Choosing a bow

Bow selection begins with the hand you draw with, a draw-length range that fits your anchor, and a draw weight you can control without strain.

The short answer

A bow must fit the archer before it can be tuned

Bow draw hand

The listing’s hand/side field identifies the bow’s draw hand. A right-hand bow is held in the left hand and drawn with the right; choose by how you draw, not by which hand writes.

Draw range and length

The draw range in the product text sets the adjustment window. Your measured draw length should fall within it so the bow can reach a stable anchor and proper string angle.

Draw weight and form

Draw weight is resistance you must hold and manage through the shot. Start where you can draw smoothly and keep form, then let a coach or shop set it correctly.

Bow setup and tuning

A bow setup includes arrows matched to its draw weight and draw length. Those choices affect safe function as well as tuning.

What the listings actually show

The current catalog includes 492 bows from 12 brands. Most listings state draw-hand fit, and nearly every listing gives draw range and weight.

Before you buy

Never dry-fire a bow; have draw length and arrow compatibility set before shooting.