Archery Equipment List: 20 Items (with Pictures)

Archery equipment list with all 20 items: bow, arrows, quiver, armguard, finger tab or glove, sight, bow stand, target with stand and a water bottle.

Nine of the twenty items belong to the archer, and the first five of them are all anyone needs to start shooting. Five more are club gear, among them a bow press and the tools for cutting and fletching arrows, and six describe the range itself, from the shooting line to the buttresses and the safety netting behind them. The table below lists all twenty with what each one does and who supplies it.

20items in total

9carried by the archer

11supplied by club and range

Quick answers

What equipment do you need for archery?: A bow, arrows, a quiver, an armguard and a finger tab or glove. A sight and a bow stand follow later, and the range supplies the targets and the safety netting.
What are the names of the archery equipment?: Bow, arrows, quiver, armguard, finger tab or glove, sight, bow stand, target and buttress. Everything else on the list belongs to the club or the range.
What is an archery set called?: A bow sold together with arrows and accessories is an archery kit or a bow package. The bow with everything fitted to it is an archer's tackle.
What do you need besides the bow and the bowstring?: Arrows matched to your draw length, a quiver to hold them, an armguard against string slap and a finger tab or glove. Nothing beyond that is needed for a first session on a range.

Archery Equipment at a Glance

Nine items are the archer's own and travel to every session. Five belong to a coach or a club, mostly tools for keeping bows and arrows in shape, and six are part of the range.

Item	What it does	Who supplies it
Bowrecurve, compound or longbow	Stores the draw energy and launches the arrow	Player
Arrows	The projectile, matched in length and spine to the bow	Player
Quiver	Holds arrows upright and within reach on the shooting line	Player
Armguard	Takes the string slap off the bow arm and holds the sleeve flat	Player
Finger tab or glove	Protects the draw fingers and smooths the release	Player
Sight	Aiming reference, set for each distance	Player
Bow stand	Keeps the bow upright and off the ground between ends	Player
Target and target stand	Stops the arrow and gives the scoring rings, for practice at home	Player
Water bottle	A field round runs several hours in the open	Player
First aid kit	String slap, blisters and cut fingers are the usual injuries	Coach
Bow press	Flexes the limbs so strings and cables can be changed	Coach
Arrow cutters and fletching tools	Cuts shafts to draw length and glues on new vanes	Coach
Training targets	Practice faces for drills, cheaper than competition faces	Coach
Team uniforms	Identifies the club at a tournament	Coach
Outdoor or indoor ranges	Marked shooting line and set distances, 18 meters indoors	Facility
Targets and buttresses	The buttress absorbs the arrow, the face carries the ten rings	Facility
Safety netting or fencing	Catches arrows that pass or miss the buttress	Facility
Waiting area for archers	Set back behind the shooting line, where the next end waits	Facility
Equipment storage	Racks for club bows, arrows and target faces	Facility
Locker rooms	Changing and storage for members	Facility

Equipment for Archers

#1 Bow

A bow is the fundamental piece of equipment for archery, acting as the primary tool for launching arrows at targets. There are different types of bows such as recurve, compound, or longbow, each suited to differing archery disciplines and styles.

Sanlida Eagle X9 Recurve

Takedown recurve package

Sanlida Eagle X9 New 58” RTH Standard Hunting Recurve Bow and Arrow Set for Adults and Hunters, Wooden Takedown Recurve Bows Package for Outdoor, Hunting and Practice (40 Lbs, Right Hand)

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Bow length58 inches, string 54 inches
Draw weight25 to 60 pounds in 5 pound steps
Brace height8 1/4 to 9 inches
Weightabout 2.2 pounds
Risersolid wood, takedown, limbs bolt off for transport
Includedarrow rest, string, accessories

A takedown recurve is the sensible first bow because the limbs come off for the car and can be replaced with heavier ones as the draw gets stronger. Draw weight is the one number to get right, and adult beginners usually start well below what they expect.

#2 Arrows

Arrows are crucial for archery as they are the projectile used by the archer to hit the target. They come in various materials and lengths to match the archer's draw length and bow type, influencing accuracy and performance.

BOWSOUL Carbon Arrows

Twelve carbon shafts

BOWSOUL 31Inch Carbon Arrows for Target Practice Hunting Arrow with Removable Tips for Compound & Recurve Bow(Pack of 12) (Red White)

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Length30 inch shaft, 31.5 inches complete
Spine500
Diameter0.309 inches outer, 0.244 inches inner
Suits30 to 60 pound recurve, compound and longbows
Vanes3 inch shield cut TPU
Contents12 arrows plus 6 spare nocks

Spine is the stiffness of the shaft and has to match the draw weight, otherwise the arrow leaves the bow bending and lands wide. Nocks are pressed in rather than glued here, which means a broken one is replaced in seconds.

#3 Quiver

A quiver provides a convenient and secure method to carry arrows. It protects the arrows from damage and ensures they are readily accessible, allowing the archer to focus on their form and technique without distraction.

Easton Flipside Hip Quiver

Three tube belt quiver

Easton Flipside 3-Tube Hip Quiver, Black, Left/Right

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Tubes3, keeps arrows separated
Pocketreversible hook and loop, so left or right hip
Mountbelt clip
Extrasgrommet for accessories and a bow square slot
Colorblack

Target archers wear the quiver on the hip, not the back, because arrows have to come out one at a time without looking. The bow square slot is where the small tools live that otherwise end up on the ground.

#4 Armguard

An armguard is essential for protecting an archer's forearm from string slap injuries. It also ensures clothing doesn't interfere with the bowstring upon release, providing a safer and more consistent shooting experience.

Bear Archery Arm Guard

Vented cordura guard

Bear Archery Adjustable Cordura Arm Guard with Vented Design, Brown, One Size

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Materialcordura
Ventilationvented panel for airflow
Closureadjustable hook and loop straps
Sizeone size
Suitsrecurve, traditional bow and longbow

String slap on the inside of the forearm is the first injury every beginner collects, and it comes from a slightly locked elbow. The guard also flattens a loose sleeve, which is the other thing the string catches.

#5 Finger Tab or Glove

Finger tabs or gloves safeguard an archer’s fingers from the pressure and abrasion of pulling the bowstring. These aids enhance comfort and can improve control and release, allowing for more precise shooting.

Allen No Pinch Shooting Tab

Split leather finger tab

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Buildmulti layer tab
String sidecalf hair
Backingsuede leather
Stylesplit finger, so no pinch on the nock
Break insoft from the start

A tab spreads the string pressure across leather instead of three fingertips, and the split keeps it from squeezing the arrow nock. Glove or tab is a matter of habit, but almost all target archers shoot a tab.

#6 Sight

A sight is a key accessory for those who use one, as it aids in aiming and helps archers achieve greater accuracy. It's a tool for precision, calibrated to the individual shooter’s eye for pinpoint shot placement.

SOOHUPET Recurve Bow Sight

Fiber optic pin sight

Upgraded SOOHUPET 6 Inch Archery Recurve Bow Sight Accessories T Shape Archery Shooting Target Sight Adjustable Bowsight with Optical Fiber Pin Sight for Target Practice (Black)…

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Extension6 inch arm bar with dovetail mount
Scope3.14 inch ring with fiber optic pin
Adjustmentup, down and sideways, smooth dovetail travel
Handright or left
Removalarm bar and scope come off without tools

The sight does not aim for you, it stores what you learned: once the pin is set for 18 meters it stays set. Sideways travel corrects for a group that lands consistently left or right.

#7 Bow Stand

A bow stand is a practical piece of equipment to keep the bow off the ground and within easy reach, protecting it from damage and keeping the shooting area organized.

YLS Archery Bow Stand

Folding three leg rack

Archery Bow Stand Recurve Bow Compound Bow Stand Rack Holder Legs 18.9" Height

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Height18.9 inches
Legsfiberglass, screw off for transport
Connectoraluminum
Headplastic with adjuster
Suitsrecurve and compound bows

Laying a bow on the grass gets dirt into the limb pockets and dew onto the string. A stand costs less than one set of arrows and every club range has a row of them behind the line.

#8 Target and Target Stand

A target and corresponding stand are essential for personal practice, offering a stationary and reliable point to aim at and assess shooting accuracy. They vary in design, from simple bullseyes to intricate 3D targets.

BLOCK Classic Foam Target

Two sided foam block

BLOCK Classic Layered Foam Archery Target, 18” x 18” x 13.5”, 2-Sided Shooting, Unique Open Layer Design Stops Field Points and Broadheads with Friction Not Force, Easy Arrow Removal, Top Carry Handle

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Size18 by 18 by 13.5 inches, also sold at 22 inches
Layersopen unglued friction layers, stops arrows by friction rather than force
Pointsfield points and broadheads
Facestwo, high contrast black and white
Handlecarry handle, stands on the ground without a frame

A layered block stops the arrow between the layers, which is why pulling it back out takes two fingers instead of both hands. It sits on the ground on its own, so no separate stand is needed in the yard.

#9 Water Bottle

Hydration is key for archers, especially during extended practice or competition. A water bottle allows archers to easily maintain fluid intake, keeping them focused and aiding in muscle function.

Equipment for Coaches and Teams

#1 First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is indispensable for addressing injuries and health emergencies during archery practices and events. Stocked with items like bandages, tape, and ice packs, it ensures immediate care for cuts, bruises, or strains, prioritizing the safety of archers and peace of mind for coaches.

#2 Bow Press

A bow press is crucial for maintaining and repairing compound bows. By safely flexing the bow's limbs, coaches can adjust strings, cables, and other components. This tool is essential for ensuring peak bow performance and longevity, which is critical in a sport where precision is key.

SOPOGER Ratchet Bow Press

Portable hand held press

SOPOGER Archery Compound Bow Press - Portable Hand Held Bow Accessories for Compound Bow & Crossbow Aluminum Alloy Ratchet Bow Press Open Tool for Bow String Silencers Replacement (Red)

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BodyCNC machined aluminum alloy
Protectionthick rubber where it meets the limbs
Strap52 inches, fits most compound bows
Weight2.86 pounds
Usestring and cable changes, sight fitting

A compound bow holds its energy in the cams, and nothing can be changed on it until a press takes the load off the limbs. This hand held version does at the club bench what a shop press does on a stand.

#3 Arrow Cutters and Fletching Tools

Arrow cutters and fletching tools are essential for customizing arrows to suit each archer's needs. Properly sized and fletched arrows contribute significantly to accuracy and consistency, making these tools vital for team preparations and equipment maintenance.

M.SJUMPPER Fletching Jig

Straight and helical jig

Adjustable Fletching Jig Straight and Helix Tool with Clamp for DIY Archery Arrows Shafts

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Height5.4 inches, with a scale
Clampmagnet held, adjustable for straight or helical
Presets3 fletch at 120 degrees, 4 fletch at 90 degrees
Vanesplastic vanes and real feathers
Shaftswood, fiberglass, carbon and aluminum

Vanes get torn off on the buttress long before the shaft wears out, so a club refletches rather than rebuys. The dial stops are what keep all three vanes at the same angle on every arrow.

#4 Training Targets

Training targets are fundamental for practice sessions, helping archers refine their aim and consistency. Durable and designed for repetitive use, they allow coaches to set up various shooting scenarios and drills to challenge and develop their archers' skills.

#5 Team Uniforms

Team uniforms are key in fostering a sense of unity and professionalism among archers. They not only identify the team during competitions but also promote a cohesive team image, boosting morale and team spirit on and off the range.

Equipment for Facilities

#1 Outdoor or Indoor Ranges

Outdoor or indoor ranges provide archers with designated spaces for practice and competition. The ranges are carefully set up to ensure safe distances and clear shooting lanes, which are vital for archers to hone their skills and compete under standardized conditions.

#2 Targets and Buttresses

Targets and buttresses are the focus of every archer's practice or competition shot. The targets, with clear scoring rings, allow for precise aiming and scorekeeping, while the buttresses safely absorb and stop the arrows, preventing damage and injury.

#3 Safety Netting or Fencing

Safety netting or fencing is imperative to protect archers and spectators by containing stray arrows within the shooting area. This safety feature helps prevent accidents and ensures a secure environment for all present at the facility.

#4 Waiting Area for Archers

A waiting area for archers provides a space where competitors can prepare mentally for their turn, observe other archers, or rest between rounds. This contributes to the efficient flow of events and helps maintain a structured and organized atmosphere during practice sessions and competitions.

#5 Equipment Storage

Secure equipment storage areas are essential for the protection and organization of archery gear. Facilities with proper storage allow archers to keep bows, arrows, and other equipment safe from theft, loss, and environmental damage.

#6 Locker Rooms

Locker rooms offer archers a private space to change and store personal belongings. This amenity supports athlete comfort, contributes to an organized facility, and upholds the professionalism of the sport by providing a dedicated area for personal preparation before and after shooting sessions.

FAQ

What is the equipment you need to play Archery?

A bow, arrows, an armguard, a quiver, a finger tab or glove, and a target are the equipment you need to play archery. These items are essential for safe practice and precision.

What is the most important equipment in Archery?

The bow and arrows are the most important equipment in archery. They are fundamental to shooting and accuracy, forming the core of the sport.

What is a recommended list of Archery equipment for beginners?

Here's a recommended list of Archery equipment for beginners: a basic recurve bow, a set of arrows suitable for the bow's draw weight, an armguard, finger tab, and a quiver. These items provide a solid foundation for learning and practice.