Archery Safety Guide

Archery is a captivating sport that combines skill, precision, and focus. At Mirito.com, we are committed to providing you with the best equipment and advice to enhance your archery experience safely and effectively. Whether you're a seasoned archer or a beginner, understanding the fundamentals of safety is crucial. Below, we outline essential guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable archery practice.

Safety Guidelines

1. Read the Manual

Before using your archery bow, it is vital to familiarize yourself with the user manual and instructions. Each bow has its unique features and safety measures, which should be understood thoroughly.

2. Inspect Your Bow

Before each use, inspect your bow for any signs of wear or damage. Missing or worn components should be replaced before use. For example, a cracked nock can break when fired, causing dryfire. (See 3. Dryfire)

3. String & Cable Maintenance

Proper string & cable maintenance is key to the longevity of your bow. Waxing the string and cables every 10 to 15 shots is recommended. Ensure that all uncoiled areas are waxed, but avoid waxing too high, as this can cause the string to slide off the cams. Note that plastic and cotton strings do not require waxing.
Pay special attention to the condition of the string, cables and cams. Strings and cables should be replaced annually, every ~500 shots or as soon as they show signs of fraying or damage.
The red lines below show where to put the wax with this model. It may differ for your model:

When waxing the string and cables, look at the texture of the string itself. The protected parts have additional 'string' wrapped around them, while the non-protected areas have the strings/cables revealed. The green arrows show protected areas, while the red arrows show the parts that would need to be waxed:

If the difference is difficult to see, feel for the difference in texture.

4. Avoid Dryfire

Dryfire, or releasing the string without an arrow, can cause significant damage to both the bow and the archer. Always ensure that the arrow is correctly positioned on the arrow rest before drawing back and releasing. More on dryfire here: 5. Dryfire. If you need to let down a drawn bow, do so in a slow and careful manner. Keep your support arm straight and prepare for a rapid and violent let-down. Avoid hitting your hand on protruding accessories such as the cable guard or quiver. Keep your head and face back and out of danger during let-down.

5. Targets

Select a target with a high enough max fps for your bow's power. Using inadequate targets can lead to damage and potential safety hazards. Ensure that your target is placed in a location where no person or animal can inadvertently enter your line of sight. A solid or safe backdrop is essential to prevent harm to passersby.

6. Use the Right Accessories

There is a wide range of archery accessories designed to enhance safety and performance. At a minimum, we strongly recommend you to wear safety glasses. Other accessories, such as shooting gloves, arm guards, chest guards, and finger tabs can also significantly improve your experience and enhance your safety.

7. Select Proper Arrows

Always use arrows recommended for your specific bow. The length, core material, and weight of the arrows are critical factors. The arrows shouldn't fall off the arrow rest. Inspect your arrows before each session to ensure they are free from damage, such as hairline fractures, broken vanes, or chipped points. Do not use arrows if you have any doubts about their condition.

8. Youth

If you're using your bow near or with children/youth, pay additional attention to their handling of the bow and their proximity when the bow is used. Children should not be let on their own with archery bows. We recommend proper adult supervision at all times, especially due to the risk of harm when mishandling archery bows.

9. Proper Usage

If you do not know how to properly use the bow, please consult someone who does. Your stance and the way the bow is gripped, are both important to prevent injuries. Never aim a bow at a person or pet when pulling the string or having an arrow in place. Never draw a bow with a peak weight above your comfort level. Always use a bow sling when drawing a bow.

10. Safe storage

When storing your bow, make sure to store it in a cool and dry place. High temperatures, such as those that can occur in a truck or interior of a vehicle, can cause serious damage to your bow. It may also be smart to use a Lockdown trigger lock.

11. Modifications

Never modify parts of the bow or its components by drilling additional holes or removing material. This can create serious safety hazards.

Conclusion

Even with these pointers, it's important to use common sense. If something feels unsafe, don't ignore that feeling. We're here to help if you've got any questions or concerns with your bow.