Archery Bow

[TeeDee]

Just picked up a second hand Archery Straw Boss ( think thats the right term ) .

I have plenty of space with secure dead stops and no neighbours in the Garden.

What suggestions for a Beginner Bow should I be looking for?

Quickes Archery is just up the road from me. https://www.quicksarchery.co.uk/

Or can I get something serviceable to learn upon from Merlin Archery? https://www.merlinarchery.co.uk/

TIA

 

[Broch]

I only use a selfbow and even then just for the archery equivalent of plinking so I can't advise on any 'modern' style equivalent I'm afraid. However, the one thing I will say is don't go for 'he-man' draw strength. You can have a lot of fun and learn the art with a 30lb bow but if you go straight in at 50lb plus you'll get tired very quickly and then all the rest falls apart. Unless, of course, you are particularly strong and fit in the upper torso in which case just ignore all I've said

 

[bobnewboy]

I’d suggest getting a basic takedown recurve bow (e.g Quicks TD01 - perhaps 68 inch length / 32lb @28 inch draw weight), and a set of reasonable wooden arrows to begin with. You will also need a tab or glove of some kind, and a bracer to protect your bow forearm. Everything else is gravy on top of that. In order to establish good form, I’d also suggest seeing if a local club is doing any introductory lessons. Perhaps do that before buying any gear to be honest, as then you will get a feel for the sport before you spend too much. As with any sport, it is quite possible to spend a small fortune if you really want to.

I used to be located close to Quicks when I lived in Surrey, and they were quite helpful with free advice and practical help in getting started. They may even do, or know someone who can give you, basic instruction. That might be cheaper or less of a commitment than going along to a local club, initially at least.

Ive only dealt with Merlin via online ordering, but they were fine.

 

[swotty]

I have a Samick sage take down bow. It's #35 which is great for me but other draw weights are available and swappable which is the good thing. I think #25 is available and might be a good starting weight.
Certainly would recommend it and I think it was about £120 but that was a few years ago.

Sent from Somerset using magic

 

[swotty]

Our Samick Sage Review: A Great Beginner Bow, Period

Thinking of picking up a bow? Make sure you check out our review of the Samick Sage - one of the best beginner bows on the market today.

www.completeguidetoarchery.com

And Merlin sell them for less than I got mine for!

Samick Sage Take Down Field Bow | Merlin Archery

Green maple with a stripe of rosewood distinguishes the Samick Sage from other bows.

www.merlinarchery.co.uk

Sent from Somerset using magic

 

[santaman2000]

Basically I would just echo what’s already been said: start with a simple light draw recurve and get a three fingered archery glove and an arm guard for the other arm.

 

[Broch]

Or, go on a long bow making course

 

[bearbait]

I concur with bobnewboy: try and get yourself some coaching from a club. You may get to try different bows / styles, e.g. Barebow, Recurve, Compound, etc. And disciplines such as target, field. They'll also help with tuning advice for your bow - when you get it! And start with an easy draw weight until you've got the technique. For example, an afternoon's shooting, 70-80 arrows with a 30lb draw weight means you will have drawn, and held, well over 2,000lbs - over a ton. Plus, it's difficult to develop your technique if you are fighting the bow all the time.

I find archery a very "Zen" thing.

 

[Woody girl]

Quicks Honiton have a range where you can try out any bows that take your fancy while you are there. Bought my bow there and had a lovely afternoon trying things that took my fancy, and plenty of advice along with it. The guys there are great.

 

[TeeDee]

I only use a selfbow and even then just for the archery equivalent of plinking so I can't advise on any 'modern' style equivalent I'm afraid. However, the one thing I will say is don't go for 'he-man' draw strength. You can have a lot of fun and learn the art with a 30lb bow but if you go straight in at 50lb plus you'll get tired very quickly and then all the rest falls apart. Unless, of course, you are particularly strong and fit in the upper torso in which case just ignore all I've said

Agreed - I'd rather learn to dance with the little ladies that I can throw around control rather than the more , mature , madams that require a stiff hand and strong arm.

 

[TeeDee]

I concur with bobnewboy: try and get yourself some coaching from a club. You may get to try different bows / styles, e.g. Barebow, Recurve, Compound, etc. And disciplines such as target, field. They'll also help with tuning advice for your bow - when you get it! And start with an easy draw weight until you've got the technique. For example, an afternoon's shooting, 70-80 arrows with a 30lb draw weight means you will have drawn, and held, well over 2,000lbs - over a ton. Plus, it's difficult to develop your technique if you are fighting the bow all the time.

I find archery a very "Zen" thing.

I'm fortunate that there is a Club within spitting distance - I will take lessons. Thank You.

 

[AussieVic]

If you have kids or a partner, I suggest bring them along too. Its much more fun and something you can do together

 

[TeeDee]

If you have kids or a partner, I suggest bring them along too. Its much more fun and something you can do together

Will do , I've a small entourage of imaginary friends I can press gang into it.

 

[mikehill]

Definitely get measured. Too short arrows can be incredibly dangerous !

 

[TeeDee]

( May get a few people excited )

 

[Dark Horse Dave]

I’d suggest getting a basic takedown recurve bow (e.g Quicks TD01 - perhaps 68 inch length / 32lb @28 inch draw weight), and a set of reasonable wooden arrows to begin with. You will also need a tab or glove of some kind, and a bracer to protect your bow forearm. Everything else is gravy on top of that. In order to establish good form, I’d also suggest seeing if a local club is doing any introductory lessons. Perhaps do that before buying any gear to be honest, as then you will get a feel for the sport before you spend too much. As with any sport, it is quite possible to spend a small fortune if you really want to.

I used to be located close to Quicks when I lived in Surrey, and they were quite helpful with free advice and practical help in getting started. They may even do, or know someone who can give you, basic instruction. That might be cheaper or less of a commitment than going along to a local club, initially at least.

Ive only dealt with Merlin via online ordering, but they were fine.

An aside for Bob: Quicks at Walton has gone!! (Just as Mrs DHD & I are doing our long-delayed induction at Company of 60!) Hope all's well with you

 

[dwardo]

Worth remembering the bow is only half the solution. Well matched/spined arrows are just as important

 

[Broch]

Ah, but, if you're only doing it for the Zen, you don't need arrows

 

[bobnewboy]

An aside for Bob: Quicks at Walton has gone!! (Just as Mrs DHD & I are doing our long-delayed induction at Company of 60!) Hope all's well with you

Hi Dave, yes all is good with us, thanks for asking. I hope you and yours are doing well too. Say hello to anyone at Company of Sixty who remembers us

That’s a shame about the Quicks at Walton. They were always very helpful and seemed to carry a decent stock. Perhaps you’ll be going to Carole’s shop if you go down the year archery route ?

Cheers, Bob