There is a variety of archery equipment available today from ancient wooden bows and arrows to sophisticated compound bows and carbon-graphite arrows. Most archers take advantage of technical advances in equipment. This includes the latest in compound bows in various arrangements and components of glues, carbon and graphite. Steel cables are fixed in different ways over off-center wheels to permit easy holding at full draw. Better string material, sighting aids, draw stops, vibration dampeners, overdraws, arrow rests and stabilizers are some of the improvements added to the bow to make them more effective for those who can use their advantages.
Arrows are available in wood, plastic, aluminum alloys and carbon-graphites.
The points of the arrow have evolved from the famous flint arrowheads of the Indians to the modern screw-on replaceable heads used today. The Wand shoot is where a thin vertical stick of wood or reed serves as a target, which is a carryover from ancient times. The first, however, is more closely concerned with excellence on the target line and is the sponsoring organization for Olympic Shooting in the United States. National Field Archery Association deals with the hunting scene, with targets simulating actual field shooting situations.