Protect Yourself: An Introduction to Archery Arm Guards

Arm guards are meant to protect the inside part of the arm that is holding the bow. If you are using the correct stance and you are at full draw, you will be able to see that there is a good chance that the string is going to create contact to your skin. I can tell you with certainty that the welt that will develop after you have that string hit your arm so many times is not going to look pretty. If the welt is bad then it may even affect your ability to shoot in the coming days. Once you get the hang of shooting your bow, you can get rid of the arm guard, but initially you will likely hit your forearm. [caption id="attachment_3792" align="alignright" width="300"] Arm guards come in various lengths and sizes to fit the shooters needs.[/caption] If you were new to the sport, I would recommend that you get an arm guard that has a little bit more padding and is a little bit larger to provide you with more coverage. A general rule of thumb is that you should have an arm guard that is a couple of inches longer than the center point from your wrist to elbow. While you are still getting used to your particular bow setup, hitting your forearm will almost inevitably happen. As far back as archery has existed, arm guards have typically been made of leather. Leather was an easy option because it was readily available and it was durable. Now, they are made of even more flexible materials and have quick release straps to make them easier to take off for the shooter. The adjustable nature of these arm guards is perfect for people who prefer to place their arm guards over their clothes in inclement weather. Arm guards are all a matter of preference for the shooter. You do not have to get one, but they come highly recommended when you are just starting out. Enjoyment is a big key to this sport, and having welts on your arm, sure makes it a lot less enjoyable.