Hello all

recurveG · #1 (**permalink**) 02-09-07, 10:19 PM

Just thought i would say hi as i am new to this site. I will also take this opportunity to wade in with a question...

i am about to return to archery after a ten year gap. I need to re-equip from scratch and have been doing some research. I was wondering, is there an archery season? my other main sport is road cycling and every year they paint the bikes different colours denoting the newest (thus most expensive) model. This makes last years model a good buy as retailers get rid of old stock. Does this happen in archery? If so when is the best time of year to buy?

equipping from scratch looks like a £500 exercise (which won't please my wife)!!!

Thanks for your help

worthipa · #2 (**permalink**) 02-09-07, 11:57 PM

Hi and welcome.

There is an archery season and we Brits are just about to head for indoor ranges at the moment not to reappear until March, although the summer we've just had perhaps we should have stayed indoors.

I can only suggest you have a look around the various posts on here as to what kit to buy (I'm assuming from your name you're a recurve archer?) and where to buy from. Ebay's always popular for good second hand stuff. If you're thinking of starting again at a sort of "know the basics" intermediate kind of level the ubiquitous Hoyt Gold Medallist perhaps with suitable Challenger limbs might be a good and very popular place to start. As it's soon to be the indoor season aluminium arrows should suit your budget, Easton XX75's are possibly as good as any. A good tab is an essential that will grow with you, so don't spare the expense there. The Cavalier is a versatile and very popular tab. You can look 'round for other items of kit as you get back into it.

Have fun.

Russ · #3 (**permalink**) 03-09-07, 06:16 AM

Welcome back to archery!

I don't think the turnover of archery equipment works quite the same way as other sports. Just from what I've seen here and elsewhere on the web, big manufacturers like Hoyt or Win & Win release new products with their new catalog at the start of the calendar year (and you'll see plenty of excitement on this forum when they do

). Most products seem to be around for a few years before they're replaced by newer models; every once in a while a good product is discontinued, and some distributors will offer the last of their stock at a discount - the Hoyt Matrix handle last year was a good example, as were Hoyt Vector limbs a while back (you can still find these some places). It's usually not a huge savings, maybe £50-100 total off your £500 bill...

You'd probably save a lot more by buying used equipment.

Whether you buy new or used, if you're returning to archery (i.e. already know what you're doing), and you don't have the budget to upgrade equipment as you go, then you won't want to bother with an entry-level handle or sight. For limbs: as worthipa pointed out, KAP Challenger are good value if you're building up technique and changing draw weight, but once your draw weight is where you want it, you'll definitely want a better pair of limbs. Maybe you could find a dealer with a trade-in policy, or who has used equipment in stock? Good luck!

n.rijkebusch · #4 (**permalink**) 03-09-07, 08:10 AM

Hi and welcome to the Forum.

I would keep clear of used equipment myself, especially from eBay as you done really know what you are buying until it arrives!
My advice would be get yourself to a good archery shop where they will set you up with the right gear for you. You will be able to test first. You of course will be able to feel at first hand to what is right for you.
Good luck
Nigel

slartibartfast · #5 (**permalink**) 03-09-07, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n.rijkebusch

Hi and welcome to the Forum.

I would keep clear of used equipment myself, especially from eBay as you done really know what you are buying until it arrives!
My advice would be get yourself to a good archery shop where they will set you up with the right gear for you. You will be able to test first. You of course will be able to feel at first hand to what is right for you.
Good luck
Nigel

Oh don't go telling him that!

i was hopeing he wanted to buy one of my left handed Helix's