All About LARP Bows
One of the oldest weapons made by man, the bow is still used today competitively, recreationally and, in some places, for subsistence. A staple of the medieval and fantasy genres, it holds an undeniable place within LARPs. However, unlike with foam swords, you actually need to have the real deal to use as intended and the world of archery is vast and complex! That's why we put together this guide to help you navigate the space and hopefully help bring you closer to your ideal bow.
What makes LARP bows different?
As with all LARP weapons, bows are not exempted from having specific requirements that differentiate them from standard bows. Here are a few things that need special consideration:
- Appearance - LARPs are often set in or influenced by eras other than modern and require a certain level of decorum
- Safety - Most LARPs tend to set a maximum allowed draw weight of 25lbs, which is flow for modern archery
- Style - Styles of bows varied greatly throughout world history and using a specific type can bring a costume together
While standard bows can sometimes fit the bill, LARP bows are typically made specifically per these standards. Of course, you'll still want to do your due diligence and make sure that what you're buying has the desired appearance and, more importantly, will pass your event's safety testing.
Types and styles of bows
Bows come in so many shapes and sizes, it can be easy to feel a little lost when shopping for one. Here are some common terms and what they mean!
This term refers to the feature in which a bow is comprised of several pieces that must be assembled to use and can later be "taken down". It allows for compact storage and easier transportation.
Parts of a bow
Archery is rife with technical terms that can look and function differently based on the type and style of bow being used. Here is a breakdown of the terms most often used pertaining to LARP bows.
This refers to a bow's "arms", i.e. the parts that extend up and down from the center.
Review by Eric Valériote, expert LARP archer
What of arrows?
Here at Calimacil, LARP arrows come in mainly two variations: high-speed and low-speed. Both of these necessarily adhere to basic safety considerations with foam tips to reduce the risk if injury to a maximum.
Low Speed Arrows are our most popular model, providing the highest degree of safety. The heads are flat and made of soft foam sandwiched between two layers of denser foam, the latter of which provide durability.
High Speed Arrows provide greater speed and accuracy. The heads are rounded to reduce wind resistance and are made of soft foam fully encased in a protective outer layer. They have been thoroughly tested for safety.
Archery
From bows to quivers to spare fletching, we aim to have everything you need. Take a look at our archery gear right here!
Shop all Archery
Arrows
Who needs a bow also needs arrows! Check out our full selection of low and high speed foam-tipped LARP arrows.
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