Archery gear has become highly sleek and modern over the years. Whether you are a professional or a hobbyist at archery, picking out the best bow from the whole universe of options available out there is a painstaking process. This comprehensive guide will help single out the best design elements and cutting-edge features you should look for in your bow set. Let’s get hunting, shall we?
Get to Know the Types of Bows
The first step of finding your true fit is to know exactly what kind of a bow you should go for. There are four broad types of bows that you can opt for. So, let’s unravel them bit by bit to help you grab the best bow and arrow for you.
Beginner-Friendly: Recurve Bow
With its simple design, recurve bow will kickstart your archery journey. The beginner-friendly option is composed of a riser, string, and two limbs. Recurve shoots faster, and a simplistic interface allows novice users to release the arrows with ease. Plus, it requires relatively less adjustment and maintenance than others.
The Complex Variant: Longbow
Quite similar to recurve bow, longbows are bigger and elongated in shape. Longbows can be at times as big as a 5-foot man and therefore, they aren’t really popular these days. This type of bow is nowadays mostly seen in historical shows or in a collection of archery enthusiasts.
The Modern Type: Compound Bow
A compound bow is the most desirable archery gear among users these days, and rightfully so. This type of bow not only offers accuracy and a range of shots but also gives you that uber-cool satisfaction of holding sci-fi-like gear in your hands. This hybrid model featuring additional accessories like cables, cams, and pulley enhances the force and velocity as you shoot the target.
The maintenance for compound bows is extensive, and it costs more than other types. However, when it comes to the overall user experience, they offer an unparalleled shooting experience.
Extreme Precision: Crossbow
This type is more advanced, and unlike the common bow types, you can shoot this one with just one hand. This highly sophisticated, particularly lightweight bow set has a trigger through which you can release the bolts (arrow). It is a powerful and expensive bow to own. While you can master it quite easily due to the lesser involvement of sophisticated aiming techniques, this bow type has some associated laws that the archers should always be aware of.
How to Decide Which Bow Would Be Perfect for You?
Now that you know about the various bow types, it will be easier to make a decision. Essentially, the popular choice among the archery enthusiast is either a recurve bow or a compound bow. No matter which bow you choose, keep the following factors in mind.
Affordability
Buying bows and venturing into this activity is an expensive affair. Therefore, set a budget and do not stray. If you are an archery beginner, a low-cost recurve would be a good starter to experiment with and explore. If you can shell out some extra bucks in favor of accuracy, precision, appearance, and overall quality, then you’ll enjoy buying a compound bow. Keep in mind that recurve bow pricing starts at around $120, whereas compound bows are a tad bit more expensive with beginner-friendly models retailing at almost $350 to $500.
Efficiency
Aside from the technique, shooting arrows require power accuracy and efficiency. When it comes to reliable and persistent accuracy, compound arrows fare better in comparison to recurve bows. Therefore, if you are into big hunting games, compound bows would be your best bet. When it comes to beginner-level users who are into target practice and small hunts, recurve bows are ideal. In terms of quietness, compound bows are superior.
The Learning Curve
For an inexperienced archer, the learning curve for the compound bow is a bit steep in comparison to recurve bow. We always recommend that beginners should gradually transition from recurve bows to compound bows. But, if you already know your shooting skills well, then compound bows are the best pick for you.
What Should Be the Weight of the Bow?
When you are in search of the best bow out there, you must determine the optimum bow weight and length. The perfect bow weight depends on the archer’s weight and physical abilities. It is measured by calculating the archer's wingspan from one hand to another. Most archers excessively draw weight which affects their shooting accuracy. Opt for a lightweight bow rather than a heavier one to achieve excessive poundage. The optimum draw weight an adult person can easily pull off ranges between 45 - 55 lbs.
Essential Factors to Consider When Buying the Perfect Bow
Here are some of the basic features that will make or break your shooting experience.
Let-Off
The let-off feature of the bow implies the difference in the maximum potential of full draw weight. The let-off is expressed in percentages. The perfect let-off range depends on the archer’s preferences. However, bows with low let-off ranges give fast shooting velocity.
Bow Length
This is an essential feature to look for in your bow. Nowadays archers opt for a 36-inch long axle to axle measurement, which is relatively short. The lightweight bows are easier to maneuver and draw. However, longer bows bring accuracy to your shooting. We recommend that users should strike a balance in bow length.
Brace Height
Brace height is essential for shooting accuracy and velocity. It is expressed as the distance between the nock and the grip of the bow. An extremely short brace gives speed acceleration but may affect the accuracy, whereas long brace height impacts the release velocity.
Therefore, experts suggest that 7 inches is a standard brace height to go for.
Best Bows FAQs
Q. What should be the optimum bow speed?
A. The ideal bow speed for hunting big game should be between 280 to 290 fps.
Q. Does my bow need maintenance?
A. Yes, your bow needs regular maintenance and upkeep for long-term usage. Here are a few effective maintenance tips:
- Store your bow and arrows in a temperature-controlled environment. Avoid leaving your bow in high temperatures, as the strings will lose their elasticity.
- Regular inspection after shooting and practice will help you identify any wear and tear over time.
- Apply wax on fraying strings for accurate shots.
Q.Which bow type would be perfect for hunting?
A. Compound bows are perfect companions for hunting because they offer shooting accuracy, fast speed, and minimal noise. This bow has great flexibility to include additional support, such as sights, release aids, stabilizers, and slings.