Check out the many different types of bows. Compound bows have mechanical pulleys that make it harder to pull back initially, but then pull back easier once fully drawn. These are the most popular type of bows today, as they are the easiest to aim and are the most versatile. Recurve bows and longbows are more traditional and usually a lot less expensive than compound bows. The further you pull back a recurve, the harder it gets. Recurves are better for beginning target shooters.