Equipment & Supplies
Arrows, targets and the accessories that actually matter. Gear I own says so; the rest is researched and says so too.
// Overview
The gear I actually use, and what can wait
After the bow, a handful of gear decides how much you enjoy shooting. Most of it is cheap. Some of it is the stuff people skip and regret, like a bow stringer.
Arrows matter most. I compare carbon and aluminum for a first dozen, and explain how to read a spine chart so your arrows actually fly straight off your bow.
Then the comfort gear: a finger tab or glove, an armguard, and a target that stops arrows safely in your backyard.
Free printable
Beginner gear checklist
Everything I would buy for a first season, with rough costs, and what can wait until year two. It’s a page of the free range log.
// All posts
Everything in Equipment & Supplies
Showing all 7 posts, newest firstShowing 2 posts for recurve shooters, newest firstShowing 2 posts for longbow shooters, newest firstShowing 1 post for compound shooters, newest firstShowing 5 posts for crossbow shooters, newest first
- EOUS Finger Savers on My Bowstring vs a Glove or TabSore string fingers or a pinched nock? Rubber finger savers, 0.9″ and 1.8″ long, sit on the string around the arrow so your fingers never touch bare string. See the EOUS specs, how they compare with a glove or tab, and who should try them.
- The SUNYA Hip Quiver I’ve Worn at the Range for 2 YearsOne belt, 3 arrow tubes and pockets big enough for gloves, spares and an arm guard. This SUNYA hip quiver review covers what fits, how the arrows stay put while you walk, the one flaw after 2 years, and who should buy it.
- A Crossbow for Home Defense? 10 Reasons People Consider OneA crossbow is quiet and not a federal firearm, but makers say not to leave one cocked for more than 24 hours. Here are the 10 reasons people give for crossbow home defense, each fact-checked, plus the storage and legal points to know first.
- The 3 Best Crossbow Quivers That Hold Your Bolts TightA loose bolt or rattling quiver can cost you the only shot of the season. Compare 3 crossbow quivers by capacity, broadhead hood and mount, plus the 5 checks that tell you whether a quiver will fit your crossbow and bolts.
- The 3 Best Crossbow Targets for 400+ FPS Bolts in Your BackyardA cheap foam block can let a fast crossbow bolt punch straight through. These 3 crossbow targets are rated for 400 fps and up, from a layered field-point target to a life-size 3D buck, with what each one stops and how to set it up safely.
- The 3 Best Crossbow Cases to Protect Your Scope and LimbsOne bumpy drive with a loose crossbow can knock your scope off zero. Compare 3 crossbow cases (hard, soft and budget backpack style), see what each one fits, and run the 6 checks that stop you from buying a case your bow won’t fit.
- The 3 Best Crossbow Scopes for Deer, From Budget to ThermalA scope that doesn’t match your crossbow’s speed puts every shot past 30 yards high or low. Here are 3 crossbow scopes worth a look, from a 1.5–5× budget pick to a thermal, plus how to set the speed ring and sight it in at the right zero.
// FAQ
Questions I get a lot
Short answers to what beginners ask me about equipment & supplies.
What target is best for a backyard?
A layered foam block or a quality bag target. Make sure it is rated for your draw weight and has a safe backstop behind it.
Do I need a bow stringer?
Yes, for any recurve or longbow. Stringing by hand can twist the limbs permanently.
How much should I spend on my first setup?
A good beginner recurve, a dozen arrows, a tab, an armguard and a target run about $300–450 if you buy carefully.
Do I need a sight or stabilizer?
Not to start. Learn form barebow first. You can add a sight later without changing anything you’ve learned.
How many arrows should I buy?
A dozen. You will lose and break a few in the first month.
What arrow spine do I need?
It depends on your draw weight and arrow length. Use a spine chart, then bare-shaft tune one arrow.
Finger tab or glove?
A glove for most beginners: it’s easy to put on and works for target, 3D and hunting. I liked mine enough to buy the same one twice. A tab gives a slightly cleaner release if you chase target scores.
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// Free printable
Get the range log I actually use.
Seventeen printable pages: session log, score tracker, a 30-day drill challenge, a bow maintenance card, a first-season checklist and more. Join the monthly email and it lands right away.
