Archery FAQ: Armguard yes or no?

[@warcreed5658]

As an archery instructor I still recommend my students to wear armguard, I use it myself. Because mistakes, bad release and accidents occure from time to time, especially in the kind of archery I teach. Besides, the armguard I use is flexible, I do feel when the string hits it so I know to correct it if needed. It is also used to tight my winter clothing or uniform I wear in the training, so the fabric doesn't get in the way of the string.

[@MagathasDarkCorner]

Finally the way i learned trad archery is represented on youtube! I learned from a hungarian soldier, so much like this. with walking, sitting, having fun! not rigidly standing and just moving one arm! thanks for representing!

[@DZSabre]

You will also need an armguard when your lower arms are thicker than normal, even when shooting traditionally. I wish I could get to Malta easily. I have been shooting archery for over 40 years but I know I can still learn much from you .

[@ThanosTsitsoulis]

What an incredible instructor! I follow your series and from this particular video I was expecting to get a simple opinion about arm guards, yet you ended up fixing my whole stance… Thank you so much! I would love to visit your range!

[@robertlee8400]

YES armguard all the time , when your shooting all day every day string slap gets real & it hurts after a wile , I make it my point to shoot 100 arrows a day in any condition rain , snow , sleet , heat , cold on doesn’t matter . I’m under a canopy when I shoot so I’m well protected from the Elements , the only time I am not is when I go to retrieve my arrows form the target . But yes a armguard all the time even when I wear a long sleeve shirt or a coat .

[@michaelshapiro1543]

This may be the single most important video on archery (for my shooting comfort) that I have ever seen! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

[@ArminHirmer]

thank you for watching

[@gregkokegei2531]

Thank you Armin!!! I have wanted to take up Archery since I was a child, but I have never had the time to commit. Now in my mid 30's, I have more time to spare. Your videos have been invaluable for a true noob novice like me :P Greetings from Australia and please keep up the good work :)

[@TheGooglyminotaur]

Greg Kokegei dude, same, except I haven’t bought my bow yet (nervous). Are you still doing it?

[@gregkokegei2531]

@@TheGooglyminotaur I am still going to do it, but same as you, I have not bought a bow yet. I am still tossing up which to choose 😊

[@EmanVsEmmanueL]

@@gregkokegei2531 Did you guys buy a bow yet? I just got my first bow from Alibow and I cant be more happy :) I payed 80 USD for the Tibetan Qinghai. Its not a huge loss if you don't like archery. Ohh and there bamboo arrows are only 18 bucks for 6 although I'm still to new to tell if they are any good. You got to buy now though shipping took me 6 weeks.

[@roythor6323]

The best and most educational archery video I have seen, please make more similar videos, congratulations.

[@fishhunter348]

Best archery teacher! Straight to the point and excellent advice!

[@mirsad2036]

i am a beginner in traditional archery and i was wondering how to avoid the string slap .i have been shooting compound bow for a while now and the bow grip is quite different. your videos are so helpful Armin thank you!!!!!!!!!

[@edkovac8978]

Thank you, very helpful. The more I am watching your videos the more I realise that I need a horsebow ;)

[@medicinelady20]

Very detailed and EASY TO UNDERSTAND! I haven’t picked up a bow in years beyond counting but the want to is returning. I’m very rusty and would basically have to start all over again learning techniques and things. My top priority is finding a GOOD bow to start out with! If anyone has suggestions on a good starter bow, please let me know? I much prefer recurve.

[@RaVen-ic8mn]

Rolan Snake Bow definitely. I made the mistake and thought: "Aah I am strong and do fitness. I need a stronger bow.". So I bought a 40lbs take-doen bow. It is too harsh to start. It took me longer to develop a stable technique and everyone I asked said, I should have buy the "Rolan Snake Bow" 🤷🏻‍♂️ I got used to 40lbs and shot accurately on ~20m. But the main issue was, that I was way too shaky if I aimed for just a few seconds. Not full-draw ofc. Even now I hardly manage a calm full-draw on 40lbs. Whereas I think it is more then 40 if measured.

[@duffypoindexter8684]

Thank you, thank you. I have been learning to shoot my Turkish bow and have had some success shooting with the thumb, but my accuracy was nowhere near when I shot my recurve using a Mediterranean draw. And when shooting with the thumb I often experienced the dreaded string slap on my forearm. But........ after watching your video and shifting my grip I now experience no string slap and almost all of my shots formed a tight cluster at 10 and 15 yards. What a wonderful difference! Thank you once again. Also wanted to share a quick tip. I do not have a thumb ring that fits, and shooting without one is too damaging to my thumb so.......this is what I do. Stick a band aid length-ways along the inside of the thumb, covering the bend in the thumb with the pad. Then I wrap my thumb and band aid lightly with self adhering tape (not too tightly). This allows my thumb to bend while giving me the ability to feel the string through the shot cycle. The best part, even after 30 or so arrows my thumb is still pain free!

[@bjorgar]

Thank you Armin! You inspired me to get into traditional archery.

[@ArminHirmer]

That is very kind Sir! Thank you for watching

[@HisLoveArmy]

Same

[@jenjen7728]

Wish I had met you before I took my first shot. First shot, pulled back and WHACK! I had a purple egg size lump in a matter of 25 minutes. Made me very aware of my posture and never did it again. I'm enjoying your channel so much, excellent videos.

[@sumahan5859]

Whatever ppl says. I use armguard, coz its cool

[@bama5490]

Ty for this it explains what i didnt understand before i dont use arm gaurd with recurve but have to with a long bow never knew that ty very much

[@jeffslade1892]

The longbow "fistmele" is fist with thumb up, as you say about 6-inches. And yes it will scrape down your wrist. The strongest fist is always back of hand in line with the forearm. Bending the wrist puts strain on the tendons instead of the bones

[@petitpanierdosier3206]

having the fist in pronation prevents from string slapping as well as making it easier to use khatra

[@-----REDACTED-----]

Sehr geehrter Herr Hirmer, ich danke Ihnen wirklich sehr für Ihre Videos, sie sind eine exzellente Quelle um sich über das Schießen mit Reiterbogen und Daumentechnik zu informieren!

[@ArminHirmer]

+ssi1991 danke sehr

[@birolsay1410]

Thanks Armin, the only situation one needs an arm-guard for Turkish style archery is when you shoot turning backwards, especially on a horse with a over fifty pounds bow. Anyways I like the feeling and looks of a home-sewn leather guard and put it on almost always. Once I was practicing kepaze with a 80 pounds bow without an arrow at home. I haven’t dried my hands completely and string slipped off the tumb ring. I still have this big scar on my forearm. My lessons: 1. Be prudent 2. Dry hands 3. Tie an arrow to the string for thumb ring stability while training or better do your practice with four fingers and a glove on 4. Arm-guard is good. Have a nice life 👍

[@iliasmahamood844]

Thank you Armin..firm stand..

[@NoChance-zl3nb]

When I first started practising my traditional horse bow, I used to get a good lash from each arrow I shot. I do shoot a heavier bow than others in my category ( I’m a female and the bow is 50 pounds in draw weight). 5 years later to today I practice with a arm guard and a pair of gloves because not only I haven’t quite found the solution to the arm lash yet, I also tend to scratch the skin in between my thumb and index finger with the fletch😅

[@yunk9]

Posture is always first. Great video.

[@gizmonomono]

Body position, check. Elbow out, check. Shoulder down, check. I've been hitting my forearm for months now, until today. I can't believe I missed the wrist position. I was shooting just now and it dawned on me. This was probably the biggest brakethrough I've had since I've started archery. And the reason I figured it out is because I felt awesome today. There's something about feeling good that makes you just see things more clearly. Afterwards I remembered this video and re watched it. Low and behold, you explained it nicely 😁 I can't believe I didn't see it before.

[@Dr-Brown]

I always wear an armguard when the weather isn't nice. Not because of string slap, but because it binds my clothing to my arm, which stops it getting caught in the string.

[@ArminHirmer]

Of course that is an acceptable excuse :)

[@АндрейСеменов-ъ5с9ж]

Армин информативное и полезные видео, советы использую в тренировках , спасибо.

[@arsenlinn7011]

Great advice and explanation! As always. Thank you, Armin!

[@CarlDWardJr]

Great information!

[@bbarror]

My poor arm is purple, yellow and green. Putting extra twists in my string helped. I'll follow your suggestions but worry bending my elbow will be inconsistent. It seems women tend to hit their arms more than men. I'll give your suggestions a go. Thanks!

[@ArminHirmer]

double jointed elbow, thats normal. tilt the bow a bit, crunch your abs, so you lean a bit forward

[@cameronphilippi6941]

Thank you sir and god bless you. Your a truly unique and inspiring gentleman.

[@ryddragyn]

The 45 degree angled grip used by Olympic archers brings the bowstring far, far away from the wrist. With the possible exception of those who have hyperextendable elbows, I think they wear arm guards just for style :) www.12news.com/img/resize/content.12news.com/photo/2016/08/09/Brady%20Ellison%20archery_1470774993657_4898951_ver1.0.jpg?preset=534-401 It also helps maintain consistent torque (or lack thereof) on the handle, and get the most possible draw length. Some people don't like it for some reason, though. I haven't used the straight grasp (with Med) for years. It deserves extinction IMHO. As like you, I don't use an arm guard because it's completely unnecessary. Even with a brace height of merely 5", I never get bruised. One thing that can also contribute (especially with longbows) is the bow string material. Dacron elongates a lot on the shot, almost like a rubber band, and one can get get slap on the hand as the string hyperextends upon releasing the arrow. No technique can really prevent this. Low stretch materials are really the answer, provided the bow can safely use them.

[@durandal441]

I've tried literally everything form-related to avoid string slap with my longbows but it still slaps me on the wrist unless I brace it super high which I'd rather not do. I do in fact have double jointed elbows, however I never ever get slapped at the forearm with any bow. The only thing I've not yet tried is replacing the bungee cords, err...Dacron strings, with Fast Flights.

[@EdwardMichael3]

Its also a good idea to film yourself or have someone else film you draw so you can see your form and where you might need adjustments.

[@maskcollector6949]

We actually punch really similarly in Goju-Ryu karate, keeping the elbow slightly bent in order to prevent breaks/overloading. Thanks!

[@maidenmalta666]

Fantastic explanation Armin, I love watching your vlog...Thankyou !

[@rogerx1258]

Thank you I am just starting out and your videos have been very helpful!

[@sternkiekerschnuppe6383]

Dankeschön für deine wertvollen Tipps. Echt super und so gut erklärt

[@lucienpaul3351]

Thank you so much. This really is a good information.

[@ArminHirmer]

thank you :)

[@adwarfsittingonagiantsshoulder]

Hello, I usually never slap my arm with the bow (when I shoot on foot), but, while using the bow on horseback I often slap myself very badly (I'm a poor rider, so my archery form is reduced to not much). So I think an arm-guard is indispensable when trying something new. Anyway, nice channel !

[@ArminHirmer]

thanks for watching. Maybe first learn to ride proper and then do archery from horseback. Even one of the greatest horseback archers Lajos Kassai had problems in the beginning :)

[@bbarror]

I'm the opposite. Shooting better off my horse.

[@andit1265]

I always slap my arm when I get fatigued and my form gets sloppy. So for me it's a sight to take a break.

[@ironpirate8]

True! The only time I experience some string slap is with my English longbow. Since I started shooting with my elbow rotated out to the side, instead of slightly downwards, I haven't needed to use an armguard, and also, I haven't had any elbow pain, which I used to get.

[@thomasrobson6370]

I just watched another video where the guy was standing in (what I thought) was an awkward poise shooting a 160# long bow; now it makes sense (although his poise was much greater than your).

[@yoroshikune08]

hello Armin.. Thanks for the tip. May I know what bow are you holding? Can you please tell me more about the one you are holding? I am going to pick up traditional archery soon. Thank you and have nice weekend.

[@andyhillsden]

It's very simple. When you use good technique an arm guard is not necessary.

[@Lost_Hwasal]

Then why do Olympians use them?

[@benkai343434]

@@Lost_Hwasal as a precaution in case something fucks up or if their style requires their body to be perfectly straight to the point it's bordering on unstable. If you're shooting trad or instinctive, you shouldn't need an armguard with proper form.

[@Daylon91]

Korean bows have a braceheight of like 5.5 inches and u still dont slap your arm. I think that if u shoot on the left side with a short braceheight then that slaps your arm which is why English archers always had them.

[@pierrelauzon5914]

thanks ARMIN i just but a hors bow and i did in't know to mutch about tuning this kind of bow you have been verry helpful to me thanks again

[@tracyblack1509]

At first I was standing too straight. Arm too straight. I have improved knowing you curve your spine, or engage your core. On horseback I’ve noticed archers lean into the shot. Is that correct? Or is it an exaggeration of what you are describing/teaching? I really appreciate your wisdom. Thank you for sharing

[@ArminHirmer]

I think when you overdo it on the horse, it might run in this direction. But I am not a horseback archer. But yes the spine plays an important role

[@michaelbirchall2247]

Love your videos, thank you. I don't shoot with an arm guard for the same reasons, I don't have a bruised arm :)

[@pookie3121]

Hello, nice video. What brand of bow do you use?

[@robertbracken606]

Another good vid.

[@gastonn8]

sorry to ask now that the video is a bit old, but I've never seen you using any finger protections, be it a tab or gloves? are your fingers thicken enough so you do not need any? Thanks for your teachings Armin!! I enjoy your videos a lot!

[@ArminHirmer]

yes, i like to build up my callus

[@JMVeen]

very good example good to know

[@GamesPatron]

Well tbh all you have to do is slightly bend your wrist to either left or right (depends which on hand you hold your bow in)

[@ILhamKambaa]

very good video, thanks

[@redtobertshateshandles]

I rubbed up my forearm a bit. Then I checked the brace height for something to do. Voila, no slapped arm.

[@TheGreatGodPan]

I wear one out of habit anyway but even as a still (very) novice archer I feel I no longer need an arm guard - this is shooting normal recurve barebow. Obviously if I were to adapt to using a horsebow and not having a sling I'd have to learn posture again, but with normal archery all you need to get in the habit of is relaxing that hand and rotating the arm properly so you get that same v shape you use in your horse bow videos. As soon as I got in the habit of that I didn't even need to think about getting my arm/elbow in the right position...

[@ArminHirmer]

thank you for sharing your thoughts

[@TheGreatGodPan]

Thank you for great videos, I am thinking about giving a horsebow a go in the near future so these videos are very useful.

[@ArminHirmer]

you might like it :D enjoy your way of the bow

[@theking6kh]

Thanks. I ve always wondered how

[@jrrns]

thanks for your help .... great ..nice

[@ArminHirmer]

thank you for watching Roberto

[@OwainRaj]

your videos are great please keep making them.

[@laplace1234]

Let me take a note and share this video on my FB. Really like to watch ur video, have learn a lot from you, thank you.

[@ArminHirmer]

thanks for watching!

[@kowalski363]

Great video

[@ArminHirmer]

thank you

[@MorteWulfe]

I naturally shot with no education on this and never hit my arm until I went from normal bows to compound.

[@eqlzr2]

My skin and brain owe you a lot. ;-)

[@fabiochiarenza3539]

When i shoot my "Sultan" bow, the Rope hits my thumb of the hand holding the bow.Why? It Is brace height? Thank you very much.

[@JonNovSilv]

Always great lessons. Thanks. what bow is that?

[@thewoodstrider]

Hello Armin ! Nice to meet you ! First time here at the channel , and I love traditional archery and I really liked your bow , where I can buy one ? Thank you

[@ArminHirmer]

which one? I always include the link to the bowbuilder in the description

[@thewoodstrider]

Armin Hirmer Hello Armin , thank you for the fast reply ! I’m referring the one you are using in this video , thank you !

[@ArminHirmer]

I guess it was Tatar by AF Archery

[@thewoodstrider]

Armin Hirmer thank you Armin! I’ll look for it !

[@holoholohaolenokaoi2299]

very informative, thanks

[@JSmithski]

You just saved me some money :)

[@bigal25938]

Absolutely always use an arm guard. What do you do when you hunt? Wearing sleeves, especially heavy sleeves when it is cold, will interfere with the string and affect the shot. What kind of question is this anyway?

[@ArminHirmer]

A legitimate one :) not everybody goes hunting with a bow ;)

[@bigal25938]

@@ArminHirmer they should. That’s what it’s for.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Why am I thinking of South Park?????

[@richiehops7881]

I really need to practice more!

[@Fudmottin]

My bow has quite a short brace height. I got quite a bruise first day out with it. I don't have access to a teacher so I have to settle for KZbin. I think I can video record myself shooting and maybe get feedback that way. Or not.

[@ArminHirmer]

Which bow do you shoot? A longbow? What's the brace height? Usually when you slightly bend forward and have your elbow bent and angled it should be fine. Of course you can do a video and post or send it

[@jrrns]

you have some video about brace height, and also how many laps or whether or not the string, or use as the string comes from the factory with the bow

[@ArminHirmer]

The brace height is usually given with the bow or can be found on the website of the bow builder.

[@jrrns]

yes, yes, so you never bows or twists the string when the brace heigh this as the manufacturer recommends.

[@jrrns]

detail: all my bows are identical to those of their videos.

[@JorgeSantos-nl8he]

Very helpfull!👍🧐

[@robsarchery9679]

Thanks

[@geeraertshugo5431]

Straight or bended arm?...

[@JestersLab]

Thanks for the pointers. I string slap myself all the time.

[@gerritmaxwell5507]

I really appreciate this. Thank you for sharing! I have a hyper extendable elbow which means my elbow is not straight when locked out. It is interior to my abdomen. To to look down the shelf and release strikes my forearm every time. Am I just not normal foe me or do you need me to hold my elbow not locked out?Bible locked out I get a strike every time! Thank you very much for your time!

[@ArminHirmer]

Don't lock it

[@navjindersingh46]

How are you sir ji

[@mudkip_btw]

Oops, I think my wrist isn’t straight when shooting. I wondered why I hit my arm, I have used no guard for longer periods before

[@mudkip_btw]

Either that or too low brace height. Will check it out. Your videos are great :)

[@ArminHirmer]

:)

[@MONKLJ]

Thanks I don't use one, and people ask why also. I show them because my elbow is rotated down (unlocked) like your shooting, very easy and natural for me. Relaxed position (not tightened or strained, locked), from shoulder to arm, to gripping the bow, and proper brace height for those bows. I shoot curve , re-curve hybrid Longbow, and a traditional Recurve bow. So why in most videos, people are wearing one, is it that their form is off, because they want to look properly attired in their dress, and very professional, or they want to show everyone should wear one, to promote sales for their video sponsors, or they doing Olympic style of shooting. ?????? Monkey see, monkey do !!

[@regisaugusto1]

I never use, and never get bruised as well.

[@Helliconia54]

arm guards are for people who hold their bows incorrectly

[@navjindersingh46]

My name is Navjinder Singh from Punjab

[@chanceblevins6682]

Our ancestors didnt use one.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Americans ancestors did.

[@floydandune5194]

Wenn man Daumentechnik mit Khatra schießt, kommt die Sehne sogar noch weiter vom rechten Unterarm weg. ;)

[@ArminHirmer]

Aber klar

[@Lost_Hwasal]

Your explanation of Olympic archery is inaccurate.

[@ArminHirmer]

Aha