Choosing Your First Compound Bow: A Practical Guide for Beginners

If you're a beginner in archery and considering your first compound bow, this guide is designed for you.

Whether you plan to shoot for sport, leisure, or skill development, choosing the right equipment is essential for progress and safety.

Unlike traditional recurve bows, compound bows use cams and let-off systems to reduce draw weight at full draw. This makes it easier to aim steadily, especially for new archers building form and muscle memory.

Below, we introduce two excellent beginner models from EK Archery, and offer key considerations for selecting a compound bow that suits your build, strength, and goals.

Recommended Beginner Compound Bows from EK Archery

Both models listed below are designed to support progression, with wide adjustability and solid performance. Suitable for adults, youth, or smaller-frame users.

EK Archery Anvil

An ideal choice for beginners seeking comfort, stability, and adjustability. The Anvil is compact, easy to manage, and comes in three colours: Black, Dark Grey, and Folium Camo.

• Draw Weight: 15–55 lbs (adjustable)
• Draw Length: 15”–27”
• Let-off: 70%
• Brace Height:25”
• Axle to Axle: 27”
• Mass Weight:5 kg
• Target Group: Adult beginners, female archers
• Key Feature: Well-balanced design with vibration dampening, promoting better control during learning.

EK Archery Exterminator

If you prefer greater flexibility or plan to grow quickly in your practice, the Exterminator offers a broader range of adjustments and often comes as a full RTS (Ready-To-Shoot) set.

• Draw Weight: 15–70 lbs
• Draw Length:75”–31.25”
• Let-off: 75%
• Brace Height:125”
• Axle to Axle: 30”
• Mass Weight:6 kg
• Target Group: Teens, female archers, users seeking a lightweight setup
• Key Feature: Lightweight yet powerful; intuitive to set up and suitable for steady progression.

What Beginners Should Consider When Buying a Compound Bow

1. Draw Length & Draw Weight

Your draw length must match your arm span to ensure proper posture and shot consistency.
General rule: Arm span (in cm) ÷ 2.5 = estimated draw length
Too short, and you lose stability. Too long, and you risk poor form or injury.

Draw weight refers to the effort needed to fully draw the bow. Beginners are advised to start with a low draw weight (15–30 lbs) and gradually increase as strength improves.

2. Bow Weight (Mass Weight)

The total weight of the bow affects both fatigue and shooting stability. A slightly heavier bow (1.4–1.8 kg) often provides better balance and reduced hand shock, ideal for target shooting.

However, smaller-framed individuals may find heavier bows tiring. If the bow exceeds 2 kg, it may hinder learning due to muscle fatigue or instability.

3. Bare Bow vs. RTS Kits

Beginners are usually better off with RTS (Ready-To-Shoot) packages, which include:

• Sight
• Arrow rest
• Quiver
• Peep sight
• D-loop
• Stabiliser

This allows you to start training immediately without the challenge of sourcing and installing individual components.

Bare bows are generally intended for experienced archers who wish to fine-tune their setup.

4. Adjustability

A good beginner bow should "grow with you."

Choose models with wide adjustment ranges for both draw length and draw weight. This avoids the need to replace equipment too soon and supports a smooth transition into intermediate skill levels.

5. Safety & Fit First

Never choose a bow solely based on power or appearance. Proper fit, comfort, and safety are far more important, especially in the early stages.

Testing the bow at a shop or archery centre is highly recommended.

Beginner Tips for Archery Success

• Practice with close targets first (5–10 metres)
• Focus on form, not power
• Use safety gear like armguards and finger tabs
• Record your form or seek feedback from an instructor
• Be patient and consistent – accuracy improves with routine

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a compound bow better than a recurve bow for beginners?

Both have merits. Recurve bows are lighter and simpler, ideal for learning fundamentals. Compound bows offer higher accuracy and less strain at full draw, making them ideal for longer-term progression.

Should adults start with high draw weights?

No. Even fit adults should start with lower draw weights to ensure proper form. Many bows offer adjustable draw weight, which you can increase gradually.

Can children use compound bows?

Yes, but only with youth-specific models featuring short draw lengths and low weight. Always provide supervision and safety equipment when training young archers.

Start Your Archery Journey with Confidence

Whether you're seeking a hobby, sport, or new challenge, the EK Archery Anvil and Exterminator provide reliable performance, comfort, and room for growth—ideal companions for beginners in Europe.

👉 Visit your local archery shop or certified EK Archery distributor to try them in person.