I'm thinking of buying my own archery gear.

**MEGA JESUS-SAMA** · Posted On: 8/03/2005 8:28pm

I'm thinking of buying my own bow in the coming weeks, so I want to have an idea of what I'm looking for beforehand.

I'm looking for target-shooting gear, rather than hunting or flight. I have a preference for recurve bows, because I'm not a woman. I don't need pullies to do my work!

So far I've been renting a bow during class, all of which are twenty-five pounders. Strength-wise I could probably handle a much heavier bow, but I don't want to buy a five-billion pound death bow only to find out that I can't keep good form. What's a good poundage to move up to? Should I get wood or synthetics? I'm going to get a sight, of course, but should I bother with any of the fancy accessories? Would stabliziers really matter at this point?

What should I look for in arrows, aside from the proper length?

I've been using a leather tab during class. Should I just stick with tabs? Are there any advantages to the gloves? Are bracers bracers, or should I look for something in particular? And what of the different types of quivers?

***JohnnyCache*** · Posted On: 8/03/2005 8:34pm

I think most poeple on this forum would ask you if they had a question about archery, dude.

**MEGA JESUS-SAMA** · Posted On: 8/03/2005 8:57pm

Stick the pointy end in the thing you want dead?

**Jeice** · Posted On: 8/03/2005 9:16pm

I say go old school, wood recurve with a leather tube quiver. Poundage should be anywhere from 45-60. And narrow aluminum arrows are the nicest I find. Any other specific questions? Kudos on not wanting one of those sissy compound bows.

**MEGA JESUS-SAMA** · Posted On: 8/03/2005 9:20pm

Tab or glove? What do I look for in a bracer?

**punchingdummy** · Posted On: 8/03/2005 10:11pm

**** it. I'm not old school. Compound (Hoyt) at 65#s, carbon arrows and a release.

I like it. Bambi does not.

**MEGA JESUS-SAMA** · Posted On: 8/03/2005 10:15pm

I understand that the compound bow makes it easier to hold a draw and gives you more time to aim, but what's the point of the release? Is it to keep your dainty fingers from having to even touch the string?

**Mr. Mantis** · Posted On: 8/03/2005 10:29pm

I've got a wooden 25# and a synthetic 45#.

I like the 25# better as it is just better constructed than the 45#

But which one I use depends on my mood.

**j416to** · Posted On: 8/03/2005 10:29pm

You should buy a kyudo bow, they're way more fun to shoot.

Modern bows are more efficient, if hunting and hitting bullseyes are your goals, but they're less interesting to shoot.

Modern gear is all technology, Kyudo bows are all technique.

**punchingdummy** · Posted On: 8/03/2005 10:33pm

Originally Posted by MEGA JESUS-SAN

I understand that the compound bow makes it easier to hold a draw and gives you more time to aim, but what's the point of the release? Is it to keep your dainty fingers from having to even touch the string?

Consistency. Where the recurve is more instinctive, the compoud is more focused on accuracy. Its tougher to be consistentent on a 60+ pound cable with your fingers.........and MARKETING. So many companies push this crap that we are all convinced we must have them to be good.