Picking out your first bow

www.archeryoutpost.com — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:36:42 +0000

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.

Accessorize your archery experience

www.archeryoutpost.com — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:20:08 +0000

Picking out your first bow is the hard part, but it’s worth it for the fun and rewards that can follow. One of the most entertaining parts is picking out accessories for your bow to enhance your aim, ease your comfort, or just provide something to shoot at. Here are a few of our favorites when it comes to making your shooting experience all that it can be.

Will Stop II Small Target (Archery Accessories Online, 29.99): While a stack of hay can serve as a makeshift target in the interim, you’ll eventually want to upgrade to something a little more professional. Targets make arrows easier to retrieve and are also water resistant, so you don’t have to worry about leaving it out in the yard. This small target is perfect for beginners.
Centerest Flipper Arrow Rest (New Archery, 26.99): You’ll quickly find yourself falling into the camp of either “finger shooters” or those who use shooting aids to pull back and release the string. For finger shooters, the Centerest Flipper is the best option for stabilizing your arrow. The rest is a Teflon coated wire that is practically unbreakable, and it easily “flips” out of the way if caught on an obstacle.
Satori Quivers (Fuse Accessories, variable): When you’re just setting out on your archery career, you probably won’t need the Satori One-Piece, which holds six arrows with Shock-Rods to aid hunters in quickly reloading. However, you can trust a company with that kind of pedigree to produce something suitable for beginners, too. The Satori Two-Piece is lightweight and easy to transport, while the Satori Shorty features Quick Disconnect and easily mounts to the upper mounting hole.
Copper John Battle Ax Bow Sight (Archery Accessories Online, 54.99): This affordable sight is made of fiber-optic material with metal construction, and is a perfect starting sight if you don’t want to invest in a more hunter-friendly device like the 182.99 HHA Optimizer Lite Ultra XL 5500.

Archery Outpost » Equipment

Picking out your first bow

Accessorize your archery experience