A Guide to Choosing Your First Bow

🏹 Choosing Your First Archery Bow: A Beginner’s Guide

Starting archery is exciting — but if you’re new, the question of “Which bow should I get?” can feel overwhelming. Your first bow doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to fit your body, your goals, and your journey. Let’s break it down so you can step onto the range with confidence.

🎯 The Main Types of Beginner Bows

Bow Type	Why Beginners Like It	What to Keep in Mind
Recurve Bow	Affordable, simple, widely available, teaches solid fundamentals	Best for learning proper form.  Less forgiving, requires more practice
Compound Bow	Easier to draw and hold, highly accurate, modern features	More expensive, more complex setup
Longbow	Traditional, elegant, lightweight	Harder to master, less common, the nostalgic favorite.

🏹 What to Look For in Your First Bow

• Draw Weight: Start light — 15–25 lbs. for most adults. Too heavy and you’ll struggle with form and slow your progress.

• Size & Fit: Bow length should match your draw length. Comfort matters more than raw power.

• Budget: Entry-level bows are affordable. Save the big investment for later once you know your style.

• Purpose: Target practice vs. hunting — different bows excel in different contexts.

🚫 Common Beginner Mistakes

• Picking a bow that’s too heavy → leads to poor form and frustration.

• Forgetting accessories → a finger tab, arm guard, and matched arrows make a huge difference.

• Skipping lessons → even the best bow won’t help without guidance.

✅ Recommended Starter Bows

• Recurve:  Southwest Archery Spider — versatile, affordable, and beginner-friendly.

• Compound: Diamond Edge 320 — adjustable draw weight, great for growing into the sport.

• Longbow: Sanlida Royal X8 — simple and traditional for those who love history and style.

Tip: Do Not Buy until after your first lesson.  I have all the equipment you will need and you will get professional advice from a Certified Coach.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Your first bow is the start of your archery journey, not the end. Choose something comfortable, safe, and suited to your goals. Remember: it’s better to grow into archery with a bow that feels right than to struggle with one that looks impressive but holds you back.

📣 Let’s Get Started

Ready to take the next step? Book a beginner lesson today — I’ll help you find the bow that fits you best and guide you through your first shots. Archery is about progress, not perfection, and your journey starts with the right bow and the right Coach.