How to choose your first compound bow in Canada

Stand with your arms stretched out to the sides and have someone measure from fingertip to fingertip in inches. Divide by 2.5. That's a good starting estimate of your draw length: a 70" wingspan gives about 28".

Adjustable bows forgive a rough estimate. The Dragon X7 and Dragon X8 adjust over about 13 inches of draw length, so you can fine-tune once you're shooting.

Start lighter than you think. Learning form at a weight you can draw smoothly, without lifting the bow skyward, builds accuracy faster than struggling with a heavy bow. You can turn the weight up as you get stronger.

If you plan to hunt, check your province's minimum draw weight for the game you're after, and practise at that weight beforehand.

IBO speed is measured with a 70 lb draw weight, a 30" draw length and a 350-grain arrow, so you can compare bows fairly. Your own arrow speed will be lower if your draw weight or draw length is lower, or your arrows heavier. For a first bow, fit and adjustability matter more than the last 10 FPS.

A ready-to-shoot package gives you a sight, rest, stabilizer, arrows and release that are already matched to the bow, usually for less than buying them separately. Every Sanlida Dragon bow except the Dragon 10 bare bow is sold as a package.