Finding the right bow draw weight without compromising form or functionality is not about finding the perfect piece of equipment, rather about establishing a working routine. Draw weight without sacrificing form or functionality can be established by following posture, smooth movement, fatigue, coaching and gradual progression. The main aspect of this guide is establishing a system that can be checked and maintained without problems. Note that local laws, range rules and manufacturer instructions have to be adhered to, and repair/adjustments that affect safety have to be done by qualified people.
Start with the real use case
Key decisions regarding draw weight selection for form will originate from an honest assessment of the true use case for the equipment to be used by that individual. As stated previously, the purpose of the longer trip, probable weather, total distance to be shot, mode of transport and above all the shooters experience must be laid out before any other consideration. Your equipment is only as good as the worst trip it is used on, therefore be honest with yourself!
Inspect before every outing
Before using your equipment for shooting check posture, smooth movement, fatigue, coaching of others and gradation. Carry out your check in bright light and look for wear and tear, looseness, any sign of contamination, suboptimal adjustment and any other change since last use. Record repairs and note the date for the relevant consumables.
Make fit part of the safety check
When testing fit for outdoor use, wear the same clothing that you would normally wear for the activity. Mimic the typical movements you would normally do for the activity. If the activity involves moving at pace then mimic that. If it involves being stationary for long periods then test that too. But remember, fit for standing still in a warm room is not good enough.
Adjust in a controlled order
Make changes to your archery one variable at a time. Write down what you changed before you go for a shot. Test the change out for a short while before making further changes. If you change a number of things before testing, you will not know which was the good or the bad thing to change.
Spend where reliability matters
Budget for the most critical aspects of the archery equipment first, like protective gear, quality instruction, and the crucial components for shot that allow for safe shooting. Accessories for fun or optional uses can be purchased after one gets a taste of what works well for them and realize that there are other features that would be very useful.
Plan for weather and transport
The weather may expose poor planning! In hot weather remember to drink plenty of water and in rain try to keep sealed parts dry and brush off any dusty parts. In cold weather try to keep small controls to operate locked open where possible and pack items to be able to easily clean and dry them. After use allow time for gear to fully dry before closed storage.
Use clear range and field habits
Remember to include other people in your checking routine, as mentioned previously. Heed the posted rules at ranges and clubs and ask the staff if in doubt as to procedure. Remember that local commands take precedence over anything you read on the internet regarding shooting equipment.
Clean without causing damage
When cleaning maintenance items, ensure that you are following the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning. Adding more oil, increasing the amount of cleaning solution or using more force does not necessarily mean better. Aggressive cleaning products can damage protective coatings, seals, adhesives and even the optical coatings on scopes. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning method for each item, and be sure to clean as much of the item as possible, and then allow it to dry prior to storing.
Review the kit after the trip
Looking back over the day, note what did not get used and what would have been useful in an emergency. Consider what could not be reached for adjustment and what weight could have been left behind. Take out the redundant weights and use up any consumable items before the next outing.
A simple checklist
- Confirm purpose of activity, conditions for use and local rules before selecting correct equipment.
- Check if equipment can be checked for fit, condition and settings in a controlled manner.
- Only take along to the outing the protective and support articles which are required by that outing.
- Maintenance should be recorded and damaged parts thrown away immediately instead of being mended in an emergency.
- Clean all equipment and then dry and store it.
Final perspective
In other words, developing a very robust weight to use while seeking perfect form for shooting should involve building a well rounded skill base by practicing all variations repeatibly in average conditions and gradually modifying the very few points that are poor, 1 at a time.
Practical note 1
Use a short practice session to find out if it works. Keep the tempo low and note one improvement for later. Consistency is more important than trying to sort everything out in one day.
Practical note 2
Note, also, where you will store your protecting gear, and that the storage will be in a dry place and away from extremities of temperature and from disturbance by casual persons. Label your cases without having advertisements for their valuable contents. Keep keys to cases &c in safe hands.
Practical note 3
While online reviews can give you a good starting point, online reviews cannot provide information on whether the kit will fit the individual and whether or not each item is in good working order. It’s always best to view and test out any options in person where possible, and get a professional’s insight into the good and the bad points of the various options.
Practical note 4
Simple practice sessions of short duration are the best way to test the efficacy of new arrangements. Even with the best of intentions, practice sessions can deteriorate into long sessions of poor practice, especially as fatigue begins to set in. Record one thing of value from your session.