Best Archery Arm Guard

When it comes to archery, it’s important to have all of the right equipment. This includes things like an arm guard, but what is the best archery arm guard to get started with? Let’s go over the basics of archery arm guards and why you should add one to your arsenal of archery equipment!

What Is An Arm Guard?

An arm guard is designed to strap to your forearm and protect it from the recoil of the bowstring upon release. The best archery arm guard should be comfortable and provide adequate protection for your arm. While they are mostly used with recurve and traditional bows, they are also useful with modern compound bows as well.

An armguard is generally made of leather, fabric, plastic, or synthetic material. They come in all different shapes and sizes, but are all made to protect the arm from string slap. With proper archery form and practice, the bowstring will rarely hit the arm of a shooter. Until then, an armguard is the best option to protect yourself.

Do I Need An Arm Guard?

Many archers may wonder if arm guards are absolutely necessary to shoot a bow. For many shooters, once they feel comfortable and have some experience, they may opt to not wear one. While there is always a risk of hitting your arm with the string, the more experience a shooter has, the less likely this is to happen.

This is why beginners tend to need an arm guard the most. A good armguard also helps to keep loose clothing from getting in the way of the string and negatively affecting your accuracy. If you are a beginner archer or shoot in colder weather, wearing an arm guard might be a great idea. Even some pros still wear an arm guard just in case they hold their bow wrong or have something happen that will cause the string to accidentally slap their arm.

Arm Guard Options

Because every archer is different, arm guards come in many different options to give you plenty of choices. These various options include things like materials, sizes, and coverage differences in order to give you exactly what you need.

Material Options

As we mentioned, arm guards can be made of many different materials. One of the first materials ever used was leather which is still a popular option today. With the advance of technology and materials, you can now find arm guards made of synthetic materials that are more comfortable and breathable. From leather and synthetic nylon to a simple fabric sleeve, there are many material options for armguards.

Arm Coverage

Arm guards can be found in whatever size you need. There are small arm guards that only cover a tiny portion of the arm. Others are large and can cover the entire forearm up to the elbow. No matter the size, you’ll be able to find one that best suits your needs. Most arm guards, however, are generally anywhere from six to ten inches in length. This ensure the forearm is covered properly.

Sizing

Along with arm coverage lengths, you also have sizing differences when it comes to attaching the guard to your arm. Arm guards are made for kids, women, and men. This means you’ll find them in all shapes and sizes to accommodate anyone. People also have different circumferences of forearms, so they must be made in different sizes as well. Many armguards are also adjustable or are attached with elastic straps, making them fit a wider range of people.

Which Size Arm Guard Do I Need?

Once you decide on the style and material of the arm guard that you want, you can then figure out the proper size that you will need. Important aspects of the arm guard such as the material, arm coverage, and the circumference of your arm should all be considered when selecting the right size for you.

To find the perfect size, you must first take a few quick measurements of your forearm. Take a circumference measurement around your wrist, as well as one at the widest point of the forearm near the elbow. Lastly, take a length measurement between the two. All of these numbers will allow you to select the arm guard size that best fits you.

Most armguards are found in lengths of anywhere from six to eleven inches. You do not need an armguard to cover your entire forearm if you don’t want it to, however. As long as it covers the main portion of your forearm, it should provide adequate protection. Choose a length that is most comfortable for you and provides enough length for your forearm.

Best Archery Arm Guards

BlackOut 3-Strap Arm Guard

The BlackOut 3-Strap Armguard is a simple yet sleek arm guard that is made of 600-denier polyester, ensuring that it is tough and durable. It has extra foam padding to provide plenty of comfort and protection for your arm, and its 8-inch overall length will properly protect your arm from string slaps. The three straps are adjustable elastic material to make sure you have a snug fit regardless of your arm circumference.

Kratarc Adjustable 3-Strap Protective Arm Guard

Useable by both left and right-handed shooters, the 3-strap Kratarc arm guard is a sleek and simple guard that is made of a comfortable yet durable fabric that looks great. It’s vented to allow proper airflow and is attached via three elastic straps with buckles. It comes with many different options, such as being available in the three colors of black, blue, and brown. It is also found in three different lengths (7, 8, and 9 inches) in order to give you the best possible fit.

AAE Archery Arm Guard

If you’re looking for a unique arm guard that is sure to stand out, look no further than the AAE arm guard. Coming in a bright blue or white, it isn’t the color that makes this one stand out. Its unique design and ventilated hard plastic construction give it a sleek and futuristic appearance. Coming in around 6 inches in length, it is very small, compact, and lightweight so you will hardly even notice it when attached to your arm. It attaches via two elastic straps and buckles to ensure a snug and comfortable fit.

SAS Leather Suede Arm Guard

For those looking for a leather arm guard that is still every bit as comfortable as a synthetic or fabric guard, the SAS leather suede arm guard is a perfect choice. At 7.5 inches in length, it attaches to the arm via 3 straps with buckles. It is very lightweight and has vents in order to provide proper airflow to your arm. The one size is designed to fit shooters of all shapes and sizes, and give them the classic look and feel of a leather arm guard.

Allen Company Mesh Archery Arm Guard

Made to be a minimalist arm guard, the Allen Company mesh armguard is small and compact yet still gets the job done. It is also a great option for smaller or younger shooters. The adjustable strap ensures a comfortable and snug fit while being easy to use with one hand. It is eight inches long, and the mesh design ensures that it is extremely comfortable and breathable. It is even available in camo, green, pink, or orange for an even more custom look and feel. For a slim and compact archery arm guard, this is a great choice for youth or adults alike.

How To Shoot Without An Arm Guard

With proper shooting form and a little bit of practice, you can shoot a bow without an arm guard protecting your forearm. In order to do this, however, you will need to focus on proper hand and arm placement.

The first thing to work on is your bow hand grip. Gipping the bow wrong can rotate your elbow in, making your arm more prone to string slap. To properly grip the bow, relax your hand and place it as far upward as it can go. Place the bow in the area between your thumb and palm so that it is the only place that makes contact. The knuckles on our hand should be at a 45-degree angle when compared to the riser, this will help keep your arm at the proper angle as well.

Once your grip is set and relaxed, you should now make note of your elbow. As you add tension to the bowstring, rotate your elbow down and out. This will move your elbow and forearm out of the bowstring’s path and provides a strong foundation to keep the bow steady. By keeping your elbow rotated outwards, you can comfortably and confidently shoot the bow without worrying about slapping your arm!

Final Thoughts

Finding the best archery arm guard doesn’t have to be difficult if you know what you are looking for. Although they come in various sizes, styles, and materials, armguards always help to provide protection for your forearm and prevent loose clothing from affecting your shooting. It’s always a good idea to have a quality archery arm guard in your arsenal of gear!