A Beginner's Guide to Buying Your First Bow

Buying your first bow is exciting, and a little confusing. Here's what to know before you spend a dollar. Pick your style.

Compound bow: cams make it easier to hold at full draw. Most popular for hunting and target shooting. Recurve or traditional bow: simple, quiet and a great way to learn form. Popular for target shooting and youth.

Crossbow: easy to learn and legal for deer and turkey in Ontario. A good option for hunters with shoulder or strength limits.

Draw length is the most important fit. It's measured from your arm span, and a bow set to the wrong draw length will never shoot well. Have it measured in person.

Choose a draw weight you can handle. You should be able to pull the bow back smoothly while seated, without lifting the bow up. Many adjustable compounds cover a wide range, like 50–70 lb, so they can grow with you. Check the minimum hunting requirements in the Ontario regulations if you plan to hunt.

Consider a ready-to-shoot package. RTS and RTH bows come with a sight, rest and quiver installed. Popular choices we carry include the Mission Stryde, Bear THP Adapt 2 and PSE Drive NXT.

Set a full budget. Plan for arrows, a release or finger tab, a target and a case on top of the bow.

Come see us. The best way to buy a bow is to shoot a few. At our Delaware shop you can try different bows on our indoor lanes, get your draw length measured, and leave with a bow fitted and tuned to you. New to archery? A one-hour private lesson is a great first step.