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.
Choose the category for your activity and confirm its rules: World Archery treats recurve, compound, and barebow as separate categories (equipment overview). For crossbows, check the bolt and cocking requirements in the crossbow guide. After choosing a vertical bow, ask a coach or qualified shop to check fit, then confirm arrow compatibility with Easton’s selector.
The short answer
Choose a bow whose draw hand, measured draw-length range, and draw weight fit the archer and exact model.
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 your drawing hand, not your writing hand.
Draw range and length
Measure your draw length with a coach or qualified shop, then compare it with the range for the exact model. Mathews directs owners to contact an Authorized Mathews Retailer for draw-length adjustment. (Mathews technical FAQ)
Draw weight and form
Choose a draw weight you can pull smoothly while keeping your form. A coach or qualified shop can help check your fit and setup.
Bow setup and tuning
After choosing the bow, use the arrow maker’s current chart for its type and setup. Easton provides separate hunting and target shaft charts.
What the listings actually show
The August 21, 2026 catalog snapshot lists 557 products in the Bows department from 14 brands.
Before you buy
Never dry-fire a bow. Bear Archery says a bow that has been dry-fired must be inspected by a competent pro shop before it is shot again. (Bear Archery FAQ)
How do I choose draw hand?
Choose the side that matches the hand you draw the string with. The hand/side label describes bow orientation, not writing hand.
How do I compare draw length?
Have your draw length measured, then compare it with the range listed for that exact bow model. Ask a shop or coach to check the fit at your normal anchor.
How do I choose draw weight?
Start with a weight you can draw smoothly and control while keeping form. A coach or qualified shop can help set up the bow and confirm arrow compatibility.