Determining and selecting proper archery equipment can be confusing for anyone who is new to the sport of archery.
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Experienced archers who want to upgrade archery equipment become frustrated with the endless internet search for useful information only to find out there is not any place to go.
Starting in the archery community experienced an explosive interest in the sport shortly after the summer Olympics.
In after the release of the Hunger Games and the Olympics, hundreds of thousands of new archery fans flooded onto the scene.
But still the question remained, where do we go to find up-to-date information for modern day archery equipment?
Who is helping the new enthusiast get started and what are the experts saying about selecting proper archery equipment?
Well, I will tell you...
The real secret of choosing proper archery equipment is - nobody is talking about it!
Until now that is!
On this page we are going to show you exactly what you need to know and why it is so important to understand the process of selecting your own equipment.
Is it complicated or overwhelming to learn how to determine your proper archery equipment?
Absolutely not and it only takes a few minutes.
The steps to determine your proper archery equipment are simple.
At Learn-Archery.com we will show you how to:
...and much more!
Are you uncertain if you should start learning with a compound bow or a recurve bow?
We have a complete guide that offers advice and suggestions that will help you make a solid choice.
When you have decided on a compound bow or a recurve bow we will help you understand everything you need to know about archery arrows.
The Archery Arrows page [coming soon] - will walk you through all the steps to selecting the best arrow for your specific bow and setup.
For too many years I had searched for a trustworthy place to send people where they could find reliable information to help them select proper archery equipment but I kept coming up empty handed.
I was wasting my time and it soon became evident that somebody needed to create a single source for archery information that is relevant, up to date, and easy to understand for everyone.
The search is over!
Learn-Archery.com is your one-stop source for all things archery.
So, why is it that NOBODY is talking about the process of selecting proper archery equipment?
The truth is if you travel back in the time-machine, before the internet, there were a couple of useful archery books that helped the new archery enthusiast understand the equipment selection process.
That information is now antiquated because the archery equipment has become relics of the past.
For example...
In the last 10 years cam design has advanced to the point that even the low end compound bows are shooting arrows at speeds never imagined.
The Olympic Recurve Bow has been modernized with the latest technology in materials.
Advanced engineering has maximized the performance of the modern bow and new manufacturing processes have allowed this new high-tech equipment to become more readily available even for those on a meager budget.
It is amazing to me that the archery industry has grown so much yet there is very little useful information available at your finger tips...until now.
The bottom line...if you do not select the proper archery equipment that fits you specifically, your archery experience will be less than rewarding, painful and an expensive loss.
Today, there is no excuse for not being a well educated consumer and modern archery is no exception.
If you choose to let someone do the thinking for you and you show up at the archery shop uninformed and unprepared then you are at the mercy of the salesman and you will be grossly limited in your selection.
What do you mean by a limited selection?
First - Every one of the Sporting Goods Outlets, dealers and archery shops are regulated by territories.
The manufacturers of big name brand archery equipment only allow their product to be sold by an individual outlet within a region.
Test it!
The next time you walk into any archery shop or sporting goods store that sells archery equipment you will quickly recognize what brands they are allowed to sell.
Unfortunately this scenario breeds a false sense of brand loyalty.
Why is this important to me?
Because it limits your ability to compare and shop for the bow that fits you best.
Let me share a brief story about my own archery experience with you...
For years I had to travel a great distance to multiple locations to see the latest bow models. My destination was predetermined by the shops that carried the brand I was interested in.
Upon arrival I would inform the shop owner or salesman that I was trying to compare different brands to see which I liked better and the reaction was always the same.
The salesman immediately launches a full-blown attack sighting reasons why I should or should not purchase one brand over the other.
On some occasions the shop attendant was so desperate to make a sale that they would say what ever it took to persuade me to purchase what they where selling.
Back in the 80's when my knowledge was limited to recurve bows and I knew little about a compound bow and I fell for what ever the salesman pitched to me.
I was uninformed and put too much faith in the salesman.
After all, he was "The Pro".
My lack of knowledge lead me to purchase archery equipment that was only useful for collecting dust bunnies.
Frankly, I am embarrassed for the purchases I had made but even more embarrassed for the so called Pro-Shop owner.
On the other hand, the Pro did his job for the day. After all, he did sell somebody something.
The BRAND-X War
Things have not changed much over the years.
The smaller archery shops see so few new customers on a regular basis that they automatically presume that everyone who walks through their door is an uneducated consumer.
Even today, with all of my experience and knowledge when I walk into an archery shop the person behind the counter assumes an authoritative role and proceeds to tell me what is best for me.
And if they find out I am comparison shopping, then the BRAND-WAR is on!
Directly, I will thank them for their time and leave...it's only a 40 minute drive to the "Other-Guy's" pro-shop.
You simply cannot make a reasonable assessment when the people who are supposed to be helping you are closed minded...or desperate to make a sale.
It is appalling...but that is the way the industry has been set up.
To the point...
We give you all the information to make proper archery equipment choices that will be perfect for you and save you money.
Archery should be a fun and relaxing recreational pastime with friends or an exciting and rewarding day of competition.
If it is neither one, then the time and money invested is a total loss.
You do not have to settle for what ever the salesman is promoting if you are a member of the Learn-Archery.com community.
Why is it so important to select the proper size equipment?
At last!
You asked the right question...now your archery experience is more likely to be fun and rewarding.
There are a number of reasons why archery equipment MUST be properly fitted to the individual.
Think of your compound bow or recurve bow as a pair of running shoes.
If the shoe is too small, your feet will be FORCED to fit into the shoe. Your ability to run properly will be hindered.
Conversely, if your archery equipment is under sized, your body's ability to effectively manipulate the undersized bow is restricted to the confine or limitations of the bow.
Now if the shoe happens to be too large, your foot is going to shift around in the shoe which will cause painful blisters.
Link to Bertillo
Your ability to run at your peak performance level is mired by a sloppy fitting shoe forcing you to compensate for the loose fit.
If your recurve bow is oversized then you are unlikely to realize the full stored energy and benefits of the bow and arrow.
If you happen to be shooting an oversized compound bow it will be impossible to land at the proper anchor position and you will not be able to shoot effectively.
These are just a couple of the real reasons that you must select proper archery equipment that fits you...and only you.
The impulse buyer will loose this game almost every time!
Too many people just want to get out and shoot and cannot be bothered by the process of selecting proper archery equipment no matter how simple the procedure really is.
They find the technical equipment selection process to be overwhelming, complicated or just plain boring.
The sad truth is that I have had to turn countless new archery enthusiasts away from lessons or private coaching more times than I care to mention.
...WHY?
I could spend hours with an individual and help them identify the best equipment for them based on their personal needs and budget, but when they get to the archery shop they still fall for what ever the "PRO" tells them.
There was a time that I took this personally until I came to terms with the fact that the salesman did not do their job OR the buyer made a purchase on impulse.
What are the most common mistakes that newbie's will make?
They will purchase a...
The point being, good quality archery equipment is not cheap...so making the correct choice from the get go is extremely important.
The process of identifying your correct gear is simple.
At Learn-Archery.com we will teach you the simple process and walk you through it step by step with a logical sequence.
When you are finished you will have real, useful and accurate information plus the confidence to make the best choices for you.
Let's get started...
Follow these simple steps to...
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This week on Improve Your Game, we are learning the dos and don'ts of purchasing secondhand archery equipment!
This is a very commonly asked question: what should I look out for when purchasing secondhand archery equipment? What do I need to know? Where can I buy secondhand equipment?
When purchasing secondhand archery equipment online, you need to be aware of a few things. Firstly, the cost. Is it a good price? Roughly work at 75% of the cost of brand new equipment from an archery shop, or less. This obviously depends on the condition, age, etc. of the bow you're looking at.
Be aware of what you are purchasing. Do you need it? Are you ready for it? Always talk to your coach or club members if you are not sure. Your archery journey is personal to you, you will grow with the sport when you're ready. The equipment you're purchasing should be in line with your growth and strength.
Spread your budget across the whole set-up. If you're looking at purchasing a full secondhand set-up, know your budget. Every bit of equipment is important. Ensure you have enough money within the budget to get the level of equipment you set out to buy.
The simple answer is yes. Providing you know what you are doing, you have somewhere safe to shoot (an Archery GB registered range), and you can verify there is no damage to the equipment. It probably won't be in perfect, fresh out of the box condition. This does not mean that you should avoid it.
Ask for more pictures of the equipment you are looking at purchasing. Can the seller provide a picture with a written date and their name? Ensure that everything is legit, as you would purchasing anything online.
If you want to check the purchased secondhand equipment is 100% safe, take it to your local archery shop. They will be more than happy to check it out for you and give you any tips to help.
A riser is the easiest thing to invest in when purchasing on the secondhand market. This will last you a good while. They can also take a lot of wear and tear. Be aware of the measurements: is it a 27", 25" or a 23" riser? Also, if possible, ask for the weight of the riser. There is some variant in the weight. If you're a beginner, speak with your coach about which would right for you.
Another thing to look at is the riser ILF (International Limb Fit) or Formula fitting. This will determine which limbs you will be able to purchase to go with it. By the time you're ready to purchase your own bow, you will know if you're right or left-handed. This is essential information as risers are right or left-handed. Eye dominance determines whether you are right or left hand, not just which you write with!
Much like a riser, limbs don't tend to wear out. You will need to know the length (64"/66"/68"/70") of limb you need, along with the poundage. If this is wrong, everything will be out: your strength, arrows, grouping, etc. Just because they are good value does not mean they are right for you.
If you have just started out, look online at archery shops for limbs of your price and your current level. Most limbs are ILF. This means that they are (mostly) interchangeable, so you could have a Hoyt riser with Sebastien Flute limbs.
The recommendations for bow-length from Archery 360 are:
Your draw length is dictated by how far you pull back the string before releasing it. This will be explained to you at the beginners' course. The course will show you how to check your draw length and therefore you'll know which length bow you need.
If you purchase a button on the secondhand market, make sure you clean it when you get it. If you want to learn how to, have a look here at Tom Hall showing how to clean a button.
Buttons can wear down with use, so be sure to check the condition before purchasing.
Compound bows are totally different to recurve bows. When purchasing secondhand, odds are you will be buying the whole bow, not components. You will need to know your draw length, axle-to-axle, poundage, adjustability, to name a few things.
Most cams have modules; you will need to know your draw length to know which cam and module you will need. As a grassroots archer, your coach will be able to help with this. The draw weight needs to be something you can easily work with. No point in going for a 50-60lb bow when you've never shot more than 24lbs.
Ensure that the strings and cables are in very good condition. Again, this can be checked by an archery shop and if needed, fitted with new strings and cables.
If your draw length is under 28-inches, look for an axle length no longer than 37/38-inches (ish). A draw length of 29-inches and upwards, look at the longer 39 - 40-inch axle bows. Remember this is just a generic assumption and there are anomalies.
As with everything, ask for videos or pictures of the bow. Check every angle you possibly can and be sure it is what you want. Compound bows will be pricier than a recurve riser or set of limbs because it's the full riser and limbs with strings and cables.
A release aid will last a long while, provided it's been looked after. However, the springs and inside will probably need a clean and potentially replacing if they have rusted. It is always worth checking the inside of the release aid once you get it.
If possible, spend a decent amount of your budget on this, simply because you want to have a release aid that will last a while. They are an essential part of your kit and your technique. Talk to your coach about what type of release aid you should look for. A lot comes down to personal preference, so maybe try a few different ones before committing.
Arrow rests for compounds have more components than recurve or barebow. The blade might be a bit rusty, but that can be replaced easily. When purchasing a secondhand arrow rest, look out for any damage. Ensure all screws come with the rest, otherwise, there will be issues.
All of the micro-adjustments should still be in working order if that's available on the model you are purchasing. If the rest has been screwed on too tightly previously, there might be damage, so just check for that.
There are different types of arrow rests available on the market, so do your research and learn which you want. Along with this, there are different blade sizes available. When purchasing blades, look at what model arrow rest you have purchased to make sure it fits.
Courtesy of The Longbow Shop
If possible, try to buy from a trusted source. This could be a friend, club member or recommendation from a friend. Make sure the length of the bow is right for you. The bow should be your height plus about 4-6 inches.
Make sure you ask for pictures: strung, unstrung and down the length of the bow. Ensure sure the bow isn't twisted is essential for longbows. To check, follow the string, bent when unstrung, and both limbs have a smooth arc.
The person selling should be able to show this either with pictures of a video.
Find out how much it has been shot. Also, when was the last time it was shot. Longbows can be more prone to breaking if they have not been shot for a prolonged amount of time. Check the nocks, where the string sits, are in good order.
Avoid purchasing a longbow that's been used by someone who has a longer draw length than you. There is a massive chance of the bow breaking due to the fibres in the bow.
It is imperative that you check the bow from top to bottom for any cracks and marks before stringing it. Checking the quality of the string as well. Be really careful when you string and draw if for the first time.
Check poundage on bow scales before purchasing; is it right for you? Longbows also drop poundage with age so what's written on the bow may not be what it actually is.
Arrows can wear out with use over the years. It is also essential you select the right length, spine and point weight for your set-up. Your coach and club members will be able to help with this, as it can be a bit overwhelming.
If you can, try and buy brand new arrows, as you will avoid unknown damage. Investing in new arrows will be better than secondhand, but your budget can be an issue. Key things to ask: are they straight, do they have cracks at either end, how old are they, have they mostly been used indoors or outdoors?
Roll arrows on a table or spin on your hand to check their straightness after purchasing if you can, to ensure they're safe.
Check all purchased arrows over before shooting and make sure there are no marks, also ensuring the piles and nocks are in good condition with no cracks. Ask where they have been stored prior to purchasing. Quite often arrows that have been stored next to a heat source have brittle nocks and will explode when you shoot.
It would be worth changing all of the nocks on the arrows that you have purchased, just for peace of mind. Ensure that you know they won't break on you. You should also know the weight of the point in the arrow as this will affect your grouping and tuning.
Purchasing a good sight is essential for recurve and compound archers. Sights can get worn out, so purchasing secondhand is not always best. Spending less and compromising on a sight will result in more money being spent long-term. This is because you will need to get a new one when the old one breaks. There are good-priced first sights available.
The higher-end sights can be bought for a great price on the secondhand market. Just ensure that you are spending the right money for yourself and the product. Have a look at the price in shops and compare.
Stabilisers are great secondhand. They will be cheaper than brand new and will do the same job. Make sure that they haven't been damaged in any way. There are different lengths available, so ensure that you purchase the correct length for you.
You can also get weights to help with stabilisation. Your coach or club members will advise on this, but it usually comes down to personal feeling and strength. As Wales Archery explained last week, your personal archery journey will dictate when to use stabilisers.
Quivers, bowstands, and bracing height gauges are all perfectly acceptable to purchase secondhand. There isn't really anything that can go wrong with them. Just ensure they are in a condition that you are happy to pay for. Also, compare the price with brand new and don't pay over the odds.
Finger tabs, gloves, finger slings, fletches, strings, are probably best avoided. These are things that take a lot of wear and tear and don't usually do well being used by another person. There are, of course, anomalies and if they have been used once or so, would be absolutely fine. Read the descriptions, ask questions and get pictures of the products.
Before purchasing any archery equipment, make sure you have done a beginners' course at an Archery GB club. Under Archery GB insurance, you are not covered to shoot anywhere but at a registered Archery GB range.
This article is to help anyone looking to purchase secondhand equipment to make the right choices. There are many opinions, brands, types of equipment and it mostly comes down to personal preference.Â
Archery GB holds no responsibility for anything purchased online. The buyer does so at their own risk. This is simply guidance to help to purchase.
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