Beginner's Shopping List
So, you are ready to buy some kit and start your collection but it’s not time to buy your own bow yet, or you’re going to borrow club kit forever and just have your own extras. Here’s a good place to start, below are the basics every archer needs and some they might want, if you have any questions then please email or ask a senior, they will always be happy to help or point you in the direction of someone who can.
If you are thinking about buying your own bow/limbs/arrows or any other big bits then please please please speak to a senior first, we can help make sure you get the right kit for you and don't waste your time or money!
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Although websites that sound a bit like Spamazon, Swish, YaliExpress and others that promise cheap prices and quick and convenient delivery are very tempting and even offer some of the same products as specialist archery shops, I strongly urge you not to buy archery equipment from such places for several reasons. Firstly, the market in the UK for archery is already quite small and the businesses providing incredible knowledge and excellent service struggle as it is to stay afloat and giving your custom to these specialist services is greatly appreciated, you will be helping the sport to grow in the UK. Secondly, most, if not all, archery shops have an online shop and delivery that promises almost as much convenience, with the added bonus of decades of archery experience which they draw on to give advice absolutely free of charge. Lastly, own brands on spamazon etc, are often using plagiarised designs and lesser materials or process to make the cost savings, and safety is a top priority in archery, plus, buying from local suppliers is a little easier on the planet.
Happy shopping! - Rebecca
Tabs
Your tab must be comfortable for you to use, the right size for your hand and the right shape for your bowstyle. Recurve tabs need to have a space in the material between the index finger and middle finger for the arrow to go, this may also be beneficial for barebow shooting if you shoot further distances.
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​Most traditional archers will choose a tab with no space or a shooting glove, longbow and horsebow archers will also need a glove or other protection for their bow hand.
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Finger Slings
Finger slings can be made very easily with a shoelace or a loop of string, for a different style Rebecca makes finger slings with paracord and plastic bands (pictured above) and sells them for £2.50 so contact her for more info. The finger slings for sale in archery shops can be quite hit or miss and the below is the only one I’ve heard recommended; all the others beginners buy online tend to break very quickly so it's difficult to recommend those. Most archers get them from someone in their club who makes them or do it themselves.
Bracers
Here are some examples of the type of armguards we would recommend you buy; these have been bought by beginners before and they have been fine but it’s personal preference really and any similar one to these styles is fine. Camouflage colours are not allowed.
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Chest Guards
Chest guards can be useful for protecting the skin of the chest and side nearest the bow from the string catching it. They also provide a consistent surface for the string to rest against and protect clothing from wear due to string contact. These are also personal preference but most are made with men in mind, below I will recommend a cheap unisex one and one pricier option with a women’s version that is better shaped for a female chest as well as a men’s version.
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Quivers
A quiver is another one that is very personal and it’s more important that you like it and it suits your comfort and needs, it’s also an item you can spend a little more on straight away if you want to, as they last a long time and aren’t likely to need to change as you progress, equally you can get a very cheap one to start you off and then spend more later – when you know your colour scheme if you’d like it to match your bow. Below are a couple of cheap ones, mid-range and a couple that will last a long time, with many pockets to put all your tools and spares in. Again, no camouflage colours.
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The difference between a field quiver and the standard style is the direction the arrows point when sitting in it, with a field quiver they sit with the nocks and fletchings pointing behind you and with the standard the nocks are in front of you. ​
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Arrow Tubes
It’s a lot easier to carry arrows around if they’re in a tube, you can DIY a tube quite easily using 4 or 5 pringles tubes – depending on how long your arrows are – and a strap of some kind. I’ve seen some really nice covers for these so if you’re going to do this, don’t be afraid to let your arty side out! If not, below are some arrow tubes, it’s really not important which one you buy but the screw top ones tend to be less annoying than the slide top ones. ​
Although all of the links I have added here are to Merlin Archery, they are not the only archery shop in the UK. I link them here because they tend to be the cheapest, have a price match guarantee and in my experience provide excellent customer service and really know what they are talking about. My only criticism is that their delivery time can be delayed sometimes, especially if an item is not in stock.
Merlin have been kind enough to sponsor me as one of their ambassadors, however, all my opinions are my own and I genuinely would not point you to them if I did not believe they were the best for what you need. Check back for links to some other archery shops later this week!