The basic necessities for
archery are a bow, arrows and target.
Beyond that, the gear that will make archery safer and more enjoyable
are a quiver to carry the arrows in, an armguard to protect from string
slap to the arm and some hand or finger protection to cushion the skin
from the bow string.
The usual items necessary for traditional archery are:
Beginners fiberglass bows are available in some variety under $50, and
complete "sets" comfortably under $100.
Better bows of wood & fiberglass start with imports from about $130
& up.
Quality American made bows are available for well under $300.
A nicer American made longbow will average between $395 - $500.
Custom bows can range in the $600 to nearly $1000. See Bow Listings
Arrow choices are based on
the archer's preference, purpose and budget.
We can help you to choose the best arrow for your needs.
We will need to know:
#1) Your bow type (recurve or longbow),
#2) Your bow's draw weight,
#3) Your draw length (see "How
to measure your draw-length")
#4) Your intended use:
(Target, Olympic/Tournament, Re-enactment, Hunting, or a combination)
Targets are one of the three prerequisites to the sport of archery (the
other two being a bow and some arrows).
There are actually two parts to the target: the target back (the thick
area that the arrow sinks into, which can be Styrofoam, straw or other
fiber) and the target face made of paper, cloth or Tyvek, which is
decorated with rings or other images for scoring.
The target face is pinned on the
target back and is changed as needed.
Target backs cost from $54.00 for the "Arrow
Stopper" target to hundreds of dollars for a high grade straw
model.
Target faces cost from $1.25 apiece for 16" printed paper to $50.00
and up for fitted Tyvek models.
Gloves and Finger tabs serve to protect the hand from the repetitive
pressure of the bowstring against the soft inner finger.
The choice of fingertab or glove is a matter of personal preference and
is not essential gear for archery, but they can certainly make the sport
more enjoyable.
A fingertab ("Tab") is simply a piece of leather with a hole
cut in it and shaped to drape evenly over the surface of the inner hand
where it meets the bow string.
They are made in small, medium and large sizes.
Shooting gloves come in a multitude of styles and sizes.
They are both worn on the string holding hand. See How to Use a Finger Tab
Armguards are an important, but not essential, accessory for successful
archery.
The purpose of an armguard is to protect the inner-lower bow
holding arm from potential injury due to string slap at the time
of arrow release.
Anyone who has ever felt the sting and burn of a bowstring will remember
how it feels.
Avoidance of injury is important for children (as it is for adults, too)
and so an armguard is recommended.
Quivers come in many shapes and materials.
The simple purpose of a quiver is to carry arrows.
Storage of arrows is also the task of a quiver.
Safety is enhanced by a quiver, too, as the arrows are neatly tucked
away until ready for shooting.
Carrying loose arrows can be hazardous for anyone, but especially for
children.
These handy arrow holders come in shoulder, hip and back and ground
models.
Bow quivers are useful for hunters or prolonged practice.
Bow Stringers are simply
made and simple to use.
They are constructed of 2 leather pieces and some strong, thin rope.
The leather pieces are each folded over to create a pocket and then
securely attached to either end of the rope.
The purpose of a Bow Stringer is to pull the bow limbs forward evenly
and allow for easier application of the string to the tips.
A Bow Stringer is highly recommended for wooden Recurves and Longbows.
They not only make stringing the bow much easier and prevents twisting
and damage to the limbs, but most importantly, it is the SAFEST way.
A bow stringer is ABSOLUTELY necessary with a flat-limbed bow in order
to avoid twisting the limbs with other methods of stringing, such as the
"step-through".
We will custom fit your bow stringer to your bow at no additional
charge, if ordered with a new bow.
Lessons can
coach the beginning and intermediate archer to gain knowledge in correct
technique. Archery lessons can be found through many athletic and
sportsman's organizations and at some archery stores.
We provide lessons and shooting practice time here at our indoor lanes.
There are also many books and videos available particular to different
intentions and styles of shooting.
Some brief discussion with our knowledgeable help will quickly sort out
the best options in equipment for your needs and budget.
Also see