How short is too short...Armguards

[tim roberts]

Last April, at our annual golf shoot, I noticed an armguard that was being worn by a good friend, this thing as all of about 4" long. At the time it seemed very practical, and after first glance, I realized that in a lot of conditions, it was all the armguard that was needed. As an inquisitive one, and one that owns a business making such items, I am curious as to what most think is just right as far as the length of armguards.
Thanks,

[ChuckC]

If it keeps you from screaming. .  it works.

I am guessing each and every one of us have different needs.  SHooting right handed I didn't even use one.  Lefty, well I usually put one on just in case.  

Are you using it as protection or just to keep your sleeve down ?  Can you insure it won't move up or down your arm when you change position shooting ?   A perfect 4" guard only has to move a couple inches and it isn't perfect anymore.

Answer. . . . it depends


Now. . .  it might be real cool to have 4" or so gauntlets available for either arm, that are useless but purdy, with hangie downies or sparklies.   I might be up for wearing one of those.     With our sport, sometimes it is just a feeling that needs to be projected.
Chuckc

[Sam McMichael]

Yeah... it depends. I need less coverage in warm weather when wearing a t-shirt than I do in winter wearing a bulky, heavy jacket. I don't shoot the recurves often, but I do find my bow arm is generally held straighter than with the longbows, which makes it hit my arm more. Thus, I like a longer arm guard. I can see a use for different sized arm guards, but it is always based on personal preferences and circumstances.

[nineworlds9]

I like between 6-7".  Don't have to use an armguard, but like wearing it and also keeps clothes out of the way in the woods.

[Zano]

I'm average in size & arm length, and 6" works great for me ~ especially in wintertime to help keep bulky clothes out of the way during the shot!

[karrow]

i would say most are plenty long. i only where one to hold in bulky clothing.

[monterey]

Shooting long bows in warm weather, I can do fine with very short.  When my LBs hit me its always in the wrist.  Recurves call for 6 to 8 inches'.  It depends on brace height.  And, like stated above, in colder weather needs to be long enough to keep clothing out of the way.

So, in the end, to suit all conditions, about eight inches as a minimum.

[Wandering Archer]

If I shoot without a guard or if my guard isn't positioned right, the area of my arm that is affected is only maybe an inch long. So, a properly positioned 2" square guard would likely be all you need. But, as has been suggested, it also serves to hold your sleeves down. And the larger it is, the less you have to worry about it being in the right position.

I make mine about 6" as I find it's enough coverage for people with long arms, and doesn't interfere with people with shorter arms for the most part.
I wouldn't balk at a 4" armguard. In fact I've been wanting to make a Viking style armguard which seems like it would have a fairly small coverage area.

[Pat B.]

I never use one at all.... I guess it depend on an archers build and form.  If I keep the brace height of my longbows above 6 1/2" I never get buzzed...

[mike g]

Well, I don't know a whole lot about Armguards.
    But my most popular model is my 3DB and it's 7"
    I have not keep a record of how many I have made, But I have at least gone thru 3 maybe 4 1000" rolls of stretch cord....
    On occasion some one wants one a little shorter, Usually a Woman.
    It's very hard to come up with a one size fits all, But I think 7" is close to that size.
    Butt what do I know, I'm just taking a wild guess....