Hi, guys! Disclaimer: I'm not a bowhunter and have no intention to be, but I do love historical archery (and weaponry in general) I'd love to be able to handle an English warbow at some point in time and just upgraded myself to a 50 pound longbow that's going to take some work on. (currently I can shoot it at a little more than half draw). I'm also all of self-taught for over 20 years, so I'm probably doing at least one or two things all wrong, and have a few questions, if anyone is willing to answer them. I just now got back into the sport when my 9 year old nephew wanted to learn. 1.) Firstly, I have no idea what my ideal draw weight even is, or how to measure it. I tried to look that up, but to be honest, I'm better at learning things when they're laid out step by step in writing, I have a hearing disorder that makes it extremely difficult to understand what people are telling me sometimes. How do I measure my ideal draw weight? 2.) In relation to that, is it even okay to shoot at half draw? My last bow was 35 lbs and I could do it, no problem. Can't use that one anymore,the kiddo snapped it in half while stringing it...it was 20 years old anyway..and red oak has a bit of a reputation for snapping but now I'm slightly paranoid about damaging the new one, lol. (hickory/yew core) 3.) The metal arrows I'm using for target practice are for 35-50, should I upgrade those just to be on the safe side? I want to move to wood but not before I know what I'm supposed to be using. Arrows are expensive. 4.) Also re the nephew: He could shoot the 35 using my arrows before he snapped it, even though it was a head and a half feet longer than he is tall and I was going to give it to him when he got taller but that idea's out ....whups...so for now he's on a beginner bow that shoots 15-20 and his arrows are 15-30 or so. Can't remember off the top of my head and I don't have them with me) Should I upgrade those as well? Looking for a youth bow (preferably fiberglass) with a higher weight for him while I save to get him a wooden one and measure HIS ideal draw weight. I think that's about it unless I think of something else...any help much appreciated.
Can't help you with any of that but welcome to the site. Lots on here shoot recurve or long so you should be good.
