Choosing the Correct Draw Weight

      If your out shopping for a new recurve or longbow your probably thinking about which poundage to choose from. Most recurves and longbows these days are made from around 40lbs to 70lbs, however some old school archers prefer to shoot 100 lbs or more. When selecting the weight of your next bow there are a few things you need to consider. Here are a few tips that will help you choose the proper draw weight.

     The first question you have to ask is will you be using your bow for target archery or for hunting? For target archery a light bow will be sufficient, but for hunting a much heavier weight will be needed in order to harvest game efficiently. Most states recquire at least a 40lb draw weight for hunting. The next question you must ask yourself is what weight do you feel comfortable shooting? A beginner should probably start at a lighter draw weight. If switching from a compound bow you should probably consider dropping at least ten pounds from the weight you were shooting with the compound. The best way to determine what weight you will be comfortable with would be to visit an archery shop that has a good line of traditional bows and then ask the shop if you can try shooting the bows. Most shop owners have a range where you can test bows and will be happy to help you select your next bow!