ARCHERY

Archery at Shogun: Everything You Need to Know

Archery is a popular and accessible activity in the Netherlands, suitable for both recreational shooters and serious athletes. At Shogun, we offer a wide range of archery products, from traditional bows and arrows to powerful crossbows and modern compound bows. In this guide, we provide an overview of the different types of bows and accessories to help you make an informed choice.

Crossbows in Archery

Crossbow: A crossbow is a powerful weapon that can shoot short arrows with great precision. Thanks to its trigger mechanism, a crossbow can remain drawn for extended periods, offering high accuracy and power. Crossbows are ideal for both recreational use and competitions.

Compound Crossbow: The compound crossbow uses a pulley system, making it easier to draw. This type of crossbow offers enormous power, sometimes up to 200 lbs, and is often used for hunting in countries where it is allowed.

Pistol Crossbow: A pistol crossbow is smaller and lighter than a traditional crossbow, making it ideal for use in the garden or indoors. With draw weights ranging from 50 lbs to 80 lbs, these crossbows are suitable for short distances and recreational shooting.

Bow and Arrow

Traditional Bow and Arrow: A traditional bow and arrow are perfect for both beginners and experienced archers. We offer a wide range of bows, from children's bows to powerful adult bows. The draw weight and draw length vary, allowing you to choose the bow that best suits your needs.

Compound Bow: A compound bow is equipped with pulleys, making it easier to draw and more powerful. These bows are fully adjustable in draw weight and length, making them popular in the sport of archery.

Olympic Recurve Bow: The Olympic recurve bow is the choice of professional archers and is used in competitions like the Olympics. These bows consist of a riser and two detachable limbs, making them easy to transport and adjust.

Types of Arrows in Archery

At Shogun, we offer a wide range of arrows suitable for different archery activities. Choosing the right arrow is crucial for your performance and safety. Below, we delve deeper into the different types of arrows and their specific characteristics.

1. Arrow Materials

Wooden Arrows: Wooden arrows are the traditional choice for many archers. They are usually made from wood types like cedar, pine, or birch. Wooden arrows have a nostalgic appeal and are often used by archers who prefer a traditional shooting experience. However, they are less durable than other materials and can warp or break with heavy use.

Aluminum Arrows: Aluminum arrows are popular for their durability and consistency. They are lighter than wooden arrows and offer a good balance between strength and weight. Aluminum arrows are ideal for beginners and recreational shooters because they are affordable and reliable. However, they can bend on hard impact, affecting their accuracy.

Carbon Arrows: Carbon arrows are a favorite among serious archers and hunters for their lightweight and extreme durability. Carbon arrows retain their shape well and offer excellent performance over long distances. However, they are more expensive than wooden or aluminum arrows and can develop small cracks from heavy impacts, which should be carefully inspected to avoid safety risks.

2. Arrow Spine (Flexibility)

The spine of an arrow refers to its degree of flexibility. This is a crucial factor because it affects the flight and accuracy of the arrow. The spine is measured in numbers like 350, 400, 500, and 600. The higher the number, the more the arrow bends.

• Stiff Arrows (Low Spine): Suitable for bows with a high draw weight because they bend less.
• Flexible Arrows (High Spine): Suitable for bows with a low draw weight because they bend more.

Choosing the right spine depends on your bow's strength, arrow length, and point weight. A correct spine ensures that the arrow flies straight and accurately to the target.

3. Fletching

Plastic Vanes: Plastic vanes are durable and waterproof, making them suitable for all weather conditions. They are ideal for modern compound bows and recurves with elevated rests. Vanes are less prone to damage and offer consistent performance.

Feathers: Feathers are a popular choice for traditional archers and indoor competitions. They are softer than vanes and adapt better when leaving the bow, resulting in a more stable flight. However, feathers can get wet and lose their shape, making them less suitable for wet conditions.

4. Arrow Points

The arrow point varies depending on the target and application:

• Screw-in Points: Suitable for target shooting and 3D shooting. They can be easily replaced or adjusted for different shooting conditions.
• Broadheads: Used for hunting, these points have sharp edges for maximum penetration and damage to the target.
• Blunt Points: Used for training and small game hunting, these points are blunt and designed to deliver impact without penetrating the target.

5. Nocks

The nock is the part of the arrow that rests on the bowstring. It is important that the nock fits well with the string to ensure safe and accurate flight. A too-tight nock can cause problems when releasing the arrow, while a too-loose nock can cause the arrow to fall off the string when drawing the bow.

Accessories for Archery

At Shogun, we offer a wide range of accessories essential for any archer, from beginners to advanced. These accessories not only help improve your performance but also ensure safety and convenience during shooting. Here we delve into the different types of accessories and their functions.

1. Quivers

Back Quiver: A back quiver is a classic choice and is worn on the back, just like the quivers you see in movies. They are ideal for traditional archers and provide easy access to arrows while shooting.

Hip Quiver: Hip quivers attach to the belt and hold arrows at the side of your body. This type of quiver is popular among competitive shooters because it provides quick access to arrows without much body movement.

Bow Quiver: Bow quivers attach directly to the bow, which is convenient for hunters and shooters who need to reload quickly without extra movements. They are compact and keep the arrows close at hand.

2. Release Aids and Finger Tabs

Release Aids: Release aids are mechanical devices that attach to the bowstring, allowing you to release the string with a trigger instead of your fingers. They are especially popular with compound bows because they improve accuracy and reduce hand fatigue. There are two main types:

• Wrist-strap Releases: These are worn around the wrist and are easy to use, especially for beginners.
• Handheld Releases: These are held in the hand and offer more control and precision, ideal for advanced shooters.

Finger Tabs: Finger tabs are pieces of leather or other materials that protect your fingers while drawing the string. They are essential for recurve and longbow shooters to prevent blisters and pain. They also ensure a smooth and consistent release of the string.

3. Armguards

An armguard protects your forearm from being hit by the bowstring upon release. This is important to prevent injuries and ensure that clothing does not interfere with shooting. Armguards are available in various sizes and materials, from leather to synthetic fabrics.

4. Bow Stand

A bow stand is convenient for keeping your bow upright when not in use. This prevents damage to the bow and allows you to quickly shoot without having to pick up the bow from the ground. Bow stands are available for both recurve and compound bows.

5. Bow Stringer

A bow stringer is an essential tool for safely and correctly stringing your recurve bow or longbow. Using a bow stringer reduces the risk of damage to the bow and prevents accidents during stringing.

6. Stabilizers

Stabilizers are attached to the bow to reduce vibrations and improve stability. They help you make more accurate shots by better distributing the bow's weight. There are different types of stabilizers available:

• Short Stabilizers: Suitable for hunters who want to keep their bow compact.
• Long Stabilizers: Ideal for competitive shooters who need maximum stability and precision.

7. Sights

Sights help shooters aim accurately. They are especially useful for beginners who struggle to aim without assistance. There are different types of sights available:

• Pin Sights: Have multiple pins that can be set for different distances.
• Scope Sights: Provide magnification and are ideal for long-distance shooting.

8. Peep Sights

Peep sights are small, ring-shaped accessories installed in the bowstring. They help the shooter look through the sightline and aim consistently. Peep sights improve accuracy by providing a fixed reference point for each shot.

9. Vibration Dampeners

Vibration dampeners help reduce vibrations and noise generated when releasing the bowstring. They are especially useful for hunters who want to remain quiet to avoid scaring off their prey.

10. Arrow Lube and Arrow Pullers

Arrow lube helps arrows pull easily from the target by reducing friction. Arrow pullers are handy tools for safely and efficiently removing arrows from the target without damaging the arrows.

Benefits of Archery

Physical and Mental Health: Archery offers both physical and mental benefits. It improves your concentration, coordination, and strength. Moreover, it is a relaxing way to spend time outdoors.

Easy Accessibility: Archery does not require a large investment to get started. With a basic bow and a few arrows, you can quickly get started. Many shops also offer rental or lesson options for beginners.

Conclusion

Archery is a versatile and accessible sport that is both enjoyable and challenging. Whether you're looking for a simple bow and arrow, a powerful crossbow, or a professional compound bow, Shogun has everything you need. Visit our store or webshop for professional advice and find the perfect archery equipment that meets all your needs.