Before you set out on a mission to buy that new bow you want, there are a few things to consider first. OK, there are many things to consider. I will try and touch base on a few of them here so you can make a better decision on your purchase.
If you are new to archery hunting altogether, you may be weighing the differences between traditional bows or modern compounds. While you can probably get into traditional archery for less out of pocket, it also requires extensive range time and practice to become accurate. Modern compounds on the other hand can be very costly but with a little set up and some practice you can be on target very quickly. With that said, I will be covering the bases for modern compound bows.
The riser is the part of the bow you grip and should feel comfortable in your hand. Risers basically fall into to types, Flex or Reflex. The difference in the two is primarily how your hand is positioned to the bowstring. The reflex riser is generally more forgiving to shoot however it is slower also. Risers are typically made of three components, Cast Aluminum, Machined Aluminum and Magnesium.
Cast Aluminum Ð a riser made by pouring aluminum into a pre-made mold.
Machined Aluminum Ð machined from a solid block of stock aluminum. Machined risers are very popular to both hunters and manufacturers. From a manufacturing stand point they can be anodized, making a painted finish wear much better the cast aluminum.
Magnesium Ð are heavier risers than aluminum but are cheaper to make and generally shoot much quieter. These are also harder to find.
Cams are pretty much summed up into three different categories, Soft Cam, Hard or Aggressive cam and a Single Cam.
Soft Cam Ð A soft cam will allow you to draw your bow in a softer smoother motion, which is a big help in staying on target. It also provides less energy.
Hard Cam Ð A hard cam is the most popular for hunting set ups. A hard cam provides more energy, which translates to better arrow penetration.
Single Cam Ð A single cam has one advantage over two cam bows. Two cams rely on both cams being in sync. Due to stretch and vibration the cams become out of sync causing erratic arrow flight. A single cam bow will stay tuned for a very long time.
A bows length is important for maneuvering, weight and noise. Measured from axle to axle, a shorter bow length is easier to maneuver in a hunting situation and usually they are lighter. A longer bow will have more weight to it but the added weight will absorb more vibration usually making it a quieter bow to shoot.
Draw weight is basically the peak weight you draw back before the bow lets off. A bows draw weight is usually adjustable in a certain range. Most adults will draw between 50-70 lbs. A youth bow will have a draw weight considerably less. If you can draw a bow and hold it for about 30 seconds without shaking, it is a good weight for you.
A bow should be properly set up for your draw length. It is typical for longer draw lengths to get more arrow speed, so donÕt cut yourself short. There are formulas to measure your draw length yourself, however any archery shop can fit you properly and accurately in very little time.
Speed is how fast the arrow flies to the target and can be altered by a few factors. The Archery Manufacturers Organization (AMO) Tests each bow set at 60 lbs. And a 30-inch draw length using a 540-grain arrow. The International Bowhunting Organization (IBO) also measures speed but uses different conditions. The biggest being a much lighter arrow, so IBO speeds are much higher. The main factor to take into consideration is more speed equals a flatter shooting bow. This means less drop over the same distance when comparing different bows. Most manufacturers list both AMO and IBO speed for comparison. Often a faster bow can be a noisier bow.
Before making a decision to by a new bow, use some of the information you find here and apply it to the way you intend to use your bow. Then shop around, shoot a few different bows from different manufacturers, each one will feel and act different. Find one that fits your needs and feels good in your hands.
