This post is for all you beginners who want to buy your own equipment, but don't know where to start. Trevor and I (Natalie) will be telling you our suggestions so you can do what you think will work best for you.
Trevor:
For Olympic recurve, I suggest an aluminum riser with wood limbs that is ultimately is a take-down bow, such as a KAP, or Win & Win. In addition to the bow, I bought one of the cheaper Cartel plastic sights, a 12 inch stabilizer, and half a dozen Easton arrows (bare shaft). All together it was $320 for the limbs and riser together, $15-20 for the sight, about $30 for the stabilizer, and $30 for the arrows.
Natalie:
For a simple barebow, I suggest one of the less expensive recurve bows from Lancaster Archery. I got the Samick Sage as my first bow, but I also have a Cartel bow. It's best to go to a range where you can rent equipment to see what draw is the best for you. The Sage was around $130 and the Cartel was around $110 I believe, make sure you also get an arrow rest. I think the best way to go with arrows is to get them pre-fletched; you can also get them nocked too, but that usually costs more. You want to order the arrows with tips, and extra nocks. Start of with six, and as you improve buy six more, making sure the size corresponds with the type of bow you have. A quiver is also very important, you can get ones for as cheap as $10 and as expensive $200, but its ultimately your choice. As for arm guard and finger-tab, that will be your personal preference.
http://www.lancasterarchery.com/
Things to remember when getting your own bow:
- it is not a toy
- you should get a case for it
- don't keep it strung when it's not in use, it's bad for it
- always use a bow stringer (we will make a post on how to use one soon)