Buying my First Bow - Advice Please

You probably want to go down the route of more modern kit but if you would consider something different you should give Flybow in Ballina a shout and talk to Harold. Check out his site at Flybowshop.com. There is something about traditional archery,handmade bows and arrows and all sorts,that is very satisfying and it feels that bit more natural. I don't know if you want to get into comp shooting but if you do maybe you would consider the trad approach. Trust me,it's worth it...just my 2 cents...

Hey Thargor, if you're thinking of having a look at the Winstar 2, have a look at the Samick Vision and the new Hoyt risers too. At about the same price mark you'll get something newer in terms of design. Also it does well to have a feel of the risers and how different sets of limbs feel to draw up.

eFor your first limbs buy cheap. Something like Samick Privelage limbs. You will likely increase your poundage over time so not having sunk a whole load of money into things you will replace is a better idea, and you can always sell your old ones on. Not only that when you move onto something better you will feel the difference and it will be a pleasant one. Build muscle, then get going on shooting comfortable, strong limbs.

In terms of the accessories you get with those kits, all cheap and cheerful really.The gompy case isn't the best if you plan on walking far or cycling but if you have a car will suit fine. Avoid the cheapest of the cartel sights and go straight to a k-sight. Worth the extra 10-15 euro by more than a noticeable margin. Make sure you get a decent tab and an armguard that suits you too. Cartel's smart tab is a good tab for the price and can have a bit of customisation to your own preferences. Armguards are tricky beasts as depending on your arms and your form you'll need to get one that does the job well. Can't go wrong with a full arm one to start, but if you rarely hit yourself, get one that sits tight and doesn't break easily. Easton's are good.

For arrows, well, anything more than Easton Jazz will outshoot you for a while! Platinum's are good in their price range. Keith in archery shop Ireland may have some Sky Art arrows in which I hear are quite good, and cheap enough too. All in all, at the beginning get something that will stand the odd miss and a bit of abuse. When you get good enough then you might consider something more expensive.

Overall the most important thing is the sizing and fit of all your gear. If your riser is too short you will find that you can't see your sight pin as you work up the pounds so unless you have a small face or will never be shooting a 200 fps ish bow at 18 metres make sure you get a riser length that suits. Your options are 23 inch and 25 inch generally, with Hoyt and Bernardini being the only ones I know of offering shorter than 23 and very few offering 27 inch risers (for those with a very long draw length). Limbs are a similar thing in this regard. The longer your draw length, generally the longer limb you need to be comfortable. I shot a 23 inch riser with medium limbs giving me a 66 inch bow, but my draw length is along the lines of 30 inches. Meant when I was using 30 pound limbs I got a hell of a lot more. On the other side, shorter bows are faster. It's all about trying it out and seeing how you feel. Arrows then have to suit your draw length and poundage. All in all, talk to somebody in your club or in a shop to get you sized up right and your life will be more comfortable!

Hope I was helpful!

Thargor wrote: »

Thats perfect Mr X15 thanks for the tip about the sight, Ill be talking to someone about measurements tonight, can I just ask about what you said about the Winstar 2 and getting "something newer in terms of design", what do you mean by that exactly? Do you consider the Winstar a no-no?

As for the case I was talking to Keith and he says he uses these backpacks anymore instead of cases with his kits which is a big plus for me as its a 6km cycle to the club:

http://www.legendarchery.com/index.php/backpacks-3/streamline-backpack.html

Those backpacks are definitely the way to go if you want something dedicated to archery gear alright! No, not at all, the winstar is a riser that is solid and reliable and I know a lot of people shooting one or who have shot one at one stage. I'm just saying it's an old design and you may end up liking something else. I favour Samick gear myself as I like the feel, but you may be more a Hoyt or Win&Win. It's all about feel, and I was just encouraging the idea of trying things in hand. The Hoyt Horizon for example is very light, which some people like, where my Samick vision is on the heavier side.
Also the two risers I've mentioned have a slightly better adjustment system if I recall correctly, but you'll pay more for them. A piece of advice I was given (and ignored foolishly) was to spend as much as you can on a riser you like, as you won't need to replace it soon. All in all though if you like the Winstar, and can't see a better one around you can afford, by all means you won't regret having it!
Hope you come to love the sport as much as I do!

Good choice on the riser there, but of course I would say that Hope you enjoy your new kit and hope to see you on the shooting line!

It's all golden from what I see. You'll be moving off those limbs, the sight is pretty good quality, the rest is pretty top quality, the cartel rods are decent for what you pay and the tab and quiver are nice. Good choices!