Bows and arrows have been used for centuries for activities such as hunting, fighting, and sports. The bow and arrow market today has a wide selection for consumers to choose from, with types such as traditional longbows still very much in demand.
Modern versions of bows have also emerged which cater more to specific skill levels, so adult archers will have a number of features to take into consideration before purchasing the right bow and arrows for them. Keep reading to learn more about that bow and arrows for adults are the best option.
Table of Contents
Overview of the global archery equipment market
Top types of bows and arrows for adults
Conclusion
Overview of the global archery equipment market
Archery has grown in popularity in recent years, with consumers taking more of an interest in it as a recreational sport. There has also been an increase in archery events globally, which has pushed sales in an upward direction, creating new bow and arrow trends.
And with the growing world of e-commerce, archery equipment is now more readily available to all types of consumers, whether they are seasoned archers who want expensive gear or are just starting out and are looking for budget-friendly archery equipment.
By 2023, the global market value of archery equipment reached approximately US $3.7 billion. That value is projected to increase to at least US $5.5 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4% during the 2024–2028 forecast period.
Top types of bows and arrows for adults
When it comes to archery, there are four specific types of bows that consumers will be looking to purchase. Consumers will choose the type of bow based on their personal preferences, skill level, and intended use.
Arrows will also differ in terms of their use, weight, and style, and not all arrows will be suitable for each type of bow. There are a lot of considerations to take into account when choosing bows and arrows for adults.
According to Google Ads, “bow and arrows” has an average monthly search volume of 201,000. This number remained steady throughout the year, which shows that archery is a popular sport year-round.
When looking at the various types of bows that consumers are researching the most, Google Ads shows that “compound bow” is the most searched for with 135,000 monthly searches, followed by “recurve bow” with 90,500 searches, “longbow” with 60,500 searches, and “barebow” with 8,100 searches. Keep reading to learn more about each bow and which arrows are most suited to them.
Compound bow
The compound bow is the most popular style among adults due to its advanced design and power. Compound bows are highly adjustable, so they can be utilized by users of different sizes and strengths, and they feature a system of pulleys at the ends of the limbs, which makes it easier to hold the bow steady with a defined let-off point to reduce fatigue.
On top of these advanced features, consumers love the power and speed that come with the compound bow, which makes it suitable for both hunting and target shooting, as well as how compact it is compared to other styles.
Arrows that can be used with the compound bow are made from a durable and lightweight material, such as carbon or an aluminum hybrid, to complement the speed and accuracy of the bow. They will often feature plastic features to help with stabilization, and for hunting purposes, the arrows will have broadhead tips on them.
Google Ads shows that over a 6-month period, between July and December 2023, searches for “compound bow” increased by 43%, with the most searches coming in December at 201,000.
Recurve bow
The recurve bow is a modern adaptation of the traditional longbow, so its classic curved design is a popular option among adults looking to use the bow for various activities. This versatile bow comes in different sizes and has curved limbs that provide additional power and speed, making it the perfect choice for traditional shooting activities. Many versions of the recurve bow come with detachable limbs to make it easy to transport, and additional accessories such as arrow rests and stabilizers can be attached to it.
The type of arrows used with the recurve bow depends on the skill level of the archer, so factors such as the stiffness of the arrow’s spine, the length, the weight distribution of the arrows, and the arrow tips will be chosen based on personal preference.
Google Ads shows that over a 6-month period, between July and December 2023, searches for “recurve bow” increased by 32%, with the most searches coming in January and December at 110,000.
Longbow
The longbow is a traditional type of bow that’s still made in the same way that it’s been for thousands of years. Longbows have a deep-rooted historical heritage, with a minimalist construction that consists of straight limbs, a durable wood material (or bamboo), and no space for modern accessories; these bows focus solely on technique and form. They offer a very smooth shooting experience but may be difficult for beginners to use if they lack the proper technique.
When choosing the right arrows for the longbow, factors such as the weight, stiffness of the spine, material, and the arrow’s length should be taken into account and will be based on the personal preference of the user.
Google Ads shows that over a 6-month period, between July and December 2023, searches for “longbow” increased by 18%, with the fewest searches coming in July. The rest of the year, searches remained steady at 60,500 per month.
Barebow
The barebow is the fourth and final style of popular bows for adults. It’s similar in design to a recurve bow but lacks accessories such as stabilizers and sights and is often used as a stepping stone to more advanced bows. It’s heavily used in field archery or target practice rather than hunting since it encourages a natural style of shooting. Consumers enjoy using the barebow as it allows them to try different styles of shooting, such as string walking or gap shooting.
Arrows used for the barebow will depend on the skill level of the archer and can be made from materials such as carbon, wood, or a combination.
Google Ads shows that over a 6-month period, between July and December 2023, searches for “barebow” remained steady at 8,100, with the most searches coming in November at 12,100.
Conclusion
Choosing the right bow and arrows for adults comes with a number of considerations to take into account, such as what the bow will be used for, its versatility, how easy it is to use and generate power from, and the size.
Arrows are also important, and the choice of arrows will depend on the preference of the user. Bows and arrows for archery as well as hunting are expected to retain their popularity in the coming years.
