Archery is a hobby that is definitely a lot of fun if you take the time to learn it and get good at it. Just like any sport, a lot of practice is required along with the right gear. If you are planning on getting into archery, there are a few things that you should know regarding the sport, safety, and gear you should be getting to make the experience that much better. The last thing you want is to be turned off from a fun sport due to improper gear or technique. Here is everything that you should know about archery.
The Type of Bow Matters
When it comes to archery, there are three main bows to look at: the recurve bow, the compound bow, and the crossbow. All three have unique properties and come with their own set of challenges. Here is a brief breakdown of the three major bow types.
Recurve Bows
Recurve bows are the classic bow that you see in movies such as “The Hunger Games” or “Lord of the Rings”. The bows can be decorated and fancied up with different types of materials, but at the end of the day, what makes it a recurve bow is how you draw and release the arrow. Typically speaking, recurve bows are the hardest to shoot as they require the most strength and skill to be accurate. Therefore, if you are planning to use this bow, you will want to find one of the best recurves on the market to ensure that you are learning the sport properly. The difference between a cheap recurve and a good recurve is massive, and taking the time to learn on a cheaper bow will lead to plenty of frustration and anger. Recurve bows can also be fitted with sights if you want to add a more futuristic twist. If you want that classic archery feel, look no further than a recurve bow.
Compound Bows
According to BowAddicted, compound bows are the next step up when it comes to archery and they are definitely easier to use when compared to a regular recurve bow. Compound bows have a feature that is called let-off. This means when you draw the arrow fully back, you no longer have to maintain as much force to keep it drawn. Because of this, it is much easier to aim the bow and hold it for an extended period of time. They are much more forgiving than a recurve bow and are definitely a much easier way to get involved in the scene.
Crossbows
Crossbows are by far the easiest of the three types of bows to shoot and have also grown in popularity due to people like Daryl Dixon from “The Walking Dead”. To fire a crossbow, all you have to do is load the bolt onto it. When you are ready to fire, simply press the trigger and the bolt will go flying towards where you are aiming. For this reason, crossbows are the easiest way to get into the scene, especially if you are looking to hit bullseyes as soon as possible.
A Variety Of Competitions
The next cool thing about archery is the number of competitions that you can enter. There are the standard marksman competitions where you are given a few arrows and have to hit as high of a score as possible. Looking further into the archery scene, however, you can find there are competitions regarding speed draw, speed and accuracy, and many many more. The archery community recognizes there are a ton of different skills needed to be good at the sport and wishes to reward and recognize all the people who have greatly improved their skills. If you are looking to compete, look no further than a sport like archery.
Many Different Techniques
While there are some techniques that are agreed upon by experts and those within the community, a lot of other techniques are completely up to you and what feels right. For example, most archers will draw their bowstring with their right hand if they are right-handed, however, some have gotten used to using their left hand for it. There is nothing wrong with doing this, and as long as you are getting the results you want, keep it up. Don’t be afraid to experiment or stray from the norm when it comes to archery.
This is a basic introduction to the bows behind archery and what the sport can offer you. It is a great sport to get into with a very supportive community. If you are interested in learning, go to a local store near you and find a bow that works for you. There will be plenty of experts that can help you choose the right one. What type of bow are you looking to get?
