Which kind of archery bow should I use?
Terry G asked:
I’m currently using a 28lbs recurve bow with a metal riser. However, I’m having problem trying to stabilise it at full draw as the metal riser is putting to much weight on the bow arm and my arm tired out after 3 ends.
I’m currently using a 28lbs recurve bow with a metal riser. However, I’m having problem trying to stabilise it at full draw as the metal riser is putting to much weight on the bow arm and my arm tired out after 3 ends.
Should I continue to use a metal recurve bow or switch to the wooden one? Or are there any lighter metal risers out there?
Todd (John 3: 14-19, Psalms 23) posted: 02 Jul at 9:52 pm
Find yourself a good bow shop. Many will have indoor ranges and will let you try them out. It doesn’t matter what I bought or what I think will work for you it is what WILL WORK FOR YOU!
I recently went to the Bow Shop in Waterloo Ontario and tried out several different types of bows and even a Mongol recurve bow before I picked the one I wanted.
Todd
targetbutt posted: 06 Jul at 2:19 am
From that draw weight I take it you’re shooting targets, as opposed to hunting? Metal risers come in varying weights, some like the Axis are very heavy, then you have the Myzar that are a lot lighter. The lightest will still be heavier than a wooden riser of course. The lightest FITA style riser is the Fiber Bow, and it’s not metal, it’s made entirely of carbon fiber.
A few things about stability, are you using your back properly? A lot of strain on the arm can be eliminated by using your back muscles instead of your arms to pull the bow. Also watch your alignment, make sure your bow arm and shoulder are lined up. If form is not your problem then you might consider doing some excercises to strengthen your deltoids. Keep very light weights, soup cans works great, and do high reps on the excercises. Soup cans in both hands and raise your arms like you’re flapping your wings.
archerdude posted: 08 Jul at 9:21 am
Are you using a “death grip” on the bow? This can lead to the arm tiring before it should, as well as poor accuracy (otherwise known as a lack of accuracy). With proper form, the bow should be “pulled” into the hand by the act of drawing the string back; all the hand needs to do is guide the bow and keep it from flying forward on release. Grip firmly so the bow does not move around, but not so tightly that you “choke” the bow.
The bow arm keeps the bow out away from the body; if you are pushing with your bow arm, instead of pulling with your string hand/arm/back muscles, this can tire the bow arm. Your bow arm should be at least 3/4 extended before you begin your draw, if the muscles in your bow arm are not as strong as they could be. Doing one-handed “push-aways” (leaning against a wall and pushing away) will help to strengthen those arm muscles. Improper alignment also contributes to early tiring of the arm (and shoulder) muscles; make sure your arm is aligned with the target and your shoulders.
I assume you are referring to the draw weight of the bow (the amount of force needed to draw the string back), not the actual weight of it, when you say it is 28 lbs. How heavy is the metal riser? If it is more than half the weight of the entire bow (riser and limbs combined), it is probably too heavy to begin with. I’m not totally certain, it’s just a guess. If it is more than five pounds, it is definitely too heavy…. There are some light-weight metal risers available - titanium, for example - but they could cost more than some new bows, depending on material and brand. Try the wood-risered bow first, before you decide to find a new riser for your bow. (My longbow weighs a total of about three pounds - and my recurve weighed about four pounds.)