How to pick your first recurve, step by step.
A short, plain-English guide for Australian beginners. Match the bow to the archer, pick a draw weight you can actually shoot, and know exactly what comes in the box.
1. Match the bow length to the archer
F158 and F168C are both full-size 68" recurves and suit most adults. The F167 is a 66" ILF target recurve, slightly shorter and built around an upgrade path.
2. Pick a safe draw weight
Most adult beginners do best at 18 – 26 lb. Stronger or returning archers usually sit at 28 – 32 lb. Treat 34 – 40 lb as experienced-only or coach-guided.
3. Confirm how you'll use it
These bows are for target practice and beginner training. No broadheads, no hunting. Sets do not include arrows — message us if you need a separate sea-freight arrow shipment.
Already know which sentence sounds like you?
Jump to the three bowsF158 · F168C · F167
Every spec side by side. Find the row that matters most to you — the buyer sentence, draw weight, or price — and let it decide.
| Compare | F158 | F168C | F167 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buyer in one sentence | "I want a proper training bow." | "I want a beautiful, relaxed bow." | "I want a bow I can keep training on." |
| Best beginner profile | Entry target training | Relaxed recreational practice | Committed beginner / returning archer |
| Bow length | 68" | 68" | 66" |
| Draw weight | 18 – 40 lb · every 2 lb | 18 – 40 lb · every 2 lb | 20 – 40 lb · 6 options |
| Set price | A$179 | A$159 | A$219 |
| Bow-only price | A$129 | A$119 | A$159 |
| Colors | Black · Blue · Yellow · White · Red | Wood color | Red · Black · Blue |
| Open kit | F158 | F168C | F167 |
Start lighter than you think.
The most common beginner mistake is buying too much poundage. You fatigue faster, you build worse form, and you shoot less. Use the chart as a starting point and stay lighter if you're unsure.
Found your weight? Open the kit that fits.
F158
18 – 40 lb · standard target training
Open F158F168C
18 – 40 lb · wood traditional feel
Open F168CF167
20 – 40 lb · ILF progression
Open F167
How to set up your bow safely.
Every Archeryline set ships with a bow stringer. Use it every time you brace or unbrace the bow — twisting limbs without a stringer is the number-one cause of damage.
- 01Lay out the limbs, riser, string, and stringer on a clean surface and check nothing is cracked or marked.
- 02Slot the limbs into the riser pockets and tighten until they're seated firmly.
- 03Loop the bowstring nocks over each limb tip — make sure they sit in the string grooves.
- 04Use the included bow stringer to brace the bow. Never string a recurve without a stringer.
- 05Install the arrow rest and the nock set on the string.
- 06Check the brace height and limb alignment. Stop and contact us if anything feels off.
- 07Start at short distance with a safe backstop. Build form before stepping up the weight.
Every Archeryline set ships with a bow stringer and the accessories from this guide.
See what's in every kitYou know enough to pick a bow.
Open the shop, pick the bow that matches your sentence, then choose a draw weight from the chart above. If you also need arrows, message us first so we can quote separate sea-freight timing.
Still on the fence?
The questions we hear most often from Australian beginners. Safety basics — arrows, targets, supervision — are included down the list. If yours isn't here, message us and we'll answer personally.
- 01
Which model should I choose?
Choose F158 if you want a standard 68" entry target bow for adult range practice. Choose F168C if you want a wood-color traditional feel for relaxed recreational practice. Choose F167 if you want an ILF progression bow for club-style training and future upgrades.
- Use only matched practice arrows and a proper target. No broadheads.
- Inspect the bow before each session. Store unstrung when not in use.
- Always check local council rules before backyard shooting.
- 02
Which draw weight should I choose?
Most beginners should start lighter than they think. Adult beginners usually start between 18-26 lb depending on strength and experience. Stronger or returning archers may choose 28-32 lb. 34-40 lb should be treated as experienced-only or coach-guided.
- 03
I am a lower-strength adult or buying for a teenager. Which weight is safer?
Choose the light end of the range. F168C or F158 at 18-22 lb is usually easier for first practice, smaller adults, and supervised teenagers. 30 lb can feel heavy for a new archer.
- 04
Are arrows included?
No. Sets do not include arrows. The set includes the bow, bowstring, bow stringer, arrow rest, arm guard, finger tab, and setup guide. You still need matched practice arrows and a safe target before shooting. If you need arrows, contact us by WhatsApp or email; arrows cannot be shipped by air, so we can quote a separate sea-freight shipment.
- 05
Do you ship to all of Australia?
Yes. We ship from China to every Australian state and territory with free tracked delivery. Orders process in 1-2 days. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth often arrive in 5-8 days after dispatch. Other Australian areas usually arrive in 6-10 days.
- 06
Will checkout add shipping, remote-area, long-package, tax, or handling fees?
No. Archeryline does not add shipping, remote-area, long-package, packaging, handling, tax, or extra checkout fees. The product price shown in AUD is the price you pay for the bow order.
- 07
Will I receive tracking? What if the parcel is damaged?
Tracking is provided after dispatch. If the parcel arrives damaged or the bow appears defective, keep the packaging and contact us with clear photos within 48 hours of delivery so we can help resolve it.
- 08
Can I exchange or return a bow?
If the draw weight feels wrong before outdoor use, contact us within 14 days of delivery. The item must be unused, unmarked, and in original packaging. Used, assembled, scratched, dry-fired, or customer-damaged bows are not refundable or exchangeable unless defective. Customer pays return freight for draw-weight and other change-of-mind exchanges, and the return address is confirmed by support before anything is sent back.
- 09
Are all bows right hand?
Yes. Current F158, F168C, and F167 stock is right hand only.
- 10
Is this for hunting?
No. These bows are for target practice, beginner training, and club practice. Broadheads are not included or supported.