The sport of archery is a unique and fun sport. Selecting the correct archery set will make a big difference in how well you perform and ensure every session is enjoyable. As a beginner there are a number of critical factors to be aware of when deciding on which archery set is the best for you.
Typically there are five components to a beginner's archery set; The bow, arrows, arm guard, finger tabs and the sight. Let's take a look at each component and what you need to look for when creating your first archery set
The Bow
There are many types of bows used in archery depending on experience level, how the bow is to be used and of course budget. Understanding the difference is a subject for another article. As a beginner you should focus on a recurve bow and your selection should be based on these factors:
- Select the bow first not the arrows. Selecting the bow first will help you choose the correct arrows.
- Recurve bows are made for left and right handed people. Selecting the correct one for you is based on eye dominance. To find which of your eyes is dominant point at a distant object. Close your left eye. If you are still pointing directly to the object you are right eye dominant and should select a right handed bow. If you are not pointing to the object with your finger you are left eye dominant. Select a left handed bow.
- Select a bow that is easy to pull. This will give you a chance to find your form. Don't worry too much about the technical differences in how the strength of the bow is calculated. Just find a recurve bow that you are just able to pull without struggling.
- Recurve bows come in different lengths or 'draw lengths' basically for different shaped people. The length of your arms and the width of your shoulders are used to calculate the correct draw length. Visit an archery pro shop to get this right. The incorrect draw length will affect your accuracy.
The Arrow
As with bows there are many types of arrows based on composition. Aluminum and wood arrows are the most economical while at the top end there are carbon and carbon/aluminium hybrids. As a beginner an aluminium arrow will do just fine. There are essentially two aspects in selecting any type of arrow for your bow. Arrow length and arrow spine.
- Arrow Length - This is where selecting the bow first is important. Because you know how far you can draw your bow this will tell you which arrow length is required. Basically, at full draw the tip of the arrow should sit about an inch from the leading edge of the grip.
- Arrow Spine - Arrow spine or how flexible the shaft of the arrow is will effect its flight based on which weight bow you have selected. The best way to choose correct arrow spine is to visit your club and try a few out with you bow. Choose the arrow that gives the most consistent result.
The Arm guard
The arm guard is a simple device which will protect the inside of your forearm as the bow string is released. Your selection is largely driven by budget however, ensure the guard sits comfortably between your wrist and inner elbow and can be easily attached and removed.
The finger tabs
Finger tabs will help protect your index and middle fingers from becoming sore and blistered form consistently drawing on the draw string. You can also use a full glove however, the choice will depend on how much feel you like when drawings your bow.
The Sight
Although you can use your archery set without a sight it more difficult as a beginner to be consistently accurate. Archery sites can be a science in themselves. Don't be tempted to complicate things when you first start out by selecting an archery site with advanced features. Save that for later. Start off with a basic fibre optic 3 pin composite sight with a guard and twin pin tracks.
The sport of archery can be a very challenging and rewarding sport. How quickly you excel and how much you enjoy it will greatly depend on the correct archery set selection for your situation.
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