An archer looking at a selection of Recurve bows at the Pro Shop.
Enter the thrilling world of archery, where precision, focus, and unyielding skill converge.
As you embark on making your first archery purchase, it is essential to contemplate this art.
Choosing the right bow that complements the style and physique of the archer and selecting arrows that fly true to their target are crucial in shaping their path as an archer.
Buying your first bow is akin to purchasing a pair of pants: it must fit and function well without causing excessive stress and discomfort.
A properly fit and set-up bow will provide hours of fun and years of usage.
Excella Archery Pro Shop technical advisor Tan Peng Loon, who has decades of experience outfitting archers, identifies two categories of bow fitting. He emphasises that youths under 18 will require a riser and a pair of limbs suited to their height and draw length.
It is crucial to recognise that people come in various shapes and sizes. Therefore, a big or large archer may be unable to draw a heavy bow.
Tan advising a Compound archer at the store.
Tan advises against acquiring a too-heavy or short bow based solely on one’s height, as this can lead to injury and damage to the bow.
Visiting an archery shop for expert guidance is best to ensure proper fitting.
Tan recommends starting with a bow with a lighter draw weight for beginners.
The new archer should be able to draw the bowstring to the nose and hold it for three seconds comfortably to determine the appropriate draw weight.
With the correct bow length and draw weight, the archer can smoothly draw, anchor, and release an arrow without struggling.
Tan scrutinising a Compound bow.
Tan suggests a minimum draw weight of 30lbs (15kg) for youths who aspire to compete in tournaments, as this will provide the power needed to hit targets at a typical distance of 60m accurately.
The archer’s arrows should be cut to length and spun according to their draw length and bow weight to achieve precise matches.
This ensures good arrow flight, particularly for archers aiming for accuracy in long-distance shots during tournaments.
To future-proof the bow for growing children, Tan advises opting for a longer riser, as it accommodates the increase in their draw length over time.
For adults, fitting is more straightforward, as height determines the draw length and weight. Leisure archers who do not compete in outdoor tournaments should consider getting a bow with a draw weight of 30lbs or less.
Archers shopping at Excella Pro Shop in the Klang Valley.
For those interested in Barebow archery, Tan encourages them to pursue it, as it is more economical than shooting an Olympic Recurve bow or a Compound bow.
Barebow archery is relatively low-cost and easy to set up, with many clubs and peer groups nationwide supporting this style.
The price of the different types of bows available varies significantly.
A typical Barebow costs around RM1,500, but this price can increase with branded ones from Hoyt, Gillo, and Spigarelli, which expert archers favour for target, 3D, and field archery competitions.
On the other hand, Olympic Recurve bows are more expensive, ranging from RM2,500 to RM3,500 for a basic set-up, including a bow sight, clicker, stabilisers, and dampeners.
A customer browsing the aisle at the Excella Archery Pro Shop in Wangsa Melawati, Kuala Lumpur.
For Compound bow enthusiasts, the price starts at RM3,500 and can go higher depending on the model and accessories.
In the “consumables” realm, Tan points out that arrows and target butts need regular replacement due to wear and tear.
Archers may lose arrows during practice; if they land on the ground, a metal detector or rake can help locate them.
Damaged arrows should be safely disposed of and replaced.
The bowstring is also prone to wear and tear, and some archers opt for custom-made bow strings to achieve faster arrow flights and less “string creep” (stretching) on the bow.
However, professional athletes typically use custom-made bow strings for tournament play throughout the year because they are expensive.
Tan suggests considering a basic wooden bow setup for those on a budget, which costs around RM800.
However, ensuring that the bow is fitted to the archer’s draw length and height is crucial for optimal performance.
Archery offers a thrilling experience and helps develop focus and mental strength, enabling archers to send arrows downrange and accurately achieve high scores in competitions.
So, string the bow, draw back your aspirations, and let’s hit the bullseye together!
