Indoor vs Outdoor Archery Range | Learn the Differences

Whether it’s an indoor archery range or outdoor archery range, these spaces are the ultimate place to hone your skills and understand the basics of archery before you put your bow into real action. Perfecting your aim comes with extra practice, and it’s important to know which type of range suits your needs best. Factoring in weather, type of equipment, and skill level are all important things to consider when it comes to choosing an archery range. By enacting a regular practice schedule at the range for your needs, you can improve your aim and sharpen your skills safely.

Regular visits to an archery range can be the difference between a hit or a miss, but which type of range will be best to help you reach the next level? Before you grab your gear and head out for a practice session, consider these scenarios.

Scenario 1: The Weather Looks Unpredictable

The Winner: Indoor Archery Range

If the weather forecast is bleak, an indoor range is your best option. Unless you have some serious willpower or you have to practice shooting in poor weather, a visit to this type of range means you can practice in any season no matter the weather.

Scenario 2: You Need to Test New Equipment

The Winner: Indoor Archery Range

Concentrate on improving your form with new equipment by avoiding the noise distractions of being at an outdoor archery range. We recommend practicing inside first. If you just put a new set of strings on your bow, an indoor range is a great place to go, because they will be able to help you get your bow tuned in. While you may have to deal with other archers, you’ll be able to focus more readily and work out any potential kinks in your new setup. Once you’ve tested out your new gear, you’ll be ready to get outside.

Scenario 3: You’re Shooting for Hunting Practice

The Winner: Outdoor Archery Range

When you practice inside, many of the targets are short-range and the environment lacks the wind and noise you’ll be dealing with outside. If you’re gearing up for that yearly hunting trip, be sure to familiarize yourself with your equipment in an environment that more closely resembles the real deal when you’re hunting. If you’re going to be in thick brush or desert climates, you’ll want to practice in similar conditions at an outdoor range. You’ll experience variables that you won’t get indoors, and this will help you keep your aim when it comes to the real thing. You can focus on your concentration and simulate the hunt. 

Scenario 4: You’re Just Starting Out

The Winner: Both

As the sport of archery grows, both types of ranges provide a safe introduction to the sport for people of all ages. Whether you’re bringing your kiddo for the first time or you’ve decided to pick up a new hobby in your retirement, archery has quickly become the favored sport for a variety of ages and demographics. For some, this means enjoying archery in a climate-controlled environment. For others, it means being surrounded by the sounds of nature before taking your best shot. Either way, choose a range where you’ll be comfortable starting out.

Scenario 5: You’re Competing

The Winner: Both

Practice at an indoor range may be a gateway into competitive archery and help you really fine-tune your skills before you go out. As a competitor, you’ll want to expose yourself to as many disciplines of archery as you can before getting ready for the competition. Make sure you visit both the indoor and outdoor archery range before competition day.

Now that you’ve explored both indoor and outdoor options, get your gear ready for the next season. Explore 60X Custom Strings and get ready to hit your target today!