Whether you’re inspired by the thrill of bowhunting, the focus of target shooting, or just looking for a new outdoor hobby, archery is one of the most rewarding sports you can begin. But with so many types of bows, arrows, and accessories out there, starting out can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in!
At Shoot Tru Archery Supply, we’re here to help you make smart choices with gear that suits your goals, skill level, and budget. Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to help you get started with confidence.
1. Pick the Right Type of Bow
Archery isn’t one-size-fits-all. The first step is deciding what kind of archery you’re interested in—recreational target shooting, bowhunting, competitive shooting, or traditional archery. Here are the main types of bows to consider:
Recurve Bow: Great for beginners and widely used in Olympic archery. Simple, effective, and easy to learn.
Compound Bow: Popular with hunters and competitive archers. It uses cams and pulleys for greater power and accuracy with less effort.
Traditional/Longbow: A minimalist choice for those who love classic archery with no sights or added components.
We recommend recurve or compound bows for beginners, depending on your interest.
2. Know Your Draw Length and Draw Weight
These are two of the most important specs to get right:
Draw Length: How far you can comfortably pull the bowstring. This affects arrow length and bow fit.
Draw Weight: How much force is needed to draw the string. Beginners should start light (20–30 lbs) and work up as strength and form improve.
If you’re unsure, our team at Shoot Tru can help you measure and match your draw specs to the right equipment.
3. Choose Arrows That Match Your Setup
Arrows vary by spine (flexibility), material, and weight. Matching the right arrow to your bow’s draw weight and your shooting purpose is key to accuracy and safety.
Carbon arrows are lightweight and durable—perfect for beginners and versatile enough for most uses.
Aluminum arrows offer consistency and are also a great option for target shooting.
Make sure you also choose the correct arrow length and spine rating based on your bow setup.
4. Don’t Skip the Essentials
In addition to a bow and arrows, you’ll want a few more items to complete your starter kit:
Armguard – Protects your forearm from the string during release.
Finger tab or release aid – Helps protect your fingers and improve your shot consistency.
Bow sight – Optional, but helpful for beginners learning to aim.
Arrow rest – Helps guide your arrow on the bow shelf for a smoother shot.
We offer Beginner Archery Kits that include the essentials—designed for youth, teens, and adults.
5. Learn the Basics—Then Practice, Practice, Practice
Gear is only part of the picture. Form, stance, consistency, and safety all play a huge role in your archery success. Start slow, focus on technique, and don’t worry about distance right away.
Consider joining a local archery club, taking lessons, or watching tutorials from trusted sources.
Let Shoot Tru Help You Begin Your Archery Journey
At Shoot Tru Archery Supply, we take pride in helping new archers get off to a strong start. Whether you’re buying your first bow or need guidance choosing arrows, we’re here with expert advice, beginner bundles, and gear you can trust.
Need help choosing your first setup?
Reach out to us anytime—we’ll make sure you shoot true from the start.