a little help please?

[Jenny]

Hi everyone,

I'm still trying to get used to all the bits and bobs Archery and all the different stuff you have to work out, so I need a little help.

I've been trying to work out what size bow I need, just so I have a rough idea before I go down to the shop (so that I don't make a total fool of myself)

So I've measured my draw length which is 25.5" and by looking at a chart I found on the internet, it recommends a 64" bow. Fair enough. The bit I don't get is the draw weight, because I know that the actual draw weight isn't the same as what you select when you're buying a bow, and that it is connected to your draw length somehow.

If someone could explain how I find out the actual draw weight from the weight given on the bow and my draw length, I would be very grateful.

And if I've not made any sense at all, just ignore me and I'm sure I'll go away

Thank you in advance!


~Jenny~

[Big Boy Blue]

The draw weight specified for limbs is measured at 28".

To work out what your draw weight is at 25.5 you must subtract 5lb from the value of the limbs. It works out to be about 2lb per inch over or under 28"

You can also measue your draw weight with a bow scale but these must be calibrated before use, the one I had was reading high by 4lb when I got it.

Phil

[Tarkwin]

Any shop that is staffed by those who consider you a fool for not knowing your exact needs isn't worth your while....they are there to help you

The draw weight will depend entirely upon your development. many bow limbs are marked with a draw weight at a given draw length ( often but not always 28"). If you draw less than 28" the weight will be less than the quoted amount - an oft quoted rule of thumb is that for each 1" difference up or down in draw reduces/increases the weight by 2#, this is a generalisation and should not be relied upon to be entirely accurate.

In most cases suppliers will be happy for you to try a few setups to see which you are most comfortable with.

Try to find someone to go with you, most archers don't need much of an excuse to visit their local shop. And don't get railroaded into buying anything....if you want to go back another time...do so....

I'll shut up now.

T.

[silver streak]

jenny, make sure your draw weight eg the strength of the limbs is what you can comfortably handle at the pro shop, it would also be adviseable to get a riser which you can adjust the draw weight on so that as you get stronger you can adjust up. The pro shop should show you how, and whoever did your beginners course should be able to give you a good guess as to what weight to start with.
Hope this makes sense!!

[Little Miss Purple]

It would be worth your while going to Aardvark Archery at Leeds, either Lez or Neil will spend as much time with you as you need going through the kit you require.

My draw length is also 25.5" but I have a 25" riser with short limbs, I also started on 28lb limbs.

[Trunkles]

I went to KG near Ollerton for my first bow - good people. Slight advantage over Aardvark is that they have a 20 yard range to play with the kit. No problems with Aardvark either.

[Jenny]

ah, right I think I understand now Thanks everyone for your help!

I'm not sure which shop I'll be going to have a look, but it'll probably be KG (becuase I know the way there )


~Jenny~

[Trunkles]

If possible go on a weekday - rather than the weekend - to any shop where you need a lot of time. I think my son and I went on an inset day. Took us about three and a half hours for the pair of us.