The Best Archery Gear You Need | Essential Equipment

Using the best archery equipment can make a major difference in your performance, safety, and overall enjoyment of the sport. Technically, all you need to start shooting is a bow and some arrows, but there are some must-own accessories that drastically improve the experience.

Whether you’re a beginner who’s ready to take the next step in your archery journey or an expert looking for a new toy to play with, there are plenty of ways to upgrade your setup. Here’s a list of archery essentials that every archer should own.

1. A Target

The best archery gear empowers you to develop your skills. That doesn’t always mean using a newfangled gadget. Sometimes, simply using better versions of staples is all it takes to improve your shooting. 

A nice target (or multiple targets) is easily one of the best investments you can make. It’s pretty self-explanatory: you need something to shoot! If a new target isn’t in the budget, consider making a homemade archery target.

Beyond acting as a backdrop for your arrows, a proper target gives you a specific focal point that allows you to fine-tune your approach. It’s one of the best archery gear investments because it acts as a visual aid for your point of impact.

For example, say you’re shooting at a haystack. You probably won’t notice that your shots are veering slightly off course. That bullseye, however, will let you know exactly what you’re doing right or wrong with shot placement and groupings. Targets are also crucial for some types of maintenance, such as calibrating and leveling your bow sight.

2. Bow Sight

When it comes to the best archery equipment, a high-quality bow sight can be a game-changer. It provides a visual indicator that allows you to aim confidently at various distances. It’s one of the best archery gear upgrades because it’ll improve your precision and shot-to-shot consistency, crucial skills for ethical hunting and competitions alike.

3. Bow Press

Bow presses make working on your bow so much easier and more enjoyable. It holds your bow securely in place so you can replace compound bow strings and cables, make draw length adjustments, tune cams, fix twisting peep sights, and do all sorts of other maintenance. 

A high-quality bow press is an investment that can save you money in the long run, as you won’t need to bring your bow to the shop every time you need work done. Last Chance Archery is a highly respected bow press brand in the archery community. The EZ Green bow press is one of the best archery gear options on the market and is widely viewed as the industry standard.

4. Fletching Jig

If you have any interest in building and repairing your own arrows, a fletching jig is the best archery equipment for the task. The jig holds your arrows in place so you can fletch with the utmost precision. You can’t go wrong with Zenith archery products, and the Bitzenburger fletching jig is considered to be the industry standard.

5. Archery Tools

In order to work on your gear, you need high-quality archery tools. You may not need them at the moment, but you’ll be glad to have them when your bow needs to be fixed or upgraded. Even the best archery gear needs maintenance. 

6. Dampeners and Silencers

Bow string dampeners keep vibrations at bay, naturally making your shooting smoother and more accurate. Bow string silencers keep your shots quiet, which is especially critical for bowhunters.

7. Stabilizers

Stabilizers improve your shot-to-shot consistency. These weights alter the bow’s center of gravity and boost inertia, helping to keep your bow steady and reducing the frequency of inconsistent releases. Xtreme Stabilization is a top-tier brand that’s trusted by tournament champions.

8. Protective Equipment

Mistakes happen. Even if you’re careful, there’s always a risk of injury. A bracer (arm guard), chest guard, and finger tabs or gloves are some of the best archery gear options regardless of your skill level. It only takes one trip to the emergency room to recognize their importance!

9. Bow Case and Quiver

Storing your bow and arrows properly will extend their lifespans. You’ll also be glad to have them when traveling.

10. Bow Stand

Sometimes, the best archery equipment is purely practical. A bow stand isn’t the most exciting item in your kit, but it’s so handy for outdoor shooting. Don’t overlook the benefits of keeping your bow off the dirty, wet ground. A bow stand can extend the lifespan of your bow and prevent avoidable mistakes. Clean bows perform better than dirty bows.

11. Release Aid

The best archery gear comes down to personal preference. While some purists prefer to use their fingers, a release aid can save wear and tear on your fingers and improve your release consistency. Even if you don’t end up sticking with it, give one a shot to see how it feels.

12. Bow Stringer

A bow stringer is a useful device that holds tension on the limbs while you replace your bow string.

13. Bow String Wax

Bow string wax extends the lifespan of your bow strings. It basically acts as a protective barrier, helping to prevent fraying, water damage, and regular wear and tear.

14. Rangefinder

A rangefinder is the best archery gear for calculating your distance from the target and compensating for tough angles. They remove the guesswork so you can take every shot with confidence. 

15. Aftermarket Bow String and Cables

Stock bow strings and cables don’t offer the same level of performance and quality as custom strings that are individually built by hand from premium bow string material, pre-stretched, and tailored to your shooting preferences. Plus, you can enhance the look of your bow with custom bow string colors.

Buy the Best Archery Equipment at 60X

60X Custom Strings is a company founded and run by Brad Patsy, a multi-world and national archery champion. We proudly stock the world’s best archery gear, including professional-quality custom bow strings and cables that are individually hand-built by Brad himself. Place your order today to take your shooting game to the next level.