Equipment

The club provides bosses, target faces and other equipment for the range. However, the club has only a limited number of entry-level bows, so many of our archers buy their own kit.

The club does not permit the use of crossbows or compound bows over 60lb draw weight on our ranges under any circumstances.

Storage

Please note that the club is not able to provide storage for archers' personal equipment. This is due to lack of space in our venues, and because we can only cover club-owned equipment under our insurance policies in the event of damage or theft.

Archers with their own equipment should store it at home, and bring it to training sessions with them. We recommend purchasing a bow-bag that you can cycle with if you don't already own one. Make sure that you store your bow in low humidity and wipe it down after shooting in the rain, and avoid extreme temperatures, as these can damage the bow.

Note that colleges typically do not provide insurance or assistance with storage/transportation of archery equipment.

Care of equipment

It is each archer's personal responsibility to ensure that your equipment is safe and well-maintained. If there are safety issues around your equipment, committee members will ask you to stop using it at sessions. Be aware that if it has been a while since you last shot, especially if you are returning to the sport after several years, you may want a detailed check of your bow (e.g., at an archery shop).

Some parts of the bow will need replacing semi-regularly (e.g., plastic arrow rest, bowstring, fletches). If you need help with this, speak to the committee or an experienced archer who can teach you how!

The club owns a number of tools that can be borrowed by members during sessions, including fletching jigs, bracing height gauges, and multitools. If you're struggling to find items you need, just let a committee member know during a session.

Rental scheme

Are you coming to Cambridge but don’t own your own equipment? Perhaps you completed your beginners’ course but don't want to purchase a bow yet. Maybe you left your bow at home, and you want something to shoot while you're here.

The club has a number of basic wooden recurve bows with sights that we use on our beginners course. Any club members are welcome to use these on club nights as part of being a club member.

If you wish to shoot a higher quality bow — one that may be used in competitions, at other venues, or over the vacation — CUB has a selection of recurve bows and accessories that we rent out on a termly basis. If you are interested in this please, email the equipment officer.

Rental costs £20 per term and requires a £50 refundable deposit at the start of the rental period.