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Are you buying your first bow, buying one as a present for the hunter in your life, or maybe you need to upgrade to a bow that fits you better? No matter the reason you are shopping for a new bow, the factors you need to consider all remain the same. I personally don't recommend buying one as a gift for someone if you want to surprise them because you are going to need their input in order to buy the right bow for them.

Let's begin with the more popular, the compound bow. When purchasing a compound bow you need to consider several factors, speed, bow length, draw weight and draw length. Some less important things to consider, that fall more under preferences are the cams, limb style and risers.

Speed
Speed or how quickly an arrow reaches its target depends on several factors. Speed tests are conducted on each brand/style of bow by the Archery Manufacturers Association (AMO) and more recently also by the International Bowhunting Organization (IBO). Most manufacturers will list speeds from both organizations on the bows. Most experts will recommend a bow of a speed of AMO 235-245 or IBO 290-305. This speed is the feet an arrow is propelled per second. The faster the speed, the less drop you have over the same distance, but at the same time, the faster the speed, the harder it is to shoot. The speed you need will be determined by how you plan to use your new bow. A reputable bow dealer will be able to help you in this area.

Bow Length
AS bows length is very critical. There is nothing worse than being in your treestand, with a trophy buck coming up on your left side, you try to swing around to get a better shot and you too long bow hits a limb, ruining your shot and spooking the deer. The length of the bow is measured from axle to axle. A shorter bow will be lighter weight, which may come in handy if you plan to hike a good distance to your hunting spot. A longer bow, even though it is heavier, will be more stable and accurate. A shorter bow is not recommended for a novice or infrequent bow hunter. A bow length somewhere in the mid range (between 32 and 46 inches) is more suitable to a novice. For youth bow shooters you need to look into youth sized bows.

Draw Weight and Length
Draw weight is measured by the peak weight you pull the string at. Most adults will have a draw weight between 50 and 70 lbs, youth will be lower and you can find bow for your with adjustable draw weights they can grow into. A good way to test if the draw weight is right for you is to draw the

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