Picking out a compound bow can seem like a daunting task, especially for someone just starting out. You have to decide on your draw weight, draw length, let off, shoulder orientation, handle options, and more. With so many options to choose from, it’s important to consider what kind of archer you are, what you’ll be using the bow for, and your budget. Here’s how to pick out a compound bow.
Table of Contents
Understand Your Needs
Before diving into the different types of bows and accessories, it’s important to remember why you want to buy a compound bow in the first place. Take some time to really consider what kind of archer you’ll be, such as a beginner, sport, or a serious hunter. Most archers, for example, should look for bows with draw weights of about 40-60 pounds for target practice, whereas hunting bows should be higher, around 70-85 pounds.
Choosing a Bow
Draw Weight
Draw weight is one of the main factors to consider when choosing a compound bow. Draw weight is the amount of force it takes you to pull back the bowstring. The higher the draw weight, the more it will take for you to pull the bowstring. Choosing the right draw weight for your bow depends on what kind of archer you are. Beginner archers should look for bows with lower draw weights, between 25-50 pounds, while more experienced archers will usually choose bows with draw weights of 50-70 pounds.
Draw Length
Draw length is the length at which you pull the bowstring back. It is typically measured from the nock groove to the pivot point on the bow’s handle. To determine the draw length for your bow, you’ll need to measure the distance from your fingertip to the corner of your mouth when you have your arm straight out. This will give you an idea of what draw length you need.
Let-Off
Let-off refers to how much of the draw weight is taken off your bow when you reach the bow’s maximum draw length. Most compound bows offer let-off of 65-85%, which means that when you reach the bow’s maximum draw length, the weight you’re holding will be reduced by 65-85%. For most archers, a let-off of around 70-80% is perfect.
Shoulder Orientation
Shoulder orientation is an important factor to consider when choosing a compound bow. Most bows have a right-hand orientation, which means that the bow is designed for use by a right-handed archer. Left-handed archers should look for left-handed bows or bows that are adjustable for both right- and left-handed shooters.
Handle Options
There are several options when it comes to choosing a handle for your compound bow. Some bows come with ergonomic handles, which provide a more comfortable grip, while others come with adjustable handles that can be adapted to fit your hand size. For most archers, the type of handle they choose will depend on the size of their hands and their preference.
Budget
Your budget is also an important factor to consider when choosing a compound bow. Quality bows can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, so it’s important to determine how much you’re willing to spend.
Taking the time to understand your needs and picking out the right bow for you is essential to making sure you enjoy archery. Make sure to consider all the factors, such as draw weight, draw length, let-off, shoulder orientation, and handle options. With so many different options to choose from, it’s important to weigh all of your choices to make sure you’re getting the best bow for you. With a little bit of research and the right bow, you’ll be sure to have a great experience with your compound bow.
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Last update 2021-01-05. Price and product availability may change.