ANN/THE STAR – If you’re thinking of starting archery, it’s important to consider the art first. Choosing a bow that matches the archer’s style and body shape, as well as choosing arrows that will fly true to the target, will help shape your archery journey.
It’s like buying your first pair of pants – you want it to fit and function properly without causing too much stress or discomfort.
A well-fitted, set-up archery bow will give you hours of enjoyment and years of use.
Excella Archery Pro Shop technical advisor Tan Peng Loon, who has decades of experience outfitting archers, identified two categories of bow fitting.
He emphasised that youth under 18 will require a riser and a pair of limbs suited to their height and draw length.
It is crucial to recognise that people come in various shapes and sizes. Therefore, a big or large archer may be unable to draw a heavy bow. Tan advised against acquiring a too-heavy or short bow based solely on one’s height, as this can lead to injury and damage to the bow. Visiting an archery shop for expert guidance is best to ensure proper fitting. Tan recommended starting with a bow with a lighter draw weight for beginners.
The new archer should be able to draw the bowstring to the nose and hold it for three seconds comfortably to determine the appropriate draw weight.
With the correct bow length and draw weight, the archer can smoothly draw, anchor, and release an arrow without struggling.
Tan suggested a minimum draw weight of 15 kilogrammes (kg) for youth aspiring to compete in tournaments, as this will provide the power needed to hit targets at a typical distance of 60 metres accurately.
The archer’s arrows should be cut to length and spun according to their draw length and bow weight to achieve precise matches. This ensures good arrow flight, particularly for archers aiming for accuracy in long-distance shots during tournaments. To future-proof the bow for growing children, Tan advised opting for a longer riser, as it accommodates the increase in their draw length over time.
For adults, fitting is more straightforward, as height determines the draw length and weight. Leisure archers who do not compete in outdoor tournaments should consider getting a bow with a draw weight of 14kg or less.
For those interested in Barebow archery, Tan encouraged them to pursue it, as it is more economical than shooting an Olympic Recurve bow or a Compound bow. Barebow archery is relatively low-cost and easy to set up, with many clubs and peer groups nationwide supporting this style.
The price of the different types of bows available varies significantly.
