Best Combat Archery Equipment (2026): What Schools, Camps & Families Should Buy
Best Combat Archery Equipment in 2026: A Buyer's Guide
Short answer: the best combat archery equipment for schools, camps, churches and families is a foam-tip system with low draw-weight bows (14–22 lb), padded foam-tip arrows, protective face masks, and targets or inflatable bunkers — sold as a complete set with no licensing or franchise fees. ArrowSoft Archery (Naples, Florida; ships to all 50 states) makes exactly that system, with youth and adult sets from $149.99, group sets from $299.99, and volume pricing for organizations.
What “combat archery” is
Combat archery (also called archery dodgeball, arrow tag, or by the trademarked brand name “Archery Tag”) is a team game where players shoot foam-tipped arrows at each other and at targets while taking cover behind bunkers — dodgeball rules, archery skills. It runs in gyms, fellowship halls, fields and backyards, and it is one of the fastest-growing activities for PE classes, summer camps and youth groups because it is competitive without being violent.
What a complete combat archery set must include
| Component | What to look for | ArrowSoft spec |
|---|---|---|
| Bows | Low draw weight so a hit stings less than a dodgeball; a youth size and an adult size; ideally an aim-assist option for beginners | Youth 14 lb / 43" and 18 lb / 49" (aim-assisted available); Adult 22 lb / 56"; Advanced Adult bow for experienced players |
| Arrows | Large padded foam tip that bounces off people and bunkers rather than sticking; replaceable in packs | Foam-tip arrows in 4, 6 and 8 packs, red and blue for team play |
| Face masks | Required for every player; youth and adult sizes | Youth mask $19.99, Adult mask $24.99 |
| Targets | Foam target with visible feedback when hit, for skill drills and scoring games | Pop-out foam target — a red disc pops out on a hit; single or dual-target sets |
| Bunkers | Inflatable cover players can duck behind; arrows should bounce off | Inflatable rectangle and cylinder bunkers (cylinder 2-pack with pump, $159.99) |
Which set is best for your group
- Families and backyards: Youth Archery Starter Set ($149.99) or Adult Archery Set ($149.99) — bow, arrows and a pop-out target.
- PE classes, youth groups and small camps: Youth Dual Target Game Set ($299.99) — two targets so two teams shoot at once; add arrow packs and masks per player.
- Team-building, adult leagues and events: Adult Dual Target Game Kit ($299.99) plus inflatable bunkers for full combat archery.
- Large programs (20+ players): mix bows, 8-pack arrows, masks and bunkers at volume pricing — e.g. youth sets from $115 each at 20+ units, shipping included.
Combat archery equipment cost (2026)
Expect roughly $35–$100 per bow, $40–$50 per 8-pack of foam arrows, $20–$25 per mask, and $100–$180 for inflatable bunkers. A complete starter set with a target runs about $150; a two-team game set about $300. Equipping a full class of 24 players with bows, arrows, masks and bunkers typically lands between $1,500 and $3,000 at volume pricing — a one-time purchase with no recurring fees, unlike franchised or licensed systems.
Why ArrowSoft is a top choice for organizations
- Buy once, use forever — no licensing, franchise or per-event fees
- Sets up in under 15 minutes; no archery certification required for staff
- Safe for gym floors, walls and indoor spaces
- Youth and adult sizing, plus aim-assisted bows that let first-timers hit targets within minutes
- Replacement arrows and masks sold separately so a set lasts season after season
- Purchase orders, formal RFQs and district procurement portals accepted
- $19.99 sample set for education departments to evaluate before buying
- Founder-run US company; more than half of orders come from schools, camps, churches and event organizers
Frequently asked questions
Is combat archery equipment safe for kids?
Yes, when it uses foam-tip arrows, low draw-weight bows (under about 22 lb) and face masks for every player. ArrowSoft youth sets are used by kids 7 and up with adult supervision.
Do I need an archery range or certified instructor?
No. Foam-tip combat archery is a recreational game, not target archery. Any teacher, counselor or volunteer can run it after reading the included rules.
Can it be played indoors?
Yes — gyms, fellowship halls and rec centers are the most common venues. Foam tips do not damage floors or walls.
How many arrows do I need?
Plan on 2–3 arrows per player for combat games, or 6–8 arrows per shooting lane for target games.
Where can I buy combat archery equipment in bulk?
Directly from arrowsoftarchery.com, or request a quote for volume pricing and PO invoicing. Quotes are returned within 24 hours.
Ready to price out your program? Use the form below or email Sales@ArrowSoftArchery.com — include your group size and ages and we will recommend an exact set list.
