bow is better than nothing so just buy what you can and shoot it. Maybe someone also had experience with the cartel triple riser?

[Jenny]

I was looking at the Surprise too (cause I'm really skint at the mo but want to get shooting straight after the beginner's course finishes) so I'm hoping to hear some good reviews too.

*crosses fingers*


~Jenny~

[Armchair Archer]

I agree with Barry. The surprise will get you shooting and that's better than nothing !!!!</p>

What Barry's trying to say (i think) is that in a few months time, you'll probably find yourself wanting to upgrade and thats when buying the surprise becomes a false economy.</p>

Three other options are :-</p>



Ebay - some really good deals on second hand bows and equipment / full set ups.</p>

Your club - Do they have club bows, etc ? Our club will lend newbies a full set up for £2 or £3 a week, they simply have to book them out from the equipment officer. This way enables you to shoot until you can save up for the bow you want and allows you to find your proper draw length, etc (although if you're taught right, that shouldn't change too much anyway!!)</p>

The third option is to contact a retailer and see what deals they have on second hand gear. I know a very good compound archer who went to custom built http://www.archery-interchange.com#and got a staff shooters old bow and full kit for £200-300 less than the bow cost new. Nothing wrong with it except the new model had arrived and the staff shooter wanted the latest (to be honest it looks like new)</p>

Jenny, if you live near sheffield, why not give Lez Newsome a ring at custom archery and leather, he does some very good deals and is always happy to help ( see retailers thread) his website is http://www.customarchery.co.uk</p>

Have a look and see what's on there, although the best bet is to phone up as he gets gear in all the time and i'm sure he'd hold something for you if you asked.</p>



Hope this helps and good luck !!!</p>



Just thought, custom built may be as close for Jenny it's in Eakring near Nottingham</p>

[Jenny]

oooh, thanks for the advice

I may actually be quicker getting to Custom built...it's about 45 mins to there and I won't get lost on the way cause I've travelled down that way a few times before. I'll definitely have a look at custom archery and leather too though!


~Jenny~

[radsbow]

I just put up a Kap Suprise bow for sale on eBay (New)....</p>

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&amp;category=20840&amp;item =7162654111&amp;rd=1</p>

Although it might be a bit heavy for a newbie as the limbs are 30# (although I did start with 34# myself).</p>

[LIzardEye]

Yeah I know - I'm one of your watchers !

[radsbow]

Doh! I meant WORLD