Archery Hub

FAQ's

What is ASA, MAC, IBO, etc?

Each one of these is a different archery organization which has its own rules for scoring and classes. These organizations typically have a circuit in which they host events at different clubs throughout the season and typically have a championship shoot at the end of their seasons.

For specific organization rules, shoot schedules, and more, visit their websites.

ASA

MAC

IBO

So if you are looking at the schedule above, most of the shoots are local club shoots. The clubs just put them on as fundraisers. There are, however, shoots that are hosted by an affiliate organization such as ASA, MAC, or IBO. For example, the MAC shoot at the DVA range on May 20th/21st. These types of events are qualifiers for the championship MAC tournament at the end of the season. Most of the time MAC, ASA, IBO, etc require a certain number of events or certain scores to qualify for that organization's championship.

What is an archery "class?"

An archery class is a designation based on your equipment, age level, or gender. There are also "known" and "unknown" classes. Unknown classes you are not able to use a rangefinder to determine the yardage where known classes you are. Local club shoots typically only have a few different classes (Traditional, Bowhunter, or Open) where as an organization like MAC or ASA has many classes.

Typically "traditional" class is bows that do not have any sights or stabilizer bars. A traditional bow such as a longbow or recurve. Typical "bowhunter" class is a compound bow with fixed pins (not able to dial in to the exact yardage) and typically a 12" front bar restriction. "Open" class allows you do add more devices to your compound bow such as a dial sight, no restriction on stabilizer bars, lenses that magnify the target, range finders, etc.

The class that you are in determines what stake you shoot from. Youth classes or Traditional equipment classes are shorter distances. Open classes are typically longer distances. For example if I shot in an ASA event, Known 40 Open male class, I would be shooting from distances 40 yards and under and I would be able to use a range finder to know the distance, and my equipment add ons (stabilizer length, lens magnification, etc would not be restricted.

Typically if you are just starting out you can take what you have for equipment and they will help you figure out what class you should be in at the registration table.

How are 3d events scored?

There are 2 main scoring types used in 3D. Most local shoots and MAC shoots use IBO scoring.

What type of bow do I need?

Any type of vertical bow will work (most do not allow crossbows). You should be able to show up at an event and they will help you figure out what class you want to enter based on the equipment that you have. If all I have is my Genesis Original bow, that will work. Depending on the type of event and the organization hosting the event, you may be in a different class. For example if it was just a DVA club shoot, they are most likely going to call the Genesis "traditional" class since you are shooting it in a traditional way (without sights or a release). But in a MAC or ASA event, you have to use a longbow or recurve (no mechanical cams) to be considered "traditional" class. So you would most likely forced to shoot in a class that allowed sights and releases (and therefore you would be at a disadvantage if you are trying to be competitive).

What are entry fees at the shoots?

It depends on if its a local club shoot or if its a shoot affiliated with an organization like MAC or ASA, but typical entry fees are around $10-15 range.

Why should I participate in a 3d shoot?

For fun! These events are relaxed environments and they are a ton of fun. Most of the events you show up, get your score card at registration, and hit the range. You can shoot the course along side family members and friends. Typically they want no more than 4 in a group. For events where there is a registration time and everyone starts at the same time, they may pair you up with other shooters in the same class. But for most shoots, you can shoot multiple classes in the same group. Whoever is in a class that has the furthest stake will shoot first.
To increase your archery IQ. Regardless of what type of equipment you are shooting, you will become a better archer, which will help you during the NASP indoor season.

In addition to the bow, what other equipment do I need?

Arrows (obviously)
Hip quiver to hold your arrows
A pair of binoculars is recommended but not required
Rangefinder (if the class you are in allows one)

Bow Glossary

Longbow

AKA stick and a string.

Recurve bow

Main difference between a longbow and a recurve is the shape of the limbs.

Olympic Recurve

This type of bow is typically not used for 3d. Mostly used in Field Archery and Olympic competitions. Still shot with fingers, the Olympic recurve is set up with front and back stabilizer bars and a sight.

Compound

This is a typical bowhunter class setup. Axle to axle length is typically 28-34." Notice it has a shorter stabilizer bar off the front and a sight. Some bowhunter classes allow movable sights (dial right to the exact yardage) although most are "fixed" pins where you have anywhere from 3-7 pins at fixed yardages.

Target Compound

This bow here is a typical open class setup. Axle to axle lenth of a target bow is typically 36-40." Notice it has a longer stabilizer bar off of the front and a shorter (but heavier) stabilizer on the back of the bow. This acts as a balance to steady the bow, think of it as a balance pole that a tight rope walker would use. Open classes allow movable sights (dial right to the exact yardage) and magnification lenses in the sight which magnify the target.

Release Aid Glossary

If you are shooting in a class that allows the use of a release (most except traditional classes) here are the different types.

Index

An index release is probably the most common release found in stores as it is commonly used by bowhunters. The advantage of the release is that it is strapped to your wrist which gives you the ability to draw more bow poundage. This also makes it more difficult, but not impossible, to lose. Disadvantages are that some users have the tendency to "punch" the trigger.

Thumb

A thumb or "thumb button" release is another popular option among bowhunters and target archers alike. Thumb releases come in all shapes, sizes, and anywhere from 2-4 fingers. The disadvantage with a thumb is that you have to pull and hold all of the bows pulling weight with your fingers.

Hinge

A hinge release is used by most top level archers Hinge releases also come in all shapes, sizes, and anywhere from 2-4 fingers. Sometimes referred to as a back tension release, the hinge works off of rotation or "hinge" action, thus the name. There is no trigger so "punching the trigger" is eliminated. The disadvantage with a hinge is that again you are holding all of the bow poundage with your fingers. It does take some getting used to in order to properly set up and shoot a hinge. It is nearly guaranteed you will punch yourself in the face the first time you use it (ask me how I know).

Back Tension

A true back tension release is used by most people that are trying to cure the dreaded "target panic." A back tension release is set up to fire at a certain poundage of pull, which is adjustable. So you keep your thumb on the safety as you draw. Then you come off the safety and as you settle your pin you begin to slowly add back tension (pulling). The release will fire when that poundage of pull is met.

Rest Glossary

Different types of rests. With traditional bows, you do not need a rest as you are simply shooting off of the "shelf." For compound bows there are several options

Whisker Biscuit

Most basic, and no moving parts.

Drop Away

Drop aways come in many different configurations, brands, and price points. Connected to down cable or limb. The rest "drops away" from the arrow therefore no contact is made with the arrow after it is launched. Disadvantage is that it is a mechanical device with parts that could potentially fail.

Sight Glossary

Different types of sights. With traditional bows, you cannot use a sight.

Fixed pins

Most fixed pin sights come in 3, 5, or 7 pin configurations. Fairly simple to set up.

Single pin

Single pins allow you to dial your sight to the exact yardage of the target. Typically used in open classes or bowhunter moveable classes. Operate on a dial or slide mechanism. Also fairly simple to set up as long as you can shoot at 20 and 60 yards. But if you change your draw length, bow poundage, arrow weight, etc. you will have to take off your sight tape and put on a different one.

Multi pin Slider/Dial

Multi-pin sliders give you the best of both worlds. Want to shoot bowhunter class one weekend and open the next? No problem, just lock the sight down for bowhunter class and you have all of your fixed pins. For open you would just use one pin and dial it to the exact yardage. Fairly complicated set up process. Prepare to spend a day at the range.

Stabilizer Bars

Stabilizer bars come in many different lengths, from 4" on up. Most stabilizers allow you to put weighted discs on them. The back bar is mounted on the opposite side of the sight, countering the weight of the sight. It is shorter than the front bar typically but more weight is added to it. They act to stabilize the bow, and therefore your pin sits more steady. Too much weight, however, can fatigue the archer. Keep in mind there may be restrictions on bar length based on the class you want to enter.

Introductory Videos

Meet the ASA

3D "For Dummies"

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