by Jackson | May 5, 2014 | Reviews
Shooting your bow by hand is a lot of fun and many people do it. To keep your hand from getting hurt, you can use archery gloves to protect your hand and help you shoot better and more accurate. I started off shooting with a tab when I use my traditional setup. I even used it for a compound, but it didn’t feel good there either.
So I switched to trying the Allen company glove below for my first glove and after the first 20 shots, I was hooked. I felt a better connection with the string and I shoot 3 under so it was much easier since most tabs are made for split finger shooting. Anyways, after a few gloves, I’ve stayed hooked and they are my preferred choice for any traditional shooting.
All the gloves come in different sizes so be sure to take a bit of time to select the right size for your hand.
The best archery gloves
Neet Suede Shooting Glove
– This is the one I use and like the best. This glove is a thicker and heavier glove which is ideal for shooting heavy bows or if you have thin skin. They come in sizes, so be sure to match it to your hand size. These take just a little breaking in, but last for a really long time. I really like the small holes at the fingertips to help keep down the sweating when it’s hot out. Priced around $8-20 for one glove. These are my favorite.
Damascus DWC Archery Shooting Glove
– This is another great glove. This glove has a softer and thinner feel to it which is great for maintaining feel of the string. It does feel really good on your hand. I prefer it for a slightly lower draw weight bow, but don’t let the thin feeling fool you, it will last for a very long time no matter what. Priced around $15-20.
October Mounting Shooting Glove
– This is a great glove to try. These tend to run on the smaller side a bit, so heads up if you’ve got bigger hands. They are a thinner and really comfortable leather so you’ll have great feel for the bowstring and they are made of high quality leather so they will last a long time. Priced around $13-26.
Allen Company Saddlecloth Archery Glove
– A great glove for the price. The three finger slots are made really well. The elastic connecting the fingers to the wrist strap was a bit short for me, but I have big palms. I do like the little holes on the end that help your fingers breathe some. It helps on the days where it’s hot. These last very well and I would definitely use them again. Priced around $7-13, they are a good bargain.
Dark Archer Tactical Glove
– If you’re not a fan of leather or suede, then you might consider this glove. These are made from a latex rubber compound that has recently been reworked so it’s supposed to be more durable. They did have a bit of a problem with some of the durability in the past, but it should be better now. They can be a little tight around the wrists if you’ve got big arms. A very cool and fun alternative to a traditional leather option. Priced at $16.
Archery gloves are a little thing that you don’t normally think about when shooting, but they are an important thing, especially if you’re shooting a lot of arrows. One good glove can make a world of difference on how much you enjoy shooting and on how often you go shoot your bow.
These links go to Amazon so you can check out the product and make your own decision. If you do decide to make a purchase, I will make a very small commission at no cost to you. These are good products, I’m not going to tell you to check out something that sucks, and you can read all the reviews on Amazon as well to help you decide what you would like.
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by Jackson | Feb 10, 2014 | Types of Bows
So you want to get into archery? That’s awesome and I support you. How about a bit of history and random info to make you want to shoot a bow just a little bit more. This is the quick and short version. Feel free to read the whole thing on Wikipedia.
According to legends, bows and arrows originated around sixteen thousand years ago. In fact, most experts in the field believe that humans have an inborn talent of archery. The oldest arrowheads were first found in the South African caves. Bow fragments were discovered in Germany dating from 8,000B.C. The second bow fragments were not far from there. They were found in Denmark and dated from 6,000 B.C. Over the years, archery equipment and styles have evolved. Archery is not just a sport or used for hunting, but offers many other benefits.
Archery for beginners
Benefits of Archery for Beginners
Bows and arrows have always been used for many purposes. The primary purpose has always been self-protection and hunting. In ancient times, bows and arrows were also used as currency. They were used as a medium of exchange. I’d have a hard time selling my bow.
According to archery history, man has been closely associated with archery for a very long time. In modern times, the scope of archery has expanded. People use it to serve many functions. Some people use it for hunting, while others consider archery to be a sport. In recent years, archery has been quite famous in international sporting events like Olympics. Movies and books have also helped to make archery even more popular.
With advancements in technology, archery has been changing steadily. Technology has been responsible for significantly improving the build, design and construction of bows and arrows. Crossbows are one good example of such weapons. The modern compound bow design has probably been the single biggest change in archery over its entire history.
Although archery has never been associated with a specific culture, there are some particular regions and geographical locations which have been famous for this activity. In archery history, English archers, West German archers, Chinese archers, and Brazilian archers have been quite famous.
Due to its popularity, archery has become a big industry in many parts of the world. There are many companies which manufacture and sell archery equipment in many different designs and sizes. Different kinds of materials are used to make bows stronger and arrows more lightweight. This is why it can get pretty complex looking at all the things available.
Some Basic Tips
There are many archers who use modern bows and arrows, and favor a strong shooting form. These bows and arrows come with mechanical attachments,releases, and more. These aids can help you have better form, shoot more accurately, and produce better results.
In order to achieve proper shooting form, and even increase the accuracy of your shots, it is always better to hold the bow at full or complete draw. While shooting the arrow, there should not be any sort of mental or physical glitches. If you’re just a beginner, you should consistently practice with a bow and arrow. A strong focus and doing the same thing for every shot should be more important than hitting the target at first.
My favorite tip is this. Take your cellphone and video yourself shooting your bow. It really helps when you can see what you like from a few different angles. If you drop your bow after the shot or aren’t pulling back correctly, then having a video can be super helpful.
A good training school or class can be very beneficial for beginners. These days, you can also find some online tutorials to help you learn archery or brush up your skills. There are hundreds of thousands of people worldwide who love archery. If you need help, then you can get it in pretty much any way possible.
Go have fun and get started.
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.
by Jackson | Aug 19, 2013 | Choosing a bow
There are many types of bows to choose from for the archery enthusiast. The recurve bow is a good choice for those who prefer the traditional feel of the bow and arrow and enjoy fine tuning their skills. Recurve bows get their name from the way they are designed. The tips of the bow curve away from the shooter. When the bow is drawn and released, the curved tips lengthen the cast of the arrow, providing energy and increasing its speed. Even after deciding on a recurve bow, there are a number of options available to assure you have a bow that is appropriate for your strength and skill level. It is also important to consider the intended use of the bow when selecting accessories.
Parts of the bow
When discussing the parts of a recurve bow, certain terminology is used when referring to the various segments. The riser is the center part of the bow where the grip and arrow shelf are located. The limbs are the upper and lower parts of the bow. A nock is the place at the end of an arrow where the bowstring is placed when drawing the string to shoot. The belly of the bow is the part that faces the shooter when held properly and the back is the part that faces away from the shooter.One thing to remember when choosing a recurve bow is that a right hand bow is held by the left hand. The string is pulled back by the right hand. The rest for the arrow is located on the left side of the bow.
The AMO length is the standard bow length set by the Archery Manufacturers’ Association. Usually, strings with the same AMO length will fit the bow, but better performance can be delivered if the string is a slightly different length.Usually the bow will have specific information written on it such as the serial number, the AMO length and the bow weight. Recurve bows can be shot at any number of draw lengths. The bow weight can be changed by adjusting the draw length. Typically, the bow weight will change about 5 percent for each inch the draw length is changed. The distance from the string across to the farthest point of the handgrip is called the brace height. To adjust the bow, the string is twisted, which changes the string length and therefore, the brace height. Decreasing the brace height will also reduce the draw weight. In addition, the arrow speed is increased due to the extended period it is being pushed forward by the bow string. A reduced brace height normally makes the string hit your hand though. Adjusting the bow is necessary to achieve optimal performance from the bow. This entails a combination of repositioning the nock set on the string, changing the length of the string, the arrow rest or the type of arrow used.
What will you do with your bow?
The type of recurve bow you buy will also depend on its purpose. If the bow is going to be used primarily for target practice, you needn’t be as selective as if it is going to be used for hunting. A bow that is used for hunting will need to have a substantially high draw weight than one that is only intended for target practice. For hunting, the draw weight needs to be high to add enough force behind the arrow that it will penetrate the skin, tissue or bone of the prey at 20 to 30 yards. While a bow with a lower weight might suffice for hunting, it will decrease the distance over which you can effectively shoot. Usually a draw weight of 40 pounds or more is needed to hunting. A beginner is not always able to use a bow with a draw weight of 40 pounds. If this is the case, you can start out with a lower draw weight and build up with a little practice.
Another consideration is what types of accessories, if any, you plan to buy for the bow. Some bows come with pre-drilled holes for sights. Take-down bows are also available which are easy to transport and store. They allow the limbs to be disassembled from the riser. The recurve bow is highly recommended because it is manufactured from the highest quality materials and provides superior performance. I always recommend getting a bow case to make your bow stay in better condition longer.
