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 equipment, ranging from traditional arrows and bows to powerful crossbows and modern compound bows. In this guide, we will give you an overview of the different types of bows and accessories so that you can make an informed choice.

Crossbows in archery

Crossbow: A crossbow is a powerful weapon that can fire short arrows with great precision. Thanks to its trigger mechanism, a crossbow can remain cocked for longer periods of time, ensuring 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 tension. 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, ideal for use in the garden or attic. With forces from 50LBS to 80LBS, these crossbows are suitable for short distances and recreational shooting.

Arrow and Bow

Traditional Bow and Arrow: A traditional bow and arrow is perfect for beginners and experienced shooters alike. We offer a wide range of bows, from children's bows to powerful bows for adults. Tensile strength and draw length vary, so you can choose the bow that best suits your needs.

Compound Bow: A compound bow is equipped with pulleys, which facilitates tensioning and makes the bow more powerful. These bows are fully adjustable in power and draw length, making them popular in archery.

Olympic Recurve Bow: The Olympic recurve bow is the choice of professional archers and is used in competitions such as the Olympics. These bows consist of a riser and two detachable limbs, making transport and adjustment easier.

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 take a closer look at the different types of arrows and their specific characteristics.

1. Material of the arrows

Wooden Arrows: Wooden arrows are the traditional choice for many archers. They are usually made of woods such as cedar, pine or birch. Wooden arrows have a nostalgic look 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.

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

Carbon Arrows: Carbon arrows are a favourite among serious archers and hunters because of 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 aluminium arrows and can develop small cracks on heavy impact, which should be carefully monitored to avoid safety risks.

2. Spine (Flexibility) of Arrows

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

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

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

3. Feathers and Wings (Fletchings)

Plastic Wings (Vanes): Plastic vanes are durable and water-resistant, making them suitable for all weather conditions. They are ideal for modern compound bows and recurves with raised arrow rests. Vanes are less prone to damage and offer consistent performance.

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

4. Point of the Arrow

The tip of the arrow varies depending on the target and application:

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

5. Nocken

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

Accessories for Archery

At Shogun, we offer a wide selection of accessories that are essential for every archer, from beginners to advanced. These accessories not only help you improve your performance, but also provide safety and convenience while shooting. Here, we take a closer look at the different types of accessories and their functions.

1. Arrow quivers (Quivers)

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

Hip quiver: Hip quivers are attached to the belt and carry arrows on the side of your body. This type of quiver is popular with competitive shooters because it provides quick access to arrows without having to move your body much.

Bow quiver: Bow quivers attach directly to the bow, which is useful for hunters and shooters who need to be able to reload quickly without extra movement. They are compact and keep arrows close at hand.

2. Release-Aids and Finger Tabs

Release-Aids: Release-aids are mechanical devices that you attach to the bowstring 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 hand-held and offer more control and precision, ideal for advanced shooters.

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

3. Armguard

An armguard protects your forearm from hitting the bowstring when releasing. This is important to prevent injury and to ensure that clothing does not get in the way when shooting. Armguards are available in different sizes and materials, from leather to synthetic fabrics.

4. Bow stand

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

5. Skein Stringer (Bow Stringer)

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

6. Stabilisers

Stabilisers are attached to the bow to reduce vibration and improve stability. They help make more accurate shots by better distributing the weight of the bow. Different types of stabilisers are available:

• Shorter Stabilisers: Suitable for hunters who want to keep their bow compact.
• Longer Stabilisers: Ideal for competition shooters who need maximum stability and precision.

7. Sights

Sights help shooters to aim accurately. They are especially useful for novice shooters who have difficulty aiming without assistance. There are different types of sights available:

• Pin Sights: Have multiple pins that can be adjusted for different distances.
• Scope Sights: Offer magnification and are ideal for long-range shooting.

8. Peep Sights

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

9. Vibration dampers

Vibration dampers help reduce vibration and noise created when the bowstring is released. They are especially useful for hunters who want to stay quiet so as not to scare off their prey.

10. Arrow lubricant and Arrow triggers

Arrow lubricant helps draw arrows easily from the target by reducing friction. Arrow pullers are handy tools to safely and efficiently remove 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.

Easily Accessible: Archery does not require huge investments to get started. With a basic bow and a few arrows, you can soon 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 are looking for a simple bow and arrow, a powerful crossbow or a professional compound bow, Shogun has everything you need. Visit our shop or webshop for professional advice and find the perfect archery equipment to suit all your needs.