Your first bow: How did you play it?

[PorlyP]

Hello, sage archers!

I was hoping to get some info on what level of bow you first bought, and why, as I'm undecided as to whether to splash on a pretty good bow or a real entry level one (recurve for target).

See, I know I'm going to be doing this for ages, as I absolutely love it, so I'm more than happy to put my money where my mouth is, but as a newbie, is it advisable to go from training bow to a quality bow?

I mean, ideally I'd not change anything for a while once I 'd bought it, so I was thinking it might be best to just do all the research and get something I'd be happy with using as I improved, rather than keep changing.

What sayeth you?

[simon m]

TRY TRY TRY BEFORE YOU BUY.

Definately beg, borrow, and steal goes on other peoples kit, club kit, everything

There maybe excellent quality kit available at low prices second hand within the club.

You technique and muscles build things Will change and that may mean changing bows again sooner than you think.


Some shops will allow you to try if your gonna buy.

I feel the second hand route is a good one if you get good advice.

Dare I say it E-bay could be your friend, HOWEVER, you need to know exactely what you need before approaching that minefield!

[Kellog]

I went for a good riser and cheap limbs and other stuff, then have upgraded as I went along.

Hi PP, this is a good question. I thinks it's been covered befor, but can't remember the thread. You will get lots of replies on this...my 2p

Buy a decent riser you like the feel of. Don't buy expensive limbs as they will change as you develop. All of the other bolt on bits is down to cost. Buy good quality stuff and it will last longer and probably more reliable.

[PorlyP]

Cheers guys, I have been checking the 'bay, but there's not a great deal of LH stuff, so I'll probably have to go for new. Reselling that hopefully won't be a problem as I always look after my kit well anyway.

I have checked out the intermediate kits you can get for around 300£, which I thought could be suitable, thing is I will be shooting twice a week once I've got the stags (is that a widely used term btw?) necessary at our club to be able to shoot on club days (sundays).

On the poundage, I was thinking of 30lb@28", as my drawlength is just under 28", and as I'm 6'0, I was thinking a bow length of 68"-70", based on some research I've been doing to get the right stuff for me.

Does that sound about right, or have I made a goof somewhere?

[Kellog]

if your drawlength is below 28" you're looking at a 66" bow, which is a bit unusual for someone 6' tall.

What have you been shooting in training?

Originally Posted by PorlyP

On the poundage, I was thinking of 30lb@28", as my drawlength is just under 28", and as I'm 6'0, I was thinking a bow length of 68"-70", based on some research I've been doing to get the right stuff for me.

Does that sound about right, or have I made a goof somewhere?

A left hander like me...it does limit choice second hand.

You may be OK with 70" limbs being quite tall. I suspect your draw length will increase quite a bit too. I'm 5'10" and had a 28.5" DL when shooting recurve. With time I suspect this may have been a little more.

30lb is quite low for an adult male with a 28" DL, even as a novice, but with a 30" DL that I suspect you should have, a good start.

As Simon has said, please try before you buy.

[Tobytoolbag]

As a fellow 'leftie', you have my sympathies - as you say, your choice on the second hand market is somewhat limited!

My only advice would be to make sure you get a riser that takes International Limb Fittings (sometimes referred to as 'Hoyt' limb fittings) as this will allow you to swap limbs to ones with an increased poundage (as your archery skills progress) much easier than if you were to go for the myriad of bows with limbs that fix to the riser with a hand-tightened bolt that seem to be advertised on ebay and elsewhere...

[Tarkwin]

I may be able to help you out with some used limbs...keep an eye on the for sale section over the next few days..

T.

[WhitehartFB]

There is no guarantee that what you buy now will be right for you in a few years time. I am not talking about build quality etc but the fact that you still like shooting the bow, as confidence in your kit plays a big part in your development. As you progress in this sport your knowlege and shooting ability will improve and your ability to judge one riser against another will be more objective. Then of course you may be swayed by all the advertising when a new bow comes on to the market.

As you are just down the road from Quicks, pay them a visit ask questions and try out some risers, from experience this will also save you money in the long run. Not knowing all your circumstances it might be that a cheaper riser would be best or vise versa.

Agreed no need to buy expensive limbs at this stage, with regards to bow length 68" is best with a 28" draw as this will give you slightly better cast than a 70".