[mark12_30]

Ready for the elvish archer plunge, eh? Too bad we can't ship you off to Mirkwood, and get them to set you up just like Legolas. But that kind of expert measurement and advice is exactly what you need.

Baran, go to a store where they will analyze your technique and your body, let you try the bows, ***and shoot them***, so that you get a feeling for the size and draw weight that is best for you. A good store (a good salesman) will measure your draw length VERY carefully (this has a HUGE effect on your release and therefore your accuracy.) A bad draw length will have you releasing to the left an annoying amount of the time.

There's a common tendency to overestimate draw length, but underestimating it would be just as bad-- so have an expert set you up. It will make a huge difference. In fact, rather than buying a good expensive bow with nobody to help you, I'd spend part of the money on travel. I'd go on a quest to find an Archery Master who can tell me exactly what size and draw I need, and get a less expensive bow. Having the bow correctly "tailored" to your body is extremely important-- especially with a traditional bow that can't exactly be adjusted with the turn of a wrench!

But, okay, other stuff I think you'll want:

You'll need arrows (OF THE CORRECT LENGTH--- get an expert to find that length for you. If you're shooting traditional, consider "real" feather fletching instead of plastic fletching; expensive, but often better for traditional bows. Arrows will run you anywhere from $80 to $180 or $200 a dozen, wild guess. Get practice points, not broadheads. Don't get broadheads until you can shoot reliably and are otherwise ready to go hunting.)

Remember Legolas's leather forearm bracers? You'll probably want a forearm guard for your bow arm, for maybe ten or twenty bucks.

Although Legolas shoots barefingered, I don't recommend it. Nerve damage is NASTY. So for your drawing hand either a tab or a glove. (I have a leather "glove" that sheathes my index, middle and ring finger, and I love it. About twenty bucks.)

Legolas's quiver is on his back-- nowadays they clip onto your belt rather nicely. I forget how much they cost.)

Unlike Legolas who simply carries his cherished bow everywhere he goes and never bumps or nicks or bangs it, you'll eventually want a case or cover to protect your beautiful new bow and all your accesories. Those vary in cost too.

Legolas has orcs to shoot; you don't. So you'll need a target. Foam targets are good; "eternity" targets are excellent (you can put them in your basement!) Get something that will really stop an arrow.

And then you need a hill or berm to shoot against, or a good sturdy wall that you don't mind putting holes into when you miss.

But most of all-- get that expert advice before you buy. Baran, if you get a bow that's really right for you, all this will be much more enjoyable. Make sure you're getting a bow that fits your body and your endurance.

[ April 01, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]