I'm getting into archery

[bedheadben]

Yup, another newb. I did it a few times at summer camp, happened to be the best, and loved the sport itself. I am thinking of getting a PSE Deer Hunter, joining a club I know of that's close to my house, but other than that, what do you all suggest for some arrows and arm/finger guards? I will be shooting targets, no hunting here, so probably no broadheads.

Thanks, Ben.

[Coghlan]

Before you buy anything do the beginners course at your local club. They will show you the different bow types hopefully and give you a chance to try various types. Then you will work out what you like for yourself with some help from the local coaches.

I could just tell you what I like, but one thing you will find is everyone has a different opinion.

Goodluck

Pat

[bedheadben]

Thanks, what is your opinion on arm/ finger guards though?

[CMB50]

join you local club before buying any gear.

They will run you through a beginners course and show you how to find the right gear. Don't go buying any gear until you've been through a beginners course at a club. You will buy the wrong items and will regret it.

[Hannah]

Thanks, what is your opinion on arm/ finger guards though?

Arm guards are a must, in my opinion, though there are many different types (you will find that most archers use them). I have never heard of a finger guard, and from this presume that you must be talking about shooting with you fingers? Not many do compound with fingers (rather than a release aid), but enough do for you to get lots of good information on it to help you out ;)However, on this I cannot help you, but would presume (if this is the purpose) that again it is a must because pulling back a compound with your fingers is rough!

However, as Pat said, DO NOT buy anything before you have a) joined a club (which it sounds like you are going to), b) done the introductory course and c) been shown the different types of bows (try out recurve as well as compound) and had an opportunity to try a few. Before your first purchase, you may want to check out a couple of archery shops in your area that give you an opportunity to test them in the shop as this will give you a better idea of what you are looking at. From what I have looked up on the internet, the PSE deerhunter is a lower end bow (at only US$199, it is not expensive at all), and is made for bowhunting...so if you are not into bowhunting you may want to try out something else (though you can learn on almost anything :)). Also, you will want to get things like your drawlength checked out prior to purchase. There are a number of other things that you will need to have checked...and provided that the club near you is good, they will help you out with this ;)

Good luck, and let us know how you go...

[keno88]

i agree with everyone else, join a local club first before buying any gear.

[bedheadben]

Thanks for the tips guys. Before I go to the club, can anyone tell me, or show me a picture of someone using a release aid? Thanks.

[CMB50]

http://www.dva.asn.au/gallery/05nats_sunday/eric_nigol.jpg

Here's a picture of a back tension release aid in use. Put simply, to activate it the release is rotated to the point where the catch is released. Should ideally be unexpected by the archer to create a surprise release.

http://www.dva.asn.au/gallery/05nats_sunday/james_park.jpg

This is a picture of a trigger release being used. Notice the large silver trigger near the archers thumb. It is activated by either rotating the release through the hand and shoulders like a back tension release aid pictured above or by pressing the trigger (not usually ideal).

A release aid is only allowed to be used on a compound bow. It is attached to the string and used instead of fingers to create a more accurate release.

Someone will probably correct any mistakes or omissions i've made in my descriptions, but hope this helps.

[bedheadben]

Your description helps, but for some reason I can't see the pictures.. Will you please post links to them instead?

[primal]

http://www.dva.asn.au/gallery/05nats_sunday/eric_nigol.jpg

http://www.dva.asn.au/gallery/05nats_sunday/james_park.jpg

[bedheadben]

Thanks for linking the pictures but oddly enough I can see the ones above now. Anyways, I will talk to the people at the club and at the shop more about how to set them up, use them properly, etc.

Thanks again.

[bedheadben]

Well, just got back from Archery Sports USA. I went in, and they were really nice, and helped me out even though I had only 10 minutes and told them I was only window shopping. So they measured my draw length, took a Nova SU and set it to 40 pounds, and let me fire it a few times in their range. And let me say, it was so awesome! He is holding it for me and I will be back in a week or two to probably get it.

That and arrows, and a quiver, and a bunch of paper targets. I will put big stacks of phone books for the back of the target (where the arrow goes through as it passes through) and I will go to the local club and take lessons every Saturday morning!

Oh, and the kind of release I was went around my wrist, and had just a trigger. I liked that style a lot.

[primal]

thats great to hear :D nova's are an excellent startring bow and will do you well until you reach the next level.

i love this part of your post and I will go to the local club and take lessons every Saturday morning!

[bedheadben]

Yes, me too!

[bedheadben]

Well, got a bow today, but not a Nova, not even a compound! I decided on a KAP Evolution II because they fit my purpose better and I don't need a compound for what I want to do. Will still be joining the club, taking practice, and working on my skills at home. Thanks everyone!

[wareagle]

Who are those guys in the pic's.

[Jay.G]

welcome to recurve!