Newbie seeking guidance.

[purpleonion86]

Hi!
I'm new to all of this, and I'm looking to buy myself a bow, but I'm completely lost. There are so many different traditional styles out there that I don't know where to start.

If anyone could help push in the right direction I'd be thankful.

Also I don't know what size, weight, and pull weight I should get.
I'm about 5'4, 113lbs, and female, if anyone knows what type of sizing I should look at that'd be cool too.

Thanks!

[Chessbum]

My advice is to pick up a longbow or recurve that you have actually tried out. If you can get to one of the many events through out the country where trad bows are sold you can try them all before buying. More important than your bow is a good set of matched arrows. In my case I shoot only longbows and wood arrows but you may find out you like recurves and aluminum arrows so do what you enjoy most. There are alot of good bowyers out there to choose from. The important thing is make it fun no matter what you choose.

[Floxter]

Given your size and stature, you'd be best to limit yourself to a bow that draws no more than about 30# @ 28". This light weight will allow you to develop the proper form and avoid the pitfalls of short-drawing or snap-shooting. Once your form is developed you could consider moving up in poundage. As to bow length, anything that you're comfortable with would be o.k., but I'd avoid overly short bows (anything under 58") as they'll be too twitchy for a beginner. A good used target recurve of about 62-66" in 30-32# would be ideal and there are lots of them on e-bay for less than $150. Once you've become proficient and know a little more about what you want you might want to invest in a quality custom bow fitted to your draw length.