This website does not try to sell a single product for starting archery. Instead, it attempts to provide a solid basis for all to use which is safe and reliable enough to be explained and to checked by others as required. Content here is accordingly to be used with the law of the archer’s local country plus the specific and usually very few rules of the shooting range that they visit, as published, and which must also comply with the manufacturer’s written instructions for checking, for maintenance and for repair. Also note that some of this content will necessarily need to be upgraded by and with a qualified archery tutor.
Start with the real use case
Start with the real use case – once you’ve got a sense of the archery you will be doing, find a product that has been designed with that in mind. Don’t rely on a shop demonstration alone, get a sense of how a product will behave after an hour in the field. Take a minute to write down the following: the distance you will shoot at, the typical weather you will shoot in, the trip to the range, how you will transport your archery gear, and the new archer’s experience level. Use this list to keep bow fit, arrows, release aid, arm guard and target all focused on your real use case for starting archery safely.
Inspect before every outing
Check your bow, arrows, release, arms and target every time you use them. In good light, look for any signs of wear, loose parts, dirty parts or signs that something has changed from your previous inspection. Make a note of any repairs or parts that need to be replaced. It only takes about 5 minutes to check all of your equipment every time you go out and this will soon highlight any problems before they cause an accident.
Make fit part of the safety check
Comfort and fit can be safety issues too. When dress is unusual for shooting then test the arrow and bow etc against a fake back in shop clothes to simulate the actual shooting dress, and test the same shot at different temperatures. A shooting outfit that only functions on still days in warm rooms is not yet adequate for field use.
Adjust in a controlled order
Many items can be changed to suit your needs, so alter one item at a time and test them out in short sessions to make sure that the change has improved things. Record your changes so that you can go back to the previous setting if required. It’s also very easy to introduce problems when altering multiple items at the same time.
Spend where reliability matters
You should always spend the most money to ensure the reliability of your initial purchase, and then go to purchase accessories later after you know what you actually need. Typically, the most important parts to purchase first for a beginner are going to be for your protection, for your lessons, and for the critical parts of your archery equipment that determine your safety. The accessories will vary, but generally can be found for relatively cheap prices as well as providing plenty of choices from which to select.
Plan for weather and transport
A simple method of protection is to carry items which can be easily used to protect gear in poor weather. We must remember that this does not mean that a bow cover is sufficient. After the trip, inspect gear for damage and allow to dry out before storing in closed conditions.
Use clear range and field habits
Most of our shooting routines are done with other people so clearly state what you are checking before you start and then follow the posted range rules or the staff member’s instruction. Remember that on a range or shooting club the local range commands take precedence over any on-line advice.
Clean without causing damage
The maintenance of any item must reflect the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations. Additional oil, greater force or more cleaning does not necessarily equal better. There are numerous products available on the market that are aggressive and will damage finishes, seals, adhesives, optical coatings, etc. Use only the recommended materials and be sure to keep liquids and other cleaning agents away from sensitive parts. Stopping to inspect for damage that may require the services of a trained technician is worth the time spent.
Review the kit after the trip
Finally, in reviewing your trip, compare your original purpose with the end results of your trip. List what did not get used, what would have been better to bring in case of an emergency, and other items that you found to be cumbersome to use. Toss the unnecessary weight and items that are to be used as consumables, and replace them for your next trip.
A simple checklist
- Confirm the purpose of your training, the weather, field and local rules before selecting your archery equipment.
- Inspect fit, condition and adjustment in a controlled setting.
- Only take along the protection and accessories that you really need.
- Record that maintenance has taken place, and replace damaged or worn equipment with new rather than trying to repair it.
- Clean, dry and secure everything promptly after returning home.
Final perspective
When introducing others to archery it is much better to establish solid fundamentals. Practice them under normal circumstances and then improve them bit by bit. It is much better to improve slowly and methodically than to risk all and end up with piles of equipment that are forgotten as you rush from one thing to another.
Practical note 1
You practice a short session to test if everything is working as planned. You keep the intensity on a low level to prevent wear and tear. You stop in time to write down one correction for better use in future sessions.
Practical note 2
Where you store equipment is as important as the container itself. A damp floor or fluctuating temperature can be detrimental to some pieces of equipment, and storage in obvious locations with valuable items clearly labeled can attract the wrong type of attention. Make sure storage of clubs and other archery equipment is in a secure location with keys or access codes kept by responsible adults.
Practical note 3
Online reviews are a good starting point for your research, as they raise important questions that you might not have thought of before. However, the reviews can only highlight potential advantages and disadvantages of products, and cannot replace first-hand experience and your own impression of the equipment.
Practical note 4
Test the new arrangement in a short practice session. Monitor your progress, keep it easy and write down one useful correction per session. Consistency is far more important than trying to resolve everything in one day.