Avoid String Slap with the Best Archery Arm Guard

My first off-season bowhunting, I went to the range and left my arm guard at home. No big deal, I thought. I’ll be careful. I left the range early that day with my forearm raw, swollen and the color of hamburger meat. I never made that mistake again.

What I hadn’t realized that off season is that string slaps aren’t exactly accidents or the results of poor form. Really, they’re inevitable, just a part of the sport.

String slaps sting like hell, but the pain isn’t even the worst part. A bad slap can ruin your form for future shots, not to mention your decisiveness if you’re hunting. An arm guard isn’t just a convenience, it’s necessary equipment.

Different bows, different levels and different situations often call for different arm guards. Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced, a longbow Olympian target archer or a backwoodsman bowhunter, we’ve found the best guards on the market. We’ve also outlined everything you need to know to get the right one for you so you can read through our picks and find the best fit.

What Is an Arm Guard For?

Whatever your level of involvement with archery or bow hunting, you certainly aren’t alone. In 2017, over 7.7 million Americans had some involvement with the sport.  Whether you’re a newbie or a more experienced arrow shooter, everyone experiences string slaps.

“Practice doesn’t always make perfect.”

Contusion, what happens to your forearm when the bowstring slaps it on the way back, is one of the most common archery injuries.  The power of the string breaks blood vessels and bleeding occurs under the skin, causing bruising. If you made the same mistake I did and went shooting without your arm guard, ice can help speed recovery.

Sports medical practitioners recommend the use of arm guards to prevent string slap.  Arm guards can also stop any loose clothing from getting caught in your bowstring, which could cause an arrow to fly off course.

How Long Does It Need to Be?

In general, there are two types of arms guard to choose from. A full length guard is better for beginners. It offers more protection and ensures sleeves don’t make contact with the bow string. Standard arm guards cover only the forearm. These are for archers who have more knowledge of elbow rotation when shooting.

An  guard should at least cover the entire length of your forearm. If the arm guard is any shorter than the length of your forearm, it may not protect enough of the area against string slap. This is especially true if you’re new to archery.

Larger arm guards may restrict your movement, but they prevent clothing from getting in the way of the bow release. For this reason, many hunters prefer full-length arm guards, in addition to the extra protection for their biceps.

Standard arm guards, designed for the forearm, tend to come in sizes of seven to eight inches. Smaller sizes are also available for children, teens or simply those with smaller body frames. Full-length arm bracers range from 10 to 12 inches in length.

Can I make my own?

Although there are many quality arm guards available from archery and sports suppliers, you can also make your own. If you’re having trouble finding a good fit, you can tailor one yourself.

You can use any sturdy cloth like leather, suede or PVC, depending on how ambitious you feel. Leatherwork can be demanding, but it’s the most durable material.

Who needs what?

The kind of arm guard that you’ll need depends on your size, experience and how often you practice archery. For example, someone who is a regular archer with more experience may require less coverage than a novice. Beginners may also need extra padding in their arm guards for extra protection.

As you become more experienced, you can reduce the size of your guard, only covering the area of your arm where the string repeatedly hits. Once you’re more skilled, you’ll know how to better rotate your elbow so it turns sideways rather than up or down. With the arm in this position, you have less body area likely to come into contact with the string.

Hunters have the option of camouflage arm guards. They can also choose sleeve guards that stop their bulky hunting jackets from getting in the way of the bow. Camouflage can also be cool for kids just starting to learn.

Things to look for

Material types

Traditionally, arm guards were made of animal skin. Imagine Legolas in Lord of the Rings.To this day, Leather is still one of the most popular materials for arm guards.

Leather and other animal hides are not only durable but also smooth enough that if the arrow hits, it doesn’t catch. Natural materials are also more breathable and better suited to hunting outdoors in all seasons. For sensitive skin types, the use of natural fibers is recommended to avoid any undue irritation.

They now also make arm guards with synthetic materials to suit the user’s needs. These include vinyl, plastic and even lighter gauge metals. Lightweight materials are only used if they can offer the protection and comfort needed in an arm guard.

The downside of these is that they lack the traditional appearance and feel. They are also more likely to feel stiff, irritate your skin and make you sweat.

Coverage and length

Most arm guards are available in two main sizes. Forearm guards are normally 7 inches to 8 inches long and are suitable for most arm sizes.

Full arm guards tend to be longer at 11 to 12 inches, which may be desirable if you are after more coverage and protection—or if you have particularly long arms. If you are a beginner, we’d advise using a longer arm guard at first until your form develops. This is because you are more likely to injure yourself initially.

Arm bracers for professional hunters often include coverage and padding of the bicep area as well. This is for added protection and comfort. If you’re getting into archery mainly for bowhunting, consider long guards so you can get used to it.

Sizing

As a general rule, when working out what size arm guard you need, you should measure the distance between your elbow and wrist. Divide this by two and then add on another two inches for the ideal length. You should also measure the circumference of your forearm at the widest point. You can always shorten the straps, but it’s hard to make them longer.

Most archery arm-guard products are adjustable to some extent and often market themselves as “one size fits all.” However, if you have particularly large or muscular forearms, you will need to look for one that is guaranteed to fit larger forearm circumferences.

The same applies for children or adult archers who have smaller arms. There are some products specifically designed and manufactured for people with a smaller size. If you go for a “one size fits all” product, do your research first to ensure it will fit you right.

Handedness

Generally, arm guards are manufactured to fit either hand (a bit like bows) which makes them a versatile product. Some models, though, are specifically designed and made to fit on either the right arm or the left arm. These products often have additional features like a guard to cover and protect the thumb. This means they are created for one specific side.

All Round Arm Guards