Equipment list
This is aimed at beginners who are starting out in archery and looking to possibly get their first bow. (read this first)
Here is a simple list of items required for shooting an Olympic Recurve style bow.
Bow
- Riser/Handle – spend some money on this and get something good.
- Arrow Rest
- Plunger/Button – get a decent plunger
- Clicker
- Limbs – they are rated by draw weight (pounds) and length. Speak to someone with archery knowledge about this.
- String
- Sight – again, get a good sight which can last through other upgrades.
Stabilisers
- Long Rod
- Side Rods
- V-Bars
- Extenders
- Weights
- Dampers
Accessories
- Finger Tab
- Arm Guard
- Bow Stringer – for stringing the bow.
- Wrist/Finger Slings – may not be needed initially but you’ll certainly want to use one soon.
- Quiver
- Bow Stand
- Bow square – for measuring brace height and tiller
- String wax
Arrows
- Arrow Shafts – arrows are rated by spine stiffness. Speak to someone with archery knowledge about this.
- Arrow Fletches/Feathers
- Arrow Points
- Arrow nock inserts
- Arrow nocks
- Arrow Wraps
At World Archery outdoor tournaments you would shoot 6 arrow ends and it is highly recommended to always have spare arrows as breakages/losses can happen anytime so suggest getting 8 to 10 arrows initially.
Aside from arrow shafts, you should also have spares of the other arrow components.
Storage
Bow Case/Back Pack
Arrow Tube/Case
You can buy arrows ready made (mostly limited colour choices) or buy the components separately (shafts, points, vanes/fletching, nocks and possibly nock pins).1
If you choose to buy the components separately you may need to get someone to build them for you or if you plan to build your arrows yourself then you will probably want to get yourself a fletching jig and some hot melt (for gluing points and nock inserts into the shaft)
Another item you need to consider is string wax (listed in “Accessories” above). Over time your string will start to look a little tatty, you shouldn’t let it got to that point but applying some string wax should get it looking good again. Do not apply too much string wax, partly because it adds weight to the string that you don’t really want but also there are rules around strings with too much wax on… (article)
Some of the kit has various fasteners (nuts, bolts, screws etc) and typically come with the relevant tool but always ensure you have all the relevant Allen keys (hex keys), spanners, screwdrivers etc that may be needed on your kit, you never know when you need to adjust or fasten something…
1 I personally prefer pin nocks (therefore requiring nock pins/inserts) for my arrows. I have broken many nocks but only the occasional broken nock pin but have not yet destroyed an arrow as the incoming arrow is just deflected by the nock pin of the arrow it is striking. I know other archers that prefer not to use pin nocks so it’s ultimately personal preference…