Fact checked by Steven Lines, lifelong Hunter and Outdoorsman
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Maybe you’ve seen your favorite superhero on the big screen slinging arrows in rapid-fire, or perhaps you’ve been watching competitive archers or bowhunters and want to get started in the sport of archery.
Having your gear for a game like archery is always good because your practice will go farther when you continually practice with the gear.
Bows and all the associated archery equipment are readily available online. But, for new archers, buying equipment online can be daunting when you don’t know which parts are best for you.
So, can you buy a bow online?
There are several e-commerce sites where you can pick up a quality bow online, and usually, you will spend less than buying it in a store. However, before you jump online to buy, there are a few things you are going to want to know. First, you need to know what kind of archery suits you.
Are you looking to start bowhunting/fishing, or are you more interested in target shooting and 3D archery? This will help you pick your style of bow. Next, you need to know your draw weight and length. Calculating draw length is easy at home with a buddy and some measuring tape.
Now that you know about some of the considerations, let’s take a more in-depth look to help you choose the right bow for you.
In this post, we'll cover:
Which Type of Bow to Choose
There are several different types of bows; they all function a little bit differently and have various applications.
Compound bows
- Ready to hunt compound bow pro package comes equipped with a 5-pin sight, an arrow rest and a stabilizer, a wrist sling, a peep sight, 12 pcs arrows, a quiver, a release, an arrow puller, a bow stand and a compound bow case.
- Large range of adjustable draw length 18-31", draw weight 0 -70 lbs without needing a bow press. A bow for all ages and skill levels. Limited Life-time Warranty on main parts after your registration within 30 days of purchase.
- Specifications: Axle-to-Axle 30", Brace Height 6.6", Draw Weight 0 to 70 LBS, Draw Length 18" to 31",（Each 0.5" adjustment）, IBO Speed 310FPS, Net Weight 3.8 LBS, String Length 58.13" , Cable Length 32.23". For the extra replacement string and cables, B091291VDQ is for the Dragon X8 compound bow.
- SPECIFICATIONS: Axle-to-Axle: 30.25" ; Draw weight: 0~70 LBS, Draw length: 19.25"~31" adjustable，Brace Height：7.3"， IBO Speed：320FPS，Let off:75% ，Hand Orientation:Right
- PACKING LIST: 1*PANDARUS L1 Hunting Compound BOW，1*A -3pin sight，1*Brush Arrow Rest ，1*Rubber Stabilizer ，1*Release ，1*Wrist Sling，1*Arrow Quiver，1*Bow Stand，1*Arrow Puller，1*Compound Bow Case，1*Peep Sight，5*Allen Key，1*arm guard，1*Bowstring Wax Lubricates，10*Target Sheet ，6*Hunting Broadheads，12*Mix Carbon Arrows
- ADVANCED CONSTRUCTION：100% CNC machined cams and modules with the 6061 T6 aluminum. MATERIAL: Aluminum Bow Riser. Bow String : BCY-X,import from BCY USA；The composite bow has a wide range of adjustable range and tension;New 2022
- VERSATILE: Maximum-versatility bow is engineered for all ages and skill levels
- READY TO HUNT: Ready to hunt bow comes equipped with six Trophy Ridge accessories
- ADJUSTABLE: Adjustable from 12" to 30" draw length range and from 5 to 70 lbs. peak draw weight
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Compound bows are the most common for hunting because of all the technological advancements (strings, pulleys, and build materials) that help archers draw more weight.
This is the amount of pressure you have to use to pull the bow back. Higher numbers mean you have to pull more weight back. However, this translates to more power in the shot.
These bows are compact, powerful, and excel in accuracy. They are excellent for hunting, but competitive archers also use them.
As a beginner, you want to choose a compound bow that has a wide range of adjustable resistance. This will allow you to start with lower draw weights and then increase them as you strengthen your back and shoulder muscles.
Compound bows are generally more expensive and are far more complicated to maintain than their simpler counterparts.
Recurve bows
- SIZE – the Samick Sage Recurve bow is 62” long, 28” draw length, and choose your draw weight from 25-60lb.
- INCLUDES: Riser - 2 Fiberglass laminated limbs - 14 Strands dacron bowstring – Stick on arrow rest – assembly instructions. Limbs are interchangeable and can be purchased separately.
- HAND ORIENTATION - Right Handed - Hold the bow with your LEFT hand and pull the string with your RIGHT. Left Handed - Hold the bow with your RIGHT hand and pull the string with your LEFT.
- 【High Performance】TIDEWE’s recurve bow features a reliable wooden core and strong fiberglass & wooden limbs. In addition, we provide a powerful 16 strands daclon fabric bow string. This way you can focus more on successfully hitting your targets.
- 【Ergonomic & Unique Design】 The riser is designed with rounded edges and a fine finished handle, making it very comfortable to hold. This comfort will allow you to have the best experience shooting multiple arrows or for extending amounts of time. Our design is also appealing to the eye making it unique in its own ways.
- 【Easy to Assemble & Versatility】 This recurve bow is very friendly to put together. While following the easy to read instructions, set up can take less than 5 minutes. Our bow offers pre-installed brass bushings for various attachments and upgrades such as, stabilizers, sight, quiver, and bow fishing reels.
- 【World’s NO.1 Archery Kit Brand】 Sanlida's mission is to Build a Perfect World of Archery Recreation for All Mankind.
- 【Complete Full Kit Design; Matched Suitably; More Accurate】This can guarantee that the archers will get the proper level and quality of accessories easily, and the bow kit will be more matched and accurate, the archer will get the better records!
- 【Crafted Hunting One-piece Bow Kit】 Sanlida Royal X8 One-piece Bow is 60" AMO length traditional wood hunting bow, crafted from American solid wood, excellent central line, micro vibration and smooth arrow flight, great performance is suited for traditional Hunters.
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Recurve bows are a more traditional style bow. This type of bow is used in most competitions, including the Olympics. If you want to get into barebow, traditional, or Olympic-style archery, this is the bow style you need.
You can use a recurve bow to hunt small game, but most bowhunters will choose the compound bow.
Recurve bows have come a long way from the single piece of wood and string construction.
They have three main components—the riser, and the central shaft, where you load the arrow and grip the bow. Coming off the top and bottom of the bow are the limbs, which are the part of the bow that bends as you pull back on the string.
Most modern recurves are takedown recurve bows, which means that the limbs detach from the riser allowing you to swap them out.
Keep in mind that there are several different attachment systems for limbs and risers, and when swapping them out, you need to ensure you get parts that use the same attachment system as you currently have.
Longbows
- 【World’s NO.1 Archery Kit Brand】 Sanlida's mission is to Build a Perfect World of Archery Recreation for All Mankind.
- 【Complete Full Kit Design; Matched Suitably; More Accurate】This can guarantee that the archers will get the proper level and quality of accessories easily, and the bow kit will be more matched and accurate, the archer will get the better records!
- 【Crafted Hunting Longbow Kit】 Sanlida Royal X8 Longbow is 68" AMO length traditional wood hunting bow, crafted from American solid wood, excellent central line, micro vibration and smooth arrow flight, great performance is suited for traditional Hunters.
- Riser is made of Makore Wood and Cassia Siamea
- Strong fiberglass limb Made of Maple laminations
- Great Shape and Stablity
- Draw weight: 25 lbs to 120 lbs (5lbs increments)
- Bow length: 170cm/67 inch
- English longbow style, limbs made of glass steel, high strength and durability
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Longbows are what most of us picture when we think of Robinhood. This classic bow style is longer than the recurve, which can be more forgiving for beginners as there is less chance of sideways movement in the string upon shot release.
These bows have straight limbs as opposed to the curve in the recurve. This means that they produce less power than a recurve.
These bows are used almost exclusively for target shooting.
Takedown longbows are available but not nearly as universal as takedown recurves. Due to their length and inability to be taken apart, they can be harder to transport and store than a recurve.
If you are unsure what to choose, you can take a trip to your local shop to try them. You could also visit a local archery club or take an introductory lesson that lets you try different bow styles.
Draw Weight
Draw weight is the amount of force needed to pull back the bowstring to full draw. It is measured in pounds; the higher the poundage, the more power you will need to draw the string back. Choice of draw weight is a personal matter and depends on your body and level of fitness.
For beginners, you want to start low and work your way up as you practice and train your muscles.
Side note: drawing and releasing a shot on a bow requires coordination of muscle groups that you do not use in day-to-day life. As such, when you are starting your archery adventure, you want to start with lower draw weights and work your way up to avoid injury, even if you are physically fit.
This is true, no matter what type of bow you choose. If you want to get a head start on training, check out our article on building your strength and conditioning for archery.
You can always go into a shop and try different draw weights to see what is most comfortable. Remember, you will have to draw several times over a single archery session, so pulling a full draw should be relatively easy.
Here is a quick guide to drawing weights assuming average strength for age and sex:
- Adult male: 22–28 lbs for recurve bows, or 40–50 lbs for compound bows.
- Adult female: 16–26 lbs for recurve bows, or 30–40 lbs for compound bows.
- Teens (13–18): 12–16 lbs for recurve bows, or 14-22 lbs for compound bows.
- Kids (8–12): 10–14 lbs recurve bows, or 10–22 lbs compound bows.
Compound bows are higher weights because the series of pulleys help the archer pull and hold the draw weight. Thus, you will find you can pull a heftier load on a compound bow.
Proper Draw Length
Even if you plan to buy your bow online, you will likely want to take a trip to a pro shop. When you go, an expert salesperson can talk you through all these same decisions we discussed here to feel confident you are purchasing the right type of bow.
Although our draw length calculator will be accurate to 1/4 – 1/2 an inch, they can precisely measure your draw length for you so you can begin shooting more comfortably.
You will also be able to try the different types of bows and see which one sparks joy in your archer’s heart.
Accessories
Now that you’ve got the bow, you are going to need some accessories. Each of these is worthy of its own post, and we have many great articles on these topics. But here are a few pieces of equipment to keep in mind when getting started:
- Arrows (this is a far more complicated topic than most people think)
- Gloves or Finger Tabs
- Arm Guard
- Release mechanism (generally used with compound bows)
Final Considerations
There is one critical piece of information you might not yet be aware of regarding bow warranties. Almost all of the prominent manufacturers offer warranties on their bows, including Mathews, Hoyt, Bowtech, and PSE Pro Series.
However, virtually all those companies require you to purchase the bow from an authorized retailer and be the original bow owner.
These requirements mean the warranty will be void if you buy a second-hand bow. Also, most e-commerce sites are not authorized retailers, so if you are purchasing a bow online, you will likely be passing up the chance for a manufacturer warranty on your bow.
Buying a bow online can be a great option, especially if you are on a tight budget. Decide on your bow type, then figure out your draw weight and length. Order your bow and any accessories you need, then get to practice with your new kit!
Steven Lines is a hunter and outdoorsman from Safford, Arizona, USA. Since he was a child, he has been hunting and fishing and has over 20 years of outdoor experience. Steven works as a hunting guide in Arizona during his spare time and runs a Youtube channel dedicated to sharing his outdoor adventures with others.
