Choosing a bow

With compound bows there are two main types of bows. The first type is a two-cam bow. This bow has two wheels which are identical on the top and bottom of the bow. The other type is referred to as a single-cam bow. This bow has a round wheel on the top (which is called an idler wheel) and the bottom is called the cam (this is an off round wheel) The single cam bows are easier to tune and to keep in tune than a two-cam bow. The two-cam bows will generally shoot a little more feet per second than a single-cam bow.

In choosing your first bow the most important thing to figure is, how much money do I have to spend? Once you have determined the dollar range you want to spend, you narrow your search down some.

Before you go on your search it is also good to have an idea of how long of draw length you will need. This can be done by measuring your wingspan from finger tip to finger tip and using a chart to see where you fit in for draw length. The chart is pretty accurate for proper draw length. Also some shops have a bow that is called a draw bow, that you draw back to your anchoring point and it has a measure to let you know what your proper draw length should be.

Now that you have an idea on your draw length and dollar amount you are willing to spend, you can begin your search. I suggest going to numerous archery shops and shooting bows in your price range and draw length. If a shop will not set up a bow for you to try, move on to another shop.

When trying out bows, pay close attention to how the bow feels to you in your bow hand and how it draws. It is always better to shoot a bow near its maximum poundage range. If you know you are not going to shoot over 60 lbs. then buy a bow that is a maximum of 60 lbs. They usually will max out a little more than their top rating. With the newer bows out there today there is no reason to have to shoot in the 70 to 80 lb range unless you are sure you can handle it.

You may also have some friends that shoot already and have a bow that may fit you in draw length. This would be a good way to see how a bow may feel to you. Do not go out and buy a bow just because someone says it is the best bow there is. What may feel good to him may not feel right at all to you.

Once you have determined on a bow that fits you to your liking, then you will still need to fit the bow up with accessories. Here is where friends and other archers can assist with some advice. You will need an arrowrest, sights, stabilizer and release if you choose to use those items. Even the archery shops that you go to will be able to help out on the accessories.

There are a lot of bow companies now offering bows in a package deal where you get most of the accessories with the bow for one set price. Some of these package deals are good quality equipment and could be a good way to go for the first time around. I could name bow companies but that is not what I like to do. Bows are like cars, you don't buy one without trying it out first. In my opinion a properly fitted bow in the right persons hand will shoot regardless of manufacturer.

I highly reccomend you buy a bow from an archery or pro shop. I do not reccomend going to a Department Store. The archery and pro shops have staff working there that are very familiar with bows and equipment and are more capapble of helping to set you up properly.