Accessories
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Bows and crossbows are incomplete without the right accessories: strings, quivers, stringing tools and protective gear determine how safely, accurately and historically accurately you shoot — whether at a re-enactment, a medieval fair or in historical archery. In this category, you’ll find everything you need to operate your weapon from the parent category of bows and arrows — from simple leather arm guards to heavy 14th-century winches.
What does bow and crossbow accessories include?
Accessories for bows and crossbows can be divided into a few clear main groups: quivers for arrows or bolts, strings as direct wear parts, cocking tools for heavy crossbows, protective gear such as arm guards and shooting gloves, as well as targets and arrow catchers for training.
Bows — whether recurve or longbow — primarily require suitable strings, arm guards and a quiver for arrows. With crossbows, the drawing instrument is added as a further essential piece of equipment, as from a certain draw weight onwards, simply drawing the crossbow by hand is neither practical nor safe. Bolts differ from bow arrows in length, shaft and tip shape and require specially adapted side quivers.
Historically, none of these items were mere accessories, but rather an integral part of the archer’s combat gear: medieval pictorial sources consistently depict archers with clearly recognisable quivers on their belts or backs, and archaeological finds attest to the use of horn arm guards as far back as antiquity. Essential items for use are the bowstring, arm guard and supply of bolts or arrows; stringing tools, targets and a shooting glove are strongly recommended once you start shooting regularly.
Strings and stringing tools: The technical backbone of your weapon
| Article | Material / Construction | Suitable for | Special feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flemish spliced string, 58 inches | Dacron B50, 12 strands | Recurve / Longbow | Classic spliced string, for 58-inch bows including Viking bows |
| Flemish spliced string 70 inches | Dacron B50, 12 strands | Recurve / Longbow | For larger bows with a length of 68–70 inches |
| Crossbow string (various lengths) | Silk cord, historical construction | Historical crossbows | Size S and others; replacement string for re-enactment crossbows |
| Belt hooks for crossbows | Steel / double hook | Lightweight crossbows | Uses body weight as a lever; quick makeshift tensioner |
| Goat's foot tension lever | Steel | Medium crossbows | Energy-saving draw lever for crossbows up to approx. 150 lbs |
| Rope winch 14th century | Metal / rope | Heavy crossbows | Historical 14th-century design; for heavier drawweights |
| Gear winch, 14th century | Metal / gear mechanism | Very heavy crossbows | Maximum gear ratio; maximum draw stability for the heaviest models |
Flemish-splice strings made from Dacron B50 are considered the standard material for historical and traditional bows: the material stretches minimally, is weather-resistant and easy to replace. A string should be replaced if individual strands are visibly frayed, the string loses its twist, or the shot pattern changes noticeably. Crossbow strings made from silk cord have a shorter lifespan — regular checks for wear after intensive use are recommended.
As for the drawing aid: the Goat’s Foot lever is sufficient for crossbows in the medium weight range and is the most historically widespread tool. Rope and toothed winches were developed in the 14th and 15th centuries for heavy war crossbows that could no longer be drawn by muscle power alone. The belt hook is the simplest solution for lighter models and a good starting point before you invest in more sophisticated cocking mechanisms.
Quiver comparison: back quiver for arrows vs. side quiver for bolts
- Carries arrows vertically on the back, draw hand over the shoulder
- Classic for longbow and recurve archers
- Models available in brown suede or vegetable-tanned cowhide
- Adjustable back strap for different body sizes
- Well documented historically: depictions from the 12th–15th centuries frequently show this carrying style
- Price range: approx. €50–60
- Worn on the side of the belt; bolts are stored lying flat or at a slight angle
- Made from vegetable-tanned cowhide — more robust than chrome-tanned material
- Shorter design to suit the compact crossbow bolts
- Faster access when reloading
- Historically documented: side quivers for crossbowmen are found in contemporary manuscripts from the late Middle Ages
- Price range: approx. €25
It is worth taking a closer look at the choice of materials: suede is soft, light and comfortable to wear, but somewhat more delicate in wet conditions. Vegetable-tanned cowhide is firmer, retains its shape better and is resistant to ageing — it develops a characteristic patina over time. Industrially tanned leather is cheaper, but less breathable and less durable. Vegetable-tanned material is recommended for long-term use at markets or in re-enactment.
Arm guard and shooting glove: essential protective equipment
Arm guards — also known as arm protectors — shield the forearm of the drawing arm from the impact of the recoiling bowstring. Anyone shooting without arm guards risks painful bruising that will bring training to an end after just a few shots. Historically, leather arm guard variants have been documented since antiquity; medieval finds show simple, flat leather plates that were fastened to the arm with straps. The range includes 100% leather models for adults as well as children’s versions in smaller sizes — important when youngsters are taking their first steps with the bow.
The ‘Traditional’ shooting glove, made from black cowhide leather, protects the fingertips of the drawing hand from the pressure of the string. It is available for both right- and left-handers — when purchasing, ensure you choose the correct version, as it only protects the drawing hand, not the bow hand. The glove covers three fingers (index, middle and ring fingers) and is adjustable for sizes S–M. For light children’s bows, a simple arm guard is often sufficient; for draw weights of approx. 25 lbs and above, the glove is also recommended.
With crossbows, a shooting glove for the trigger finger is generally not required because the bolt is held mechanically — here, greater attention should be paid to correct handling when drawing the bow. Arm guards and shooting gloves are not optional extras for archers, but essential protective equipment that should be part of the kit from the very beginning.
Crossbow bolts: An overview of three historical tip types
Bodkin point
The slender, square-shaped bodkin point was developed in the Middle Ages specifically to penetrate chain mail and light plate armour. Hand-forged from iron, it sits firmly on the wooden shaft. Today, it is mainly used in re-enactment as a decorative piece or for historical presentations.
Hunting point
The wider hunting bolt with curved cutting edges was designed for use in hunting — it creates a larger wound channel. Authentic medieval-style crossbow bolt with a hand-forged tip, well-suited for shooting ranges at events with appropriate arrow catchers.
Bird hunting point
The blunt or leaf-shaped bird hunting point was designed to stun birds rather than pierce them. Hand-forged version, recognisable by its broad, flat shape. In re-enactment, a lively talking point that brings medieval hunting practices to life.
All bolts are made with wooden shafts and fitted with hand-forged iron tips — in keeping with historical construction methods. Matching replacement bolts made of wood with steel tips are available for the mini crossbow, tailored to the shorter length of this weapon. Whether historical bolts may actually be fired at an event depends on the safety regulations of the respective organiser; for purely decorative use — in a quiver or a display case — they are suitable in any case.
Targets and arrow catchers: train just like in the Middle Ages
The traditional straw target, 65 cm in diameter, is the classic arrow catch for all types of bow. Straw effectively slows down arrows without damaging the tips — provided that no heavy bodkin tips or broad-bladed hunting tips are used, which can bore deeply into the material. It is the first choice for normal training with target tips. The target is mounted on a sturdy stand or hung on a wall, whereby there must always be a safe, impact-absorbing surface behind the target.
The paper target sheets (60 cm, set of 10) are stretched directly over the straw target or another backing. They are suitable for practice at markets and shooting ranges and can be easily replaced after training. For arrowheads with wider cutting edges, a thicker foam backing behind the paper target is recommended.
At events, the following applies: the shooting area must be clearly demarcated, and the area behind the target must be free of people. Many medieval market organisers have their own safety rules for archery — check with the relevant market in advance regarding the applicable regulations. As a special case, the mini crossbow offers its own replacement bolts made of wood with steel tips, which are tailored to the shorter length of this handy weapon.
Which accessories suit which budget?
To get started, all you need is a crossbow string (approx. €14), a simple leather arm guard and a pack of target pads (approx. €14). This will allow you to shoot and provide basic protection — ideal if you first want to see whether archery is right for you.
If you shoot regularly, opt for the ‘Traditional’ shooting glove (approx. €18), a side quiver made from vegetable-tanned cowhide (approx. €25) and a goat’s foot draw lever (approx. €50) for medium-weight crossbows. In this price range, you can already get sturdy, historically accurate equipment that will last for years at markets and events.
The complete historical set-up includes a suede quiver (approx. €50) or a quiver made from vegetable-tanned cowhide (approx. €59), authentic crossbow bolts with hand-forged tips and — for heavy crossbows — a rope winch or toothed winch (from approx. €118). Vegetable-tanned leather develops a distinctive patina over time and is significantly superior to industrially tanned material in terms of durability and historical appearance.
Well equipped: What you should know before your first outing
The basics for every archer: a Flemish-splice string made of Dacron B50 to match the bow’s length, a leather arm guard for the drawing arm, and a quiver for your arrows. If you train regularly, add a shooting glove and a straw target to catch the arrows. All items should be checked for fit and condition before your first outing.
For crossbowmen, the drawing mechanism is the crucial accessory: lighter models can manage with a belt hook or a goat’s foot lever; heavy 14th-century crossbows require a rope or toothed winch. This includes a sufficient supply of bolts (suitable for the crossbow’s size) and a side quiver for quick access when reloading. Before using it for the first time at an event: check the organiser’s safety rules.
Leather quivers and arm guards should be regularly treated with a suitable leather grease or oil to prevent cracking and brittleness — particularly after intensive use in rain or heat. Strings made from Dacron B50 require little maintenance, but should be checked for frayed strands before each use. Crossbow strings made from silk cord are more delicate and should be stored in a dry place. All leather parts are best stored in a cool, dry environment — not in direct sunlight.
The complete archer or crossbowman setup comprises several categories: You’ll find the actual weapons under Bows and Crossbows, and the matching projectiles under Arrowheads. If you want to be historically accurate, you’ll find hand-forged arrowheads and bolt heads in various historical designs there.
Whether you’re cocking a crossbow for the first time or completing your archery setup for the next re-enactment — the right accessories make the difference between uncomfortable and safe, historically accurate equipment. Take a look at the Bows and Crossbows and Arrowheads categories to put together your complete set.
Frequently asked questions
That depends on whether you want to carry arrows or crossbow bolts. For bow arrows, a back quiver is the classic choice — it holds the long arrows securely and allows quick access over the shoulder. Crossbow bolts are shorter and are usually carried in a side quiver on the belt, which is more practical when reloading the crossbow.
The right drawing aid depends on the draw weight of your crossbow. Lighter models up to approx. 80–100 lbs can be operated using a belt hook or the Geißfuß drawing lever. For heavier 14th-century crossbows, rope winches or ratchet winches are necessary — the ratchet winch offers the highest mechanical ratio and is intended for the heaviest models.
Yes — arm guards are mandatory for every archer, including beginners. They protect against the recoiling string and are available from around €10–15. A shooting glove is also recommended for draw weights of around 25 lbs and above, or during longer training sessions, to prevent pressure marks on the fingers.
For vegetable-tanned and natural brown leather, a neutral leather grease or leather oil is recommended — it keeps the material supple and protects against cracks. After use in the rain, the leather should first be left to dry at room temperature before being treated. Drying it directly on a radiator or in the sun will make the leather brittle.
A Dacron B50 bowstring should be replaced if individual strands are visibly frayed or torn, the string loses its twist, or the shot pattern changes irregularly. For crossbow strings made of silk cord, a regular visual inspection is recommended after intensive use, as the material wears out more quickly under high draw weights.