Archery Buying Guides
Buying guides organized by category and written by the shop's coach.
Bows & Crossbows
Bow Accessories
Choosing bow accessories
Adapters, dampers, hooks, and other add-ons should attach to a named mounting point and leave the bow’s moving parts free to work.
Bowfishing
Choosing bowfishing gear
Match the bowfishing arrow, safety slide, line, point, and reel to the maker’s specified setup.
Bows
Choosing a bow
Bow selection begins with the hand you draw with, a draw-length range that fits your anchor, and a draw weight you can control without strain.
Crossbow Bolts
Choosing crossbow bolts
Choose a bolt that matches your crossbow's required length, nock, and total weight.
Crossbows
Choosing a crossbow
Use bolts approved for the exact crossbow model and follow its instructions for loading, cocking, and hand placement.
Bow Accessories & Tuning
Armguards
Choosing an armguard
An armguard exists to keep a loose sleeve and forearm clear of the string path.
Arrow Rests
Choosing an arrow rest
Match the rest’s hand, style, and mount to the bow, and check the vane path.
Bow Shop Tools
Choosing bow shop tools
Bow shop tools are the presses, jigs, and fixtures used to press, draw, square, and serve a bow.
Quivers
Choosing an archery quiver
Match the quiver mount to your bow and check clearance with it loaded.
Releases
Choosing an archery release
Compare release style, hand fit, and trigger reach with the anchor you use.
Shooting Gloves and Tabs
Choosing shooting gloves and tabs
Tabs sit between the fingers and string; gloves cover the fingers. Match the style to your draw hand and fit.
Sights
Choosing an archery sight
Pick the hand orientation, pin arrangement, and pin size that let you see the target clearly and hold the bow naturally.
Stabilizers
Choosing bow stabilizers
Match the stabilizer’s mount, length, and weight to the bow and shooting space.
String Making
Choosing bow string making supplies
Serving and string fiber let an experienced builder make a bow-specific string, but the strand count and material must suit the intended design.
Strings and Cables
Choosing bow strings and cables
A replacement set belongs to one exact bow model, with the specified string and cable lengths installed along the manufacturer’s routing path.
Arrows & Targets
Arrow Components
Choosing arrow components
Match inserts, points, nocks, and collars to the exact shaft family and arrow build.
Arrows and Shafts
Choosing arrows and shafts
An arrow shaft links your bow’s draw setup to the point of impact, so its stiffness and finished build need to agree with how you shoot.
Broadheads
Choosing broadheads
Match broadhead weight and design to your arrow setup and local hunting rules.
Fletching Tools and Materials
Choosing fletching tools and materials
Choose tools that fit the shaft and vane, then follow the adhesive maker's directions.
Target Archery Accessories
Choosing target archery accessories
Choose a practice tool by task, then check its fit with your bow, arrows, or shafts.
Targets
Choosing archery targets
Compare the target’s speed rating and approved point types with your bow and arrows.
Hunting & Field Gear
Decoys
Choosing hunting decoys
Match species, posture, and motion to the setup, then check current local rules.
Feeders and Attractants
Choosing feeders and attractants
Check feeding rules for your area before comparing species, capacity, timer, or power.
Food Processing
Choosing food processing equipment
Use a tested process for the food and jar size, then match it to the canner's pressure range.
Game Calls
Choosing game calls
Match the call to its target species and style, then check the rules for that hunt.
Game Cameras and Accessories
Choosing game cameras
Compare cellular service or memory-card needs at the site, then plan power and check timing.
Game Cleaning
Choosing game cleaning tools
Compare game cleaning tools by task, animal size, and ease of cleanup.
General Hunting Accessories
Choosing general hunting accessories
Start with the tool's stated job, then check its mount and material against your use.
Ground Blinds and Stools
Choosing ground blinds and stools
Measure the site, compare the blind's listed footprint, and test shot lanes from your seat.
Knives and Cutting Tools
Choosing knives and cutting tools
Choose a knife by the cut, then check blade style, sheath fit, and local carry rules.
Optics
Choosing hunting optics
Choose optics for how you will glass, then compare field of view, low-light use, and eye relief.
Safety Harnesses
Choosing a tree stand safety harness
A harness only arrests a fall if it's connected before you climb.
Scent Elimination and Lures
Choosing scent elimination and lures
Choose a scent product by how it is applied, where it will go, and the product label.
Trapping
Choosing trapping gear
Check local rules and target species before choosing trap type, size, anchoring, or check schedule.
Tree Stands and Accessories
Choosing tree stands and accessories
Choose a stand and full-body fall-arrest harness that fit, then follow maker instructions before climbing.
Video Cameras and Accessories
Choosing hunting video cameras and accessories
Match the camera's mounting thread, clamp fit, and weight to the setup where you plan to record.
Outdoor Gear & Storage
Batteries and Accessories
Choosing batteries and accessories
Match batteries to each device’s listed type and check charging method, runtime, and compatibility for rechargeable field gear.
Camping and Outdoor Recreation
Choosing camping and outdoor recreation gear
Check each camping item’s fuel, capacity, and weather guidance in the maker’s manual.
Cases and Storage
Choosing archery cases and storage
Compare the case’s listed fit and interior space with your bow and mounted accessories.
Packs and Storage
Choosing packs and storage
Choose capacity for the gear you carry, then check layout and secure the load before you go.
Radios and Accessories
Choosing hunting radios
FRS does not need an individual license; GMRS does. Check FCC rules before you choose a radio.
Repellents
Choosing outdoor repellents
Choose a repellent for the pest and setting, then follow its label for use and timing.
Clothing & Footwear
Casual Clothing
Choosing casual outdoor clothing
Choose clothes for the activity, then match fit, fabric, and closures to the conditions.
Footwear
Choosing hunting footwear
Match boot fit, insulation, and traction to the ground, route, and weather.
Hunting Clothing
Choosing hunting clothing
Choose layers for the coldest part of a sit, with room for movement and weather protection.
Waders and Vests
Choosing waders and vests
Match wader fit, seams, and layers to the water. Choose a properly fitted PFD for your activity.