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can absorb small mistakes better than shorter bows. A slight bump on a shorter bow may mean the difference between a complete miss and a kill.

4. Buy local. I recommend buying your new bow from a local retailer. Sometimes you can get a better price from the larger stores like Cabela's or Bass Pro, but unless you live right down the street from them, you won't be able to have them take care of any problems that may arise with your equipment in the future. Local dealers often will install any equipment that you buy from them for free, making sure it is set up correctly and tuned to your bow. This will save you a lot of frustration, especially if you are new to archery. At a pro shop, you can also test out different models, finding the one that feels just right in your hands. Small things, like the feel of the grip, could make a difference in how well you like one bow over another. Archery pros can also set your draw length, and adjust your draw weight, so that your bow ends up being truly tuned to you and your abilities. You lose this personal touch by buying online, or from a catalog.

5. Look of the bow. After everything else is decided, you have to consider what your bow will look like. After all, you are making major investment, and buying something you expect to last for several years. You need to buy a bow that you like! Some bows are very functional, but just are not aesthetically pleasing. Others may look "cool", but either are not as functional, or are "high maintenance". Some people like short limbed bows, while others like a longer limb with a shorter riser. Some people like a standard limb, while others like a recurve limb. Some like a round wheel, while others like a cam. All of these differences have a design purpose, but in the end, the choice really comes down to preference. My preference happens to be a single cam bow with recurve limbs. This, however, may change when I decide to buy my next bow.

These suggestions will get you started on your quest to buy a new bow. If you have the ability to buy any bow you want, I recommend looking at the new line of Hoyt bows. They are incredibly smooth, shoot great and very fast. There is a reason that these bows are beating the competition in 3D archery shoots. Find a bow that fits you, and the criteria that you have outlined, and you will be happy.

Learn more about this author, Kris Brewer.
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