I agree with both the previous answers.

Because of the steep rise to peak draw weight, and the long dwell on peak before hitting the quick drop into the letoff, hard cams are a lot harder and less pleasant to pull than soft cams. But, that draw characteristic is where the high speed ratings come from.

In my opinion, a beginner should start out with a 'middle of the road' bow. Brace height no less than 7", between 38-40" axle to axle, with a soft cam. A beginner needs to learn the basics of shooting form and tuning first, before moving up to a hard cam, high speed bow.

Speed is the buzz word these days. Speed sells bows. But speed is not the end all, be all. Learning to be an accurate shot is a lot more important than shooting smoking fast arrows.


I recommend this site below to all newcomers to archery. Lots of information from one of archery's top shooters.

http://domino.htcomp.net/ragsdale.nsf

Edited by - Arthur P on 02/03/2002 11:30:00