Hi,
this is just out of curiosity and is no actual case.
What poundage would you recommend for a total newbie:
30 years old, no health issues, 6 feet tall, average stature, 28" draw; wants to learn shooting a bow, no hunting plans for now.
Thanks for playing,
Axel
P.S. For those wondering, i posted the same question on Ozbow and two german forums to create a national comparison because the subject recently came up and im curious.
I would recommend a cheap starter bow around 35-40 pounds
50#.
I would also recommend 35-40 lbs. It gives you a chance to get your form correct and you can practice a lot more without getting tired.
I would start low and change when needed...
a 30-40# bow helps getting the correct form.
Around 40# bow @ 28", LB or recurve. Doesn't matter, though the LB is a little more forgiving. Start close to target and practice, practice, practice using good form.
The wt range choices are too wide for my preferences in recommending the 40-50 pound range for a newbie. The archer may experience much more difficuly, if he chose a 50#'r over a 40#'r.
My pic would be in the 40-45 # range.
Having stated my reservations, I will choose the 30 -40 pound range.
Fred Bear recommended 35# for the average male.
(http://***********.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small66453214.JPG)
I voted for the 30#-40# range. Lower weight equates to better form for a beginner which leads to better accuracy.
there is no substitute for trying before buying, and this includes bow holding weight.
for a newbie, unless you have a good idea of your draw length and unless you have access to lots of bows, it will always be a crap shoot of sorts getting that first bow.
also, don't think what weight is labeled on any bow - that could easily be off by 10% or more. this is where trying before buying is so important.
Been shooting a bow for 40 years or so and I have NEVER heard anyone say " Dang,I wish I hadn't started with a bow so light."
On the other hand, I've heard the opposite hundreds of times.
I started with a 36# recurve, and then went with a 49# Bear. I'll never regret starting with a lighter bow, but then I was fortunate to have expert advice from an experienced PA state champion archer.
45# should be fine to start with.
From someone who started at 70lbs (and developed bad habits), I'd recommend 40-45 lbs. Good luck!
I started with 27#@28" so that my wife could shoot it with me. Eventually I will purchase her a nice 40# recurve, but this thing works fine for now.
30-40# is a good starting point for a beginner to learn proper form, then as they progressed a heavier bow can be had. IMHO
I'm a little older than you (Lots). I started at 45. 40 would have been a better choice for me.
Since you mentioned no hunting plans with this particular bow, I would have put around 20-25#'s.
When I started with a coach after shooting for years with a 60# bow, he moved me to 8#'s for two months. After that I move to 25-35#s bows for about 4 months. After that I was back in the 50-60 pound range.
He basically made me relearn how to shoot a bow (and try to forget a lot of my past methods).
If no plans to hunt I would start with a bow 35 pounds or so. Get your form down good and then move up if you wish.
Hmmm..... Confusing feedback here, the majority of the poll shows heavier (43% light 57% heavier as of this post) but yet most of the posts say go lighter. I say go lighter based on the non hunting statement, that in my mind really swings my opinion to go lighter and learn the correct way. No real reason for a heavier bow except if you want to eliminate some trajectory ?
I have a 45 pounder coming from Maddog Archery, my first longbow!♠
QuoteOriginally posted by Night Wing:
I voted for the 30#-40# range. Lower weight equates to better form for a beginner which leads to better accuracy.
I guess that depends upon how strong the shooter is. Higher weights can equate to a cleaner release, too. For a guy strong enough to comfortably shoot higher weight, that is.
QuoteOriginally posted by Night Wing:
I voted for the 30#-40# range. Lower weight equates to better form for a beginner which leads to better accuracy.
I guess that depends upon how strong the shooter is. Higher weights can equate to a cleaner release, too. For a guy strong enough to comfortably shoot higher weight, that is.
QuoteOriginally posted by dan d:
Hmmm..... Confusing feedback here, the majority of the poll shows heavier (43% light 57% heavier as of this post) but yet most of the posts say go lighter.
Not that confusing really. It's easier to vote anonymously than it is to defend your position.
:biglaugh:
45 is good
QuoteOriginally posted by Turkeys Fear Me:
QuoteOriginally posted by dan d:
Hmmm..... Confusing feedback here, the majority of the poll shows heavier (43% light 57% heavier as of this post) but yet most of the posts say go lighter.
Not that confusing really. It's easier to vote anonymously than it is to defend your position.
:biglaugh: [/b]
:biglaugh: that's what I was thinking when I typed it !
Dan
I voted 40-50 only because you need 40+ lbs to be legal in many states.
Start out at 45 lbs. Order a Maddog Mutt and learn to shoot. The money you'll save will be put to good use toward arrows, field points, gloves, quiver, range time... etc.
My 2 cents...
I would start a new shooter light. This way they can get there form down, then move up in weight.
It depends on physical conditioning and flexibility, a new person who is active:45 to 50
No matter what I take out a bow under 40 pounds to teach a newbie. It is impossible to teach form and power at the same time. some will grab a light bow and try to prove how far they can pull it, that person is generally unteachable.
I started with a 28# then a 42# for hunting, I voted 40-50# because you mentioned 30 years old. At that age you should have no problems with a 40# ish bow. I found that alot of beginner rigs are quite slopelly put together, especially up here, when you get to hunting weight bows they tend to get better. You need a 40# bow to be legal for hunting deer and Turkeys in Ontario.
I should add my starter bow was a target recurve with sights removed, I wouldn't wish it on anyone as it produced alot of hand shock (sounds odd I know). Quality of the starter bow is important.
i say 30-40
once the form gets right then go up from there
i wish id started light and learned the right way from the start and not pushed for as much poundage as i could handle
i learned too many bad habits and my shootin wasnt as good as it could have been
because of my dam ego
40# max
You should think about starting around 30 lbs and if you can, find a shooting coach or take a lesson to get the fundamentals. Good luck and enjoy the ride...
I voted 40-50 but I think you should start @ 40
I failed to read the entire thread, and I'm certainly no expert.
I can tell you that I started with a 53# bow a couple years ago...shot off and on. Now that I shoot every day, I've dropped to 40# and I shoot MUCH better.
35
40-50 #
Start low and work your way up.
I,ve just voted and was in the most popular %.It can also depend on how the person is strong.
I voted 45# based on your age and health but that being said and you starting out, you need to try several poundages and bow styles. For sure, choose lighter than heavier. Where you are not thinking of hunting yet, lighter may be better. The proof will be in how it feels to shoot. If you are straining to hold, you will develop poor habits and most likely shoot lousy. It is much better to go lighter, develop good form and enjoy the success that comes from shooting accurately. Try several poundages and settle on the one you feel comfortable with. You can always go heavier and having a light bow around is nice to grab and work on/check or perfect your form occasionally. Best of luck.