Bows - A basic guide to different types

[JD1]

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Quote:Any hints and tips on choosing and using the differnt bows?

It does vary depending on what type of Bow you are looking to purchase, but there are some general things you need to know before you buy one.

In a way it is similar to buying an item of clothing, before you buy an item of clothing you try it on to see if it fits, or if buying on the internet you need to know what size waist or chest etc you are so that you will be pretty sure that the item will fit you.

With regard to Bows some of the main things you need to know before buying include the following:

Length of Bow

With Recurves the following is a guide to what length Bow you should be looking at based on your height, they are not fixed in stone but will give you an idea of what you should be looking at:

under 5' 6" = 64" Bow

5' 6"-5' 10" = 66" Bow

5' 10"-6' 2" = 68" Bow

6' 2"& over - 70" Bow


Draw Length

Knowing your draw length is important. You might see Bows for sale with a draw weight of 36lb which will have been measured at a draw length of say 28". If your draw length is 30" or 26" then you will be drawing more or less than the advertised weight respectively. Draw length is also very important when purchasing Arrows, too short an Arrow can be very dangerous.

There are many ways to measure your draw length and they quite often give slightly different results. One way is to stand with your arm extended horizontaly to the side (as if you are drawing an imaginary Bow) with your hand clenched in a fist (imagine you are holding the Bow). Standing side on but looking at your fist measure the distance from the centre of the fist to the side of your chin. This is where it is difficult if you have never used a Bow before because the exact point on the side of your chin that you measure to should be where you would normally draw the string to (your anchor point). This will vary a bit between individuals but as a rough guide measure to the front of your chin and add 1 1/2 inches.


Draw Weight (Poundage)

Draw weight is how much weight is required to draw the Bow to your Anchor Point. A problem you often find with people who have never drawn a Bow is that they will often over estimate the Draw Weight that they can handle. You need to remember that although you may be able to draw a 50lb Bow once or twice, the main thing you need in archery is a consistent draw to a consistent Anchor point. If you are struggling to draw the Bow on your 5th or 6th attempt you will not be able to be consistent in your Draw which will affect your accuracy. With practice and correct technique you will be able to increase the poundage but as a beginner (using a Recurve) you really wouldn't want to go above 36lb max to start with. On some Bow Hunting sites you will often see Deer / Elk taken with Bows of around 36lb by an experienced Archer but it requires (as with all pondages) stalking skills to get within close range, knowledge of the animals anatomy, and the accuracy to put the arrow in the desired location.

One advantage of a Take Down Recurve Bow is that as your strength and technique improves you can replace the limbs for stiffer/heavier ones to increase the poundage.


Arrow length

Arrow length is very important. Too short an arrow may slip off the rest or your hand at full draw can be very dangerous. A rough guide to Arrow length is to take your Draw Length and add 2"


If you buy from a shop like "Quicks" etc they will be able to measure all the above for you and give you advice, if buying off fleabay or somewhere similar then it really is a good idea to know the above before making a purchase.


With regard to shooting well it is all down to consistency, consistent Draw to a consistent Anchor Point, a consistent Release, using consistent arrows (different weight arrows or arrows made from different materials will have different flight characteristics). As an example, a 2mm difference at your Anchor point could result in a 2 foot difference at your target (depending on the range)