If you have ever seen people shooting targets or even hunting with a bow, you may have noticed that they were wearing something on their arm. This is referred to as an ‘arm guard’ and can be very beneficial to those who decide to use one. You may be wondering what an arm guard actually does and how it can help you while you are out shooting. Here is everything that you need to know about arm guards for shooting your bow, including how to identify the best archery arm guard for your particular type of shooting.
What are Archery Arm Guards and Why Should They be Used?
If you are unfamiliar with arm guards in archery, you may be wondering what the big deal is? You have surely seen people shooting without the use of one and they seem to be perfectly happy, right? So what is it that an arm guard can do for you while you are shooting archery?
What is an Arm Guard?
To sum up exactly what an archery arm guard is and how it can help you, they are a specially designed guard that is placed on your arm while you are shooting. The right arm guard will help prevent any accidental injuries that may occur from the arrow fletching or whipping of your bowstring when shooting. On top of that, they also ensure that your sleeve is prevented from accidentally catching on the bowstring.
Why Should You Use an Arm Guard in Archery?
While it may not necessarily be a very big deal if you are in the beginner stages of shooting archery, once you get to the higher weight bows it will be. This of course is in regard to the amount of bowstring whipping you will experience. When you are hit by the bowstring, the only thing you will be thinking about is that you should have been wearing an arm guard.
The arm guard will help protect the inside of your forearm, preventing contusions and bruising from occurring. Now factor in that your guard is also going to keep any loose clothing out of your way, and you have a must have archery accessory.
To answer this question as simply as possible, an arm guard will help keep you safe and prevent any potential bruising or injury from occurring. And just like everything else, when it comes to archery, safety first.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Archery Arm Guards
When it comes to the advantages and disadvantages of using an archery arm guard, the benefits will far outweigh any disadvantages that there may be. Here are the different advantages compared to the disadvantages when it comes to wearing an archery arm guard.
Advantages of Using an Archery Arm Guard
As was previously mentioned, the advantages of an arm guard in archery are far going to outweigh any disadvantages that there may be. This is because an arm guard is essentially going to provide you with three things that those not using an arm guard while shooting will not have.
1. Protect Your Forearms
When you use an arm guard in archery, you are protecting your forearms from any potential whipping or slapping of the bowstring. On top of that, you are also protecting your forearm from the arrow’s fletching. While one bowstring slap may not sound like that big of a deal, after a day of shooting you may change your mind.
2. Keep Loose Clothes Out of the Way
The last thing you want to happen is to have to stop your shooting due to your clothes getting caught in the bow. When you use an arm guard you will be making sure that this does not happen. The arm guard will keep any and all loose clothing out of your way, meaning you will be able to focus on your archery and not trying to keep your sleeves out of your shot.
3. Can Help Improve Your Shooting Form
If you are going to be consistent in archery, you will need to make sure that your form is absolutely correct. So how does an arm guard help improve your shooting form? If you are continuously hitting your forearm with a bowstring slap, your form is obviously going to be off.
Instead of quitting shooting due to a very painful and bruised forearm, an arm guard will help protect you and allow you to shoot for longer. You will then ideally tweak your shooting form so that the string does not hit your forearm when shooting.
Disadvantages of an Archery Arm Guard
The one main disadvantage of arm guards in archery is that they are typically not included with your bow and will need to bought separately. While the high-end arm guard does have the potential to get upwards of $100 or so, you can also get some of the more budget-friendly arm guards for as low as $15-20.
Aside from this, the only real disadvantage of actually using an arm guard is that it can cause your forearm to produce more sweat if it is hot out.
As you can see, using an arm guard in archery is almost a necessity. While you will need to pay for one, at the very same time they are not necessarily very expensive, and can you really put a price on your safety?
The Different Types of Arm Guards
Now that you know how important an arm guard can be for archery, you may be wondering what the different types available to you are. Here are the different types of arm guards for archery:
1. Full-Length Arm Guard
Ideal for the beginner and those just getting started with archery, the full length arm can be used by anybody in archery. This particular style is going to cover your entire arm, spanning the length between your wrist and your bicep.
Depending upon the guard you are using, you may find that they do have the potential to be slightly uncomfortable. They do ensure that your arm is protected from any string slaps though.
2. Standard or Half-Length Arm Guard
Considered to be ideal for those more skilled in archery, the standard arm guard should only be used if you have perfected rotating your elbows while you are shooting. This style of arm guard attaches to your forearm and helps keep your arm out of the way of your bowstring.
On top of that, it is also typically more comfortable for your wrist, as well as more flexible than a full-length guard.
3. Leather Arm Guard
Considered to be one of the most popular styles of arm guards, the leather arm guard has earned this reputation for a reason. Leather is strong and durable enough to be used for hours at a time, keeping your forearm protected the entire time you are shooting.
4. Archery Sleeve
As the name indicates, this is more of a ‘sleeve’ that covers your entire arm. Typically made out of some type of compression material, a sleeve will typically not provide you with as much protection from bowstring slap, but it will help keep your clothes out of the way while you are shooting.
Sizing and Fit Guide for Archery Arm Guards
The sizing and fit an arm guard is something that you should consider to be very important. If it is too large, your guard has the potential to restrict some of your movements. If it is too small, you run the risk of having your bowstring slap your exposed skin. For this reason, finding the perfect size guard is very important. So how are you supposed to do that?
What Size are You?
Typically speaking, when it comes to finding the correct size arm guard that you need, you are going to want to measure the distance between your wrist and your elbow. Once you have this measurement, divide that number by 2 and add an additional inch or two. This is the ideal length that you should be looking for.
You will also want to measure your forearm circumference at its widest point. While the arm guard you use will more than likely have elastic straps, it is very hard to make them fit a forearm that is larger than they go. So if you have larger forearms, the ‘one size fits all’ elastic straps may not be ideal for you. Instead, you will need to find one that has been designed with larger forearms in mind.
How to Choose the Right Archery Arm Guard
When you are searching for the perfect guard for yourself, there are several different factors that you will need to take into consideration. Here is everything that you should factor into which guard you decide to use.
Comfort
This may sound like a no-brainer, but if you use a guard that is not comfortable to you, you will not be using that guard for very long. This means you must make sure that you are comfortable while wearing it.
Material
There are many different materials that you can get an arm guard in, the more popular ones being in leather or some other type of ‘tough’ material. Keep in mind that the entire purpose of the guard is to provide protection for your arm, so thick nylon or mesh is also going to be a great option for you.
Weight
Ideally, your arm guard is not going to be too heavy. If it is, you will notice that your arm gets fatigued much quicker, meaning that your shot consistency and accuracy will start being affected.
Appearance
Most arm guards will work exactly how they are described to work. What this means, is that you must decide upon the appearance that you like the most. Luckily for you, they come in a wide assortment of colors, materials, and even shapes and styles. But don’t worry, finding the appearance of the arm guards that you like best is actually the most fun part of the guards.
Breathability
Depending upon the weather, you may find that guard does not breathe very well. While this does depend upon the type of material that it is made out of, keep in mind that most of the tougher, more protective materials will not breathe as well as others. This means you will need to find your happy medium between protection and breathability.
The 5 Best Archery Arm Guards
Trying to find the best archery arm guard for your shooting style is something that can very quickly become overwhelming, and fast. However, you have nothing to worry about. Here are the best archery arm guards available on the market today. These are the best of the best and should definitely be considered when you are searching for the one that is right for you.
1. Allen Company Mesh
What makes the Allen Company Mesh so popular is the fact that it over-delivers for the price. In fact, the Allen Company Mesh is actually considered to be on the more affordable side, but it can definitely hold its own against the more expensive types of guards available. From the adjustable straps to the superior protection, you will receive from your bow, you need to have this one on your list.
Pros
While there are many great benefits of using this guard, there are also a couple of disadvantages to using it as well. The main disadvantage is that this is not an item that will fit an adult. This means that it is only for kids and younger bow shooters. Also, it is not very breathable and has a tendency to loosen over an extended period of time. Even with these disadvantages though, this is still a guard you should seriously consider checking out.
2. ArcheryMax Leather
Considered to be one of the best leather archery arm guard products on the market, the ArcheryMax Leather is a great option for a full length archery arm guard. It is not only extremely comfortable to wear but is also available in both left-handed and right-handed models. Resembling more of what you would consider being one of the more traditional archery arm guards, the ArcheryMax has been designed to not only protect your forearm but to do it for a long time. The high-quality construction means that you can expect a ton of use out of it.
Pros
With all of the pros on this one, you may feel that there should be several disadvantages as well. However, there is only one real disadvantage with this guard, that being that some consider lacing it up to be quite difficult and time-consuming.
3. The Tarantula Sleeve
While the Tarantula Sleeve sounds like something that is better suited to be in a horror movie than on the archery range, it is actually one of the better sleeves available on the market today. This is because it has a ton of material to protect your forearm but is not actually a complete wrap-around sleeve. Now factor in that the Tarantula Sleeve has added ventilation holes and you have what some consider to be the best compound bow arm guard ever created.
Pros
As with any product, there is always at least one downside. For this one, it is the fact that not everybody will consider it to be budget-friendly. But at the very same time, you get what you pay for.
4. Krayney Leather 3-Strap
Considered to be one of the more comfortable guards for the youth shooter, the Krayney Leather 3-Strap is not only easy to use but is made out of some very durable leather as well. This means that you can expect it to do well no matter what type of shooting you are doing. And the tough leather material will add some of the best protection against bruises, scratches, and any type of string slap you can throw at it.
Pros
While this is an overall great guard, it is only available for the younger shooter. This means that if you are fully grown, it will more than likely not be the ideal one for you to try.
5. Bohning Archery Slip-On
Considered to be one of the very best guards available for the women shooter, the Bohning Archery Slip-On comes in a range of different sizes. The high-quality material provides you with longevity and durability like no other. Now factor in that it is extremely easy to use and you have a guard that will provide you with one of the best fits you have ever experienced.
Pros
While this is an amazing guard that should be on your list to checkout, you will find that it does not provide you with as much protection as some of the other guards that have been mentioned on this list.
Final Thoughts – Which is Best?
When it comes to finding the best archery arm guard, it is something that is completely subjective to your own individual needs and requirements. It can also become a very overwhelming task at the very same time. With all of the different options available to you, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. However, the arm guard that should be the first one you look at is the Tarantula Sleeve. While the word ‘perfect’ is not going to be used, this is pretty much as close to that as you can get!