When searching for archery equipment, be aware of all available options before making a purchase. Learn about the different types and sizes of bows and arrows, how to select a bow that fits your specific weight and size, recurve bow terminology, and different draw weights. Also find out where to buy archery equipment, such as at local sporting good stores or at online marketplaces like eBay.
History of Archery
Early bows date from the Paleolithic and Mesolithic Periods, and were used almost exclusively for hunting rather than sport. In Europe, archery was practiced by kings and queens, with the oldest archery event occurring in Scotland in 1483. Until the 1920s, English-style bows were the primary bow used for recreation, competitions, and for hunting. After that, modern recurve and compound bows began to see widespread use. Modern forms of archery, bows, and equipment are dominant in Western society, even though traditional archery is still popular in some areas. An official Olympic sport since 1972, archery retains its popularity into the present day.
Discover Archery Equipment
New archers should start out with a recurve bow. This allows you to break into archery gradually. In addition to starting with a recurve bow, beginning archers should also start out with a lower-weight bow than would normally be used. Then you can work up to a higher-quality bow with a greater draw weight. This allows you to work up to a more powerful bow, avoiding any initial frustration generated from using a bow that is too powerful for beginners.
Most recurve bows allow the "limbs" to be exchanged for other limbs with a greater draw weight. Called take-down bows, you should try to find a take-down recurve bow that is rated as ILF, which means that you can use limbs from other recurve bow manufacturers and not just the manufacturer of the bow you own. This allows you to change the recurve bow draw weight as you grow stronger and are able to handle more draw weight.
Recurve Bow
The recommended bow type for beginners is a recurve bow, which allows new archer to get used to using a bow without spending a huge amount of money. Recurve bows are the most popular style of bow, as well as the only bow allowed to be used in the Summer Olympic games.
Recurve Bow Terminology
The following table includes common recurve bow terminology. Knowing the terms and definitions associated with modern recurve bows helps make the selection and purchase process easier.
Term Definition
Arrow Rest The arrow sits upon the arrow rest while the bow is being drawn. Can be a fixed rest, magnetic flip rest, or spring-loaded rest.
Back (of Bow) The front part of the bow, opposite from the string.
Belly (of Bow) The back part of the bow, on the same side as the string.
Bow Sight Attached to the riser, it helps the archer aim.
Brace Height The distance between the deepest part of the grip and the string.
Grip Grasped by the archer while firing the bow.
Limbs The draw power of the bow rests in the upper and lower arms of the bow.
Nocking Point The point on the drawstring where the end of the arrow is fitted for firing.
Riser The rigid, center section of the bow, where the limbs are attached; plays a part in the strength of the bow.
String Attached to the limb tips, the drawstring, or string, transfers the stored kinetic energy of the limbs to the arrow.
Sling Attached to the handle, the sling is a strap that keeps the bow from falling from the archer’s hand.
Tiller Tiller is the difference in the distance between the limb string measurement from the riser to the tip of the limb.
The above terms describe the parts of a recurve bow. Knowing these terms helps beginning archers understand how a modern recurve bow works.
How to Determine Draw Length
When purchasing a bow for the first time, make sure to determine your correct draw length. Bows with too little draw length can be overdrawn, and this can damage the bow. Those with too great a draw length often result in inaccuracy, poor shooting form, and even the possibility of painful string slap on the forearm.
Determining draw length is simple. Begin by measuring the distance from one middle fingertip to the other middle fingertip with your arms outstretched. Make sure the palms are facing out and forward while standing naturally. Take the measurement and divide the number of inches measured by 2.5. The result is the proper draw length.
How to Determine Draw Weight
Do not use a bow with too much draw weight. It can cause the archer to twist and contort the body as while attempting to pull the drawstring back. This can lead to injury and frustration. The table below contains information about the correct draw weight for the archer’s size.
Type Body Weight Draw Weight
Very Small Child 55-70 lbs. 10-15 lbs.
Small Child 70-100 lbs. 15-25 lbs.
Large Child 100-130 lbs. 25-35 lbs.
Small Frame Woman 100-130 lbs. 25-35 lbs.
Medium Frame Woman 130-160 lbs. 30-40 lbs.
Athletic Older Child (Boy) 130-150 lbs. 40-50 lbs.
Small Frame Man 120-150 lbs. 45-55 lbs.
Large Frame Woman 160+ lbs. 45-55 lbs.
Medium Frame Man 150-180 lbs. 55-65 lbs.
Large Frame Man 180 + lbs. 65-75 lbs.
Choosing a bow’s draw weight according to the archer’s weight allows the correct bow to be picked, reducing the chance of injury.
Arrows
Next to the bow, the arrow is the most important piece of archery equipment. The following table details the different parts of an arrow.
Part Description
Arrowhead The arrowhead, or tip, is the penetrating part of an arrow, and comes in various shapes and sizes.
Shaft Made of a variety of materials, it is the primary part of the arrow.
Fletching Provides stability in flight; located at the back of the arrow.
Nock The nock is located about one-half-inch behind the fletchings at the very back of the arrow; helps hold the arrow on the drawstring for firing.
The parts of an arrow work together to provide stability, penetrating power, and accuracy.
Practice Arrows
Often made of wood or aluminum, practice arrows have blunt tips and are brightly colored for safety reasons. Practice arrows wear down over time and need replacement on a regular basis, especially for new archers who practice often.
Finger Tab
Finger tabs keep the archer’s fingers from getting sore or numb over repeated draws of the bowstring. These come in many styles and materials, but for the beginner, a simple leather tab will suffice.
Bracer
Bracers protect the archer’s arm from painful string slap. String slap can sometimes occur if the draw length is incorrect for the archer’s height.
Bow Stringer
A bow stringer keeps the bowstring from becoming twisted while stringing a bow. It is an essential item for any serious archery enthusiast.
Find Archery Equipment on eBay
Once you know what type of archery equipment you want to purchase, go to theSporting Goods portal on eBay, click Archery under Outdoor Sports, and start searching for item listings. The Categories list on the left side of each eBay page helps narrow down archery equipment listings by item type. You can also find links for recurve bows and more.
eBay Keyword Search for Archery Equipment
Search eBay listing titles for specific words when shopping for archery equipment. For example, to find a Hoyt 60-inch Dorado Recurve Bow, type "Dorado 60" (without quotation marks) into the search box, and then click the Advanced button to customize the results. Also visit eBay’s Search Tips page for more advice on searching for archery equipment with keywords. If you can’t find the exact equipment you want, try shopping eBay Stores and tell the eBay Community what you want by creating a post on Want It Now. You can also save a search for archery equipment on My eBay, and eBay will e-mail you when a match becomes available.
Buy Archery Equipment With Confidence
Before bidding on archery equipment on eBay, know exactly what you are trying to purchase, research the seller, and understand how eBay and PayPal protect you.
Know eBay Purchase Details
Carefully read the details in the archery equipment listings, and figure delivery costs into the final price of the archery equipment you buy. When buying an expensive recurve bow, make sure the seller insures the product when it ships. For more information about archery equipment, ask questions by clicking the Ask a Question link at the bottom of the listing page. Make sure to complete your archery equipment purchase with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer.
Transactions conducted outside of eBay are not covered by eBay protection programs, and remember not to pay for archery equipment on eBay using instant cash wire transfer services through Western Union or MoneyGram. In the unlikely event that a product is not delivered or it does not match the archery equipment description, eBay Buyer Protection covers the purchase price plus original shipping for the equipment purchased.
Know the eBay Seller
Research the eBay seller to ensure a positive and secure transaction when purchasing archery equipment. Below are important questions to consider when buying equipment.
• What is the seller’s feedback rating on previous transactions, and specifically those involving archery equipment?
• What do buyers say about their archery equipment in the feedback?
• Do they offer a money-back guarantee for their archery equipment?
• What are the terms and conditions of purchasing the seller’s archery equipment?
Conclusion
A new archery student might be overwhelmed by the variety of equipment available. Make sure to take the time necessary to learn about all of your options. It is important to buy the correct-sized bow, especially when first starting out. But before buying archery equipment, remember to investigate available options, learn about the different types and brands,discover the details of the different arrows available, and know how to buy archery equipment safely and securely on eBay
