Picking out your first bow
If you’re planning on taking up archery as a hobby, you’ve got a couple big advantages over the ancient hunters who first perfected the art. First, since you’re not hunting, you don’t need to actually hit anything to survive. Second, you have many more options in choosing a bow than the elm and yew models that the earliest archers used.When selecting a bow, it’s important to consider two major qualities: reliability and consistency. A reliable bow will stay strong without torturing a beginning shooter, and a consistent bow will shoot the same way each time. The shooter’s aim should be the only thing determining where the arrow ends up, not a cheap bow.The best bows for beginners are laminated, feature a marker at the “center shot” of the string, and have a working recurve, meaning the tips of the bow curve away from the archer when the bow is unstrung. “Take-down” bows are also popular among beginners (as well as some pros), since their detachable nature makes them easier to store and transport. Recurve bows have been used since ancient times by Scythians, Hyksos, Greeks, and more. If you’re looking for something a little more modern, we recommend the compound bow, which has stiffer limbs and a system of pulleys. The PSE Thunderbolt Compound is an excellent beginner bow.Before purchasing any bow, check it for loose parts, weathering, and loose joints. Archery store professionals and friends are always willing to help a beginner into the sport, so it can be worthwhile to talk with someone before hand. Also, get familiar with archery companies that have been proven to have lasting power in the business. Bear Archery, Forge Bows, and PSE Archery are all names that will be recognizable to anyone who takes archery seriously.