If you never heard of draw length, or until you have and been measured, stay away from buying a compound bow.

If you can't get in better shape, don't try a compound bow. Most newbies find they have to use muscles that were "invented" or so it seems.

How much can you lose. There is the cost of the bow; the cost of the arrows; the cost of fletching; fletching jig; the cost of the release; the cost of the target; a place to practice; arrow points; arrow broadheads; the bow case; the stabilizer; the arrow rest; the quiver; the sight; arm guard.

Maybe a $150 or so saw made just for cutting carbon arrows. A wonderful place to find a use of money.

And there are those who buy all the expensive equipment and can't find a nearby area to practice or shoot their bow. It happens.

It's not impossible; but some may not really want to enter the mine field.