Gabe, you just discussed tournaments and now how to select a bow? The purpose of the blog is to address all skill levels. So this may appear to be schizophrenic, but there is some method to the madness.

OK, so you want to buy a bow. What should you consider? 1) physical weight. 2) draw weight 3) bow length 4) proper arrow match

Would you give a youngster the same equipment as an adult? Of course not, but I see it all the time.

The physical weight of a bow matters. Most very young archers cannot handle the mass of even the lightest compound bow. So even if he/she wants to shoot one, a light weight recurve bow is the best way to start.

In an earlier post I discussed the parameters of the proper draw weight to start. If you are in doubt, select a lighter weight. Learning shot basics will be much easier and you will progress faster with a light weight.

Bow length is a function of your draw length. That length is determined by how far you draw your arrow to the back of the bow (the part of the bow closest to the target). Here is a guide: