Questions tagged [archery]

Questions about shooting with a bow and arrows, especially at a target as a sport.

Filter by
Sorted by
Tagged with
11 votes
4 answers
16k views

Why is there a cock vane/feather?

Last weekend I went to the range with a youngster. Naturally he was very curious and asked me a lot of question. One of them was, why there even was a cock feather which needs to be pointed away from ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
11 votes
1 answer
595 views

Should I use a double or triple broadhead for boars?

A triple broadhead has three edges equally attached around the shaft while a double broadhead has only two blades. Triple broadhead: So, which one should one use to hunt boars? A double- or triple-...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
10 votes
1 answer
2k views

Legal situation for roving in Sweden

I want to go on a trip to Sweden next summer. However, the plan was to do a little roving in the untouched nature. Note: I'll bring my own field target with me to not harm any nature. Roving can ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
10 votes
1 answer
5k views

Should compound bows be unstrung when not shooting?

I know that a recurve bow should have its string removed when not shooting, so that it does not stretch and the limbs do not experience plastic deformation. On the other hand, the procedure to ...
Vorac's user avatar
  • 6,871
9 votes
3 answers
3k views

How to carry a traditional bow while hiking?

We're planning a 4 day hike in a few months. I would like to take my bow with me to do a little roving. How can I attach my bow to my backpack (back)? We are talking about an unstrung one-piece ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
9 votes
2 answers
2k views

In real life, could the best possible archer pull off the shots that Katniss Everdeen routinely performs?

This is not an opinion-based question. For example, if someone were shown doing a quintuple axel on figure skates, anyone who knew anything about skating would point out that a "mere" quadruple axel ...
ab2's user avatar
  • 23.9k
9 votes
3 answers
7k views

Is stringing a recurve without a stringer damaging to the bow?

This is my first bow - it's a low-end recurve with a draw weight of 14kg nominal. At the shop they told me not to string it by bracing it against my foot, because the limbs get twisted sideways. They ...
Vorac's user avatar
  • 6,871
9 votes
2 answers
1k views

How do the skills required for mounted archery (archery from horseback) differ from those required for other forms of archery?

Odd Deer's latest archery question brought to mind a historical novel I read some time ago which featured a mounted archery contest. (The novel was otherwise forgettable.) Wikipedia, mounted archery ...
ab2's user avatar
  • 23.9k
9 votes
2 answers
2k views

Does rain harm a bow

Does rain (or moisture in general) harm a modern (hunting) recurvebow (including the string)? Let's talk about a "Bear Archery Grizzly" for example. A glass laminated, wooden recurve. Crowned, ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
9 votes
3 answers
770 views

What are suitable strength exercise for archers?

If one doesn't have much opportunity to go shoot over the winter, how can they maintain their muscles? Which exercises are suitable? What equipment might be handy?
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
9 votes
1 answer
11k views

What's meant by poundage or weight of a bow?

I see a lot of posts in archery which contains topics about the "draw weight" or "poundage". I assume that it doesn't have to do anything with the actual weight of the bow. So, what does it mean (in ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
8 votes
3 answers
2k views

Paper bin waste suitable to stop an arrow?

I currently work on a diy-target. I wan to fill a big cardboard box with stuff, that stops an arrow. However, I'm not able to get my hands on foil rests or textile waste. I just have a full paper bin :...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
8 votes
3 answers
239 views

What is a lumen nock used for?

There are several different manufacturers producing so called "lumen nocks". They provide a small light at the end of the arrow. But why? Why would I need a tiny light on my nock?
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
8 votes
1 answer
5k views

The bow's length and its influence

I'm looking for buying a new recurve bow for field archery. I currently shoot a Hoyt dorado and I love it. I have two sets of limbs for it. One #35 set that I use for field and another #50 that I use ...
Desorder's user avatar
  • 2,338
8 votes
2 answers
506 views

What would be the advantage of the 3 fingers under release?

In the Instinctive Bow Division of World Archery, you can either release in the Mediterranean style with one finger above the knock and two fingers below, or you can shoot 3 under, where all three ...
Charlie Brumbaugh's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
436 views

Is a recurve bow more accurate than a long bow?

I realize that recurve bows are the "next generation" after the long bow, delivering more power for length, is there an inherent accuracy improvement with the recurve or is it just power to length?
James Jenkins's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
146 views

Arrow length for hunting

So, from a non-hunting archer's point of view, the arrow length is drawLength + 2" - fineTuning Is there any difference for a hunter or is calculated just the same way?
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
8 votes
1 answer
785 views

Which arrow inserts to use?

I am new to bow hunting and I am getting my stuff set up and I was wondering what inserts to use for the following Easton shafts: 9.5 gpi 400 axis third generation N-fused carbon arrow shaft, nocks ...
Andy D's user avatar
  • 155
7 votes
2 answers
2k views

How can I avoid shooting my lips?

For the first few arrows I often have the problem, that the string rubs over my lips. I need to concentrate on turning the face more to the target. However, these few arrows are sometimes that harsh,...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
7 votes
2 answers
551 views

Why are plastic vanes used instead of feathers?

A lot of manufacturer (and archers) state that feathers are better in all respects. For example a quote from Trueflight: Using feathers results in higher arrow velocities, greater stability, ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
7 votes
1 answer
3k views

Why was Fred Bear shooting left-handed?

Fred Bear was right-handed and, as far as I know, his dominant eye was also the right one. Nevertheless he shot left-handed - why?
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
7 votes
2 answers
421 views

How to wax a bow string

I've heard that I've to wax my bowstring. I'm a little bit lost on how to do so. I've a Dacron Flemish string on a hunting recurve. Can anyone lead the way?
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
7 votes
2 answers
420 views

Why's the plastic/paper cup training so popular?

The plastic cup training is quite popular among different archers. It's a training where you pin a cup on your target and try to insert three arrows into it. You do this repeatedly from different, ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
7 votes
1 answer
2k views

Advantages of a back quiver

It seems like the back quiver has only disadvantages compared to a bow or side quiver. Yet many archers - including Byron Ferguson - choose to go with them. What advantages (besides looking awesome) ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
7 votes
1 answer
195 views

Does a BCY 425x string harm my tradtional recurve bow?

I've a Bear Archery Super Kodiak from 2013 with 40 #. I shoot 8,2 gpp arrows on it. Recently I heard that I should not shoot a BCY 425x string on it since the high amount of vectran somehow harms my ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
7 votes
1 answer
930 views

What happens when compound bow limbs fail?

While rare, I assume that compound bows with metal limbs do occasionally suffer limb failures. Is that correct, and if so What is the effect of a cocked metal bow limb fracturing? I'm trying to ...
feetwet's user avatar
  • 1,437
7 votes
2 answers
204 views

What factors are important to consider when purchasing a bow trigger release system?

I am new to bow hunting and I am getting my stuff set up and I was wondering what factors are important to consider when purchasing a bow trigger release system?"
Andy D's user avatar
  • 155
7 votes
1 answer
269 views

What's the best way to plan a 3D archery course?

Let's say you want to establish a 3D archery tournament. You want to create a small 3D course. You are at the stage where you want to make a concept for the trail. How do you create a map to ensure ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
7 votes
1 answer
556 views

Why is the US kill rating so different?

In European 3D archery we've (besides a few "uncommon" ratings) two basic rating systems: One kill The yellow, red and blue area is "the kill": First arrow - Kill: 20 First arrow - Body: 16 Second ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
6 votes
2 answers
1k views

How to distinguish "bad shooting" from "bad spine"?

To tune arrows, one should shoot bare shafts (so called "bare shaft test") onto a target. If it's left or right of your "aiming-point", you should adjust the dynamic spine accordingly. I'm afraid ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
6 votes
2 answers
4k views

Why do some archers wear two gloves?

I've recently noticed that some archers wear two gloves and some only one. Latter always have them on the hand which pulls the string. Two gloves: One glove: What's the difference? Is it up to ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
6 votes
3 answers
653 views

How can I carry my compound bow in a backpack without showing any parts of it?

I’m looking for a bag to help carry my bow. Not that hard in huge forums to find some good suggestions but the think is I’m looking specifically to carry a compound bow without exposing any of the ...
Noelle's user avatar
  • 69
6 votes
1 answer
254 views

Does a backpack negatively influence my archery shooting?

Last weekend I've shot with a backpack for the very first time. I ordered one which is able to hold my quiver and my bow to hike'n'archer :) However, I suddenly shot like 250 points were I normally ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
6 votes
2 answers
2k views

When to wear a chest protector?

I personally don't know any traditional archer wearing a chest protector. I noticed however that Olympic archers (and similar disciplines) nearly always wear one. Which circumstances should make me ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
6 votes
1 answer
97 views

How to get an insert out of the shaft again?

I've successfully rescued the last few inches of my carbon shaft. What I have is a piece of shaft containing the insert an the tip (the tip can be screwed out of course). The insert is fixed with a ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
6 votes
1 answer
205 views

Name of this quiver type

I noticed a few archers who have a different kind of quiver (different from a back-, bow- or side-quiver). It's kind of a pocket where the arrows are literally "plugged in". Just like in a bow-quiver ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
6 votes
1 answer
145 views

Does a tracer influence the arrow in any way

I'm in doubt if I should attach tracers to my arrows. Of course, they make them better visible but I've heard rumors that they do influence the arrow (other than stated by the manufacturer). Do they ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
6 votes
1 answer
2k views

How can you tell if you can reuse an arrow?

Title says it all really, if I were out practice shooting on a boss, or if I were hunting, how could I tell if I can reuse the arrows I've just shot?
Aravona's user avatar
  • 15.4k
6 votes
1 answer
77 views

Which oil to "burn" (with a hot air gun) a rattan recurve

I've a rattan recurve bow here which needs to be tuned. However, I'm not sure which oil to use. Which oil should I use to "burn" (with a hot air gun) a rattan recurve?
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
6 votes
1 answer
356 views

How to cut an arrow shaft

I'm currently planning to bare shaft tune a bow. The problem is that I don't have a cutting machine for arrows. These are rather expensive and so it doesn't quite make sense to obtain one for private ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
5 votes
2 answers
322 views

I shoot horribly at archery tournaments - what can I do about it?

Commonly I shoot about a 13 to 14 average and 12 is my absolute lower limit. However, at tournaments I struggle even to get a 10 average (shot 192 out of 19 targets :'( ). I think the problem is ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
5 votes
2 answers
797 views

How to measure strike plate position?

Stu Miller's Dynamic Spine Calculator asks the user for the "strike plate position". How do I measure and add it correctly to the calculator?
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
5 votes
1 answer
267 views

What to look for in a quality archery target?

I've fun creating archery targets. I experiment with different materials and building styles. However, I wonder what would be the characteristics to measure the quality of the tries. So, what to look ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
5 votes
1 answer
314 views

What's meant by F.O.C.in archery?

When it comes to arrows, a term which is often mentioned is "F.O.C.". What does it mean? Why is it so important? How can I measure/calculate it?
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
5 votes
1 answer
340 views

Broadhead tuning

I have what I think is a well-tuned 70# compound bow. I use a release and carbon fiber arrows. IBO is 313 fps. Real-world chrony is around 250 fps. Arrows are GT XT 5575 with QuickFletch vanes. I ...
David's user avatar
  • 1,766
5 votes
1 answer
1k views

What's a field tip?

Of course I know that it's an arrowhead to shoot on targets with. However, I wonder how it's exactly defined. So, what (exactly) is a field tip?
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
5 votes
1 answer
206 views

What to consider before roving?

My friend and I want to go out for roving. However, this is our first time and we wonder if there's a list what we should consider before moving out? Roving can be described in the most casual ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
5 votes
1 answer
1k views

How long should an arrow be?

A local archery dealer measured my draw length to 29". He told me that this is not the same as the length of my arrows. I wonder how long an arrow has to be?
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
5 votes
1 answer
81 views

What's the point of stringdampers in 3D shooting

I see a lot of (traditional) archers shooting 3D with stringdampers attached. As far as I know they slow your bow down. Okay, okay, it's minimal, but still... Also, as far as I know, the 3D targets ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.4k
5 votes
1 answer
354 views

Is it possible to repair this flat bow?

Is there hope for a repair on this bow? Samick Outlander American flat bow.
llama's user avatar
  • 1,962