Arrow Rests
All modern compound or recurve bows require an arrow rest. An arrow rest is a small mechanical device that supports the arrow while drawing the bow. There are many different types to choose from. Compound bows typically use a drop-away style that moves out of the arrow’s flight path when shot. Recurve bows use a similar rest that moves towards the bow and out of the arrow’s way as it is shot. Traditional bows usually do not have a rest and are shot from the “shelf” of the bow. This tends to be less accurate, although typical of traditional style bows.
Arrow rests cost anywhere from a few dollars to over a hundred dollars. In most cases, the more you pay the better the arrow rest will be.
Sights
A sight is a pin or set of pins that mount to the bow to aid in aiming. There are many different kinds to choose from. Target shooters tend to use a single pin that can be adjusted up or down to match the distance they are shooting from. Since most targets are shot from a fixed and known distance, it is easiest to have one pin and adjust it as necessary. Bow hunters usually have several pins with each pin sighted in for a specific distance. Usually the distances are: 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 yards. The pins on the sight are in groups of three, five or seven. The more pins, the easier it is to aim accurately at several distances.
When the sight is first installed on the bow, it must be “sighted-in” and adjusted. During this process, the archer determines where the centre shot is on the bow and what pin is for what distance. The archer adjusts the pins very slightly up or down to achieve the most accuracy from each shot. Then the archer moves to the next distance and adjusts the next pin. It is important that the archer be very consistent with each shot as slight variations in body position can affect how each arrow flies making it difficult to sight in the pins.
Often on compound bows a rear peep sight is required to aim as well. This is a small plastic or ceramic ring that installs in the bow string. It provides another reference point for the archer to aim with. The opening in the peep sight is usually very small (around 3/16”) and must be adjusted at the archery shop as a bow press is usually needed. (A bow press is a machine that gently compresses the limbs of the bow releasing tension on the string so the peep sight can be adjusted and the string removed for servicing).
Releases
Most bows require a release aid of some sort. This is a device that grips the string so the archer’s fingers do not become sore while drawing the bow. The great tension on the bow makes it difficult to draw the bow repeatedly without the archer’s fingers becoming blistered or sore. A release for recurve or traditional bows is usually just a piece of leather or fur called a tab that wraps around the string. A tab is fairly inexpensive.
Traditional and recurve archers will sometimes use a shooting glove instead of a release. The fingers of this glove are made of leather and allow the archer to grip the string and not worry about fumbling around with the relatively small tab.
Compound bows have a much higher draw weight and therefore require a different type of release. Compound bow releases are similar to a pair of pliers that clip around the string. The smaller size makes it more accurate than using your fingers and the metal pliers have a trigger attached to them making it very easy and subtle to release the string. This type of release attaches to your wrist using a wristband that has a belt buckle or Velcro for attaching it. It also will cost much more than a tab but will last longer and be more accurate.
Arrows
There are many different types of arrows available on the market. Most archers use arrows made from either aluminum or carbon fiber (or both). A general rule of thumb for choosing arrow length is to add one inch to your draw length. Arrows must be compatible with your specific draw weight and draw length so it is best to have the expert’s at your bow shop help you choose what is best for your specific equipment. Many arrow manufacturers have charts on their websites to help guide you through the arrow selection process.
Arrows come with different tips on them. Field point tips are used for target archery and broad heads (either fixed blade or mechanical) are only used for hunting.
Learning More
With a little practice and the proper equipment, archery can be a very fun sport for everyone. You do not need to be a highly trained athlete to participate, and the same equipment will last you for years. Other items such as arm guards and stabilizers are some accessories that will help you to do better when shooting.
Bow hunting is becoming a popular way to hunt as well. A bow shoots an arrow much more quietly than a gun, minimizing disruptions to the other animals and people in the region. With the proper equipment and practice it can be as effective as gun hunting.
If you are serious about archery and wish to learn more, contact an archery club in your region or visit your local bow shop to find out more.
Copyright 2019 Mike Wilson
