Top 17 Archery Arm Guards for Protecting Your Forearm

Archery arm guards protect your forearms from painful string slap and potential injury during bows shooting. Our comprehensive guide reviews the top arm guards, comparing features like impact resistance, comfort, and adjustability to help you find the right protection for your archery setup.

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Reviews

Bohning Bow Arm Guard

At just 1 inch thick, these sleek compression-fit armguards hug your forearm with soft, flexible comfort. The rubber protection piece delivers durable cushioning without the bulk, making it a practical addition to both casual and competitive shooting. While some users find the one-size-fits-all approach limiting, many appreciate its ease of use under jackets and long sleeves.

Valhalla Gear 3-Buckle Archery Bracer

Crafted from premium full-grain leather in Guatemala’s Petén region, this durable bracer features a secure three-buckle closure and adjustable fit to protect archers’ forearms during hunts and competitions. The handmade leather absorbs wear beautifully over time, developing a distinctive patina that highlights its artisanal craftsmanship. This practical accessory doubles as an authentic cosplay piece, combining performance with traditional Viking aesthetics.

October Mountain Guardian Arm Guard

These molded arm guards feature a sleek, aerodynamic design with four strategically placed vents to keep your arm cool during long archery sessions. The contoured fit works well with any arm size, while the convenient strap adjustment system lets you fine-tune the fit without removing the guard.

Mossy Oak Arm Guard

Crafted from premium materials, this Mossy Oak arm guard offers reliable protection for your archery practice or hunting trips. The 6-1/2 inch forearm guard features a breathable design that keeps you comfortable during extended wear. Its unisex mossy oak pattern adds a stylish touch to your equipment.

Safari Choice Leather Archery Arm Guard

Crafted from durable cowhide leather, this adjustable arm guard blends protection with a comfortable fit. The three strap system allows for precise customization, while its slim profile keeps you mobile during your shot sequence. Its simple yet effective design makes it a practical addition to any archer’s gear collection.

AAE Arm Guard

Crafted from durable plastic with a slightly curved design, this lightweight arm guard sits comfortably against your arm without interfering with your bow string. The adjustable elastic bands stay put after a quick once-around adjustment, while its slim profile keeps it out of the way during your shot. Made for archery enthusiasts who want protection without bulk.

Allen Pulse 2-Strap Armguard

This lightweight, USA-made armguard combines ventilation with full forearm coverage, featuring Mossy Oak Break-Up camo and adjustable straps that require just one hand for easy tuning. The 6.5-inch length provides adequate protection while keeping the piece surprisingly light at just 0.1 pounds. Both the son and husband reviewers praised its comfort and functionality.

HME 4-Strap Camo Arch Guard Arm

These camo arch guards add a bit of military-inspired style to your bow setup while protecting your forearms during those long shooting sessions. At just 12 inches long, they provide comfortable, unrestricted movement – perfect for keeping your arms safe without feeling cumbersome.

Vista Traditional Leather Armguard

The traditional armguard from Western Recreation proves itself through solid construction, though its one-size-fits-all approach may not accommodate all users equally well. The heavy leather design offers reliable protection for your arm during archery sessions. While the elastic pull straps provide necessary adjustability, they sometimes create an untidy look with excess cord hanging down.

Blackout Archery Armguard

The BlackOut 2-strap armguard strikes a great balance between protection and comfort, wrapping your arm in tough 600-denier polyester with just the right amount of molded foam padding. Those elastic straps with their whisper-quiet snaplock buckles make getting that perfect fit a breeze – and at this price point, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything better.

Dead Ringer Arm Guard

The DR Outdoors Group Arm Guard looks simple - just 8 inches of black plastic with adjustable straps. But it’s designed for one crucial purpose: keeping your arm safe when you’re shooting a bow, especially if you’re wearing bulkier clothes. The plastic guard has a clever feature that prevents your thick shirts from touching the bow string, which can be a real pain otherwise.

Neet Products Pull Adjust Armguard

These Neet arm guards offer customizable protection with their push-button release system that adjusts to any arm size. The durable Cordura construction features a string saver stave to prevent bow string wear, while the 3- or 4-strap models provide varying levels of coverage. Made in the USA, these guards have earned high praise from users who appreciate their protective plastic core and comfortable fit.

Neet Products Pull Adjust Armguard

When you’re just starting out with bow shooting, the last thing you want is that nasty string slap on your arm - trust me, I know from experience. These USA-made arm guards solve that problem in two ways: first, they’ve got that handy push-button release to adjust to your arm size perfectly, and second, they’ve got that clever string saver padding to protect your skin. The different strap models give you plenty of options for how much coverage you want, whether you’re keeping it short and simple or going full-on arm protection.

Allen Medium Mesh Armguard

This Allen arm guard combines a mesh back for ventilation with an ergonomic shape that contours to your arm. The adjustable strap system makes it easy to get a secure fit without fussing. While some users report the size runs small and straps can loosen over time, many appreciate how well it protects from bow string impact without the bulk of plastic guards.

30-06 Outdoors Vision Arm Guard

This sleek, one-size-fits-most arm guard slips on like a sleeve and keeps string slap at bay while shooting. The breathable camo design lets your bow arm breathe freely without interfering with your shot. The lightweight guard’s limited availability means you might need to act fast to snag one.

Neet T-AGL-5 Lace On Leather Armguard

Crafted from two layers of genuine leather, these traditional archery arm guards offer both protection and a classic look. The adjustable design features convenient boot hooks and an elastic cord, making them comfortable for shooters of various sizes. The slim profile keeps interference to a minimum while you’re on the range.

Valhalla Gear Forearm Guard with Full Grain Leather

These forearm guards, made from premium full grain leather in a rich bourbon brown, are expertly crafted in Guatemala using centuries-old techniques. Each piece is hand cut and hand stitched for lasting comfort and protection during your archery sessions. The guards, measuring a practical 13.75 inches long, are carefully constructed to offer just the right amount of support without interfering with your grip or draw. The natural characteristics of the full grain leather will develop lovely patina with regular use, making these guards not only functional but a wearable work of art for your quiver.

Buyer’s Guide

Selecting the right archery arm guard is crucial for protecting your bow arm, enhancing shooting consistency, and extending your equipment’s lifespan. This guide outlines key factors to consider when choosing an arm guard, helping you make an informed decision.

Protection Level

Arm guards vary in their ability to protect against different types of impacts. Some are designed primarily for recreational use and offer basic impact resistance, while others include padding and reinforced stitching for advanced protection against powerful bowstrings and arrows. Consider your shooting frequency and the type of bow you use when selecting an appropriate protection level.

Size and Fit

Proper fit is essential for both comfort and protection. Arm guards that are too loose may shift during shooting, while those that are too tight can restrict blood flow or cause irritation. Look for guards that offer adjustability through velcro straps or elastic bands. Try them on with your shooting gear to ensure a secure, comfortable fit.

Material Quality

The material composition affects an arm guard’s durability and performance. High-quality, double-layered guards with moisture-wicking fabrics provide better protection and ventilation. Avoid guards made from thin, flexible materials that may offer minimal protection and poor wear resistance.

Additional Features

Some arm guards include supplementary features that enhance usability or protection. Finger loops prevent string contact with your skin, while adjustable cuffs improve grip. Look for guards with reinforced stitching at stress points and padded areas for increased durability and comfort during extended shooting sessions.

FAQ

What is an archery arm guard?

An archery arm guard, also known as a forearm protector, is a protective piece of equipment worn on the non-dominant arm during archery practice and competition. It shields the forearm and wrist from harmful contact with the bow string and released arrows.

These guards come in various designs, materials, and sizes to fit both traditional and modern compound bows. Common features include padded construction for comfort, adjustable straps for proper fit, and reinforced edges to prevent tearing or damage.

Who should use an arm guard?

Every archer, regardless of skill level, should wear an arm guard during shooting sessions. It’s particularly crucial for beginners who may still develop poor shooting form. Recreational archers and competitive shooters also benefit from the added protection.

Medical conditions such as chronic pain in the arm or previous injuries to the forearm and wrist typically require the use of an arm guard. In these cases, consulting with a medical professional is advisable to determine the appropriate protective measures.

What materials are arm guards made from?

Modern arm guards are made from durable, moisture-wicking materials like polyethylene or plastic composite, which provide excellent impact resistance while remaining lightweight. The inner layer often features padding made from foam or gel to reduce pressure points during extended use.

Traditional arm guards might be made from leather or cloth with protective metal or plastic plates embedded for added durability. These older designs can be heavier and less breathable, making them less popular for contemporary use.

How do I choose the right size?

The most important measurement is the circumference of your forearm at the widest point, typically just above the wrist. The guard should fit snugly but allow for comfortable movement. Most manufacturers provide specific sizing charts based on this measurement.

Consider the length of the guard - shorter models offer better range of motion but less coverage, while longer guards provide more protection at the expense of flexibility. Ensure the guard doesn’t ride up during shooting or become twisted on the arm.

How long do arm guards last?

With regular use, an arm guard typically lasts 3-5 years with proper maintenance. Signs that indicate it’s time to replace your guard include visible wear and tear on the protective surface, cracks in the plastic materials, or loss of padding integrity.

To extend the life of your arm guard, clean it after each use with mild soap and water, and allow it to dry completely before storage. If you shoot frequently or in harsh conditions, consider replacing your guard annually as a precautionary measure.

Can I still use an arm guard with a release aid?

Yes, arm guards are compatible with release aids. Modern guards incorporate channels or slots to allow the release cord to pass through without interference. Some advanced designs even feature integrated release aid guides for improved shooting consistency.

If you’re transitioning from traditional finger shooting to a release aid, begin with a shorter arm guard until you develop proper technique. This allows for better feedback during the release process and helps prevent potential snagging on the guard surface.

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