Hey, I could do with a recommendation.

[Alfie]

Originally Posted by GingerGeneCarrier

At only 2 weeks post beginners course, I personally do not think that you should be buying a bow. Can you borrow kit from your club for a while? Your draw length and therefore bow weight will change over the next few weeks and months as you adapt to the movement/sport. If you must buy a bow, then I would say buy the best riser that you can afford, ensuring that it has international limb fittings. You can then change the limbs as necessary. Go for a limb upgrade package if you can. I would also go for aluminium arrows that are cut a bit too long as (a) ali,s have wider spine ranges and (b) the longer arrows will allow you to "grow in to" the bow. When you have plateaued then you can consider the carbon arrows.

Ah, I see what you're saying. I would like to buy a bow, but I suppose that's just a beginner's enthusiasm.

[Kae]

Definectly agree with GGC.

From what you were saying, I just took it that you had to buy your equipment.

The minimal settling in period is 3 months.
After 3 months your should have a consistent draw which is the most important thing, and secondly should have built up your draw weight to a stable comfortable one.

Kae.

[Alfie]

No, I can still use the club bow.

3 months, you say? Well, that's handy, as it would sit long enough before my birthday for me to convince my parents to take me to a shop to get all the measurements and such.

[Kae]

Yep,

Kae's 3 month rule: If you change any one piece, or all of your equipment, it takes 3 months to get use to it.

Just from experience of my own, and other people's shooting.

Kae.

[jaarus]

Sure is!
I was exactly the same - finished my course and was instantly after a bow.

Thankfully the guys at the club held me back despite my kicking and screaming until I settled in to shooting a bit more. Which was VERY fortunate - I had no idea what I was doing.

I was using a 30lb loaner from the club. Used it for about 2 months before buying my first bow.
A 36lb secondhand complete set that I bought blind - but it fitted my budget. It was a tad heavy to draw and much heavier in the bow hand than the wooden bow I had been shooting.
My limbs snapped about 3 weeks ago so I am now on 38lb limbs.

And I must reitterate the value of going into a shop.
I went to buy 40lb limbs.
I could draw them fine but I was sensible, could I have lasted a longer shoot? Probably not.
And I can always up the poundage a tad later on if I need to.



Get your Dad to drive you over there early one day (before it fills up) and ask for assistance.
Buying archery gear is the one place where people in the shops know what they are talking about and actually help you.
Not like PC WOrld etc where you end up explaining what a PC is to them!

I know that Christmas is coming so you probably want something to unwrap on crimbo morning.
Just remember not to go overboard with the limbs either in weight (showing off = I am a man therefore this is no bother...not heavy at all) as you will regret it later. Or in cost - you will need to change these soonish as you get stronger with your draw.


Best of luck and do keep us informed of what you bought

[Alfie]

I'll be sure to update you on what I get.

I'm not sure I'll ask to go in time for this Christmas, as we've just a bag load of redecorating and are slightly strapped for cash. But I wouldn't mind waiting until my birthday in July, as that would give me time to learn the right poundage for me and such.

[Frommy]

Hey Alfie,

Didn't I tell you you would find lovely people on this forum who would be very helpful.

Some very good advice above.

Enjoy your archery, mate.

Brian

[Jerry Tee]

Definately wait three months, a lot can happen in that time You might even decide must go to the dark side and shoot a compound bow. If that were the case then you would have wasted money on a recurve bow.

[SLOWHAND]

When you feel ready, pop over to see Pete Jones at a shop in Guisborough. He will fix you up with gear that is right for you, he will set the bow up for you and explain what he's doing and why. If things aren't too busy you may even get a bit of coaching free of charge. Oh and a cup of very nice coffee!

[Bertie]

Both I and my daughter bought Evolution 2's and to be honest I am very pleased with it and the KAP limbs that came with it. The bow is as tuneable as ones three or four times its price and I believe that some folk buy their kit on the basis that if its more expensive then its got to be better. I have only been shooting for about 6 months and my scores are as good as those that have bows and accessories four times the cost and have been shooting for 10 years. So there you have it.