This is a list of all the types of archery equipment available. This is not about what is best, just what is available for you to put on your bow. I think it’s helpful for someone who is newer to know what kinds of options you have and that’s what this is for. I’m sure some of these will look like definitions, but it’s really helpful to read through this list of archery equipment to see what you want.
The Bow
- The bow – There are two main types. Compound and Traditional. Anything that has cam wheels on the end is a compound and anything that doesn’t is a traditional, even if nothing on it looks traditional.
- Bow string – This the stringy part of the bow and there are about 10-15 common types of material that this could be made from and that includes the cable you’ll find on a compound.
- Stabilizer – This sticks out in front of the bow and normally just looks like a long round bar. This helps you to reduce shaking and have a steadier arm. I don’t know how it works, it just does.
- Clicker – You normally find this on traditional bows to help reduce aiming panic. When you draw to a certain length, the thing clicks and then you know you can shoot the arrow.
- Peep sight – This is a small doughnut shaped disk you put in the string to use for aiming.
- Bow sights – These are mounted on the bow by the arrow rest and you have pins to help you line up with your target to shoot at it.
- Arrow rest – This is what the arrow sits on and moves along when you shoot the arrow. All bows have one even if the arrow uses your hand as a rest.
- String Knocks – These are small pieces of metal or string that are in the middle of the bow-string. You put your arrow against the knock when putting the arrow on the bow. This lets you put the arrow in the same place every single time.
- Serving – This is also in the middle of the bow-string. A serving is a protective cover for the bowstring. It’s actually just more string wrapped around the real bowstring and protects the bow string from wear and tear.
- Silencers – Silencers and vibration dampener help the bow to be as quiet as possible. They will be tied on the bow-string at both ends or you can find rubber buttons on many compounds that do the same thing.
Types of Arrows
- Wood – The most classic of arrows. These are made from all kinds of wood and can go from basic to very fancy. Only to be shot from traditional bows. Compounds are too strong for these and will break them.
- Carbon – My preferred style. These are made from carbon fiber, are strong and durable, and come in many different sizes.
- Aluminum – Light weight and fast, these are good arrows, but get dented and bent very easy.
- Fletching – The “feathers” or plastic vanes at the back of the arrow that keep it shooting in a straight line.
- Field points – Also called target points, these are the small tips that are to be used for target practice
- Broad heads – These are the ones for hunting. They come in two styles. Fixed and mechanical. Both work well, but the mechanical ones are made to work with compound bows shooting at higher speeds.
- Inserts – This is put into the front of the arrow so you can screw the arrow-head on. Some of these can be weighted to adjust arrow weight and balance.
- Arrow knocks – This is the back part of the arrow that connects to the bow-string. They come in all colors and some are lighted for easier retrieval. They do come in different sizes so get one that fits your bow-string.
Release aid
Read about the 5 best release aids
- Mechanical – These clamp on a looped piece of string to pull back the bow. These have very little impact on the string when released and can improve accuracy.
- Tabs – These are pieces of plastic or leather that you just hold in your hand between the bow string and you.
- Gloves – There are several, but a glove is a glove. You wear it to protect you.
Other accessories
Read about the features you want in bow cases
- Bow case – I’m a big fan of these. Take care of the things you own. It will protect your investment for a long time.
- String wax – All strings need this. It makes the string close to waterproof, increases string life, and protects it.
- Field repair kit – Have a basic set of tools to adjust your bow, arrows, or anything else. Murphy’s Law applies here.
- Quivers – Not necessary, until you don’t have one. These hold your arrows and can be attached to the bow or separate and held on by a belt. Or you can get the robin hood look of them hanging on your back
These are all things that you can put on your bow. You don’t need every single thing here, but you’ll probably want to check it out since most of them are really useful for you. This isn’t going to be all-inclusive by any means, but at least you’ll know what kinds of things to try. The only real way to make sure you like it is to go try it out. Have fun.