New to Archery

[Jafjap]

#3045

Hello,

I’m just now getting back in archery after about 8 years, I went back home off of leave and ran into my old bow ( #35 60 1971 Stemler) and just recently picked up my wife a #25 Longbow. The question I’m asking is where is the best place to get cheaper target arrows for my wife and myself. Just starting I would rather not spend $100 on a dozen arrows that I’m going to do something to after firing 2 or 3 times. Eventually I think i’ll get into that. But being new to the sport still any advice at all would help immensely! Thanks!

[Stephen Graf]

#16268

It’s hard to find a good cheap arrow. If you shoot a crooked arrow, or one that isn’t spined correctly for your bow, you will be frustrated and quit. Then that is 100% waste of money.

But if you get good quality arrows that spine for your bow, then you will be able to develop your skill and have fun shooting, which is the point.

So my suggestion is as follows:

1. Buy some carbon arrows. They are relatively inexpensive, and are really tough. So you will have to work hard to break them.

2. Be smart about your target. Get/make a big backstop so you won’t lose your arrows. Several layers of old carpet works well. Bales of hay work well.

3. Have fun.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

#16387

You can often find a dozen Gold Tip Hunters for around $50 at sporting good stores. They are perfectly fine, durable target arrows for getting started.

And like Steve says, setting up a target to minimize arrow damage/loss will make a difference.

[tombow]

#16408

With trad gear, arrow spine can be pretty critical. When I was getting my arrows figured out, I went through several sizes of aluminums, trying to find the right spine. I had to use heavy heads in order to get them to fly well. If you are just getting back into it, I would suggest working alot on form at close range. The DVD “Masters of the Barebow 3” has lots of good info on shooting blind-bale or blank bale which means shooting at a target which is about shoulder height from a close distance, say 10 ft. Then you work on shooting form, gripping the bow correctly so it doesn’t torque on the shot, using proper back tension, etc. Consistent form leads to consistent accuracy. There are lots of form videos on YouTube to get you started.

For targets, I use a large garbage bag filled with plastic sheeting and shoot blunts. The blunts minimize penetration and allow for easier removal from the bag. I hang the bag from the rafters in my garage and then shoot close up. Getting your correct form figured out will help later when you start shooting longer distances. It’s all about teaching your eyes and hands to work together to put the arrow where you want and getting a good release so the bow can do it’s job. I think some folks start out with good intentions but don’t pay enough attention to shooting form and they get frustrated and decide that it’s too difficult and give up. DON’T GIVE UP.

You are better off spending a little money on properly spined arrows, instead of trying to go cheap and finding out later that you have to buy different arrows because the spine isn’t right for your bow.

Best of luck,

TomBow

[Swamp Rat]

#16526

Great info above, and I would add…

get a copy of the Traditional Bowhunter’s Handbook, it is a wealth of knowledge that will be with you for a long time.

when it comes to the spine of the arrow look to a local shop that will sell you individual shafts or Lancaster Archery will sell them like that online.

If you will give us you and your wife’s draw lengths then some us may be able to get you close to the right spine. 3 rivers archery also sells test kits with most of their arrows so if you know roughly what your spine needed is they will give you one or two on each side of the spine you think you need. Once you know what flys best them you can spend the money on a full set.

[Jafjap]

#16901

Thanks alot everybody!

@Smithhammer- Which archery shops sell them cause i’ve been to Sports authority, big 5, dicks.. you name it. back home in Missouri its easy with Bass Pro and Cabela’s but out here it seems like there aren’t any.

@Tom- Thats actually really insightful! thanks imma have to try that when I go back out next time.

@Swamp- Well im 6’1 and have roughly a 30 inch draw..at least thats what I was told the other day and my wife is 5’1 with im guessing a 26 inch draw. We are heading down to an archery shop this weekend and I was planning on asking them there, just for piece of mind so that we know. Who is that book by?

Just curious..I’ve had this problem since i’ve picked my bow back up. But im naturally LH and I’m shooting RH now which is fine with me, but everytime I shoot it seems like everything pulls left..I’m hitting center more often than not its just always left. Any idea’s? My initial thought was maybe im twisting my wrist and not holding the bow right? anything helps thanks again guys!

[Swamp Rat]

#17400

Your bows are likely rated at 28″. You will gain or lose 2 to 3# of draw weight for every inch away from that point you draw. This would put you close to 40# and your wife close to 21#.

Get someone to stand on the right side of your bow with a marker, and after you have drawn a few times draw and hold it. Get them to mark the arrow at the far side of the bow away from you. Measure from that mark to the throat of the nock on the arrow, add a half inch, and this should be your draw length.

I would recomend a .400 spine with a heavy point weight for you, and .600 or .700 for your wife.

If it were me, I would go online to Lancaster Archery look at the Beman Bow Hunter shafts order a .340, .400, and a .500. Then look around for some in a .600 and a .700 for you wife. then get an assortment of feild points 85gn to 200gn. and go from there.

I have a couple of built .400 and .340 shafts here that if you want to PM me I would be glad to send you, but I don’t have anything liter than that.

TJ Conrads writes the book.

Shooting left sounds like torque on the bow, wrong spine arrow, or eye dominance. Try to loosen your grip on the bow, and if you are left handed you may be left eye dominant. Arrow spine is what it is.

[Jaders]

#19322

Hello Sir I think i ran into you today at the range, if this is the same guy the name of the place I got my arrows is tradional archery unlimited online. On ebay he is tradional_man website is http://www.tradionalarcheryunlimited.com . If this isn’t the couple I met today sorry for the intrusion and maybe you will like the link as well:D

[Jafjap]

#19659

Yes mam it is I believe!! and thank you very much for the link!

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