Advice for a newb

[eyedr]

I got my bow back in september and I have been shooting a bunch more this spring when the weather permits. I am having some problem with the string hitting my coats or jackets. Im not quite sure what I am doing wrong. I have a forearm guard for to help with my bulkier jackets but i still seem to be brushing my coat with my string. Is my draw length set a little to long? Any advice would be great.

[DonBo]

The draw length may have been set too long to start with, or if it's a new bow, the string could be stretching, resulting in too long of a draw length. That may be the cause. It could also be as simple as how you grip the bow, or your needing to SLIGHTLY bend your bow arm.

Bows that have a very short brace height are much more prone to that problem than bows with a longer brace height.

I'd bring it into a reputable archery pro-shop and let them figure out your problem. Most will do this at no cost. Good luck.

[Bear55]

Use to have this issue with heavier clothing, switching to a shorter than suggest draw length and have had better results. Still happens from time to time if I am really bundled up but its pretty rare doesn't affect the shot as much as a before.

[Scoot]

I'd bring it into a reputable archery pro-shop and let them figure out your problem.

Given the questions you're asking I think DonBo's response is exactly right. There are a number of likely culprits, the main ones being draw length, locked arm, and grip. However, let someone who knows what he's talking about and can see what your doing help you out. Like Don said, it'll likely not cost you a thing and may help in building a relationship with a guy who knows archery well.

[SmellEsox]

Donbo is probably right on. There may be some cost to you at the shop if you need a new cam or draw length module (unless the shop will swap mods). Some shops will charge you if you didn't buy the bow there. It is common for archers to be shooting a bow that is too long in draw length. When I didn't know better, I was shooting a 31 inch DL, when I'm actually more like a 28.5 or 29.

[Gus]

You can't have proper form without correct draw length. Echo what others have said, go to a Pro shop and let them help you make sure you are setup properly. Then move onto examining yourself for form faults.

It's not going to hurt to tell them your issue and ask for help correcting it. Most pro shops that I've worked with are MORE than willing to get a guy on the right track. Be up front with your inexperience and your eagerness to get going in the right direction.

[eyedr]

Perfect, thanks for the responses. The guy I bought it from knows his stuff and I'm sure he will help me out. I just wanted to make sure I tried everything before I went in. This site had been and excellent resource for me already for my new found love of archery. Thanks guys. One more quick question. I started out shooting at 60 lbs, I'm at 65 now and I'm just curious if there is a need for me to shoot over 65 lbs?

[mainbutter]

I'm just curious if there is a need for me to shoot over 65 lbs?

Short answer: Only in Africa.

Longer answer: Trial and error is the only thing that will let you know where you get better or worse by going bigger. Just remember, 200fps or 350fps, a deer at 40 yards still has plenty of time to duck if it reacts to the sound of your bow. Similarly, a 40lb trad bow is a great deer killer. I personally shoot a much lower weight than you do, because that's what I can handle, and if I went bigger my shots would suffer. You don't NEED more, but certain individuals are capable of more than some of us and might benefit from more. I can't predict how your groupings will react to going bigger.

I'd love to hurl heavy arrows from a big 70lb limb setup and crush shoulder blades, but that's not what I'm built for. I'm built for making sure I have a good shot at the boiler room when a deer at 25 yards is quartering away, and that's more than I "need".

65lb compound bows today are pretty dang good for all north american big game.

[eyedr]

Turns out it was a form problem. The guy I bought the bow from helped set me straight. I have been shooting like crazy and I'm sure getting excited to get out in the woods. Is it sept? A lot of golf to be played and fish to be caught before then but I am day dreaming about my first full season.