Best way to choose a bow

When selecting your first bow would involve considering a few major factors. These include firing speed, accuracy, durability, and even weight. But as a beginner, it would be best to start with a simple bow that would help you learn how to handle them properly.

A bow is a long-range weapon that’s used in hunting and archery. It has been part of human history for centuries. Today, there are so many choices and varying features that it can be hard to choose one. You have to know your draw weight, draw length when selecting a bow.

So what Types of Bows available?

There are four types of bows used in hunting and archery:

The Recurve bow

This is a bow with a "3" or a "W" shape. This shape gives the bow more power compared to regular bows, and as a result, it can shoot faster. Many people have complained that a Recurve bow makes a loud noise on release though. The ideal weight of this bow is between 10 pounds to 55 pounds.

It is also lighter and easier to carry than a compound bow and it has fewer mechanisms to upkeep. A recurve bows stores more energy and delivers energy more efficiently than the equivalent straight-limbed bow

Compound bows.

These bows have a levering system of pulleys and cables. The design of this bow gives it more accuracy and power from compared to others. A well-tuned compound bow makes less noise. This bow is heavier and bigger than a Recurve. Some compound bows can get as heavy as 70 pounds.

They also need a lot of maintenance because of the parts. To measure your draw length, stand with your back to a wall stretching your arms out against the wall. Measure the distance from the end of your middle finger to the end of your other middle finger, basically the length of both arms, hands, and chest. This measurement, minus 15 then divided by 2, is your draw length.

Here is a chart we have to have an idea of how to measure your draw weight. Keen in might this is just a suggested draw weight.

Longbows

They have a straight grip and are thinner than a Recurve bow. They’re the longest bow and the easiest to shoot because of the size, design, and weight. A longbow has a shooting range of up to 180 m. This bow makes less noise compared to others since it has less contact with the string. The average weight is 60 pounds and the length is approximately 64" long.

Crossbows 

This bow shoots faster than the other. The popularity of this bow surged after its use in the series "The Walking Dead". It has the same trigger mechanism used in handguns. It has stock or amount that allows the bow to be loaded even when it's not in use. It's extremely accurate and has a longer range compared to the other types of bows. Compared to a compound bow, a crossbow is likely to make more noise.

Recoil

Aside from power and noise, you also have to consider recoil. Bows do not have as much recoil as guns but they reverberate as they absorb the energy from the strings. This causes them to lightly flick when firing. The vibration causes your hand to buck and this can be mistaken for recoil.

Safety

Crossbow safety may be located on two sides. It’s on either the side or the back of the sight bridge. Some even have a dual safety system. Each crossbow is different so make sure to read the owner’s manual on how to use the safety correctly. Be sure to always inspect your bow and arrows before using it.

Legality

It is important to know the laws regarding crossbows if you’re planning on purchasing one. It’s not illegal to own one in the United States except for the state of Oregon. There are rules regarding its use in hunting and archery and they differ with each state.

Legal during archery season 

• Arkansas
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Maryland
• Missouri
• Mississippi
• North Carolina
• New Jersey
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• Texas, Wisconsin
• West Virginia
• Wyoming

Legal during deer or game hunting seasons:

• Alabama
• Delaware
• Kansas
• Nebraska
• New Hampshire
• Nevada
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Utah

Legal during firearm season:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Montana
• New Mexico
• Virginia
• Washington

Legal for handicapped persons only:

• Hawaii
• Massachusetts
• South Dakota

Hunting all year round:

• Georgia
• Louisiana
• North Dakota
• Tennessee.

In order to legally get a license to hunt, you should consider getting Crossbow Education. This is a requirement in many states as well as a separate Crossbow Safety Course.

Best Bow Brands

Choosing the right manufacturer is important for a buyer as there’s a difference in product quality and offered service. Here’s a list of some of the trusted names.

Bear Archery

Founded in 1933, it has a wide range of compound, crossbows, and traditional bows. They also offer over 10 choices of bows for children and beginners.

Hoyt Archery

This is a brand that has been around since 1931. They’re famous for their Compound and Recurve bows. And their bows are prominently featured in the Olympics. They offer competition bows and hunting bows. Even accessories, grips, and clothing are available in their stores. Their bows are durable and are of good quality though a bit expensive.

PSE Archery

They are the largest manufacturer of bows in the world. They have a wide selection of bows to choose from. They have Compound bows, Target bows, Crossbows, and traditional Recurve. Their brand boasts of bows that are strong and lightweight.

Diamond Archery

They provide a good range of hunting and recreation-bows. The brand uses the best materials on their products. Synchronized Binary Cam System, the most accurate and sought after cam system on the market today.

The Binary Cam System is comprised of two perfectly symmetrical cams that are slaved to each other, forcing the cams to turn in perfect synchronization. This provides for flawless nock travel and tuning that you can set and forget, maximizing accuracy and consistency for bow.

Selecting a bow can be confusing. Especially with so many on the market now. Hunting Giant archery store will help you with your first bow. What draw weight, wheat is drawn length, full draw all these questions we have answers for you. Give us a call or send us an email at info@huntinggiant.com and one of our experts will get back to you and help you to choose.