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Getting Started
The Club's Beginners Booklet has recently
been updated. Click here
to download a copy (you will need Adobe
Reader). The booklet contains guidance on equipment,
rules, etiquette, scoring and other useful information.
Technique
There are many useful guides available on the internet.
The step by step one at Sagittarius
Twente University Archery Club website is particularly
recommended for beginners.
Equipment
When you become a member you can use the beginners'
equipment free of charge, so you can shoot straight
away.
Most members go on to buy their own kit.
The Club has prepared "A Beginners Guide
to Equipment" from which the following
guidance is derived. Click here
to download a copy (you will need Adobe
Reader).
Price is important as is quality, however buying the
best, most expensive equipment will not make you shoot
better. It is better to start on a decided budget. This
can be for an ‘all in kit’ or for a better
quality basics ie. Bow, set of 8 arrows, quiver, sight,
bracer and tab, and gradually get the rest. The choice
is yours but please talk to experienced archers before
you do buy.
Prices quoted are average or correct at May 06. Always
look around and check to see if you can get a better
quote. Ask for catalogues and check web sites. Target
Craft and Bowsports do kits. Perris does a pick and
mix kit. Whatever you decide we recommend you try before
you buy. (See Links page
for supplier websites)
RECURVE BOWS.
Handles or risers come in different lengths ie. 23”,
25” and lengths 64”, 66”, 68”,
70” which is the added limb length. What you need
is generally based on your physical build, arrow length
and the minimum draw weight needed to give a good sight
mark. You will notice large differences in handle prices.
Basic handles are pressed magnesium. Better are moulded.
The higher quality are machined from a solid piece of
metal alloy.
Limbs too, are from wood and glass fibre laminates to
carbon fibre and special foam cores. The differences
are mainly smoothness of draw and shot and flatter trajectory
– the arc of the shot from bow to target.
BOWS - A good quality one costs around £180 to
£300. Kits from £90 to £225
ARROW RESTS – The function is
to support the arrow and get out of the way quickly
once you loose. The choice is yours.
NYLON - £1.15 very basic
FLIPPER - £3.50 to £6
MAGNETIC - £5.25 to £12.25
Win and Win magnetic flip £5.25 - Good Buy
PRESSURE BUTTON
This is not absolutely essential to start shooting.
It will however enable you to tune your bow to your
arrows and get tighter groups. Regular ‘Tuning
Evenings’ are held to enable you to learn how
best to achieve this. There are two types – Screw
adjustment and Micro click. They both work. Micro is
possibly easier.
CARTEL TRIPLE - £5.95 good basic one
SPIGARELLI MICRO - £21.25 good quality
CARTEL MICRO £8.75 Best Buy
BOW SIGHTS
You could use a piece of tape and a pin. You could pay
£200. Weight and engineering is the difference.
Your basic need is for the lightest weight and a sight
block mechanism that will not shake loose. Micro windage
and elevation is desirable. Prices from £24 -
£50
CARTEL 2000 Good basic one
ARTEN 2000 SKORTEN TCI + CARTEL CARBON
TABS
Most archers try several before settling on their choice.
They come in plain, Plastic Anchor and Finger Separator.
A & F - £7.75
JVD - £4.75 You can pay more or less
STABILISERS
Always shoot your bow and get use to it before buying
stabilisers. They do work. Get a long rod first or borrow
one, then build up to what you need. Bear in mind some
archers only use a long rod. Have what best suits you,
not what’s fashionable.
BASIC LONG ROD - £14 CARTEL
V BAR – for attaching short rods £10 CARTEL
2 Short RODS £20 CARTEL
BRACERS
All do the same job.
Prices from £5 - £7.
CHEST GUARDS
Optional extra. Stops the string snagging on loose clothing.
Prices - £9.95 - £12.80
QUIVERS
They all hold arrows
Prices - £6 - £60
BOW STANDS
They all hold the bow. Some are higher off the ground.
Some support the handle and Long rod.
Prices - £6 - £25
EQUIPMENT BAGS & BOXES
Tesco’s carrier bags and an old suitcase to start
or Gucci! Or make your own. Prices - £14 - £150+
massive choice.
ARROWS
These MUST be matched to your bow. DO NOT buy anything
else. Seek advice from you supplier or an experienced
archer. Easton arrows have a chart for matching. Correct
draw length and spine rating are the criteria. Spine
is the bendability of the arrow to the draw weight of
your bow.
They come in aluminium alloy, carbon and carbon aluminium.
Aluminium alloy is the best initial choice with three
options.
Good quality EASTON JAZZ - £27.20 for 8 complete
Very good quality EASTON XX75 - £36.80 for 8 complete
Top quality EASTON ECLIPSE X7 - £47.60 for 8 complete.
We cannot over emphasise the importance of
getting advice from experienced archers before you buy
any equipment. Bows are matched to arrows and both are
matched to each individual archers needs.
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