What to Look for When Buying a Used Bow | Key Factors to Consider

If you’re in the market for a used bow, whether you’re an experienced archer looking for an upgrade or a newbie just starting in the world of archery, you’ve come to the right place.

Buying a used bow can be a great way to save money and get a high-quality bow. However, it’s important to be careful when buying a used bow, as there are a few things you need to look for to make sure you’re getting a good deal.

In this article, I am going to equip you with the knowledge you need to make a smart purchase and hit your bullseye.

What to Look for When Buying a Used Bow — Buying a Used Bow

Table of Contents

First, Identify Your Needs

Before you embark on your used bow hunting expedition, it’s essential to know what you’re looking for. There are different types of bows out there, each catering to different archery styles and skill levels. So, the first step is to identify your archery needs.

Whether you’re into target shooting, bowhunting, or archery competitions, your choice of bow will differ. Consider your experience level as well. If you’re a beginner, you might opt for a versatile, user-friendly bow. If you’re an experienced archer, your needs could lean toward a more specialized bow.

Draw Length and Draw Weight

Draw length and draw weight are two crucial factors that determine the suitability of a bow for an individual archer. These factors ensure that the bow is a good fit for the archer’s body and the intended use of the bow.

Draw length is the distance between the nock of the arrow and the anchor point on the archer’s face when the bowstring is fully drawn. The anchor point is the point where the bowstring touches the archer’s face, typically near the corner of the mouth or under the chin. The correct draw length is essential for accuracy and comfort. A bow that is too long or too short can cause the archer to strain, which can lead to inaccurate shots and fatigue.

If you are a novice archer and willing to buy a used bow for beginning your journey then you can identify your draw length by dividing 2.5 by the total span of your arm.

Draw weight is the amount of force required to draw the bowstring to the full draw length. The draw weight of a bow is measured in pounds. A bow with a higher draw weight requires more force to draw than a bow with a lower draw weight. The draw weight of a bow should be appropriate for the archer’s strength and experience level. A beginner may want to start with a bow with a lower draw weight, while a more experienced archer may prefer a bow with a higher draw weight.

How to choose the right draw length and draw weight for you?

The best way to choose the right draw length and draw weight for you is to work with a qualified archery instructor. They can help you determine your correct draw length and recommend a bow with the appropriate draw weight for your strength and experience level.

Here are some general guidelines for choosing the right draw weight:

Beginners: 20-30 pounds
Intermediate archers: 30-40 pounds
Experienced archers: 40-60 pounds
Competitive archers: 60+ pounds

It is important to note that these are just general guidelines. The best way to choose the right draw weight is to experiment and find a bow that you can comfortably draw and shoot accurately.

Check with the Parts of the Bow

Once you have a clear picture of the type of bow you need, it’s time to get hands-on. When you come across a used bow that piques your interest, give it a thorough once-over.

Limbs

The limbs are the most important part of the bow, as they are responsible for generating the power to propel the arrow. Look for any cracks or damage to the limbs, especially around the limb pockets (where the limbs attach to the riser). Cracks or damage in these areas can indicate that the limbs have been compromised and may not be safe to shoot.

Cams

Cams are the mechanisms that power the compound bow. They work by converting the archer’s draw force into kinetic energy, which is then transferred to the limbs and ultimately the arrow. Look for any damage or wear to the cams, especially around the cam axles and cable grooves. Damaged or worn cams can affect the bow’s performance and accuracy.

String and cables

The string and cables are the parts of the bow that connect the cams to the limbs and propel the arrow. Look for any fraying or damage to the string and cables. Fraying or damage can indicate that the string and cables are nearing the end of their lifespan and may break, which can be dangerous.

Riser

The riser is the central part of the bow that holds all of the other components together. Look for any cracks or damage to the riser, especially around the screw holes and mounting points. Cracks or damage in these areas can indicate that the riser has been compromised and may not be safe to shoot.

Check with Noise and Vibration

Noise and vibration are two important factors to consider when inspecting a used bow. Excessive noise or vibration can indicate that the bow is not in good condition and may not be safe to shoot.

Noise

A bow should make a relatively quiet sound when it is shot. If a bow makes a loud noise, it can be a sign of several problems, including:

A cracked or damaged limb
A worn or damaged string or cable
Loose screws or mounting bolts
A problem with the cam timing

Vibration

A bow should vibrate very little when it is shot. If a bow vibrates excessively, it can be a sign of several problems, including:

A cracked or damaged limb
A loose limb pocket
A loose riser
A problem with the cam timing

What to Look for When Buying a Used Bow | Key Factors to Consider