Female Beginner

[Aram]

Most people start with a right handed bow because it's the most available (someone in the family shoots one or they've seen people shoot that way. We do learn a lot just by watching others.) Once you get used to shooting one way it's a lot harder to switch to a dominant eye. It would feel awkward and inaccurate. Still some people go through the trouble of switching and it does ultimately improve their shooting. it just takes a year or two  :(
 Shooting cross dominant is possible but in my experience it's a lot easier to start with the eye dominance. It will give you a lot more aiming options and even with instinctive aiming it will improve your range. The only "draw back" (pun alarm    :rolleyes: ) is at 3D shoots most bows will be right handed and you don't get to try as many (though lefties have the coolest bows     )

[Sarah]

oh boy. i can see this decision is going to be fun.

since I don't really have any "habits" formed yet as far as archery handedness goes (except for what I perceive to be "normal"), would it make sense to just start out with lefty bows so that I can start off on the "right foot"?

I do like the idea of strengthening my left arm...

[Longbow rookie]

Welcome Sarah....you're in good hands here.  Great folks here at Trad and with a ton of knowledge.  I'll be following this one as well.  My girlfriend has taken a huge interest in trad archery since I got started.  I've recently been searching for a bow to surprise her with.  This post will definitely help my decision.

Good luck and have fun!

CJ

[Tim Fishell]

Sarah, My wife just started to shoot as well.  She is 5'0" and draws 24" long.  The bow I had made for her is 28#@24" which would be around 40#@28".  I think this is a really good place for a beginner to start.

[R H Clark]

Sarah
You need to get somewhere you can try and shoot left and right handed bows.If left feels too akward to you it will be ok to shoot right handed.I've heard of fine archers that shot right handed with left eye dominance.

[ishiwannabe]

Welcome aboard! I would try as many bows as you can before you commit to buying. RH, LH, longbows, recurves...
Good luck on your newly acquired hobby, and you are at the right place for questions to get answered. (You could also save a lot of cash by checking the classifieds here)  

[b.glass]

The Deermaster recurve is inexpensive and you can get it in a lower poundage. My daughter shoots one and does well with it. I put elk antler burrs on the limb bolts yesterday and it looks too cool! I will try to post pics later. One down fall is that you can't buy limbs only. You would have to buy another whole bow. But that has advantages too. Besides you can have two of three bows for the price of one. Not that you would want that many of the same bow!
 

[JSimon]

I also recommend the Quinn bows. That's what I bought as a beginner and continue to shoot. I have since bought higher poundage limbs for the bow. I think the grip is also smaller than alot of wood bows, which may or may not be more comfortable for you.

Quinn bows is also a great Mom and Pop shop out of Texas. They are very nice people who respond quickly to emails and phone calls. Feel free to contact them with any questions. They will be more than happy to help you out and offer advice. One of the Quinn daughters is a national champion archer who shoots a Quinn Comet XL that only costs $220 new. The standard Comet is only $160 and is offered in weights from 15-35lb.

Here's a link to their web site:
  http://www.quinnsarchery.com/quinn\\'s_archery_002.htm

[thp]

Hi Sarah, you just missed the Iowa Traditional Bowhunter Society's annual rendezvous in Ames.  It's a really fun shoot.  I would ditto Iowa Lefty's suggestion to check out Bearfoot Traditions in Des Moines or The Footed Shaft in Rochester MN.  If you are planning to make the trip to Des Moines better get directions to Bearfoot.  It's a bit of trick to find, but well worth it.  Tom, the owner, would be very helpful in getting you set up with a bow that fits you.

[Quill Flinger]

Hi & welcome Sarah, I'd suggest drawing back both left & right handed bows & going with what feels most natural to you. I'm left eye dominant but shoot as well both left & right handed & shoot instinctively.
The best advise has already been given, seek out traditional shooters & simply ask for some help. I'd also recommend taking some shooting instruction & try & nail down good form from the start. A good solid foundation now will stand you in good stead for the rest of your life, then it's just a joy to pick up a stick & string.

Good luck & all the best - Q.

[Tom A]

Hi Sarah.
A left handed bow no more than 30# would be my best suggestion. I have taught many women how to shoot but we wont go in to that... Also I would not start off with big heavy arrows at first. You will be severly disadvantaged with heavy arrows at that bow weight. Some light easton  redline carbon arrows in 1000 deflection or 780's might work if you leave them long. Worry about a hunting setup later.

[Jerry Jeffer]

Sarah, Welcome. I won't add any more info since it seems you have plenty to deal with. Hope you find some thing you like and continue to enjoy archery and this forum. Tradgang has changed my perspective on archery forever.

[Dale Hajas]

Oh Sarah!!   :eek:  I forgot to tell ya.... You've gone and done it now- you are soooooooo hooked!!!          

[Shawn Leonard]

Sarah, I have a 35# Indian Archery semi-static recurve. It is nice and straight and a very good shooter, it would be around 30#s at your draw. It is quick and quiet and has a new string. You are more than Welcome to have it and learn proper form and shooting techniques. I will also send ya a tab to go with it. Ya can get yourself some 1816's cut to 28"s or so with 125 grain points and you will be good to go. All I ask is ya pass the bow on to someone else to learn on when you are done. This will be a very cheap way to get started with a nice little shooter!! If you are interested PM me and I will get your addy and send the bow out by the end of the week! Shawn

[northener]

Welcome Sarah.      Just north of you, in Mn. Definately worth a drive to The Footed Shaft, Lamont WILL NOT steer you wrong! Shoot both handed while you are there and see what feels more natural. Good luck and have fun.

BTW  Coon Rapids Traditional Shoot is coming up, fairly big event in Mn. for traditional archers. Quite a few bow vendors will be there as well as Lamont.

[Shawn Leonard]

By the way the bow is a righty and I think you should shoot right handed if you are right handed. I know plenty of people who are left eye dominant and shoot righty as it is more natural for theem and lends to good form and such. Shawn

[R H Clark]

 to Shawn.

[Sarah]

I got a message back from the Hoyt dealer today, he suggested that I stick to compound as I would be more satisfied...    

Like I told b.glass: I want to develop a skill, not just own a weapon!  

I PMed Shawn about his bow.

Anyway, I'm very curious about this LH/RH thing and want desperately to check out a shoot. Jason or northener, how to I find out more about the shoot in Coon Rapids, MN? Anyone in the area feel like carpooling?

As always, thanks for all your help and suggestions. It's nice to have this much support.

[celticknot]

Sarah i have 6 new carbon express heritage 150  arrows and some used magnus stinger broadheads that i can flech up for you if you would like them, there yours. PM ME

[Sarah]

sure thing.