Hunting & Fishing Got My First Bow!

D

DamnYuppie

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 9, 2011
413
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Idaho
#1
So my friend finally talked me into getting a bow. I was told I would have issues finding one that fits me as I am about 6'5. I ended up with a new Mathews Z9, it has a 31.5" draw at 70lbs. I got a fall away rest and a TRU Glow sight on it. I had never shot a compound bow before but by my 12th pull I was nailing the arrows into each other at 20 yards.

So being a complete noob I did have some issues. After I got it yesterday, I decided to go to the archery range and begin practicing. I went to the Texas Archery Academy in Plano. They make you qualify at successive distances to make sure you can shoot. The first stage is like 5 yards or so. Well I had forgotten that when I was shooting at the shop where I purchased it they made sure to only shoot it into a crossbow target as it would go right through everything else. Sure as shit my first three arrows punched right throw their 2 foot padding and right throw the 3/8" plywood behind it to boot! Needless to say those arrows were trashed. Not only did I feel like an idiot but I was kinda grumpy as arrows apparently are not cheap! Overall not quite the auspicious start to archery I was hoping for :-/

After that I was able to easily walk it out to 20 yards. This thing is so smooth it is sick. It is so accurate I can't aim at the same spot twice as I have hit the first arrow. Needless to say this thing pretty much shoots itself, I am highly pleased with it!

I do have a few questions though. What is the best way to store it? I didn't get a hard case with it, just one of the Mathews soft cases. Should I hang it up somewhere or just leave it lying down? Also do I need to leave it at 70lbs or should I dial it down?
 
#3
Re: Got My First Bow!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chuck1974</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have always been told a bow shoots best maxed out. I adjust my limbs all the way in then back out one quarter turn. </div></div>

+1 Make sure your strings are waxed up good. Throw it in your soft case and be done with it till next time.
 
#4
Re: Got My First Bow!

A friend of mine also told me he got a new beau. He said it was Suella Cams or something... That sounds like a southern name to me...
laugh.gif
 
#5
Re: Got My First Bow!

Welcome to the addiction. Don't store your bow where it can be subjected to temperature extremes such as in your vehicle. Put it away in the case after your done shootin the hell out of it. Wax it as suggested but not everytime you shoot and remove excess wax with wrapping dental floss around the string and slide it up and down. Do not wax the served areas of your string. Keep it tuned up according to manufactures spec and you'll be good to go.
 
#8
Re: Got My First Bow!

I bet it does shoot nice with an 8 and 3/4" brace height. I have a hard case but never use it. A good soft but one that is padded is my suggestion. Some are tough and semi rigid not cheap and paper thin.

Check some of these out

SOLO ARCHERY BOW CASES <--LINK

EDIT:Looks like all of the good soft cases are sold out on there. If I remember what brand they are I will post back
 
#9
Re: Got My First Bow!

I have a Mathews softcase and an cylinder to hold the arrows. The case has loops inside to hold the cylinder, overall works pretty well. I got a small tackle box to put my meager, for now, odds and ends into. The case has two large pouches, one internal and one external.

I will probably look at a hard case some time in the future.

How often can one practice shooting the bow. I will admit to being a bit sore the day after my first time shooting it. Was hoping to practice at least twice a week.
 
#10
Re: Got My First Bow!

Just like working out for the first time in a while, take it slow.

Fewer shots with better form can be better than lots of shots while lacking form and getting fatigued or injured.

You should try backing your limb bolts out at least one turn from bottomed out. Index where your allen wrench is when the limb bolt is turned all the way in.

Keep track of it as you turn the bolt out and make it equal on each bolt. You could even back it off two turns and work your way up.

You will get less wore out and have less risk for pulling or tearing a muscle in your back you're not used to using.

Go outside and shoot five single arrows (shoot one and go pull it) then take a break. Repeat that throughout the day (or afternoon). See how you feel after trying that for a day or two and you can increase how much you shoot as you get used to it.

Don't get in the bad habit of flinging useless arrows when you're tired, dropping your bow hand and shaking from fatigue.
 
#11
Re: Got My First Bow!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DamnYuppie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a Mathews softcase and an cylinder to hold the arrows. The case has loops inside to hold the cylinder, overall works pretty well. I got a small tackle box to put my meager, for now, odds and ends into. The case has two large pouches, one internal and one external.

I will probably look at a hard case some time in the future.

How often can one practice shooting the bow. I will admit yto being a bit sore the day after my first time shooting it. Was hoping to practice at least twice a week. </div></div>

I use an SKB4119 hard case, its lockable and airline approved. Sort of bulky but very sturdy so I know when I pull it out its just like I put it away. As for practice try as stated shooting one arrow pulling it and do it again. Make that one arrow and form perfect.
 
#13
Re: Got My First Bow!

Focusing on form is definitely key. I have been taking it slow. I will shot three arrows, go and pull them, and play some tetris between each string. If I get tired I stop for a bit. Overall I am really trying to focus on back tension and my follow through, when I really pay attention to those two things my shots are much better.

Damn it I guess I will look into a hard case, but not for a month or so.

I have heard that doing a 3D league is really helpful so I will look into doing some of those in the spring and summer.
 
#14
Re: Got My First Bow!

I use soft cases, but than again, I don't beat the shit out of my bow cases to where I need a hard case. You can store your bow anyway you like. Storing your bow at max poundage won't affect anything that I"m aware of.
 
#15
Re: Got My First Bow!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fisky</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use soft cases, but than again, I don't beat the shit out of my bow cases to where I need a hard case. You can store your bow anyway you like. Storing your bow at max poundage won't affect anything that I"m aware of. </div></div>
you are right fisky..its depend on situation which is best suited hard/soft case .
 
#16
Re: Got My First Bow!

Brian, skb makes a nice case for around 100. It is made for a parallel limb bow like you have. The bows do seem to shot better maxed out or close. Also twenty good arrows at practice is better than 50 ok arrows. BTW I have this skb case and use it to haul my bow around the mountains. You have just picked up another expensive hobby.
 
#17
Re: Got My First Bow!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rthur</div><div class="ubbcode-body">BTW I have this skb case and use it to haul my bow around the mountains. You have just picked up another expensive hobby.</div></div>

Thanks Art I will have to check out that case. I hope it isn't as expensive as shooting, I can't afford two such hobbies
wink.gif
 
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