Buying Your First Bow | What to KNOW BEFORE you buy! 

Tips from me: Try to buy a name brand, that way you get promised quality results and a warranty. 2. For compounds, it is suggested to have a budget of at least 300 usd to get the bow itself. You might find better prices, but it is extremely hard to get something that isn't a toy if you go under that 300 dollar range. For recurves, it's around 150 for the bow either itself or by a package. 3. Consider what will be replaced as soon as you get the bow, for my Diamond Prism, that was my sight. Also consider that if you are new, you will most likely need to factor in lesson prices. 4. If you are new, it might be intimidating to tune a compound right out of the box if you have never dealt with everything, so you need to put in cost of having it set up(preferably for the first time set up by a shop or showed to you by a shop). 5. Consider arrow choices! Aluminum arrows are nice, cheap, and have decent tolerances so they are more forgiving, but you can't beat the durability of carbon arrows. You don't want fiberglass arrows off of amazon, some popular arrow brands are Easton, Gold Tip, Black Eagle, Victory, Carbon express also have nice arrows. Make sure to get the right spine! You can do this if you go to the manufacturer website or getting online help from customer service from stores. If you are a compound shooter, or plan to shoot compound, never get wooden arrows, it can be harmful to you, the bow, and your wallet considering that wooden splinters in your hand or arrows in your hand are not fun. 6. Make sure to get the right target! There are bag targets, foam targets and DIY targets. You can't use broadheads on bag targets, (if buying fletched name brand arrows from a store they don't have broadheads so don't worry most of the time) but their price can't be any better from a major manufacturer like Delta McKenzie, Hurricane targets, Morrell, and Rhinehart. The only con is the weight, which might take freight shipping. DIY targets like the ones you can make online are the best price, since plastic and old clothes can be low cost if not free, but you can't use them if you have microdiameter arrows or small diameter arrows and shooting a high amount of draw weight, they'll have pass throughs and that is dangerous. Foam targets or block targets are nice for the backyard hobbyist, they are light, last a fair bit, and they use can use broadheads while being safe and having easy arrow removal. The con of this type of target is nice targets from say, Block Targets, Delta McKenzie, Morrell, Rinehart, even Black Hole and American Whitetale are expensive. A lot of these targets require extra money for shipping, and they also need a decent amount of cash in order to fit a standard 40 cm target face. At this point, you may be thinking "I don't have a local shop near me" or "Where can I get all of this?!?!?" There are certain big box archery stores that can give you service on buying for the first time and help you get some accessories like quivers, arrows, and other accessories as well as international shipping if you really need it. If you're in the U.K you have Merlin Archery. You have Archery Supplies, and Abbey Archery in Australia. In the U.S. you have options for 3 Rivers Archery( 607 HL Thompson Jr Dr, Ashley, IN 46705) or my favorite, Lancaster Archery Supply (2195-A, Old Philadelphia Pike, Lancaster, PA 17602 ships from Distribution center is at 21 gray bill rd Leola PA.) This is not the only video for choosing your own bow, Nusensei has a guide on picking a bow (he does recurve stuff) and you also have Average Jack Archery, Chris Bee, NockonArchery(multiple time target compound champion John Dudley) and you also have some videos on the stores previously mentioned that are helpful, I only checked out Merlin and LAS(Lancaster archery supply) but Archery Supplies in Australia makes reviews. Thank you for taking the time reading this and have a magnificent day!

Had the bow set up at a pro shop. It performed just fine ru-vid.comUgkxQEKUoxLWwayEDZR0NKB-5limn4MBU-2L . And I would say this is a good starting now that I could pass down to my son when he is older.But the package was missing the release and a nock was missing from one arrow.Dealing with customer support was terrible. They suggested I buy a new release rather than correct their own quality control issue because it’s to expensive for the. to ship it out from China.Update: manufacturer got back to me and resolved the issue. I retract the above statement.

Should do a video on the most minimal but effective bow hunting setup. Most affordable bow that’s realistically going to have no problem killing a deer, most affordable shoes, clothing and bag that’s functions well. I’m trying to start hunting again, thinking using a bow would be cool but I’m not trying to spend a crazy amount of money in the first year.

This is the best video on RU-vid for new archery consumers. I want the algorithm to promote this video.

I was having doubts if archery is something for me, not as a hobby but to eventually become part of me/my life and this man right here took them all away, great intro.

This is the type of channel I've been searching for, I'm looking into getting my first bow and I think AJA has the content I'm looking for

Recently increased draw length from 26 to 27 and it feels so much more comfortable. I can't believe 1 inch is enough to feel cramped, I had the shortest release setting and with my draw length I felt cramped, I felt like my anchor along the jaw and the release was off. After increasing that, and getting the bow up to 40 pounds or so, it feels so much better even at 13. I have no problems doing the low draw or getting tired, even though I had my first shoulder injury since I began shooting 4 months ago. And when I mean 4 months, I mean exact. Lancaster Archery website said 8/3/2020 I ordered my first bow and I am loving every single shot. Thank you for your contribution to the archery and bowhunting community :)

I have only ever had very old compounds and this is definitely helpful in choosing my first brand new bow thank you

This was a brilliant run down of considerations thank you! As a total newbie who has only fired a training bow (loved it), this is gold. Will definitely take you up on your offer of advice as I look to purchase something I can grow with. Thank you

Great video and valid information. The Hunting public guys hunt with $400-$500 bow set up's and I have never seen anyone on RU-vid as rough on bows then they are. A testament of how a lower budget American bow can take a beating year after year.

Wow! First 2 minutes was powerful! Wish I would have had this advice when I first started. That's the best advice I've heard. Doing a great job man!

Thanks for a fantastically informative video. You are an amazing teacher.

Hardest thing for me now is to decide wether to get a recurve first to see if I like it, or a compound instead. I have to say; I’m really enjoying all your videos (and the compound bow community on yt in general). The whole technical/ tuning side of it and the high-tech aura surrounding them looks really interesting to me. On the other hand; we can’t bow hunt in Belgium, there are not many bow shops, and there is’nt a big second hand market on these bows here... so if this hobby turns out to be “not for me” , I’m stuck with it 😅 Thanks again for the great video 👍👍

Hello and how’re you doing @Average Jack ? I’m a old gentleman I’ve been looking to get a bow to find out how little I knew about it. But I’m so thankful to you that I came across your video in just this one video I have learned so much from you that I didn’t know thanks for being informative. I just subscribe and I will be catching up on your videos, and when I’m ready you will be hearing from me. Keep up the good work 👍🏾

I can't tell you how many young kiddos with parents who want their child to "try out the sport" but get a cheap fiberglass recurve toy and think the child is going to enjoy the sport, eventually they are going to get bored. I get that these types of parents don't want to spend money, but getting a lesson at a shop or an archery club that supplies equipment and teaches the child for 20,30 bucks a lesson is going to give the child and parent much more information of whether they should spend money on say, a wooden recurve or a cheap compound. Yes, I'm blessed with a parent who makes decent income in order to get me a decent coach and get equipment when needed, but 20 dollars for 1 lesson is going to give more insight than getting several fiberglass bows, that when added up, could get a cheap recurve kit to get started with archery. I mean, these kids are 7 years old at least, they're going to get bored if they use things made as toys rather than "real" archery equipment.

Really appreciate the content & perspective. Helping us out quite a bit.

that was bloody great you gave me all the information i needed thanks

great advice jack keep up the good work

I just got my 1st bow. It is a bear paradox. It is a great 1st bow. Great video.

For beginners with limited budget, junxing compound bows are good quality for the price is paid. But they are unbeatable for recurve bows. The price you pay and the quality you get in their recurve bows are just incredible. Mandarin duck phantom you bought is actually rebranded version of Junxing F179. The 'Black Hunter' which is also sold by mandarin duck and other archery shops are rebranded version of Junxing F171, which is far better in quality than Samick Sage. Junxing pharos which is an ILF hunting recurve, machined aluminum riser and fiberglass-bamboo laminated limbs, just 350 US dollar. Stephen Hains from Archery supplies has stocked many of Junxing bows.

Thanks for all your help I’m a 12 year old. And I have been shooting for a year now. Your videos help me a lot. Again thanks

Great informative video man 👍. Love bow hunting especially with my new elite

I commented all ready on this channel. I am a sub. I got a 2020 Bear paradox. 500. I put 400 on it I got the factory trophy ridge stuff off. I got a Qad ultrarest drop away. Trophy ridge REACT pro 5 site. 2 Trophy ridge hitman stabilizers and a Apex rear side mount. The bows ibo is 330 fps 32inches axle to axle. 55 to 70 pounds. I have it at 55 to start. My draw is 27.5. Great video. Shooting I love it. Worth every penny

Awesome video helped a lot answering questions I didn't know I had

Great Video and advice....forget the Scheels and Bass Pro shop type places... go to an ARCHERY shop -even if it is in a basement or garage .... ( like Nates) you will perhaps spend a few dollars more, but you will go out with a well tuned bow in your hand, that fits you, and correctly spined arrows; it will make your life so much better....

Diamond Edge SB-1 is supremely adjustable, without a bow press or specialized tools, and is made in USA. It's my first compound. Still running it, while trying to decide which Bowtech to get

You are really good at this!

I'm not an archer, but it was a really nice explanation, and rundown. Sound spot on, and professional presentation. 🤘🙌 Nice sport for sure! Sick setup. I know... Not for beginners 😁 But all beginners wants the sickest setup. 😂

Go to a reputable dealer. The overwhelming majority of big box stores employ people that are uh...unfamiliar if I'm being charitable about it, with archery gear (and fly fishing equipment while I'm ranting!) In addition to not having access to many of the bows from the top manufacturers. Nothing "wrong" with buying your Diamond Edge or whatever at all, but your doing yourself a serious disservice by not having a wide range of bows from multiple manufacturers available to try out, I ended up about $1000-$1200 in for my first bow (included release, stabilizer, sight, rest, sling, half dozen arrows and a target) but the shop I went to had options available from about half of that to about double that price, and the PSE I ended up with felt the best, fit the best, and I shot it the best. If you pick up your inexpensive bow and it fits like a glove, great, but if you buy one and want to upgrade later, you'll spend a lot more money in the end after taking your bath on the trade in, take your time with it and get it right the first time, it'll make the entire experience better and you will be more likely to stick with the hobby.

Very helpful and knowledgeable, thank you sir.

Great video, sent you an email this morning. Great content on all your videos that we have watched, especially this one.

My .02- I hate the “starter” or “beginner” mentality. I don’t have ton of experience with bows, but I have decades of experience bass fishing, and I always tell people new to the sport to get the highest quality they can possibly afford. Reason being is a higher dollar rod and reel is actually EASIER for a new angler to use. Someone like me can take a $40 bait caster, where the slightest turn of the cast control knob is either the spool doesn’t hardly move, or it’s spinning an hour (back lash city), and make it work because I know how to thumb. I can feel fish on a cheaper rod, because of that same experience. Why would a beginner NOT WANT a super adjustable and smooth reel, or a rod that the slightest fish tick feels like a lightning bolt? It’s the same thing with anything else I’ve done with my life. A real set of golf clubs made a night and day difference (thank God I gave that up, though). Or like billiards- I’ve been playing for decades, and I now have a McDermott with a CueTech carbon shaft……if someone were getting into it more than just shooting for fun, I’d immediately tell them to buy that, despite the cost. You really do get what you pay for in life.

I was using a entry level bow putting high quality necessities on it gradually,... IQ sight, QAD drop rest, Stabilizer , thumb release and limbsavers etc, Looking forward to putting on the mathews flagship I saved up for.I love Bowhunting with a deep spiritual passion,But I'd quit bowhunting before I'd quit Archery!

Great video. Thanks for the help.

Really great video. Thank you

Great introduction

More great info. Try a bunch of bows before you buy!

Awesome video thank you

Thanks for the info.

Thanks for great advice .....👍

Excellent advice. Thanks! I’m recently retired (65 yrs old) and want to start shooting a bow to hunt w my brother in law. Plan to hunt next October. Know nothing about it! Excited to get started. I’m 6’ 2” and in good shape. From your advice , my draw length should be around 29-30”. I’ll probably be buying a new bow (Bass Pro Shop?..they seem to have decent ones PSE? I’ll continue to do research. Any other advice will be appreciated. Thanks!

IMHO bear bows are by far the best in terms of youth and beginner bows. Their single cam systems on the cheaper bows are very smooth and have a good valley, and they also have easy adjustment and great customer service.

I’m only doin archery for that over the counter mule deer tag

The bows Elite was making in 2015-2016ish (Energy, Synergy, etc.) are better than most bows being made today IMO. I’ve gone to a shop several times in last few years with money in hand and the “wants” to possibly buy a new bow but I’ve still yet to shoot one that made me feel like I needed it/was better than my Synergy so I just keep on with it.

When you were talking about having the broadhead out in front of your hand, the first thing that came to mind when I first started hunting and serious archery was shooting the up to 6 inch overdraws. Having the fixed blade broadhead at full draw above or behind your wrist.

What are the must-haves for compound archery? I know I need the bow but what would I need to shoot it. And how much could these things cost. So things like arrows targets release aid, etc.

I’m 14 and 6’ 1” and the most I’ve shot is a 20 pounder… personally I would like to get a 30 - 50 pound bow because I found the 20 pounder extremely easy… I’m going to a range today to see what draw weight I can handle and get tips from an expert.

Great video

I just subbed! Great content all around. I'm looking to get my first compound bow. What do you think of the Hoyt Torrex? I went to test it, it was a little hard on the draw but I think I may have to lower the poundage. Is it a solid bow for beginners? Can I grow with it? Thanks

Another good "teaching" video!

Cool vid. What do you think of some of the RTH entry level bows from Bear as a solid first compound bow for the arsenal????

Diamond edge 320 is good for new shooter and old shooter

That is way I buy Black out bows made for Bass pro shop by Bowtech . Super adjustable for let off and draw length and draw weight. And full set up bow all you have to buy is a release and arrows and broadheads.

Subscribed. Thank you.

I’m 60 years old I had a hard time drawing back a bow and I had to sell my bow and bought a crossbow that I don’t like can you recommend a good and easy bow to draw back

Nate. The bows like Elites list a max draw weight. What is the spread on this number Say I buy a 65 lb. Max and I need to lower speed what's the lowest without changing something?

I have a mathews mxz solocam and I am 6'3". Will it be correct for me.

I am 14, and want to get a compound, I have the option to buy a used bow from my Uncle's friend wow is moving to a crossbow, should I do it.

Witch bow for a kid around 10 do u recommend I won't hunt you down if it's junk

What would the best compound bow be for me as I'm new to this I want to be able to grow into the poundage but also be able to hunt with eventually

Is there a difference between bows in how well they holds a tuning? Do some bows need to be tuned more often than others?

As someone who wishes to start out, I've heard it said "spend as much as you can"'. I cant see myself going out and buying the most expensive, so my question is "Can a lower end set up give you bad habits'" ? Cheers

Does the USA thing apply when you live in euorope?

I’m thinking about testing bows out at a shop to get a feel for what I like and what would be good, but I’m wondering if I should go do that without necessarily being able to buy it on the spot. I know they’ll have to adjust the length and weight for me, and take some time to have me try different options and help with some basic form stuff, so it feels like they’d be annoyed if I had them do that stuff and had to say “I’ll come back in like a week or two because I can’t actually afford one at this moment”

I see your using the ezv sights whats your thoughts about that sight?

I cannot find any real reviews of the Bear Vital Impact II that I recently purchased

“Do your research” I thought I was on Twitter for a moment…

I kinda disagree with the starting with the low poundage because im 14 and i pull back 50 with no struggle

Chinese bow manufacturers arent necessarily bad just because theyre from china, just keep that in mind lol. Almost all countries in asia have a deeeep history with archery, and generally, if the company makes bows and hunting equipment only, the bow is more than likely gonna be pretty good. If that company is also making safety goggles, kitchen knives, etc. I'd skip it. Take sanlida for example, chinese company, but theyre pretty well established, and their limbs are made in america as are some of the other components, and you end up with a good quality bow, especially for the price point. Just something to consider, even if you disagree. Thats all the point of this was, its just to give you something to think about.

I want to buy my first compound bow. Do I need all the accessories? I know I’ll be more accurate if I buy all the bells and whistles, but are they necessary?

OK, I'll try to make sure my new bow has a rotating mod, or module.... Now, what's a module?

I'm 6'3 220lb what do you suggest on the draw length and weight

Damn, flexin' on people being 6'6" lol, good video dude

Well I didn't know what the hell I was doing so I just went on ahead and bought three I shot him until I found my favorite and took the other two back the funny thing is I like the cheap one

200 $ minimum I wish that’s about how much 6 arrows is just my bow was 1300 with nuthin on it

Hey bro! I’m 6’7” are there bows with that kind of draw length that I’ll need?

I have an idea...... Second channel for hunting?

Is diamond a American made?

Personally want the pse supra focus for my later target bow, got nice looking navy/sky blue color and the new rotating module is easy and is what I am used to. Just need to get to 50 pounds on my current bow and be able to handle that weight because target bows have 50 lb minimums. I don't know if that is the max it can go to or the minimum ( help please?) it can be but I don't want to find out considering new limb bolts don't seem cheap. I don't like the TRX 36 as much as I used to even though it fit my case. A new case an inch longer isn't going to cost 600 dollars, and also, it would cost 60 dollars in order to get another draw length module, being 13 and not having a job, I am technically not paying for my archery equipment, my mother is....

Wanna do a video on cross bows? It’s a huge market

Your introduction speech is easier said than done, a lot of people are gonna think they are a natural, a little too much ego, some it takes them a while to come out of the cave,

Finite means “having definable limits” … just saying.

*just don't tell your wife* for me it's *have to tell your mom*

"Do not. Do not overwelm yourself" TOO LATE! If you only knew how much time I've spent tgrying to figure out how to get a fully mounted elephant into a house and I haven't evem started yet.

Why not buy a $200 Chyna youth bow? Well, are you okay with child forced labor? Are you okay with slave labor of the Uyghurs?