[MacOfNiagara]

Hello fellow archers,

I am new to ArcheryTalk and essentialy new to archery. Don't laugh but my experience is limited to boy scouts, summer camps, and some renisance festivals (ok, you can laugh).

So I have had little archery experience but have always had a unfed passion for archery. At last years renisance fair my in-laws goaded me into signing up for the archery 'contest'. They were hoping to purchase years of teasing material for a measley 5 bucks entry fee. There were about 30 contestants, with a couple having their own bows, and a few that were bow hunters. The rest of us were relgated to camp style recurves on the later end of their life. My eyesight at that time was bad (had corrective surgery since then) and I let a few arrows fly. The current leader (seemed like a nice chap) quietly informed me that the cock feather was facing the wrong way (I knew there was something important about that one). I let another arrow go and he said I had a shot to win. I didn't put much stock in that, and assumed he was just being nice / supportive. I let me last arrow go and heard a round of cheers. Turns out I needed a 10 to win, and it was a 10 I got, even though I didn't get a good look at it.

So, my inlaws were robbed of a few bucks and the amusement at my expense, and I was awarded a letter form the 'queen' and a ceramic champions goblet. Most importantly my archery itch was scratched and began to itch even more.

So, my wife has been pushing me to get some equipment and get involved in some clubs and competitions. So, I have spent several long days doing endless research. This site has been a pleasant surprise and a great help. I am looking to get some additional advice if possible. This is where I am currently at:

36 years old, 6' tall 185 lbs.
athletic, good endurance, regular exercise, and moderate weight training.
Skrawny legs, broad sholders, big arms (good at upper body sports, bad at lower body power sports)

Looking at the following setup to start with (most likely from Lancaster):

KAP Winstar II Riser 25"
KAP Challenger Craft or Evolution II limbs (medium) 30#
Fast Flite 28" string
Shibayu DX Button
Beiter, Cartel or Win&Win Clicker
Hoyt Super Rest
AIM Medalist Sight

Based on what I have found I have a 28 - 28.5" draw.
Looking at a 68" bow

30#'s is probably at the higher end of starter #'s based on my reasearch but due to my tight budget I cannot afford to get a new set of limbs in 3 or 4 months, so I tried to find limbs that were light enough to allow me to concetrate on form, but heavy enough to give me a bit of time to grow into them.

My main stumbling blobk now is what type of arrows to purchase. I plan to mainly practice outdoors and when better compete outdoors / field. Can anyone suggest a good set of budget starter arrows for this setup? Am I missing any items the I need to begin practicing, practicing and practicing to learn proper form? Do I have anything that is not needed or over kill?

Thanks for the advice.
MacOfNiagara

 

[Leighton]

Sounds like a good setup. For a little more dollars, I'd get the shibuya basic. I'd also get a 68" fast flite string, not a 28". But what do I know...:wink:

Most important thing to get right now is a good coach. I know, hard to find, but worth the effort.

Budget starter arrows. Probably Jazz. Won't feel too bad when you miss the target.

 

[MacOfNiagara]

Sounds like a good setup. For a little more dollars, I'd get the shibuya basic. I'd also get a 68" fast flite string, not a 28". But what do I know...:wink:

Most important thing to get right now is a good coach. I know, hard to find, but worth the effort.

Budget starter arrows. Probably Jazz. Won't feel too bad when you miss the target.

Yup, good advice, a 28" sting might put a crimp in my form :embara: Thanks for the advice on the arrows, I assume I may be missing the target on a few occasions.

 

[MacOfNiagara]

Arrows

This may be a dumb question, but what would be a good arrow length for this setup?

I tried to edit my original post for the 28" string error, but there doesn't seem to be an edit function.

 

[Viper1]

Mac -

The arrow is going to depend on your real draw length. If it turns out to be between 27 and 29" think about 1716 aluminums.

BTW - Getting a set of limbs that you will grow into is one of the classic mistakes for new shooters. (Yes, I know you've shot before .) By the time you grow into them, odds are you'll have enough bad habits that may take years to loose.

Some of us here have been shooting for decades, and I, at least, still go back to #30 limbs when I'm having form "issues".

Another option is to go for a good used or even vintage bow. They hold up quite well, can usually be had fairly inexpensively, and until you're ready for the nationals, you won't really be at a disadvantage.

BTW - the edit button disappears after about 1/2 hour of posting, or something like that.

Viper1 out.

 

[MacOfNiagara]

Thanks Viper

Mac -

The arrow is going to depend on your real draw length. If it turns out to be between 27 and 29" think about 1716 aluminums.

BTW - Getting a set of limbs that you will grow into is one of the classic mistakes for new shooters. (Yes, I know you've shot before .) By the time you grow into them, odds are you'll have enough bad habits that may take years to loose.

Some of us here have been shooting for decades, and I, at least, still go back to #30 limbs when I'm having form "issues".

Another option is to go for a good used or even vintage bow. They hold up quite well, can usually be had fairly inexpensively, and until you're ready for the nationals, you won't really be at a disadvantage.

BTW - the edit button disappears after about 1/2 hour of posting, or something like that.

Viper1 out.

Thanks for the advice Viper. When you say you often go back to 30# to work on form does that mean you think the 30# is ok for me to start with. Or are you saying 30# is good for an experienced archer to work on form but would be too high for a new archer to work on form?

I originally thought about 40# would be a good set of limbs to work into, but after reading a lot of advice I realized the wisdom of starting with lighter limbs. The range of suggestions, depending on the beginning archer's experience and size seemed to be 25ish to 29/30ish. So I though 30 would give me a few pounds to grow into, but still fall into a safe weight to work on form. So when I say a weight to grow into that is already taking into account a need to start low.

So do you think 30# would be good or would you advise that would cause problems and I should drop down to a 28, 25? Thanks again.

 

[Viper1]

MAC -

#30 about right for most guys to start with, if they want to bypass a lot of the pitfalls new shooters experience. You always want to be thinking about form when practicing, the the center of the target when shooting in earnest. If you're thinking about the weight on your fingers in either case, it's a distraction.

The next part really depends on where most of your shooting is going to take place. For a full 90M FITA, #30 is on the light side, but I'm sure some one as done it. For indoors spots (NFAA 300, Vagas etc), there's no need for heavier. You will however find your own comphy weight in due time. BTW - I would also suggest you get your feet wet indoors, at close range before you start trying 90, 70, 50 or 30M. Arrows can get expensive

Most current FITA bows will give you a few pounds in each direction to play with as well. In short, yes- #30 should be fine!

Viper1 out.