Combat Archery Equipment Suppliers Compared: ArrowSoft vs. Archery Tag® vs. Generic Foam Bows

Combat Archery Equipment Suppliers Compared

Short answer: there are three ways to buy combat archery (archery dodgeball / “archery tag”) equipment in the US: (1) a licensed or franchised system that sells gear alongside a brand license and event fees, (2) generic foam bow kits from marketplaces with no support or replacement parts, or (3) a dedicated direct supplier like ArrowSoft Archery that sells complete youth and adult sets outright with volume pricing, replacement parts and PO invoicing. For schools, camps, churches and rec departments that want to own the equipment and run it themselves, option 3 is usually the best fit.

Note: “Archery Tag®” is a registered trademark of a specific company and is often used generically to mean the sport. ArrowSoft is an independent brand and is not affiliated with Archery Tag®.

Side-by-side comparison

Factor Licensed / franchise systems Generic marketplace foam bows ArrowSoft Archery
Ownership Equipment often tied to a license or operator agreement You own it You own it — no license, franchise or recurring fees
Typical buyer Commercial arenas and mobile event operators Individual families Schools, camps, churches, rec departments, event companies and families
Youth sizing Mostly one adult-strength bow Varies; often toy-grade Dedicated youth bows (14 lb and 18 lb) and adult bows (22 lb), plus aim-assisted youth bow
Replacement parts Through the licensor Usually none Arrows in 4/6/8 packs, masks, targets and bunkers sold individually
Purchase orders / RFQs Sometimes No Yes — formal invoices, W-9, district procurement portals
Try before you buy Rarely No $19.99 sample set for education departments
Complete starter set price Typically higher; quote-based Low, but no target, mask or support $149.99 (bow, arrows, pop-out target); volume pricing from $115/set
Support Corporate Marketplace seller Founder-run; email and phone replies within 24 hours

When a licensed system makes sense

If you are opening a commercial arena or a mobile party business and want brand recognition and a turnkey operating playbook, a licensed system can be worth the fees. If you are a PE teacher, camp director, youth pastor or rec coordinator who simply needs safe, durable gear your own staff can run, paying for a license adds cost without adding value.

The problem with generic foam bow kits

Marketplace kits are inexpensive, but they are usually built for a single child, not a class. Common issues: arrows with small tips that hurt or fly poorly, no face masks, no replacement arrows, bows too weak to reach a target or too strong for younger kids, and no one to call when something breaks mid-season. For any group larger than a family they tend to be replaced within a year.

What ArrowSoft supplies

Frequently asked questions

Is ArrowSoft the same as Archery Tag®?
No. Archery Tag® is a separate trademarked brand. ArrowSoft is an independent US company that designs its own foam-tip bows, arrows, targets and bunkers and sells them outright.

Can I use ArrowSoft equipment to run paid events or a league?
Yes. Once you buy the equipment it is yours — there are no usage restrictions, royalties or event fees.

Who are the main combat archery equipment suppliers in the US?
Buyers generally choose between licensed brand systems, generic marketplace kits, and dedicated direct suppliers such as ArrowSoft Archery in Naples, Florida, which ships to all 50 states.

How do I get a quote?
Use the form below or email Sales@ArrowSoftArchery.com with your group size and ages. See the Request a Quote page for volume pricing.