It is truly difficult for an inexperienced archer to judge good equipment solely from its appearance and cost. For this reason, it is far better for you to select a reliable company and let them equip you than to go to the nearest department store or sporting goods company and try to pick out your tackle. If it is at all possible, locate an archer who has had experience and get him to help you. If you don't know of any local archers or archers' club, you can write to the Committee on Camp and School Archery in care of the National Archery Association, 77 Franklin St., Boston, Mass.

Selecting A Bow

If you can, it is best to wait until you have partly established your shooting form before you buy your own personal equipment. Perhaps the school has some equipment which you might use. If you expect to get the thrill of really good shooting, just any bow won't do as it did in the days when you cut down your own willow staff and strung it up. In general, the following things need to be kept in mind when selecting a bow: It should be approximately the same height as you are, when it is unstrung. It should not be so heavy that you have to put all your attention on drawing it. The weight is the number of pounds it takes to draw the bow back the full length of the arrow. The weights of bows vary considerably. The bow should bend in an even arc from handle to tip. You must keep in mind, also, that the length of the arrow has a direct relation to the bow which you select.

Selecting The Arrows

To determine the proper length of the arrow which you should use, you must again know a little about your shooting form. You must be able to draw the arrow easily, that is, it should not be too much of an effort on your part to draw the arrow all the way back to the point. The arrow when fully drawn should rest in the knuckle of your bow hand; it should not protrude behind the back of the bow. A great deal of your ability to place arrows on the target will depend on the type of arrows you have, so buy the best you can possibly afford. Norway pine and Port Oxford cedar are excellent woods. If possible get matched arrows, that is, arrows that are selected to fly the same, having the same weight and spine (stiffness). Some archers have fun making their own equipment, but this is a technical job and should be started with all seriousness. It is much better to learn the sport first and get the thrill of shooting. Then, if you wish, start making your own tackle. Proper arrows are especially difficult to make because they must be very accurately fashioned.

Chart For Beginners

Boys and Girls Use Comparatively Lighter Bows

11-14 years 14-22 lbs.

14-18 years 22-26 lbs.

College age 18-30 lbs.