What Equipment Do You Need to Start Archery

Have you ever been interested in archery but do not know what type of equipment you need to start out with? I did some research and gather for you the most recommended.

To begin with, you will need to have some little interest in archery. Then, you will need such equipment as a bow, arrows, a bow stringer, finger tab, and a target to shoot at. Other items that are recommended but not really required if you are a beginner include: arm guards, arrow rests, quivers and broadhead wrenches. In addition, there are lots of accessories you can get to improve your gear set – even items not from an archery shop

When you become a professional archer, you will be exposed to additional special gear items that will change your life. those items are not required in your first steps, but you will definitely need it in the future.

The Bow

This is what you will start with. You will need a bow in order to teach yourself the art of archery. A bow is important for all types of archery shooting, whether it’s for fun or competition. The fact that you are starting out now should not worry you so much. Archers who compete at the Olympics nowadays started out at some point too. If you grab a good quality bow and keep practice, you may as well find yourself competing at the Olympics someday. there are many types of bows, but ‘Recurve Bow’ is usually the type you want to start with at the beginning. Therefore, I took some time to research on a few varieties of recurve bows that do not cost a fortune.

Outdoor Recurve Bow

Some features that make this type of bow one of the best include: A simple design that is easy for beginners to learn with, it is of high quality and has a comfortable grip that ensures an excellent experience while you shoot at targets. you can find such bow in around $50 online.

Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow

This is a 62-inch bow that comes with a bowstring and an arrow rest. Since it costs around $110, it is something that as a beginner, you might find suitable for your practice sessions.

SAS Spirit 66″ Takedown Recurve Bow

This bow is made of strong fiberglass and normally comes with a 3-year manufacturer warranty. This bow can be found online at around $100.

The Bow Stringer

As an archer, the bow stringer is something you will need. It is quite essential because it is about the only safe way of stringing a bow. The type of stringing is essential because it determines how long both the bow and string will last. A bow stringer makes use of an archer’s body weight to make the recurve bow bend in such a way that the string can slip easily through the limb tips.

In the video above, you can what is bow stringer and how you should use it. Although, this is an art that it is better not do on your own for the first time, and best to be encountered by an experienced archer. They will explain to you how to string and unstring a bow so that you don’t hurt yourself while doing it. I always use a bow stringer whenever I want to string a bow.

My personal favorite is the “Selway Limbsave Recurve Bow Stringer”. Other bow stringers you might want to check out include the Neet Recurve Bow Stringer, Saunders No-Twist Conventional and the SAS Archery Recurve Bow Stringer.

Arrows

Next, After reaching a bow, you will require a few arrows. I propose that you start out with more than one arrow. There are plenty of arrows types, made of various materials such as aluminum, carbon, wood, or aluminum/carbon combination.

It is important that you choose arrows of the right length and stiffness. It is recommended that you buy arrows at the same time you buy a bow since the bow seller/technician will advise you the right arrows size to pick based on your bow size, and your physical dimensions. Bow and arrows for adults, are different from those you will choose for your kid, therefore it is important to consult with professionals in order to do the right choice.

A short arrow presents problems because when it is drawn, there is a risk of falling off and damaging the bow, or worse, harming you. Generally, arrows consist of four parts:

  1. A nock: This is a narrow, long cut made at the end of an arrow so that it clips onto a bowstring easily.
  2. Shaft: The shaft is the arrow’s main body. It is a tube made of aluminum, wood or carbon.
  3. Pile: this is the pointed part of an arrow. It may be made using a different metal from that which makes the shaft so that the arrow flies straight ahead.
  4. Fletchings: these are the feathers or plastic parts attached to the back of the shaft. Fletchings are helpful in making sure that an arrow is stable as it flies through the air.

Targets

You need somewhere to point your arrows at. Targets are what you aim at in the archery field. They can be basic targets or fancy ones, but one thing is certain, a target must be included in your equipment list.

There are times when I just feel like drawing a picture of a deer on a piece of paper and make it my target. Other times, I just want to feel like I’m participating in archery Olympics and will take a circular bulls-eye target to ensure that I have an idea of where I want my arrows to land at.

You can think of targets as consisting of three parts: a boss, made of compressed straw or rubber to stop the arrows safely; a target face, generally made of strengthened paper; and a stand, for keeping the target face and boss in place.

Sporting goods stores and archery stores sell foam blocks that work well, but basically, a stack of hay bales can work excellently without spending any money.

For starters, I would recommend that you begin your practice with the following 2 options:

  • Champion 24 inch Bull’s eye targets: these are some good quality paper targets.
  • Morrell GRN Super Duper Field Point Bag Archery Target: this is a compressed target you can practice on.

Nocking Points

First of all, for some of you that do not know what is a nocking point, it is the exact point on your bowstring that you want to nock your arrow to. It is important to have a nocking point in order to place the arrow in the same place every time and by that to keep your shooting constant.

I use a nocking point anytime I draw an arrow. This way I am able to shoot at my target consistently. It also gives me a better chance of hitting the point I am aiming at every time I draw my bow.

It also helps prevent scraping the bow hand with the arrow’s vanes or fletchings. Making a nocking point is not that complicated. You can make it from tape, brass points or serving string. Any experienced archer can offer assistance to set the nock points at the exact spot you need them.

Here below you can find a nice video I found to create a nocking point easily:

Most of the items discussed above are the essentials equipment you will need in order to start archery on your own. There are more recommended items you should have, in case you will wish to become more professional.

Gloves

Gloves are useful in protecting your fingers while you shoot. I remember I got a few painful blisters on my fingers which really undermined my release. I now use leather gloves on my shooting hand so as to avoid these blisters. By the way, finger tabs work well too.

Recently, finger tabs started including spacers that allow the middle and index fingers to part ways ensuring that you don’t pinch the arrow.

It’s such a relief that you don’t really need to work with readymade kits because you can make them on your own. What’s more? The DIY patterns are also readily available.

My favorite glove is a Neet Suede Shooting Glove. You can find this glove available online in many archery stores.

Arm Guard

With an armed guard, you are able to cover most of your forearm or even your whole arm. This keeps your skin, hair, and sleeves out of the way of the bowstring while you go on releasing the arrow.

While I started out, probably like you are about to, I learned and realized that adjusting my elbow in an upright manner was useful in keeping my arm out of the string’s way.

Alternatively, you could just wear an armed guard that covers most of your arm. As you learn the sport, you will want to keep your skin out of the way. This is because the string will slap or drag along your arm from time to time.

Few arm guards I can recommend are the following:

  • Santu Cowhide Archery Arm Guard
  • Chuangtong Archery Arm Guard Protective Gears Nylon With 3 Elastic Adjustable Straps Camo
  • Allen Company Mesh Archery Arm Guard.

Broadhead Wrench

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIt9oT8jMOM

I use a broadhead wrench to unscrew a broadhead tip from my arrows so that I reduce any chances of slicing my fingers open. If you intend to make use of field tips only in your archery, you might want to wait a while before getting into archery that requires you to use broadheads.

Arrow Rest

I suggest you invest in an arrow rest if you find that your bow does not come equipped with one. An arrow rest gives you somewhere to set your arrows upon as you draw them. It can be a basic fixed rest or a complex one that pulls itself out of the way as you release the arrow.

Some archers use their hands as short-term arrow rests. However, an actual rest is one thing that you will want to complement your bow with after you start using it. Besides, if you want to become a good archer you will need an arrow rest.

Quiver

A quiver is simply a container to put your arrows in before you pick one and use it to shoot. You might be wondering why you can’t put your arrows on the ground. Well, this is not good for the arrow tips. Quivers can be worn around the waist or back for easier pulling during the next shot.

I recommend the Bear Archery Back Quiver. Another type of quiver that might be good for you is the Tarantula Three Tube Quiver.

Summary

That is about what you will need to get your foot into the archery world. You will be able to start with only the essential items, and only after you take your archery hobby to the next level, to proceed with purchasing additional products that will improve your shooting skills. Remember to have fun as you shoot. It’s never that serious out here!

In addition, if you celebrating your birthday or any occasion that requires gifts – you can always request gifts for archers – there are plenty!