A must for the beginning archer
Before you start training to make you a pro, it's worth learning a little theory.
Thanks to the Internet, you don't have to rummage through library shelves or enlist in the military to learn the basics of archery.
There are many archery tutorials available online for beginners: proper shooting position, techniques for stringing a rope, or even making straw targets. However, this knowledge is best conveyed in the form of a film. Let's focus on what works best on paper (and on a monitor).
Terrain recognition is important
Every shooting sport requires a suitable location - away from strangers, stable or indifferent to damage, and spacious enough.
Check to see if there is a professional archery range or club in your area where you can try your skills without breaking the bank, as well as pick up equipment and practice under the supervision of experienced archers.
If there is no such establishment, look for a suitable clearing where you won’t harm anything or anyone too much. There is nothing stopping you from using your home garden or recreational area, as long as you adapt it correctly to your purposes. Remember to always check the area for bystanders before shooting. A backpack punctured by a passer-by can become a source of inconvenience.
Read an interesting article about what types of shooting targets there are.
Smart Closet
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Posted by Smart Closet (@smartcloset_official) Jan 24, 2022 at 8:29 am PST
The Smart Closet app is a real find for those who have difficulty creating a capsule wardrobe. This service creates mini-lookbooks and moodboards from your clothes, as well as items from several hundred brand stores, to check how well they fit together. Choose a set of a skirt, jacket and T-shirt, select the appropriate accessories and shoes - and the look is ready. The resulting images can be shared with friends, or you can add them to your calendar so that you don’t have to worry about choosing the right outfit every morning.
Challenge yourself
Before you choose a bow, you need to measure yourself. You can skip head circumference or collar size, but arm height and length are important, allowing you to choose bow length and tension.
Prepare a simple stick about 80 cm long or something similar. Extend your outstretched arm with the bow to the side (left for right-handed people and vice versa) and take a shooting position.
Place the stick on your hand so that one end reaches your chin or corner of your mouth - like an arrow. The distance between the club tip and your hand is the length of your draw. Write this number down. Measure the length of the tension string along the arc.
Combyne
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Virtual fitting room. You can make collages and mood boards in the application. The interface is simple and intuitive, and the pictures look like those of professional stylists.
The database contains a huge number of items from different brands of the premium segment and mass market. For example, there are Gucci, Adidas, Calvin Klein, Monki, Shein, New Look, Topshop, Mango. Additionally, you can upload photos of your own clothes.
Using the service, it is convenient to see whether a new item will fit into your wardrobe. Or choosing an outfit for an important event. The application has a feed where you can post finished pictures. This mini-Instagram is where people collect likes, look at other people’s collages, and get inspired by ideas.
Cost: free.
Advantages: convenient collage editor, there are links to stores.
Disadvantages: there is no support for the Russian language; when uploading photos of your clothes, the background must be removed manually.
Comparison of traditional and compound bow - advantages and disadvantages
Now you know your parameters, it's time to choose the type of arc. Traditional recurve bows are not recommended for beginners. Although they are intriguing in their shape, using them requires some practice. An archer starting his adventure should focus on traditional and compound bows. Let's look at both types of weapons.
Traditional bow - a classic of the genre
As the name suggests, these arches have a basic, simple form. A single bowstring is stretched between wooden or laminate bows. Laminate models are recommended for beginners due to their greater strength, lightness, convenience, trouble-free care and storage. Another advantage is the price - decent traditional bows can be purchased for between $100 and $200.
Compound Bow - The Future is Now
This is a much more modern type of bow. The tension is based on a system of pulleys and cams connected by a cable. Pulleys and lines allow you to retain more power in your hands compared to a regular bow. The design is more rigid, arrows fly faster and more accurately. Composite bows are more resistant to changes in temperature and humidity than classic bows.
The main advantage of this type of construction is the lower force required for full extension. The disadvantage is the much higher price of the bow and the complexity of the tension mechanism.
So what kind of sportbow should a newbie Robin Hood buy? Well, surprise is a classic. Much better than the compound one, it works as a training equipment because it requires the development of proper technique, strength and patience. In addition, an accurate shot from a classic is a real pleasure. And they are used at the Olympic Games. When you gain skill and strength, master the technique and want to take one more step - then choose “blockers”. It should be remembered that arches can be profiled for the left or right hand. Fortunately, there are also universal models.
Fashionable looks with knitted clothing styles
You simply do not have the moral right not to have knitted clothes in your fall-winter wardrobe, since without knitted trends your fashionable fall-winter looks are unlikely to happen.
It’s worth starting with a knitted sweater, which today is presented in both proven styles with a stand-up collar, high collar, raglan sleeves, and creative models of knitted sweaters with slits, ties, lacing, asymmetry, and voluminous sleeves.
Fashionable looks for 2022-2023 also look inimitable with new models of large-knit cardigans, midi-length knitted dresses with a high collar, or wrap dresses.
It is noteworthy that designers also offer fashionistas light knitted items made from a more delicate knit, which will perfectly complement looks for the demi-season period.
Bow length and tension - how to choose a bow for your height
Now it's time for some specific details: bow length and draw weight. These measurements are most often expressed in imperial units, but converting to metric units is easy: 1 inch is approximately 2.54 centimeters, and 1 pound is approximately 0.45 kilograms.
Choosing arch length
Correctly selected arch length will achieve greater efficiency. This should be the height of the shooter plus/minus 10 cm. It is better to choose a bow no shorter than 147 cm, because long arms provide greater stability and make aiming easier. However, the first thing to consider is the draw length:
Selecting tension force
The selected length, the “stiffness” time, that is, the tension force. It is measured in units of mass because that is the weight that will pull it to the desired length when suspended from the string. The standard is 28 inches and the strength is given for this length. Each inch more or less is 2 pounds more or less, respectively.
An optimally selected bow will allow you to fire 100 shots during training without feeling tired. Because archery uses some unusual muscle groups, you can expect some muscle soreness at first. After this it will only get better, which means it’s time to replace the onion with a stronger one. However, for beginners, bows with a draw weight of no more than 30 pounds for men and 25 pounds for women are recommended.
Fashionable looks with shiny things with lurex, sequins, glitter
New clothing trends have introduced another fashionable feature into women's sets for 2022-2023, namely items made of shiny, shimmering fabric.
Until now, it was believed that such styles were more relevant for festive occasions, but at the latest street fashion shows, things with glitter, lurex, and sequins were presented as relevant for stylish everyday looks of an informal direction.
The wonderful look that you can see in the photo is complemented by a shimmering black skirt, which in tandem with suede boots, a knitted sweater and denim looks very stylish and not at all pretentious.
Useful accessories for an archer
Onions without accessories are like grandma's name day without a vegetable salad - nice, but something is missing. Contrary to appearances, the offering is truly rich because you can expand your equipment with sights, triggers, lasers, stabilizers, etc. However, you only need a few basic parts to get started.
Arrows, bowstrings, shields
While the target can be anything (although objects that are too hard can damage arrowheads), you can't replace arrows and ropes with just anything. Fortunately, a string is included with almost every bow.
If you need to replace it, it's best to look for ones that are made from Dacron with a center wrap of nylon thread.
Arrows are a slightly broader topic. There are arrows on the market made from different materials: wood, aluminum, fiberglass or carbon fiber. Wood or fiberglass is a good place to start. When purchasing, consider the size of the arrow and the length of the hood. Most manufacturers suggest which arrows to use in the bow's specifications - it's worth following these recommendations.
Bracers, quivers, skins
Choosing leather accessories is a little easier. A bracer, or protective cuff, for your bow hand will protect you from cuts and bruises caused by the bowstring hitting your forearm.
It needs to be thoroughly stiffened and held firmly. The rest is a matter of taste and wallet. To prevent your fingers from chafing, you should use simple skins or gloves.
Quivers are most often found in two types: for the back and for the leg. This is an optional accessory; the arrows can be held in your hand or stuck into the ground. However, it is more convenient to carry them in a suitable case. Here, too, it is best to rely on your own taste and preferences. The main thing is that the ammunition does not fall out on its own.
With this information, you can confidently begin your archery adventure. Knowing how to choose your equipment allows you to focus on technique and precision, which will help you quickly achieve satisfactory results. Good luck!
Best models
Classic models consist of shoulders, a bowstring and a handle. A simple device and low price make them the best option for a novice shooter.
List of classic models that have been highly appreciated by customers:
- W&W Archery SF Optimo+ . It has a durable, flexible handle, wear-resistant wooden shoulders laminated with textolite. The package includes a sight, a gaiter, a guide shelf, and a finger guard. Lightweight, convenient, collapsible.
- Sebastien Flute Optimo. Lightweight, collapsible. Made of wood, fully equipped. The shoulders are covered with protective varnish and plastic. Has a durable Kevlar bowstring.
- Cartel Doosung Sirius. Composite plastic is used to make the handle. The arms are made of natural wood and are coated with a protective varnish. Has a durable Dacron bowstring. Collapsible, lightweight, inexpensive.
- Bow Master Rebel . Wooden, laminated with plastic. Convenient, lightweight, inexpensive. Equipped with a full range of additional accessories.
- Jandao Beginner. Made of wood, covered with carbon fiber. Lightweight, collapsible. The arms are made of maple wood, the bowstring is made of Dacron. Strong, durable, inexpensive.
W&W Archery SF Optimo+
Sebastien Flute Optimo
Cartel Doosung Sirius
Bow Master Rebel
Jandao Beginner
Block models are characterized by increased power and lightness. The block mechanism greatly facilitates the process of tensioning the bowstring, which allows you to concentrate on aiming.
List of block models that have been highly rated by customers:
- Mathews VXR 31.5 . Compact, convenient and lightweight. Has amplification technologies. Almost no vibration.
- Man Kung MK-CBA5 Thorns. Designed for any height of the shooter thanks to the stretch. It has an aluminum handle with a rubber pad. Lightweight, comfortable, durable. Fully equipped.
- PSE Vision. Has an aluminum handle. The package includes a shelf and a block that reduces the load on the shoulders and prevents empty shots. Lightweight, durable, has a high range.
- Bear Archery Marshal. It is small in size, lightweight, durable, and has an extended configuration. There is the possibility of individual adjustment.
- Yarrow Gamma. Made from carbon and aluminum. Lightweight, durable, easy to transport, inexpensive.
Mathews VXR 31.5
Man Kung MK-CBA5 Thorns
PSE Vision
Bear Archery Marshal
Yarrow Gamma
