Rest Your Bow the Right Way

Where do you set your bow while pulling arrows from the target during practice? Pulling arrows requires both hands, so the bow must go somewhere.

If you lay it on the ground, you need a different option. If you do that at indoor or outdoor ranges, your bow could get stepped on. In addition, mud, sand, snow and rocks could damage its strings and limbs.

Keep your bow safe by using a bow stand. The stand’s importance often gets overlooked. It elevates the bow and keeps the bowstring off the ground, preventing wear and tear.

Folding Stands

These stands clasp onto the bow’s limbs and lift them off the ground to rest against the stabilizer. Photo Credit: ATA

Folding stands are the most common stands used for compound bows. They use a clamp that clips to the compound’s limbs. Their legs elevate the bow as it leans forward against its stabilizer. The folding stand’s small, lightweight style makes it easy to carry in a quiver or bow case.

Some models have adjustable clamps and legs, but most fit a specific limb size. Folding stands won’t scratch the limbs, and they’re available in many fun colors. Visit an archery shop for help finding a model for your bow.

Never shoot with the stand attached to your bow. Doing so creates violent vibrations during the shot, which could seriously damage the limbs, or injure you or someone nearby.

Slide-On Stand

Similar to folding stands, slide-on stands are simple attachments for compound bows. These stands slide onto the limb from the side. This style works well with most compounds, regardless of limb size. However, slide-on stands work best with a long stabilizer. If you shoot with a shorter stabilizer, this option probably won’t work.

Recurve Options

Tripod stands provide a rest for the bow handle. Photo Credit: World Archery

Tripods are the most popular stand style for recurves. Three legs support a U-shaped rest that cradles the bow handle. These stands are lightweight and collapsible, so they’re easy to carry to the practice range or throughout a tournament.

Some tripods have screw-in legs, and others use magnetic legs. Other popular options include an adjustable string-pinch support, and adjustments that secure the bow on windy days. These stands come in many styles and colors, so you can easily find one to match your bow.

Hangers and Hooks

Many ranges provide hooks or hangers for archers to use while practicing. Some have a row of stands or hangers, while others use stand/quiver combinations on the shooting line.

If your range has no place to hang your bow, or you want your own, review your options. You can use your foot to push a stake stand into the ground. This model is typically made of steel, and holds one or two bows and your arrows. They work only in soft ground.

You can also make a stand. The most common DIY bow stand uses PVC pipe. An online search provides many variations. This type of stand is bulkier, however, so it’s great for backyard practice at home, but you wouldn’t want to carry it around a bigger range.

If you shoot near the outside wall of a shed or garage, consider installing a wall rack. These stylish, convenient racks are also safe ways to store your bow at home.

Bow stands are simple and affordable, and they help keep your bow in working condition. You won’t have to risk damaging your equipment during practice or tournaments. Visit an archery shop to find the right one for your bow and shooting needs.