Going into an archery shop for the first time can be daunting if you don’t know what you’re looking for. We’ve compiled a guideline with suggested talking points and questions that you can ask the shop employees to help you go into your first interaction with the right tools. As the saying goes, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” We’re here to help fill in those gaps.

Check Your Draw Weight and Draw Length

Before you even begin to pick out a bow, have the shop employee measure your draw length and draw weight. These measurements will vary depending on the bow. For example, one bow could have a draw weight requirement of 45 pounds but another bow from the same manufacturer can go all the way down to 14 pounds. One bow might have a draw length requirement of 26.5 inches while another bow can go down to a draw length of 18 inches. Knowing your draw weight and draw length is crucial to knowing what kinds of bows will fit you best. This should be the first step before you begin looking at equipment.

Confirm Your Budget

We all know that budgets play a key role in equipment purchases. Sometimes you have to walk into a store with strict parameters in mind to keep your spending in check. Walk into an archery shop with your list of needs, wants and a concrete budget just as you would at a grocery store. Let the archery shop employee know what your budget is from the beginning of the convo so that they can help direct you to the appropriate bows and accessories without getting you hooked on something outside of your price range.

If you’ve been saving up for the gear and your budget is flexible, let the employee show you their personal recommendations and direct your conversation with specific questions like “I’ll mainly be practicing outdoors. What’s the best bow for those conditions?” or “I’m looking to get my child a bow, but I want them to be able to grow with it. Do you have any adjustable bows?”

Ask About Discounts

Ask the employees whether they provide a discount on archery lessons if you buy a bow at their store. See if there are any discounts for bundling gear. If they sell used bows, ask whether they have a trade-in policy that allows you to sell them your bow and put the money toward the next bow you buy if you decide to upgrade or need one with a heavier draw weight as you progress. Don’t be afraid to ask these questions. Sales associates are happy to promote their deals if they have them, and if they don’t, you might give them something to think about for the future.

Discuss Accessories

Once you’ve selected your bow, it’s time to talk about accessories. The arrows you need will depend on the draw length and draw weight of your bow. Ask the shop employee which arrows are right for the bow you selected. Easton Archery provides a chart that shows you the specs you’ll need for your setup, but interpreting it will take some getting used to. In the meantime, the employees know these specs like the back of their hand and will be able to point you in the right direction.

Once you’ve selected your arrows, discuss the different release options. Finger tab releases and mechanical releases each have a unique feel, so have the employee let you try both of them and choose the one that’s most comfortable for you.

Have the employee show you how to use your sight. You can choose between fixed and adjustable sights. For adjustable sights, you’ll need to change the sight pin as you extend your target range, while a fixed sight will have preset pins for a few different target ranges.

Stabilizers are optional accessories that you connect to your bow, acting as counterweights to help balance the bow in your hands. These accessories aren’t required and won’t affect your ability to learn archery but might make it easier. Test them out and see if you like how they feel or if you prefer holding the bow without them.

Find a Store

Check out our store locator to find a store near you and get yourself set up with the right gear for your style. Go into the shop with confidence and ask clarifying questions any time you’re unsure of what’s being explained. The archery shop employees love this sport and they’re knowledgeable, ready and willing to help you find your passion for it too!