by Jackson | Jun 23, 2017 | Choosing a bow
The Best Compound Bow 2017
Today we’re here to find out what is the best compound bow 2017. If you wish to level up your archery skills, you can try using a compound bow. This type of bow uses a levering system that gives the bow a unique let-off capability. Choosing the best compound bow of 2017 will not only promote efficiency, but will also help you develop more of your skills to land those arrows with precision.
Those who are interested in finding the best compound bow for hunting, for instance, always choose based on some important considerations. Using their criteria, bows should be: compact for easy control, fast enough to have the flattest possible trajectory, lightweight, and smooth to shoot. It should also be quiet enough so as not to alarm their prey while hunting.
To help you out in your search, here is a short list of options for the best compound bow 2017:
This is a great option and runner up for best compound bow 2017. If you are just starting out or if you do not want to spend an arm and a leg then this is the compound bow for you. This bow is made by Man Kung from Taiwan.
Man Kung has been in business for decades and is trusted in manufacturing parts and add-ons for many US based big brands. The fact that this one is crafted in Taiwan is definitely not a downer.
This is one of our runner ups for best compound bow 2017 and is an excellent bow across the board. Its draw weight goes up between 50 to 70 pounds. It has an adjustable draw length of 25 inches to 31 inches. This makes it easy to adjust even for beginner hunters. It shoots at a staggering speed of 310 fps.
This bow is of high quality and is made from a modern composite material. It is sturdy and durable enough for serious hunters. The aluminum riser is carefully crafted with lots of cool cut outs that give it a modern look. The pack includes accessories like an arrow rest and a peep sight. These, however, can be bought separately if you wish.
Bow performance is smooth, with bearable noise and vibration when shooting. This bow is solid enough for bow hunting with an axle-to-axle (ATA) length of 35 inches.
This bow also has an aluminum dual eccentric cam system for added durability. It is not only good for hunting but for bow fishing as well. You simply have to attach a bow fishing reel to the bow’s pre-drilled mounting holes. This hunting bow from Leader Accessories comes in a stylish autumn camo or black finish.
The list of pros for this product still outweighs the cons, making it a worthy option for anyone looking for the best compound bow 2017. To compare:
Pros
- Draw weight and length can be adjusted
- Provides great precision
- Sturdy enough to be used for back-to-back archery sessions and hunting
- Can be utilized for bow fishing
- Its great pacing makes it a good option for hunting sessions
- Its pricing is affordable
- Availability of several color combinations
Cons
- Limited to right-hand users
- Extra accessories should be bought separately
- Might be a little heavy for beginner archers
Overall, the Leader Accessories 50-70 Hunting Compound Bow is a great steal for a price of $250. It is well crafted, shoots very accurately, and can easily keep up with models that cost double the price or even more.
This compound bow is our second runner up for best compound bow 2017 and is good for hunting and can be used both by beginners and veterans. Its draw weight ranges from 19 to 70 pounds, while its draw length goes from 
19 inches to 30 inches. It has an IBO speed of 320 fps and an ATA of 28 inches. The brace height measures 7 inches, covering an 80% let-off.
It is sturdy and durable at a bow weight of 3.31 pounds and an aluminum bow riser built. It has a CNC 7075-T6 bow cam can easily be adjusted in just two minutes, even by kids. Its great performance is assured by the high quality of materials used in its limbs and it bow string, imported from Gordon Composites in the USA and BCY USA respectively.
Since this compound bow comes as a package, you can find the following already included in your purchase: bow, five-pin optical bow sight, brush arrow rest, braided bow sling, rubber stabilizer, bow release, D-loop, peep sight, Allen keys, string wax, bow stand, 6 pieces of arrow quiver, limb dampers, arrow puller, and a carbon mix arrow (18” x 30″). All these accessories amount to a total of $200.00 in value. This is already a great deal for a bow that comes with everything you need.
What is great about this bow is that it gives you flexibility when it comes to draw weight. With a range of 19 pounds to 70 pounds, it is suitable for all games (small, medium or large). While some would tend to make the wrong assumption of this bow being an off brand bow or a low quality product because of its weight, this bow will prove you wrong. It will surely provide you a top notch compound bow complete with all the accessories.
This compound bow package from FBA Service is light and compact. It offers great value for money with all the additional accessories already provided in the package. Its durability is affected by how well the bow is used and maintained.
Pros
- Good for hunting
- Suitable for small, medium, or large hunting game
- Great all-in-one package deal
- Good product for a reasonable price
Cons
- Some false perceptions and speculations on the quality of the product and its accessories
- Available only for right hand version
Our third finalist and clear winner of the title best compound bow 2017. The Diamond Archery Infinity Edge Pro is crafted by one of the famous compound bow manufacturers in the world, Bowtech. This bow is specially designed for novice level archers, kids, and females. It has a wide variety of adjustable settings which is important while teaching archery to kids and ladies. It is also good for target shooting sessions.
The usual package of the Diamond Infinite Edge bow package will give you everything you need to use the bow straight out of the box. It has a 3-pin tundra sight and a tube peep sight, making it a breeze to aim. The tundra sight’s fiber optic lines are great for starters.
The 5″ ultra-lite octane stabilizer is a good add-on that does not have vibrations while shooting. This makes the whole draw cycle more steady and accurate. Apart from that, it gives more balance to this bow, further adding to its already comfortable draw cycle.
The package also includes the Hostage XL arrow rest, which has a simple design but is sturdy and has no mechanical parts. This is considered as an adequate arrow rest for starters.
The Dead Lock Lite Octane quiver with 5 arrows capacity is a fine and practical add-on too. It is easy to use and friendly for beginners with its quick-detach system.
A comfort wrist sling and a BCY string loop come in the package as well. The BCY Loop is attached to the part where the nock is on the bowstring. It is used to pull or hold the string with the use of a release aid. With this mechanical release, you will have a quicker release that creates less torque on the string from your fingers.
The bow supports dual cam eccentric systems which are elliptical in shape and are perfectly synchronized for a perfectly smooth, straight flight. The cable is also very smooth and is the perfect fit for beginners and women. The shooting IBO speed of the bow is 310 fps. As the bow is specially designed to be lightweight in nature and comfortable to shoot.
Once released, there is a built-in string stopper which will protect the bowstring from vibration. There is also zero-hand shock which is another highlight of this product. Normally, light vibrations or shock will be felt by archers in their hands after shooting the arrow but this compound bow does not pass the shock or vibration to the users. This is actually one of the reasons why it is preferred by women and children.
The Diamond Archery Infinite Edge is one of the most convenient compounds because of its adjustability. Its draw length can go from 13 inches to 30 inches, while its draw weight can be adjusted from 5 pounds to 70 pounds. Set at 70 pounds draw weight, 30 inches draw length, and 310 fps IBO speed using 350 grain arrows, the Infinite Edge Pro produces 74.7 of Kinetic Energy (KE). This means that it is capable of going for the roughest game with no problems and is suitable for hunting activities.
The axle-to-axle length of the bow is 31 inches, which is appropriate if you are above 5.10 feet in height. At 3.1 pounds in bow weight, it’s considered as a standard weighted bow. While there are bows that are lighter or heavier, 3.1 pounds is considered to be the perfect weight for an archer to shoot their target with better precision and power.
The compound bow could also be used for bow fishing, if you wish. The Infinity setting makes this compound fit for bow fishing as it results to a zero let-off. Therefore, it will maintain most of its peak holding weight for the whole draw-circle. This is important in bow fishing as you need to be able to shoot swiftly.
The bow is available in three different color options, a great plus for those who are looking for more stylish options. Depending on their taste and preference, users can choose from: Mossy Oak Infinite, Black Ops and Pink Blaze.
The product definitely speaks for itself as it is incomparable with others considering the quality and its reasonable price of less than $400, just a few of the many factors that make it the best compound bow 2017.
Pros
- Lightweight and highly adjustable compound bow
- Great build quality for the price
- Produces bearable vibrations while shooting
- A highly balanced bow which provides perfect shots
- Adjustable draw weight and length
- Best for beginners and seasoned archers and hunters
Cons
- Need to manually install the peep sight
- Tundra sight and arrow rest can be improved
All in all, the Diamond Infinite Edge pro compound bow is one of the most versatile bows in the market. It is user-friendly for all ages, experience levels, and for whoever wants to start taking up archery as a hobby.
Choosing the Right Bow for You
Looking for the best compound bow 2017 seems to be challenging due to the wide array of models and manufacturers available out there. Regardless of your experience, age, and proficiency level, it is best to try as many bows as possible before you actually buy your own equipment. Getting a feel of the various bows in actual use will help you manage your expectations and be realistic in your choices.
Compound bows are versatile, light, and overall a wonderful piece of equipment for hunting and target practice.
Look for a bow that is simple, fairly priced, and made of quality materials that will surely help you learn the basics of archery. You can just then transition into a more advanced bow when you are already comfortable with shooting or when you are ready to begin competing. Choosing to have the simple bow as your starting equipment can help save a lot of money in the long run.
Starting out with more complicated equipment is not preferable as your needs might change as your skills improve. This is true especially for young learners that are just starting to discover the sport. However, you should ensure that the first compound bow that you buy and use gives you outstanding performance. Yet it should be flexible enough with either a non-specific draw length or an adjustable draw length. This will allow you to make adjustments in your form as well so you can work on improving your game.
Other important considerations that you should include in your criteria are: comfort; ease of handling; controllable and light draw weight, bearable bearable noise and vibrations, and affordable. Your choice of the best compound bow 2017 should be flexible enough to adjust to your form and skill as you grow within the first 6 months to a year of shooting.
by Jackson | Mar 15, 2017 | Choosing a bow
11 Top Selling Recurve Bows Under $200
If you’re an archery enthusiast on a budget then you need to review this list. Anyone who’s looking for a good value recurve bow under $200, then you are in the right place. We have compiled a list of the top selling recurve bows for 2015 featuring their main selling points. You can then make your own decision regarding which is best for you. To assist in the process the list has been divided into 3 sections; recurve bows under $200, under $100, and under $50. Without any further ado, let’s get started.
Recurve Bows Under $200
If you’re looking to spend as little money as you possibly can, then this bow is one of the best to go with, if not the best. It’s suitable for many different activities, including hunting and target practice. If you have a sensitive pair of hands, you’ll be delighted to know that this particular model has a very comfortable grip.
This bow is also pretty durable, since it’s made out of aluminum. Since it consists of 3 parts, it means that you will have no trouble carrying it around no matter where you go, and it also means that you can store it pretty much anywhere. If you’re a beginner and are unsure as to whether you’d want to continue with this hobby, this is a huge plus, because you can just store it under the bed or something after you’re done shooting.
To recap:
Easy to store and carry around
Beginner-friendly
Comfortable grip
Good price-to-features ratio
Multiple draw weights
The first thing you’re bound to notice on this bow is how beautiful it is to look at. It almost looks like a piece of jewelry. That being said, its looks are not the end of what it has going for it. To start off, it’s good to know it comes either in 20, 25, or 30 lbs. These draw weight options are really important, because women will typically want to go with a lower number than men.
This model also has an ambidextrous design, so both right-handed and left-handed users will be able to enjoy it. This is a take-down bow, which means that carrying it around or storing it is incredibly simple.
It’s made of laminated wood, which is pretty sturdy. The amazing thing about this bow is that it hits pretty hard, which is almost unusual for its draw weight, so this is a perfect choice for those who are looking for maximum power while still retaining the comfort level when using it.
The only drawback is that this bow is rather large, and might not be that great for those who have a shorter stature. However, a lot of archers have plenty of success shooting bows that are much taller than they are, so you really should try it out first.
To recap:
Ambidextrous design
Affordable
Different draw weights
Elegant-looking
Laminated wood construction
Hits hard
This is another budget-friendly bow, and it has different draw weights, with 30 pounds being the minimum, and 55 pounds the maximum. Upon taking a first glance at it, you immediately get the feeling that this bow was taken straight out of Lord of the Rings or something similar, because how traditionally-wooden looking it is, which is a great feature for purists.
The bow is very versatile, and if you’d like to attach something extra to it, you will be able to do it without any problems. But if you’re just looking for something beginner-friendly that works from the get go, this bow pretty much delivers it.
Being constructed from Maple and Olive Dymondwood, this bow is as sturdy as it gets while still retaining its natural beauty. The limbs tend to be on the longer side of the scale, but since this bow is take-down, this really isn’t a problem, since you’ll be able to carry it around and store it wherever you want to.
It’s suitable for hunting too!
To recap:
Customizable
Suitable for both beginners and experts
Very budget-friendly
Traditional-looking
Sturdy
Limbs will remain in perfect shape even after 2 years
Another fascinating piece of equipment for archers who prefer the traditional wooden look of their bows. Having the option of having either 40 pound or 50 pound draw weight, this bow was designed for those who are very serious about their hunting. However, these draw weights might make the bow a little less suitable for beginners.
It might be a little more difficult to carry around this bow, because it has a one-piece construction. If you’re unsure what draw weight you’re looking at when you see one in person, just inspect it closely. You should see a huge number being engraved into the wood that will tell you the exact draw weight.
This bow is perfect for any string, and you can even customize it if that’s what you’re looking for. In any case, this thing can pack some serious punch.
To recap:
Traditional wooden design
Suitable for serious hunters
Accepts any string or accessory
Packs quite a punch
One-piece construction
This bow is basically a perfect starting point for beginner archers, sort of like a starter kit, because you also receive a quiver, an instruction book, and 4 arrows with your purchase. As a matter of fact, it’s a great choice for kids who are at least 8 years old. Available both as a left-handed or right-handed version, so no-one is left out of the equation.
You also get to choose between draw weights ranging from 12 to 40 pounds, which truly allows everyone to find a perfect bow for themselves. And when you get stronger, you can simply replace the limbs which should up the challenge by quite a bit.
The downside of this bow is that it’s not really made for serious hunters, only for outdoor target practice, which is still fine (depending on your needs of course). It’s also a lot lighter than several other bows, which makes the user experience that much more enjoyable.
To recap:
For outdoor target practice only
Great selection of models
Lightweight
Upgradable
Affordable
If you’re looking for a traditional bow for young beginners, this is a great choice. It’s still popular in 2015, even though it was already introduced in the 60’s. Nearly every bow expert has learned and refined his craft by starting out with this model, so it definitely has a rich history.
This bow is a pleasure to use, and a great bow for learning. As far as its construction goes, it’s worth noting that its hand-finished and satin-coated. The bow string is already included, so it’s pretty much ready to go once you purchase it.
To recap:
Grab and go design
Hand-finished
Rich history
Great bow for learning
Recurve Bows Under $100
This is the perfect bow for younger archers, since its draw weight totals at merely 22 pounds. It’s also very budget friendly. This particular model has ambidextrous design, which means it’s suitable both for left-handed and right-handed people.
Upon picking it up and holding in your hands, it gives a very sturdy and robust feel. Because of its draw weight, however, this is not suitable for those who are serious about hunting. But that’s okay, since this model was designed for younger people who are just seeking to get their first piece of equipment before getting more serious with their hobby.
To recap:
Beginner-friendly
Suitable for younger people
Affordable
Ambidextrous design
This bow is ideal for hunters and also suitable for those who just want to have some fun outdoors. It’s made out of fiberglass and maple, which should be sturdy enough.
Because it has different draw weights (between 26 and 36 pounds to be exact), it’s suitable for both children and adults. It’s easy to put it together and apart, which shouldn’t take more than a few moments. The bow tends to be very beginner friendly, and is suitable even when you get past the beginner stage and want some extra challenge.
The handle is beautifully sculpted and feels great when holding.
To recap:
Suitable for hunters as well as hobbyists
Made out of fiberglass and maple
Durable
Extra-affordable
Beginner-friendly
Recurve Bows Under $50
This is one of the most budget-friendly options for young beginners. It might not be as powerful as its competitors, but it’s very non-demanding to use, which makes it a great entry-level bow. And if their hobby ever becomes something more serious, they will be able to get a new one in time. But starting with a more expensive bow is never a good idea, because they tend to require more strength to handle, which is very unpleasant for those who don’t have as much arm-strength.
Anyway, this bow has ambidextrous design, so your kids will love it, no matter which hand is their primary one. The experts might criticize it, but for its price and its target demographic (kids), this is still a great buy. The 10 to 20 pound draw is just not going to be a hurdle, not even for the youngest kids.
It’s worth noting that you receive some extras with your purchase, which includes setup tools, a storage solution, and more, which makes this a perfect starting kit for young archers. And when your kids grow up and have kids of their own, they can use the same model to teach them the fine art that is archery.
To recap:
Budget-friendly
Very low draw weight
Suitable for kids
Smaller size
Ambidextrous design
This is probably the cheapest bow listed here, since you can get it around $40. Because of the price, you really can’t expect this to be professional-grade hunting equipment, but then again, it’s not a toy either. If you’d like, you can pay a tiny bit more to also receive an arm guard, some arrows, a target, and some other goodies, which is the perfect starter kit for kids over 12 years of age.
It has ambidextrous design, and you can choose among several draw weights, from 20 to 29 pounds. This bow is available in different sizes, so you can get one that goes along with the size of your kid perfectly.
It’s also very lightweight, which enables the user to focus more on technique rather than fighting with the bow all the time. In any case, if you’re a novice who’s just starting out, or you want to buy your kids a great entry-level bow for the best bang for your bucks, this is probably the bow to go with.
To recap:
Great starter kit
Among the cheapest bows out there
Amazing for the money spent
Different draw weights
Ambidextrous design
Another modern-looking starting piece of equipment for the aspiring archer, but this one comes with a beautiful wooden handle. Its multi-laminate limbs are quite capable of withstanding all sorts of abuse and pressure and won’t break as easily.
This bow is a take-down bow, which means you will be able to carry it around no matter where you go, then store it just about anywhere. Assembling and disassembling is done in seconds, and should not be that big of a problem.
To recap:
Affordable
Great for beginners
Modern design
Take-down
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now have a better idea what the top selling and best recurve bows under $200 are. By carefully going through the list, make a note about your favorite picks, then carefully analyze them some more in order to pick the best one available for your particular needs.
For example, some of these models are made mostly for target practice in mind, while some will be more suitable for the most serious among hunters. Still, everyone should find something for themselves just from this list of top-selling bows.
So what are your favorites?
by Jackson | Aug 18, 2014 | Choosing a bow
Choosing a compound bow to shoot is a fun time. I love going through and seeing all the different choices there are. The amount of engineering and technology in today’s bows is very impressive. The only downside to all of that is that there are so many choices which brings me to the purpose today. How to choose a compound bow that is right for you.
I’m a fan of simplicity so I like to go through my choices and think of them like filters. After I’ve made a decision on one thing, I do my best not to look at bows that don’t fit. I know it’s really easy to just see all the choices and get stuck so I try to pare it down as fast as possible.
These guidelines should help you in selecting your own bow and whether it’s your first bow, or your 10th bow, you’ll probably go through similar steps to get the bow you want.
What do you want to do?
Deciding on the purpose of the bow will help you focus on the bows that are right for you from the beginning. If you don’t know exactly what you are going to do with the bow, then think about the options that you’ll probably want to try or use. Some possible choices include hunting, competition archery, olympic archery, field archery, bow fishing, and backyard shooting. For example. If I want a compound bow, then I’m not going to go looking at recurve bows.
What is your draw length?
This is a small point, but it’s an extremely important one. A compound bow’s mechanical advantage only works when it is set to the correct draw length. Make sure that the bow is set for your draw length or can be adjusted to fit it. Otherwise, you’ll end up with some difficult shooting experiences.
What draw weight do you want?
This is more a matter of personal choice and physical ability. Don’t pick a draw weight that is too heavy for you to draw back and make a good shot. If it’s too heavy, you either need to get stronger or choose a lower weight. The draw weight will matter for hunting and that’s about it. You can do most other things without the draw weight being very important.
What archery equipment do you want?
It’s through the attachment of other pieces of archery equipment such as bow sights, release aids, and stabilizers that we get this insanely good accuracy from compound bows. You can add your own equipment that you already own, buy new ones, or buy a bow that comes with some already in place. These are called compound bow packages and I think they’re the best for beginners. You need to make sure that you have all the right parts to attach all the archery equipment to your bow.
Personal choices
All that’s left to do is pick your color choices and any other small bow accessories that you might want. That’s the last thing that you need to do when picking a compound bow.
Now that you’ve chosen your bow, there is one thing left to do.
Choose arrows for your bow
Arrows will need to be chosen and tuned for your bow as well. You can get many different combinations, but you’ll find that if you get a new bow, but don’t get new arrows, you’re leaving a lot of accuracy and skill out of the equation. You can read more on my favorite arrows.
That’s the most important parts of choosing a compound bow. I really wish I could sit here and say this model from this brand is the best, but there are so many good choices now that you really just have to filter through all of them and get the bow that is made best for you and what you want to do with it.
Shoot Straight.
photo credit
by Jackson | Jun 18, 2014 | Choosing a bow
When you want to choose the best recurve bows for beginners, you need to get your facts straight. Choosing the best recurve bow can be a matter of opinion and function and everything else. It really depends on who you ask. I’m going to give you my best answer for a good beginner recurve that can be used and upgraded without having to get another recurve.
My thoughts for a great recurve for beginners means that the bow should be able to work as it comes. The bow also needs to have the choice to attach sights and any other extras you might want. I prefer a take down design as well because you can change the poundage without having to get a new bow, you just get new limbs. Most of these bows are less expensive which makes it an even better deal for getting your first one. You get the best of any direction you choose to go in.
Here’s what a takedown bow looks like. It’s just 3 pieces plus a bow string.
All of these bows will be great starter bows. I chose these because you can add attachments and upgrade the limbs as needed. You’ll still have to buy arrows and any other extras, but these will last a long time and can upgrade as you want. Most of these don’t come with any extras so you’ll need to get your own arrows, targets, and everything else. The name of each bow is a link that goes to Amazon so you can check them out for yourself.
The 5 best recurve bows for beginners
Samick Sage Takedown – Probably the all around best recurve bow for beginners. This Samick has a right and left hand version with different strength limb options for you to choose from. Hard maple limbs with black fiberglass make for an excellent looking and shooting bow. This bow can grow with you by just buying new limbs as you want. This is the best bow for the price at around $135 -145.
Martin Archery Jaguar – This bow is a great affordable option that you can use as is. It comes with a bow stringer and a flipper shelf rest. A lot of people replace the arrow rest and bow stringer, but after these two small parts, everything else on this bow works great and shoots smoothly. Priced around $190-200, you get a very good bow that will last very well.
PSE Razorback – The Razorback is an excellent bow to check out. With the lowest price in the group, it’s an excellent choice for those on a limited budget. The wood riser looks beautiful and it’s actually pretty solid for what you are getting. The limbs are offered between 20-35 pounds so everyone will find something for target shooting. Priced around $110-120.
Bear Archery Bullseye
– A very simple and good recurve featuring a wooden riser and laminate limbs. I couldn’t find a left hand version of this bow, so i linked to the right hand version. This bow comes in three weights and shoots great off the shelf. I’ll easily shoot this one any time. Priced around $140-190.
OMP Adventure
– This recurve gets little credit, but is a really good recurve bow for beginners. It’s sturdy and has a few options for different weighted limbs. I will admit that the options listed for this one is more confusing, but you just have to read through all the descriptions for it to make more sense. Definitely worth the look. Priced around $120-130 including shipping.
These are all very good recurve bows for beginners, but I just want to make sure and say it again. You’ll need to spend a little time making sure you look around and always, and I mean always, try to shoot these at a store if possible. You can order it online later if it’s a better deal, but at least you’ll know that you like it. If you have no access to a store or anything, I’d go with the Samick Sage most of the time.
These links go to Amazon so you can check out the product and make your own decision. These are good products and you can read all the reviews on Amazon as well to help you decide what you would like.
photo credit
by Jackson | Sep 1, 2013 | Choosing a bow
Unlike some of its predecessors a compound bow is a modern bow that uses a leveraging system to bend or pull the limbs with pulleys and cables. When compared to a longbow or a recurve bow the limbs are much stiffer. This stiffness is what enables the bow to shoot arrows quicker and with more power because of the energy that is stored in the limbs. If you have decided to pick from the variety of compound bows that are available there are some considerations to think about.
Just like most pieces of sports equipment these bows can vary widely in price. You can see a variety of bows ranging from anywhere of $50 upwards to $1,500. A new upper entry to mid-level quality bow typically runs between $350 to approximately $600. Higher and bows typically start around $600 and go up from there.
Choose the bow weight
The first consideration is the power of the bow. Bows actually convert energy they do not create power. You need to find a balance between the power and your ease of use. If you find a bow with a 30-inch draw it may not be the best choice for you. You will get more power and strength from a longer draw, but you could be sacrificing a significant level of comfort and control with each shot that you make.
If you force yourself to draw too far the muscles in your arms tire quickly and will cause your aim to shake. The best solution for this is to choose a bow that has adjustable draw-stops. These stops are rubber-coated blocks to provide a limiter for your draw. This keeps you from overestimating your draw as well as underestimating.
Adjust for your strength
The bow you choose needs to fit properly and adjust to your strength. You want to be able to maximize the amount of energy that transfers to your arrow. A heavy draw stores higher energy and results in a higher arrow velocity. However, you need to find a draw weight that is as high as possible but still allows you to be able to practice regularly. You need to be able to draw for hours of target practice.
Find the let off
The “let off” of the bow is also important. When you draw a standard bow you need to release the arrow quickly otherwise you will begin to shake. A compound bow allows you to hold your draw for a longer period of time. This is called “let off”. Many bows come with interchangeable cam modules that allow you to switch between different let offs. Typically, the higher the let off percentage is the longer you will be able to hold your bow and maximum draw length comfortably.
Check limb design
Limb design is also an important consideration. When you start looking at compound bows you will notice that they have both split and solid limbs. People that choose to use split limb bows claim that they have less shock and are more durable than the solid bows. People who choose solid limb bows claim that they offer better stiffness and are more accurate.
There seems to be no significant evidence to support either claim. It comes down to personal choice. A significant part of the design revolves around recoil. Some manufacturers have designed a higher limb angle and they are called a parallel limb bow. This type of bow may or may not be more accurate, however they are very popular.
Decide on brace height
Brace height is also an important consideration that is often overlooked by an inexperienced archer. This is the distance between the top of the handle grip to the bowstring. If you are a beginner and want to shoot a bow that has a high forgiveness factor then you should have a brace height of seven inches or greater. More advanced and experienced archers typically use a bow that has a brace height below seven inches because it is not very forgiving.
Overall size of the bow
If you will be using your bow for hunting you need to consider your axle to axel factor. If you hunt from a tree stand you would typically want a lower axle to axel bow that is usually 32 inches or less. If you typically hunt from the ground a higher axle to axel will probably work better for you. The smaller axle to axel works better for carrying, going under tree branches, and small spaces but it does have the drawback of not being accurate at long ranges.
These are just a few of the many considerations to think about when choosing a compound bow. Your best bet is to try as many manufacturers and bow designs as you can before making your final choice. Eventually you will find the bow that feels right for you.
by Jackson | Aug 26, 2013 | Choosing a bow
Archery is a sport that combines skill, athleticism, tradition and whimsy. There is something romantic about the ability to pick up a bow, aim it, and have the arrow fly gracefully through the air, landing precisely where you intended it to land. If you are thinking about taking up this sport, you are going to first need to understand some of the basics– namely, the sort of equipment that is used as a part of the sport. The type of bow you chose can have a side effect on how you play the sport, and choosing long bows can give you a particular edge.
Long Bow Types
There are three types of long bows and each is distinct, making it necessary to have keen knowledge of each to consider yourself a true archer. The three main types are the stick, composite/laminate, and modern/breakdown. The differences in these three are based on design and how each is made. For example, a stick long bow is made of one solid piece of pliable wood, and is considered by most to be the more traditional method of long bow design. The composite/laminate is a type of bow made from a mixture of woods, with a laminate top for protection. And the breakdown bow is a piece of equipment that can be taken apart for easy storage and transportation.
Design
The longbow is often made using just one single piece of wood, meaning it can be put together incredibly quickly. For those who are skilled at the art, a longbow can be crafted in just a matter of hours. Longbows have slim limbs and a narrow cross-section, and are made of woods with higher than average elasticity and flexibility. Yew is a very popular type of wood used in longbow craftsmanship. Wooden laminated longbows are also gaining in popularity, and are often made by combining two separate types of wood into one.
What to Look For
The long bow is a great choice of bow due to its precision, lightweight feel, value for your dollar and traditional design. When shopping for this type of bow, pay attention to a few features. You want smooth pulling, about 2 ½ to 3 pounds per each inch of draw, and a nice sturdy bow length as well. You will also want to pay attention to wood types used, to get the best value for your money.
Where to Buy
Longbows can be found at many types of vendors, and where you buy will most likely have an impact on the type and quality of bow you end up with. A specialty store is a good first bet to start with, as shops that specialize in archery equipment will typically carry top of the line pieces that perform beautifully. However, these shops are generally going to be your most expensive option. For some cheaper alternatives, consider chain athletic stores, secondhand shops, or even online retailers, where you can often get great deals so long as you know what you are looking for ahead of time.
Upkeep
Once you have your prized longbow in your hands, it is important to now take proper care of it. With the right upkeep, this bow can stay in pristine condition for years to come, and you will be assured to get your money’s worth out of your investment. Start by purchasing a sturdy case where you can store the bow when it is not in use and keep it protected from the elements. Some basic bow cleaning supplies can also be purchased from the vendor you buy the bow from, as can a good wood polish to help the bow keep its shine.
Archery is a sport not always at the front of everyone’s mind, but it is a sport any serious athlete should consider. And choosing a longbow as your archery equipment of choice gives you a serious edge, as it has a sleek design, powerful release, and illustrious past. You can find high quality longbows at a number of retailers, and this equipment does not have to break the bank. Consider this option if you are thinking of starting to get into archery, and you will not be sorry. The longbow is attractive, quick, and a bow you will be proud to carry.
