Archery bows have come a long way from the wood-and-twine creations of early hunters. Bows are available in a variety of space-age materials and styles, depending on whether you are interested in simple target practice, sport hunting or organized competition. Bows come in two main types: direct draw, which requires you to pull the arrow manually and release it; and a mechanical bow, which uses a device to draw and release the arrow.
Step 1
Determine whether you want a long, recurve or compound bow. Long and recurve bows are the traditional target shooting bows. Compound bows feature cams and pulleys to help with hunting.
Step 2
Choose a bow with a speed that meets your needs. A bow with a faster speed provides more accuracy because it creates a flatter trajectory, meaning the arrow drops less in flight. Higher-speed bows, however, are more difficult to draw. Compare bows by their speeds through the Archery Manufacturers Association or International Bowhunting Organization, which provide accurate bow-to-bow comparisons.
Step 3
Compare bow lengths. A longer bow provides more stability and accuracy. Choose a shorter bow if you are experienced or plan to use the bow for hunting, where speed of use and maneuverability may be important. Select a longer bow if you are new to archery.
Step 4
Determine the draw weight for your skill level. The draw weight refers to the amount of weight you pull as you draw the arrow back. Choose a draw weight that allows you to draw the bow and hold it comfortably for 15 to 30 seconds. Test bows with draw weights between 50 and 70 lb. if you are an adult. Choose a lower draw weight if you are younger or have less strength. Purchase a bow with an adjustable draw weight to give yourself more options for using the bow once you own it.
Step 5
Measure the distance from the end of your fist to the corner of your mouth to determine the draw length of your bow. Alternately measure the distance from fingertip to fingertip when your arms are spread eagle to get your wingspan. Use a sizing chart to determine what draw length you should purchase, based on one of these measurements.
Step 6
Look at the cams on the bow if the bow has them. Cams make it easier to draw the string. Select a bow with an aggressive cam or cams for more speed if you are an experienced hunter. Choose a soft cam or a bow with two soft cams for ease of use and accuracy if you are less-skilled.
Step 7
Find a bow with lower let-off if you are experienced and want to shoot faster and flatter. Choose a higher let-off if you want an easier draw. If you are less-skilled, select a bow with a long brace height, which is the distance between the string and grip when the string is not drawn. Opt for a shorter brace height for more arrow speed if you are skilled.
Step 8
Examine the material from which the bows are made. Some materials offer more flexibility, some offer more strength and some are lighter weight.
Step 9
Test-fire bows to determine which performs best for you. Compare the same make and model with different features to ensure that you can feel the difference between features rather than bows. For example, don't test the brace height on two different bows made from two different materials.
Things You'll Need
- Bow sizing chart
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