The first thing you are looking for upon buying your first archery bow is knowing how much weight you can pull back. It is best to have a sale representative measure your draw length. You will be using an arrow with markings on it. The sales person will then watch your draw back and read the markings.

Now that you know your pull back weight, you will need to find a bow that is not to heavy for you to hold. If it’s too heavy, you might experience pain in your arms and shoulders from shooting and carrying the bow.

Next, find out whether or not the bow will be easy to setup and maintain. Some archers make the mistake of purchasing a bow that is very high maintenance. Ask the salesman for product information if you aren’t sure.

Make sure the bow is well made and of high quality. Check for cracks, check the fissures on the bow, and its limbs. Sometimes bows get dry-fired in the bow shops. Never buy a broken bow. Cracked limbs, loose cams, and splitting bowstrings can cause injury to you or anyone who is around you. Thoroughly inspect the bow you would like to purchase.

If you see a bow you like but they don’t have your correct specifications, resist the temptation of buying the bow. Do not buy a bow that you are struggling with. Look around and see if there are any others in the store that would suit you, or get in touch with the manufacturer of the bow.

Once you have found an archery bow that is right for you, find your anchor point. This is the place on your chin that you will draw to every time. The sale representative will have you hold the string with your fingers in the proper grip, draw it back, and then place your fingers against your cheek with the string drawn. Individuals have different anchor points, so it will be up to you to tell the sales person what feels comfortable and what does not.