Newest Archer in our family!!

[returnofsid]

Last Friday, we took our daughter, Madison, to the Black Sheep, in Coeur d' Alene, ID to try out some bows.  Excellent customer service!  We're now the proud parents of the newest archer in our family.  After shooting a couple different bows, she fell in love with the Mission Craze! 



We went to our local club (Evergreen Archery Club) range today, to sight in her bow. Unfortunately, I forgot to take an allen wrench! Also, it was super windy and cold. So, she shot for about 45 minutes and then we came home to warm up. Need to work on her form a bit, specifically keeping her back straight.  I also think we need to shorten her draw length to 19", from the current 20". We had a great time!







One issue that we're experiencing and I hope someone can advise me on the best course of action.

She used to shoot a "toy" Bear Brave, with arrows we purchased from Walmart.  We "upgraded" from the toy arrows to the Walmart arrows because the "safety tips" pulled off of the toy arrows the first time we pulled them from a bag target.  So, we purchased Walmart arrows that had actual inserts and put field tips on them.  Well, when she shoots those arrows, from the Mission Craze, the knock comes out of the arrow, sticking to the string, every time.  In fact, I had to remove the knocks from the string and place them back into the arrows, for the above photo.  The knocks are actually a bit difficult to remove from the string.  Is this happening because the current knocks are too tight, because the string is brand new, needing to "wear in," or because the Draw Weight is only at 17 lbs?  We are having custom arrows made up for her, from Big Rack Custom Arrows. They'll be Deer Crossing Arrows, Hunter series, in 600 Spine, cut to 22" and "girlied up."  I'm hoping that the different knocks will solve this problem. 

[PolarBear]

AWESOME!!!!!!!

[Wazukie]

 

[earlmarne]

thats the good stuff right there.I am going to upgrade the boys bow this year

[returnofsid]

Hmmm, I just realized I posted the same photo twice.  Wanted to post different photos, to compare her anchor point in each photo.

In this photo, her anchor point is great, string position off her nose is great, form is really good except for leaning back...



In this photo, the anchor point seems a bit different but not bad.  The string position is nowhere near that of the previous photo...

[sakoshooter]

Very cool.

[Stick em]

Congratulations, looks like you have an bow addict on your hands.  On the nock issue, try a nail file on the inside of the nock where it touches the string. The nock should not have much resistance from the string. Ideally you should be able to nock an arrow and tap the string to get the arrow to fall off.  Walmart arrows will work great for her, you may want to have them cut down to the correct size but most shops do that at no charge.

[4fletch]

For knock problems find some quality knocks , if they are too tight heat up some water dip just the split portion of the knock in to the water and push knock  on and off  the string a few times this will relieve the tightness . I also see that the arrow is extremely long , not sure if this has anything to do with the problem but I would shorten the arrows up first. Congrats on your new hunting partner , you are a lucky man

[returnofsid]

On the nock issue, I've actually considered using hot water, to "stretch" out the string valley. I may also superglue the nocks into the shafts.  The nocks slip in and out of the shaft, way too easily. Yes, the arrows are too long, which may be contributing to the problem.  However, they don't have to last much longer.  I'm having Big Rack Custom Arrows build her a dozen Deer Crossing Arrows (Hunters) in 600 spine.  They'll be cut to 22" to allow for a couple inches of growth.  Of course, they'll be completely "girlied up" pink and yellow, along with pink/silver glitter!  LOL

[returnofsid]

We lowered the Draw Length on Madison's bow to 19" and raised the Draw Weight to 20 lbs.  Her form immediately improved, as did her aim.  She had no problems at all drawing the bow back, through 15 shots.  She'd have kept shooting if she didn't have to get ready for dance practice!

[hollymaster]

 

[jackelope]

That's awesome!

[returnofsid]

I just received a progress photo of the arrows that Big Rack Custom Arrows is making for Madison.  She's going to LOVE THEM!  They're Deer Crossing arrows, 500 spine.

[returnofsid]

Here's the newest photo update.  All fletched up...

[returnofsid]

Latest update!  Madison was absolutely speechless when she saw these.  I've gotta say, I'm very impressed by this company!  His customer service, communication and dedication to pleasing the customer are impeccable!  Also, his "family values" really impress me!  He actually apologized for the arrows taking so long to be completed, explaining that he tries to wait until after his children have gone to bed, before working on arrows, so as not to take time away from his family.  These custom arrows took about 3 days to complete, once he received his shipment of materials, that he had to custom order for these arrows.  His 5 year old daughter will help "glitter" them up in the morning.  The glitter was her idea so Madison requested that he allow her to help him do that part of this custom build.

My answer to him was, "Sounds like your priorities are right where they need to be!"  3 days is nothing to wait, considering the end results!!