You think archery sounds like a fun sport and you want to get started you know you need a bow but are overwhelmed and have no idea where to start. That is where I come in. I am going to guide you step by step in finding the perfect bow for your needs.
Four Basic Questions to Ask Yourself When Buying Your First Bow
There are many types of bows and an endless variety of different options for each type and multiple brands to pick from. It can be very confusing to figure it all out and make a good choice. You will need to be able to answer four basic questions to begin the process. In this article we will discuss those 4 basic questions.
Do You Need a Right Or Left Handed Bow?
This isn’t as straight forward as you might think. You must first establish which eye is the dominate eye. It is not always the same as the hand you write with. For example, I am left handed and right eye dominant. However, My daughter and granddaughter are right handed and left eye dominant.
Even if you think you know which eye is your dominant eye I highly suggest doing these tests to confirm your eye dominance before buying a bow.
What Is Your Draw Length?
This is a little more straight forward. Draw length is the distance you will draw the arrow when using proper form. This will help determine the size of the bow you will need and also the arrows. If you need help determining your draw length I have two methods that don’t require a bow.
What Draw Weight Do You Need?
Draw weight refers to the strength of the bow. How much effort it takes, measured in pounds, to pull the string to a specific draw length. Most bows are measured at an industry standard of 28”. Some small youth bows are measured at a shorter length. It is helpful to have some guidelines for beginners when it comes to draw weight.
What Type Of Bow?
There are 4 basic types of bows for our purposes: recurve, longbow, compound and hybrid. There are many variations of each type of bow, but they all will fit within one of these types. All serve the same purpose. To store energy that is transferred to the arrow, propelling the arrow forward to the intended target. For an in-depth look at each one of these bows check out my Beginners Guide To The Four Basic Types Of Archery Bows.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Your First Archery Bow
What should I consider before buying my first archery bow?
Before buying your first bow, focus on four key factors: eye dominance, draw length, draw weight, and bow type. These determine how comfortable, accurate, and safe your setup will be. Getting these right from the start helps prevent frustration and makes learning proper form much easier.
How do I know if I need a right handed or left handed bow?
Handedness in archery is based on your dominant eye, not just the hand you write with. Many people are surprised to learn their dominant eye does not match their dominant hand. Testing for eye dominance before buying a bow is important because it ensures your natural aim lines up correctly with the bow.
What is draw length and why is it important for beginners?
Draw length is how far you pull the bowstring back when using proper form. It affects both accuracy and comfort, and it also helps determine the correct bow size and arrow length. A properly matched draw length allows beginners to shoot more consistently and develop good form from the start.
Additional Beginning Archery Resources
The following resources provide more information and support in beginning your archery journey:
- Three Ways To Determine Eye Dominance
- 3 Ways To Determine Your Archery Draw Length
- How To Determine What Size Bow
