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Category: Compound

Question for the Coach: I am very new in this field. I am considering taking up this sport seriously for competition as well as hunting. I've tried few shots but am not sure especially the length etc etc. Budget. I'm in my early forties. Is it too late for competition or just go for recreational. Any recommendation for the type/brand of compound bow, budget.

Coach's Answer: The great thing about our sport is that it is never too late for competition. Some of the 40 and 50 year olds out there (and older) are the best in the world. Archery is incredible in that way. When it comes to deciding on whether you want to go competitive or not, I'd suggest by starting with local small competitions and see how they go. If you like it and as you improve, you will find yourself going to bigger and bigger ones. When it comes to equipment the type of competition you decide on will make a big difference. What I would suggest is find a club or archery store in your local area where you can try out some equipment and get coaching. Getting your own bow is something you want to do after you have shot a few and figured out what you really want. At that point I'd suggest looking for a good used bow as you'll get much better equipment for the same amount of money. It's a much better way to go at the beggining. With time you will learn about all the different types of equipment out there and can pick and choose the perfect setup for you. Good luck with everything and let us know if there is anything else we can do to help you get started or if you can't find a club or range in your area.

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Note: The coaching tips present here are the opinions of tip's author and do not necessarily reflect what is best for any particular archer.