This question will yield differing answers from different coaches. As a rule a student archer should use a lower draw weight whilst perfecting the right technique. It is good technique that makes a consistently accurate archer not a powerful bow. A common mistake made by newcomers is to rush excitedly to a supplier (and why not!) but buy too high a draw weight bow thinking that they will “grow into it”. The problem is that in struggling to pull back the weight, the archer loses consistent technique and inevitably fails to perform well. This leads to frustration and disenchantment, which is sad, because it is a sport to enjoy.

Once an archer has mastered a good technique, the next element is how regularly they train. In all sports the body has to be conditioned to perform by slowly building up form and then maintaining good performance with consistent training. If you start with a low poundage bow and then keep practicing, then your body will be able to move up to greater draw weights steadily until the desired one is reached relative to the distances you need to shoot. This will vary considerably between archers. To land accurate shots over distance needs a rock steady technique as well as power in the bow, that ultimately gets you the rush of satisfaction when mastered.

If you know that regular practice is difficult to fit in with your lifestyle, then it is better to buy a lower poundage bow and stick to shorter target ranges so that you can continue to enjoy the sport on a casual basis.

Parents of juniors need to remember that a young body is developing very quickly. The general rule of national coaches is to not allow bows over 20lbs draw weight for youngsters. This lessens the possibility of damage to developing bones and joints from the stress of pulling heavy weights, which could lead to arthritic conditions in later life. The competition rounds that juniors shoot limit the target distances anyway, so there is no need for them to aspire to long shots at this stage. As a junior archer grows, the progression to stronger bows can be gauged according to their stature and training regime.