Section 2: Equipment
2.1 Recurve Bow (Olympic Division)
The recurve bow is the only bow type permitted in Olympic competition. It consists of a riser (the central handle section, typically aluminium or carbon) and two detachable limbs that curve away from the archer at their tips, storing and releasing energy efficiently. The following accessories are permitted on a recurve bow:
- Sight: A single non-magnifying sight pin or ring, adjustable for windage and elevation. No lenses, prisms, or electronic components are permitted.
- Stabilizers: A long rod (typically 28–32 inches) extending forward from the riser, plus side rods (V-bars) with dampers, used to reduce torque and absorb vibration at the shot.
- Clicker: A thin metal blade mounted on the riser that clicks audibly when the arrow is drawn to a consistent length, ensuring draw consistency.
- Plunger (pressure button): A spring-loaded button in the riser that controls lateral arrow flex at release, tuning arrow flight.
- Arrow rest: A rest mounted on the riser to support the arrow before and during the draw.
There is no regulated maximum draw weight for recurve bows. Competitive archers typically draw between 38 and 50 pounds (17–23 kg), with bow lengths of 66–70 inches (168–178 cm). Archers draw and release the string using their fingers (a finger tab or glove is permitted); mechanical release aids are not allowed in the recurve division.
2.2 Compound Bow
The compound bow uses a system of cables and eccentric pulleys (cams) to provide let-off, reducing the holding weight at full draw to roughly 60–80% less than peak draw weight. This allows the archer to hold steadily for longer. Compound bows are permitted in World Archery Championships and World Cup events but are not included in the Olympic programme. Key permitted accessories include:
- Magnifying scope: A lens-equipped sight with a magnification level (typically 4×–8×) and a peep sight in the string.
- Mechanical release aid: A handheld device (trigger, hinge, or tension-activated) that releases the string mechanically for greater consistency.
- Stabilizers: Same general rules as recurve, though compound setups are often shorter.
Compound bows shoot at a target distance of 50 metres with a smaller 80 cm target face (or a triple-spot face with three 40 cm faces). Maximum arrow speed is not regulated, but let-off must not exceed 80%.
2.3 Barebow
Barebow archery uses a recurve-style bow stripped of most accessories. No sights, no stabilizers, no clicker, and no marks on the bow that could serve as aiming references are permitted. Archers aim using instinctive methods or string-walking (placing the fingers at different points on the string below the nock to adjust trajectory). Barebow competes at the World Archery Championships and is growing in popularity at national levels.
2.4 Arrows
All arrows used in competition must conform to WA specifications:
- Shaft: Aluminium, carbon, or aluminium-carbon composite. Maximum outer diameter of 9.3 mm (0.37 in). All arrows in a set must be identical in length, weight, and construction.
- Nock: The plastic fitting at the rear of the arrow that clips onto the bowstring. Must be of a type that does not damage the string.
- Fletching: Three vanes (plastic) or feathers attached near the nock to stabilize arrow flight. Configuration and colour are the archer's choice, but one vane (the index or cock vane) must be a different colour for consistent nocking.
- Point: A target point (bullet or break-off style) that must not cause excessive damage to target faces or buttresses.
- Identification: Each archer's arrows must be clearly marked with the archer's name, initials, or assigned number on the shaft. This allows judges to identify arrows during scoring.
2.5 Personal Protective Equipment
- Finger tab or glove: Worn on the drawing hand to protect the fingers and provide a smooth string release.
- Arm guard (bracer): Worn on the inside of the bow arm's forearm to prevent string slap.
- Chest guard: Optional; prevents clothing from catching the string.
- Binoculars and spotting scopes: Permitted for viewing arrows in the target from the waiting line, but not permitted on the shooting line during shooting.
2.6 Equipment Inspection
Before competition, all equipment undergoes mandatory inspection by WA judges. Bows, arrows, and accessories are checked for compliance with the division's rules. Any equipment found non-compliant must be corrected or replaced before the archer may compete. Judges may re-inspect equipment at any time during competition.