How to choose your archery equipment

Understanding bow draw weight

For beginners, draw weight is a fundamental criterion. Adult women should opt for a moderate draw weight of 25 to 30 pounds, while adult men can choose between 30 and 35 pounds. For children, a draw weight of 15 to 20 pounds is recommended. This approach lets them master technique without injury or discouragement. More experienced archers, on the other hand, can move to higher draw weights, depending on their level and how they shoot.

Choosing the right type of bow

The type of bow plays a crucial role in performance. Recurve bows are often recommended for intermediate and competitive archers, while compound bows suit experienced archers better. The latter, shorter and lighter, make it possible to handle a heavy draw weight with less stress. For those who like simplicity, traditional bows such as longbows are an interesting option, offering an authentic experience without technical complexity. The guides published by the French Archery Federation (FFTA) can also help you make the right choice.

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Bow size according to height

Bow size should be chosen according to the archer’s height. For people under 1.35 m, a 54-inch bow is recommended. An unsuitable bow size can affect accuracy and shooting comfort. It is therefore essential to take your height into account before making a choice. Taller archers can opt for longer bows suited to their reach. This attention to size makes for a more pleasant and effective shooting experience.

Arrows: stiffness and materials

Arrow spine stiffness is an important technical point. A 400 spine will be stiffer, while an 800 spine will be more flexible. The choice will depend on the type of bow used and the archer’s level. As for materials, carbon arrows offer better speed but are more fragile, while aluminium ones are more durable. Fibreglass arrows, meanwhile, are often favoured by beginners because of their affordable cost. Choosing the right material is therefore essential to optimise performance for your level.

Arrow length

Arrow length must match the archer’s draw length. An arrow that is too short can be dangerous, while one that is too long can be heavy and hard to handle. It is therefore vital to measure your draw length correctly before buying arrows. Archers should also take their shooting style into account, as it can influence the ideal arrow length. A sensible choice here can considerably improve accuracy and comfort when shooting.

Choosing arrow fletchings

The choice of fletchings is just as crucial. Natural feathers offer optimal performance, but they are sensitive to changes in the weather. Plastic vanes, by contrast, are more resistant and durable, which can be an advantage for archers who often train outdoors. The choice between the two types will therefore depend on personal preference and shooting conditions. For archers who shoot regularly, it can be wise to opt for plastic vanes to minimise the risk of wear.

Archery accessories

Accessories play a far from negligible role in archery. They include arm guards, gloves and sights. An arm guard is essential to avoid injuries caused by the bowstring. Likewise, a good glove can improve grip on the string. Sights, for their part, help you aim better at the target, especially for competition archers. It is important to choose accessories suited to your level and shooting style to maximise comfort and performance.

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What we don’t know yet

Despite this advice, some information remains unknown. We do not have precise data on the number of beginner archers in France in 2026, or on current trends in the materials used for bows and arrows. In addition, recent innovations in archery accessories remain to be explored. These factors could influence equipment choices in future.