Top 5 Best Archery Arm Guards for Comfort and Protection

Most every sport involves some sort of protective equipment. Archery is no different. In this post we are going to discuss archery arm guards. An arm guard is a piece of protective equipment that is worn on the forearm of the arm that holds the bow. Beginning archers and veteran archers alike are wise to use this vital piece of equipment.

How Arm Guards Are Used In Archery

The arm guard is designed to protect the bow arm from the bowstring after it is released during the shooting process. When the bowstring strikes the arm it is called string-slap. Trust me, this is an understatement. String-torture may be more accurate. Even with a low draw-weight bow, the bowstring is moving over 100 feet per second and it can cause cuts, scrapes, and bruises on the forearm if it comes into contact with you bare arm. The cure for this is very simple, wear an arm guard.

Arm guards are generally made of durable materials such as leather, neoprene, plastic, or foam. They are designed to be worn on the bow arm, covering it from just below the elbow to just above the wrist. The arm guard is usually secured onto the forearm with adjustable straps, elastic bands or shock cord, which hold the arm guard tight to the archer’s arm during the shooting process.

Arm guard serves a secondary purpose of holding loose or bulky clothes tight to the bow arm, keeping the string from deflecting off or tangling in them. This can ruin an otherwise good shoot, even if you don’t hit your arm with the string.

To determine where the arm guard goes, take your empty bow hand and touch opposite side of your chest, palm to your chest. Like you are going to say “The Pledge Of Allegiance”, except with your left hand, unless you are left handed, then use your right. The part of your forearm touching your chest is where your arm guard will go. To put your arm guard on simply place it on your forearm where it will go, then trap it against your chest in the pose we just discussed, then you can fasten the straps and tighten them up with your free hand. See the video below for a demonstration.

Our Top 5 Archery Arm Guards

We tested 8 different archery arm guards, in a variety sizes, styles and types of materials for this topic. But I have used many different arm guards in the last 20 years, including several I made myself. The picks below are our top five picks for beginning archers. You are sure to find one that will fit your needs and if you are lucky it will suit your style too!

SAS 7.5″ Ballistic Nylon Arm Guard

SAS arm guard is my first choice and the arm guard I am currently using. I like a 3 strap arm guard for a snug and secure fit, although 3 straps are not strictly necessary to do the job, it gives me a little more peace of mind. The 7 1/2″ size works well for me, it covers the strike zone of the string with room to spare. I like the larger buckles on this one, they are easier to clasp and unclasp than the smaller ones that are common to most arm guards. The ballistic nylon construction wears like iron and will last a good long time and offers good protection from string-slap.

Bear Archery Adjustable Cordura Arm Guard

The Bear Archery arm guard, also 7 1/2″, is made of CODURA, a extremely durable version of ballistic nylon. The material will last for years and offer great protection from the string. This arm guard is a vented style with only two straps. It fit very comfortably, felt secure and was noticeably lighter than the SAS arm guard. I can see where this would be an advantage during the hotter summer months, especially, when here in Florida everything makes you sweat.

Legend XT 8″ EVA Foam Arm Guard

The Legend XT arm guard is available in three sizes, 9 1/2″, 8″, and 6″, and three colors, Black, Red, and Blue. We tested the 9 1/2″ version. Made from thermally molded EVA foam this vented arm guard is a little softer and more pliable than others in this category. That and the rounded ends make it a little more comfortable. It may not last quite as long as the others, but it still offers good protection from string-slap and if you can be more comfortable, why not? The 9 1/2″ size was larger than I prefer, the 8″ version with 3 straps, would be a better fit for most adult archers. The 6″ version, with 2 straps, would serve women and young adults well.

Shatterproof Archery Compact Leather Arm Guard

Although not part of our testing or the video, I felt I had to include a leather arm guard on this list. Leather, properly cared for, can last decades and is as traditional as you can get. Some of my friends have been using the same leather armguard for the twenty years I have known them and see no reason to change now. This unique arm guard by Shatterproof Archery is genius in its simplicity and the compact design covers just the strike zone without wasting material. The adjustable shock cord can be easily replaced when needed. A few dollars will buy enough shock cord to do it several times over. Occasionally treating the leather with a dressing or conditioner will keep the arm guard flexible and will extend the life of the leather. Although more expensive, this small business is hand crafting an arm guard in the USA that will last well beyond the memory of how much it cost you.

SAS 5.75″ Youth EVA Foam Arm Guard

The SAS 5 3/4″ Vented EVA foam arm guard is a good choice for a youth arm guard. It’s smaller size should fit all but the youngest archers and offers solid protection for tender young arms. The foam construction will allow you to mold it to fit smaller arms. Available in black and red.

All of the arm guards we tested did the job as intended, with the exception of the Bear Archery Traditional Leather Arm Guard. Sadly, this arm guard, although well designed and quality built in every other way, didn’t have enough shock cord to be able to adjust it to fit my arm or most other arms for that matter. It was simply to tight to wear. I thought it might be a “one off” situation, so I ordered a second one and it was the same way. Maybe someone from Bear Archery will read this and correct this oversight. If they do and I am aware of it, I will gladly edit this post.

A common problem with all arm guards that feature elastic straps is the elastic straps tend to stretch out beyond usefulness long before the arm guard itself shows any significant wear. Sadly, most designs do not allow for the straps to be replaced, like you can the shock cord on most traditional leather arm guards. Fortunately these styles are not horribly expensive and easily replaced.

Arm guards, like most things that you wear on your body, will be a personal choice. What ultimately works best for you will take a certain amount of trial and error. My selections above are based on what I look for in an arm guard and are a good starting place. What you look for may be slightly different and that’s ok. Just make sure you have good coverage of the strike zone and a snug, but comfortable, fit to your forearm. Avoid string-torture, wear an arm guard!