Essential Archery Equipment Guide: What Every Beginner Needs to Get Started
Walking into an archery shop for the first time can be overwhelming. Rows of bows, dozens of arrow types, and a wall of accessories — where do you even begin? This archery equipment guide breaks down exactly what you need to start shooting with confidence at OnPoint Archery in Toronto.
The Bow: Your Starting Point
For beginners, a recurve bow is the gold standard. It is simple, forgiving, and teaches proper form without relying on let-off or mechanical aids. Most archery ranges — including ours — stock recurve bows in a range of draw weights, usually starting at 16–22 pounds for new archers. A compound bow is an option once you have developed consistent technique, but starting with a recurve builds the fundamentals that serve you for life.
Arrows: Not All Are Created Equal
Arrows must be matched to your draw length and bow weight. Using arrows that are too short is a safety risk; using arrows that are too stiff or too flexible wrecks your accuracy. Beginners should use aluminium or carbon arrows sized by a coach. At OnPoint Archery, we provide properly fitted equipment for every session, so you never have to guess.
Essential Accessories
You will need an arm guard to protect your forearm from string slap, a finger tab or release aid for a clean release, and a quiver to hold your arrows. A bow stringer is also essential for safely stringing and unstringing a recurve bow — never do it by hand. These small investments make a huge difference in comfort and safety.
Try Before You Buy
The smartest approach for any beginner is to rent equipment at a range first. You will learn what draw weight feels right, what bow length suits your frame, and which accessories improve your shooting — all before spending a dollar on gear. That is exactly what we offer at OnPoint Archery: full equipment included with every session, plus expert guidance to help you find your fit.
Ready to get started? With the right equipment and a knowledgeable coach, your first bullseye is closer than you think.
One Comment