Why Start Archery and 5 Must Have Gear
Whether you’re a bow and arrow expert or are just curious about trying a new sport, now is the time to channel your inner Robbin Hood. Diving into archery is fun for folks of all ages. We’ll dive into the ways to find out how you can get started and grab all the best gear.
How to Try Archery
Trying out a new sport can often mean forking over a pretty penny before you’re sure whether you really love it. However, shooting your first arrow is simple. Just give your local archery store a call for a test run.
Archery shops are the place to be for knowledge, equipment repairs, and everything you need when beginning the sport. Most shops also offer lessons and if they don’t, their pro can refer you to expert instructors. Creating a relationship with your nearby store is important since their pros are your go-to folks for all things archery near me.
While finding the best deals online from your couch is always tempting, beginners likely won’t have the best luck. Bows and arrows need to be set up before they’re ready – you can’t just pull them out of the box and start shooting. Get your gear set up by an expert with a quick search for local archery shops.
After finding a shop, ask about their lessons and programs on archery for beginners. Plenty of places will rent bows for use in lessons. This way, you can try the sport an get instructions without making a huge investment on gear.
Though you won’t be running laps or sweating profusely during archery practice, wearing the right clothing is still important. Wear close-toed shoes and dress for the weather when outdoors without getting bulky or baggy. Those with luscious locks should also tie them up in a pony to avoid a tangling debacle.
Upon entering your first lesson, you’ll find a versed instructor who’s eager to help. Start easy by shooting your first arrows at a closer distance while learning archery’s basic techniques. As your skills improve, you’ll begin shooting from increasingly far distances.
It’s likely that once you try archery, you won’t want to stop. As you keep on taking lessons, think about the type of bow you prefer shooting. Perhaps you’ll want to invest in some equipment so you can play at any range.
Types of Bows
The challenge during bow shopping will be selecting the right type based on your archery needs and preferences. Some people pick what looks the coolest, while others base bow purchases on their archery goals. We’ll dive into options so you get the perfect pick when looking for an archery range near me.
Olympic Recurve
If your goal with archery is earning a gold Olympic medal, the Olympic recurve bow might be a good pick. Not to mention it’s the preference of many recreational archers. Recurve shooting is an exciting discipline that will challenge you both mentally and physically.
This type of bow can be used for 3D, target, field, and indoor archery. Olympic recurves contain three pain pieces: a riser and two limbs. It even disassembles for customization or easy transportation, making it a good beginner bow.
Compound Bow
For those who prefer precision marksmanship, consider choosing a compound bow. They can be incredibly accurate and with more lessons, you’ll consistently hit the center. Compounds are the best beginner bow for shooting recreationally, during competitions, or bowhunting.
There are even different types of compound bows with varying uses. Target compound bows have one major job: accuracy. Hunting compounds, on the other hand, are smaller and lighter than target bows.
Traditional Archery and Barebow Archery
Sometimes the most fun comes from going back to the basics. Traditional and barebow archery provide the ultimate challenges, but their added reward is thrill and excitement. These bows take you back to the sport’s roots, when all you needed was a bow and full quiver.
You will find endless bow styles of the traditional variety, but their main categories are longbow, recurve, and barebow. A recurve beginner bow’s swept tips curve away from the archer, and shoots arrows at uber-fast speeds. Longbows are steeped in history with a graceful bend and classic design.
Barebow designs are becoming more popular in archery due to their challenge and simplicity. If you’re an old soul, nature lover, or Katniss Everdeen fan, traditional archery might be for you. Those struggling to decide on a bow have no need to rush; keep testing during your lessons and the perfect fit will come in no time!
Choosing an Arrow
Arrows are just as important as choosing your bow during archery talk. The best way to pick your preference is by understanding arrows’ parts: shaft, notches, fletchings, and spines. And of course, the tip is the pointy end of the arrow which drives it into the target.
Arrow Shaft Materials
Most archers and bowhunters prefer carbon fiber shafts due to their strength and lightweight material. Carbon is super durable and returns to its original shape after bending. Many arrow companies offer budget-friendly carbon arrows ideal for beginner archers.
Aluminum arrows are just as straight and consistent as carbon ones, but are typically a bit cheaper. However, they tend not to be as durable. Aluminum is more prone to bending after hard impacts or mishandling.
Wooden arrows have been part of the archery community for thousands of years, and many still like their nostalgia. The unfortunate side is wooden arrows are less consistent and prone to warping. If you’re looking to step back in time, wooden arrows will be worth the struggle.
Fletchings
Fletchings stabilize the arrow in flight, available in vanes or feathers. Vanes are plastic, and typically preferred for compound bows and modern recurved with an elevated arrow rest. Feathers, on the other hand, are a solid pick for maximum forgiveness and arrow stability.
Arrow Spine
The arrow’s spine is the measurement of an arrow’s flex or bend. Find the spine number on the label: higher the number, the greater the arrow’s flex. Once you choose an arrow spine that works for your bow, stick with it at the archery range.
Nock Fit
An arrow’s nocks clip to the bowstring. The fit between your arrow nock and bowstring is important but often overlook. An ideal fit clicks audibly into the bowstring, and the arrow comes off the string with a light tap.
Arrow Length
An arrow’s length is a more crucial detail than you may think. The standard way to measure arrow length is from the back of the point to the throat of the nock. Most new arrow shafts measure 32 inches before being cut, so that’s about as long of an arrow you can shoot.
Must-Have Gear for Starting Out
Aside from a bow and arrow, there are a few other tools and accessories that’ll help you start the archery journey. Borrow from your local archery shop or invest in some quality gear for the best archery experience possible.
Keep reading to find out what you’ll need.
Quiver
A quiver’s job in archery is to hold your arrows while you’re shooting. A back quiver will bring all the Robin Hood vibes. Wear it on your hip with a waist quiver or snap it to your bow instead.
Release Aids and Finger Tabs
Release aids and finger tabs work to protect your fingers and help cleanly release the bowstring. Mechanical release-aids use a trigger system where the release attaches to the bowstring with jaws or a clip. With pressure on the trigger, the release-aid can let go of the string to launch your arrow.
Mechanical release-aids can be strapped to the wrist or handheld. For a finger release, archers use their index, middle, and ring fingers to grip the bowstring. Longbow and recurve archers use a glove or finger tab to protect their fingers while shooting bows.
Finger tabs are supposed to fit between your fingers and the bowstring. The tab should cover your three fingers without hanging over the fingertips. For a custom fit, simply trim the tab with scissors.
Arm Guard
When releasing the bowstring, it passes your forearm. If it strikes the area, you may experience some stinging. An armguard protects the area from your bowstring and prevents coat and shirt sleeves from catching the string as it passes.
Bow Case
The one downside to archery is gear can be tricky to travel with. Bow cases protect your bow while moving between home and the range. Unprotected bows can be damage if dropped, bumped, or bent improperly, making them weak for your next archery target.
Hard cases offer the most protection for your equipment. However, soft cases meet most archers’ needs as they’re lighter and easier to carry around. While there are plenty of other tools and accessories that can enhance the archery journey, these basics will help you start on a strong note.
Trying out archery has never been easier now that you know all the basics. Head to your local shop, try out some bows and arrows, check out archery sets for beginners, and try a lesson! But before you go, don’t forget to check out more sporting and outdoor living content and all things Archery from Crow Survival.
