Newbie Question(s)

[kekindt]

Ok... I've been reading the forums here or a while and just joined up. I'm also just starting out in archery. I bought a Parker Extreme Ultra-Lite 31 online as part of a package (from hunters friend) and they set it up for me with a 27in draw length @ 60# (it has 60-70# limbs). It's a great bow and I like it a lot. I had it set to 60# because I went to a couple of shops and pulled back bows and found 60# wasn't bad to pull but I was doing it with my fingers. When they setup my bow had them set it up with a D loop and it came with a tru-lite patriot release. I can pull the bow with my fingers fine (for about 5 shots and then my arm starts to wear out). If I try to use the release I can't pull it back to full draw. Either my arms aren't long enough or I just don't have the back muscles yet. Thinking that a shorter release my help (the patriot seems huge as I have to reach quite far for the trigger) so I picked up a Scott Caliper release today (with the adjustable cord) which is adjusted over an inch shorter than the patriot but still can't get it back to full draw.

So my question is (sorry it's been a long time coming here), should I try to shorten the draw length to 26.5 or just keep using my fingers (knowing I won't be spot on for a while) until my back muscles beef up a bit?

Plus, does anyone have a good way to build up your muscles that's not supper time consuming (I have an 18 month old to chase around too)?

Thanks,

Kevin

[shoot-em-dead]

I would shorten up the bow and practice with the release.

[mtbiker]

I got into archery last spring (lovin' it!) and can relate to your questions  Here's a couple of thoughts.  First, I would visit a local pro shop and make sure all aspects of the bow and release are fitting correctly.  The guys at Wholesale Sports in Federal Way did a great job of getting me setup.   I know others on this site have had good things to say regarding some of the other pro shops in the Seattle-Tacoma area.

To improve my draw strength and endurance I I have added dumbbell bent-over rows to my 2-3 per week weight workouts.  Using a 35 lbs dumbbell I've been doing 3 sets, 15 reps per arm.  I do the same for both arms for muscle balance.  Do a search online for information on performing a proper bent-over dumbbell row.  Also, a friend of mine recommended getting some heavy surgical tubing and tying it into a loop to form a sling that can be used to simulate a draw.

-steve

[yajsab]

I was facing the same issue when I started.  I don't think it's the muscle.  Just keep practicing with the release.  It just take a little use to with the release because it straps to your wrist.  If the draw length is correct, you might want to drop the poundage until you're comfortable with the release.  Then you can set the poundage back to 60.

[Shootmoore]

Its the muscle strength, don't feel bad about it drawing a bow is using muscles that you don't usually use.  I was scrawny when I was in jr high school and it was my favorite trick to have adults who did not shoot bow try and pull back my compound set at 80#.  Some suggestions to building up the muscles.

heavy surgical tubing double it up and tie off your release on one end, use a drawing motion and draw past your anchor point.

Pick yourself up an inexpensive recurve in the 40# range and practice with that till you build up the muscles.  This has the benefit of learning to shoot a bow instinctive.  In my opinion anyone new to archery should learn to shoot this way first then go to sights. 
just like a new rifle shooter should learn to shoot with iron sights and then go to a scope.

Also technique could be an issue.  I see many people try to draw the bow back with one hand.  You should push away withe the weak arm as you pull back with the strong arm.  Welcome to archery!

Shootmoore

[kekindt]

Thanks for all your input. Once the temperature gets a bit above ice, I'll start working on the weak arm at the gym.

[BLKBEARKLR]

I have been archery hunting for many years. Pulling back a bow with fingers is a lot different in my opinion if you are being able to pull it back with fingers 5-6 times then you are developing the muscle groups needed for pulling the bow back. A lot of people when using fingers grip it hard and use bicep and forearm to pull it back. When using the release you are using more shoulder and lats. If you are being able to pull it back but not have it cross over the valley you may want to get the measurements checked out to make sure that you are at the proper length. If you are then work on your form.

There are also some large rubber bands that you can purcahse that help develop and maintain your muscles when you cant get to the gym, I have used them a lot when deployed.

So all in all just my opinion hope it helps you out some, and welcome to the world of archery!!!!!

Joe

[Todd_ID]

My initial guess is that the draw length is too long, but it's just a guess.  Try posting a picture of you at full draw when you feel comfortable and about ready to shoot (from the side with the string and arrow completely in the picture).  We'll be able to help out a bunch from that one picture.  Another picture from above looking down at the top of your head with all of the bow in it would help with form issues, also.  Your muscles quickly become conditioned to shooting.  Once you get everything set up right, and it may already be, you'll find that you will be able to go from 2 draws then exhausted to 30 draws before exhaustion in probably a couple weeks.  In archery, practice is more about conditioned muscle response than about aiming and shooting.