Asiatic Bows

Choosing your first horse bow

Start lighter than you think. A horse bow is drawn to the corner of the mouth or past it, often with a thumb ring, and a weight that feels easy in the shop feels heavy by the fortieth arrow. Juniors usually start at 15# to 20# and new adult archers at 20# to 30#; a thumb ring takes about 5# off what you can hold, so 15# to 25# on a ring.

Length and draw

Every bow here lists its longest draw. Measure yours by drawing an arrow to your anchor and having a friend mark it at the back of the bow; the bow's longest draw should be at least that. Short Turkish bows such as the Queyue suit a draw up to 32 inches, long Han and Mongol bows go further.

Thumb ring or fingers

Most bows here shoot either way. A thumb draw needs a thumb ring and arrows fletched for it; a finger draw needs a tab or glove. An Asiatic bow is never strung with a bow stringer; the Asiatic Bows stringing guide shows how it is done.