Archery, this ancient and charming sport, nowadays attracts more and more people to participate. Whether it is for leisure and entertainment, competitive games, or hunting activities, the right archery equipment is the key. But in the face of the dazzling array of products on the market, beginners are often at a loss. So, exactly what equipment is needed for archery? Now let’s introduce it to you in detail.
Core equipment: Bow
The bow is the core equipment in archery and is mainly divided into the following types:
Compound bow
The compound bow is a common type in modern archery and hunting. It uses a pulley system to reduce the force required to draw the bow, which means that the shooter can draw a heavier bow with less force and maintain aiming in a relatively relaxed state after drawing the bow fully. The precision of the compound bow is relatively high because its design can effectively reduce vibration and deviation. However, due to its complex structure, the price of composite bows is relatively high, and their maintenance and upkeep require certain professional knowledge. For instance, its pulley system needs to be inspected and lubricated regularly to ensure smooth operation.
Recurve bow
Recurve bows play an important role in major events such as the Olympic Games. The end of its bow arm bends outward. This design increases the elasticity of the bow, enabling the arrow to be fired at a higher speed. The recurve bow has a relatively simple structure and is easy to handle, making it suitable for beginners. Meanwhile, its price range is quite wide, ranging from entry-level to high-end products, which can meet the needs of different budgets. For those who want to improve their archery skills and participate in competitive games, the recurve bow is a good choice.
Long bow
The longbow is a traditional bow type with a long history. Its arched body is relatively long, usually close to or even higher than a person’s height. The longbow is mostly made of wood and has a unique aesthetic appeal. When drawing the bow, considerable strength and skill are required, but the trajectory of the arrow it shoots is relatively stable. The longbow is very popular among traditional archery enthusiasts and some historical reenactment activities. However, due to the high difficulty in drawing the longbow, beginners may need more time and practice to get the hang of it.
Crossbow (cross bow)
The crossbow, also known as the cross bow, places the bow horizontally on the crossbow arm and shoots the arrow through a mechanical device. The advantages of a crossbow are its great power, long range, and relatively simple operation. It can be launched without much strength or skill. The advantage of crossbows is particularly obvious when hunting large prey. However, crossbows are relatively large in size, not very convenient to carry, and have a relatively slow firing speed. In some regions, there are strict regulations on the use and management of crossbows. It is necessary to understand the relevant laws and regulations before purchasing and using them.
Flying weapon: Arrow
As a key piece of equipment in coordination with the bow, factors such as the material, length and weight of the arrow will all affect the effect of archery.
Material
Carbon Arrow: Carbon Arrow is highly favored for its outstanding performance. Its material is lightweight, which enables the arrow to achieve a higher speed during flight, thereby reducing the flight time and improving the accuracy of shooting. Meanwhile, carbon arrows have good rigidity, are not prone to bending or deformation, and can maintain a stable flight trajectory. However, the price of carbon arrows is relatively high, and if they are subjected to a strong impact, their internal structure may be damaged, affecting their use.
Aluminum arrows: Aluminum arrows are relatively sturdy and durable, and their prices are relatively affordable. It is relatively heavy and can generate greater kinetic energy, providing better penetration during hunting. However, the flight speed of aluminum arrows is relatively slow, and after multiple uses, the arrow body may become bent, requiring straightening treatment.
Wooden arrows: Wooden arrows have a traditional charm and are quite common in some traditional archery activities. Its material is natural, but it is easily affected by environmental factors such as humidity, leading to deformation. The performance of wooden arrows is relatively weak, and their flight speed and stability are not as good as those of carbon arrows and aluminum arrows.
Length and weight
When choosing arrows, the appropriate length and weight should be determined based on the type of bow, the weight of drawing the bow, and one’s own drawing habits. Generally speaking, the length of the arrow should be slightly longer than the length of the bow body after drawing the bow to ensure that the tail of the arrow can be correctly placed on the string. The weight of the arrow should match the weight of the bow when it is drawn. An arrow that is too heavy will affect the flight speed, while one that is too light may cause unstable flight. For example, for a compound bow of medium drawstring weight, it is more appropriate to pair it with a carbon arrow that is 28-30 inches in length and weighs 400-500 bars (1 bar is approximately equal to 0.0648 grams).
Auxiliary equipment: Enhance accuracy and comfort
Quiver
The arrow pot is used to carry arrows, making it convenient for archers to take them out at any time during the archery process. The common types of arrow POTS include back-hung, waist-hung and attached to the bow. The back-mounted arrowhead has a large capacity and is suitable for long-term hunting or situations where a large number of arrows need to be carried. The waist-hanging arrow jug is relatively lightweight and more flexible in movement, making it suitable for use during sports. The quiver attached to the bow enables the shooter to take the arrow more quickly and improve the shooting efficiency. When choosing an arrow jug, one should consider its capacity, fixation method and compatibility with one’s own equipment.
Arrow Rest
The arrow stand is used to support the arrow to ensure that the arrow can maintain the correct position and posture when launched. Common types of arrow stands include fixed arrow stands, drop arrow stands and brush arrow stands, etc. The fixed arrow stand has a simple structure and is inexpensive, but it may cause certain friction to the arrow feathers. The drop-type arrow platform will automatically fall at the moment of arrow launch, reducing the interference to the arrow feathers and improving the shooting accuracy. The brush arrow stand fixes the arrow through soft brushes, which not only ensures the stability of the arrow but also reduces damage to the arrow feathers. Different types of arrow stands are suitable for different bows and shooting scenarios, and shooters can choose according to their own needs.
Bow Sight
The sight can help shooters aim at the target more accurately. It is usually installed at the front end of the bow and comes in various types, such as single-needle sights, multi-needle sights and adjustable sights, etc. The single-needle sight has a simple structure and is suitable for close-range shooting. The multi-needle sight can set multiple aiming points simultaneously and is suitable for targets at different distances. The adjustable sight can flexibly adjust the aiming Angle and distance according to the actual situation. When choosing a sight, its accuracy, adjustment convenience and compatibility with the bow should be taken into consideration.
Protective gear
Arm Guard: The arm guard is used to protect the shooter’s arm from being whipped by the bowstring. During the process of drawing the bow and releasing the arrow, the bowstring will rebound rapidly and is prone to hitting the arm. The guard arm is generally made of leather, plastic or composite materials, with a certain thickness and hardness, which can effectively reduce the impact force of the bowstring. When choosing an arm guard, make sure it is of appropriate length, can cover the vulnerable parts of the arm, and is comfortable to wear without affecting the movement of the arm.
Finger Tab or Release Aid: Finger tabs are used to protect fingers from being strangled when plucking strings. For traditional archers, the use of finger guards is quite common. Guard fingers are usually made of leather and come in various thicknesses and shapes to choose from. For compound bow shooters, the release gear is more commonly used. The release device releases the bowstring through a mechanical device, which can improve the accuracy and consistency of the release. When choosing a finger guard or a spreader, it should be determined based on personal usage habits and the type of bow.
Chest Guard: Chest guard is mainly used to protect the chest from the injury of the bowstring. In some high-intensity archery activities or competitions, especially for female shooters, wearing chest guards can provide additional safety guarantees. Chest guards are generally made of lightweight and sturdy materials, conforming to the curve of the chest. They can not only ensure the protective effect but also not affect breathing and archery movements.
Other equipment
Bowstring Wax
Bowstring wax is used to be applied to bowstrings to reduce the friction between the bowstring and the arrow and extend the service life of the bowstring. Meanwhile, it can also prevent the bowstring from getting damp and maintain its elasticity. When choosing bowstring wax, it is necessary to select a product of good quality and moderate viscosity. When applying, evenly spread the wax on the bowstring and gently rub it to ensure it fully penetrates.
Target and Target Stand
Target paper and target stands are indispensable equipment for practicing archery. Target papers come in different sizes and ring Settings. The common one is a 10-ring target paper. The target stand is used to support the target paper and keep it stable. When choosing target paper and target stands, it should be determined based on the size of the practice venue, the distance of archery, and one’s own practice needs. For example, when practicing indoors, smaller-sized target papers and lightweight target stands can be chosen; When practicing outdoors, it is necessary to choose larger-sized target paper and target stands with good stability.
Conclusion
When choosing the right archery equipment, one should comprehensively consider factors such as personal skill level, usage scenarios and budget. From the core bow and arrow to various auxiliary equipment, each one plays a significant role in the archery process. I hope that by learning about these pieces of equipment, everyone can select the archery gear that suits them and enjoy the fun brought by archery.
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