60lb bow is not much fun to use for targets. I’m actually getting a lighter set up for my recurve this fall because I am anticipating less time in my schedule for regular practice. If you are a small adult or female, it can be a challenge to find something that has a low enough draw weight to pull comfortably and a short enough draw length. Fit is key. Youth bows can be a good place to start if you are brand new, as they are less expensive, very adjustable, and can be upgraded when your skills outgrow it next season. My nephew is hunting with my original bow. I do not recommend using your husband’s or boyfriend’s hand-me-down bow when he upgrades. It will be an exercise in frustration for both of you. If you are really unsure of where to start, check out what the pro ladies are shooting and select someone close to your size. Most manufacturers are getting on board making hunting bows that are female-friendly, but you have fewer options to pick from in the target compound bow group if you are very petite. You may need to go up a bit in draw weight, but try not to compromise length, as it will not work as nicely in the long run. Recurve archers of all sizes have it a bit easier as bows are modular; from the length (short, medium, long) and power of the limbs (you can go up by 2 lb increments) to the riser height (22” to 28”) depending on how much weight you need to shoot (18 m vs. 90 m) to get the arrow to the target with enough power behind it. You might decide you need a shorter riser with a medium limb to get enough power behind your arrow to hit 70 or 90m. Many very competitive archers have two set ups, one for indoor and one for outdoor.
Why are target bows longer than hunting bows and why is this important? The obvious first answer is that today’s hunting bows are designed to be lighter and shorter making them easier to shoot while hanging out of a tree stand. Longer and somewhat heavier translates to smaller, slower wiggling when you are aiming, aiming, aiming. A longer axel-to-axel measurement when combined with a long stabilizer and V-bars all work to slow down your natural movement and give you smaller groups. Another variable you'll hear about is the distance between the bow grip and the string at rest, AKA the brace-height. The brace-height determines the angle of the string from the cam to your anchor point as well as how much energy you can store in the bow at full draw. While it's true that a larger brace-height can make a bow more forgiving, it isn't nearly as important as finding a bow that fits your draw length and pulling power well. Bow cams come in many forms and all do the same job - store energy. Your draw length will likely determine which cam you'll need so again, try lots of different bows to see how each feels during the draw, let-off and hold phase of your shot. Lastly, be sure you buy your new awesome target bow from a shop that can set it up properly for you. A great fitting, high-tech bow won't hit the broad side of a barn if it isn't set up and tuned correctly (so even online shoppers will need a good local bow shop). Target archery is a brilliant sport and having a tool that erases all variables but one (YOU) makes it much more enjoyable. Happy shooting! BA