Chest Guards

[Dutch]

Hi,

Apologies if covered before, but could not find what I required from the search function.

My question/s are:

i) I know that beginner's should not use certain items (e.g. clickers). Would chest guards affect technique and form in a negative way?
ii) If chest guards are ok for beginners then what do people recommend. They all seem in the same price bracket so is it merely about "brand" or is there a difference in how they function or there quality?
iii) Are the sizes related to normal clothing e.g. XL is equal to a 40-44 chest?
iv) RH or LH. Can I take that to mean that by ticking RH, it will be a guard for the left pectoral?

Thanks, and sorry if these questions seem silly or have been covered before

[Matt_1440]

i) I know that beginner's should not use certain items (e.g. clickers). Would chest guards affect technique and form in a negative way?

Chest guards stop clothing getting in the way - similar kind of thing to a bracer, so don't (or shouldn't) affect technique in any way.

ii) If chest guards are ok for beginners then what do people recommend. They all seem in the same price bracket so is it merely about "brand" or is there a difference in how they function or there quality?

Very slight difference in feel. Different companies use different materials. No difference in how well they do their job as far as i know.

iii) Are the sizes related to normal clothing e.g. XL is equal to a 40-44 chest?

Not entirely sure. Best thing to do is try them on at a shop and see which fits the best.

iv) RH or LH. Can I take that to mean that by ticking RH, it will be a guard for the left pectoral?

That's right. RH covers left pec, LH covers right pec.

[King Custard]

Originally Posted by Dutch

Hi,

Apologies if covered before, but could not find what I required from the search function.

My question/s are:

i) I know that beginner's should not use certain items (e.g. clickers). Would chest guards affect technique and form in a negative way?
ii) If chest guards are ok for beginners then what do people recommend. They all seem in the same price bracket so is it merely about "brand" or is there a difference in how they function or there quality?
iii) Are the sizes related to normal clothing e.g. XL is equal to a 40-44 chest?
iv) RH or LH. Can I take that to mean that by ticking RH, it will be a guard for the left pectoral?

Thanks, and sorry if these questions seem silly or have been covered before

It still seems a matter for debate over the 'clickers for beginners issue'...but a chest guard (-or shirtguard) is certainly something I'd advise you use if offerred on a beginners course - or treat yourself to as a fairly inexpensive piece of kit.
Obviously for ladies the protection offered by one is a sound investment- deflecting the string should it hit the breast to some degree- and to fellers too - who might find themselves otherwise with a sore nip or bruising!
They offer some protection also to the string- should it glance off of your chest, being often somewhat 'slicker' than a normal piece of clothing chances are that repeated 'sloppy shots' will damage the string less. A string catching a button will surely rip a shirt pocket off...maybe sending buttons (or even badges - I've seen!) to go flying - dangerous and highly undesirable!

Bearing in mind though that proper form should be to release the string with No contact anywhere on it's travel- at very least until the arrow has left the bow - perhaps the greater or further advantage would be that when adjusted properly a shirtguard will do just that- hold the t'shirt-or even a light jacket- sleeve and chest material out of the way, pressed tight against the body.
Too often, even intermediate shooters will shoot without one, to find that a floppy t-shirt or whatever has caught the wind- flapped into the string line- and caused a sloppy result from an otherwise decent set-up and release.
I've tried several shirtguards now , and find them much of a muchness really....Just be sure to get an adjustable one, approximately the same size as clothing sizes, remembering most (if not all) can be adjusted 'down' in size -rather than 'up'. A style incorporating elastic will likely feel most comfortable to wear. Be aware that some fit girls - and some fit boys!!

OK so now you've been introduced to a couple of possible problems occurring from not wearing one ......dispell these anxieties by wearing one and get down to shooting free of these 'what if' niggles!

If buying from a shop it's likely they'll have a selection - of styles, and colours for you to test fit before buying, or at least offer advice on sizes.

[geoffretired]

I would say try before you buy. Some fit differently and could be unsuitable on some chests.The clothing likely to be worn underneath is worth wearing when testing too.Perhaps you wouldn't want to travel a long way to try some out but, if you were already planning to visit an outlet for other items,it could be time well spent.

[Kae]

Can't really add to anything that Mat has said, he pretty much covers everything.

But as a side note;

Different chest guards suit different people.
Some will try to tell you that one is better than the other, but the real difference is getting one that fits the individual.

Make sure the chest guard is fitted (especially if a ladies, as it will have an extra pleat in it to take account of the bust) and that the person wears it properly (when worn correctly it shouldn't move during the shot).

Kae.

[phil_r_58]

Personally, myself and most of the people I shoot with only use bracers and chest guards when wearing wet weather gear. If your shooting position is OK, you should not be hitting anything.

But on the other hand, I see a few people that wear them all year round.

[Erika]

Originally Posted by Dutch

i) I know that beginner's should not use certain items (e.g. clickers). Would chest guards affect technique and form in a negative way?
ii) If chest guards are ok for beginners then what do people recommend. They all seem in the same price bracket so is it merely about "brand" or is there a difference in how they function or there quality?
iii) Are the sizes related to normal clothing e.g. XL is equal to a 40-44 chest?
iv) RH or LH. Can I take that to mean that by ticking RH, it will be a guard for the left pectoral?

Don't get us started on Clickers... we'll still be arguing next year.

If you are shooting recurve, you should have a chest guard to prevent the string catching your clothing. Although one young man has developed a rather nasty bruise recently, so catching 'you' as well.

For most it's about clothing. If the string catches then you'll lose points. We don't care about bruises. I'll happily wear a few bruises for a good score.

I have smooth plastic stitched onto my chest guard so that it in itself doesn't catch either. Some chest guards are too flexible.

What's a 40-44 chest? Sizes are wierd... You'll have to try a few on. But don't be afraid to alter one or to make a home made one.

RH covers left boob.

[chryd]

Originally Posted by phil_r_58

But on the other hand, I see a few people that wear them all rear round.

Am I the only one that chuckled at that?

[Nick Forster]

Hi Dutch
I have a 46"-48" chest measurment, I use a shibuya chest guard xl size it is just about big enougth at 44" it should be fine. Generaly as a rule of thumb if you buy Shibuya you cant go far wrong.
Hope this helps
Cheers Nick

ps Erica
size 40 - 44 = big ol'boy
size 46 - 48 = realy big ol'boy
Nick:

[Robert]

I'd say its as essential as a Bracer or a Tab, It provides a consistent surface for any part of the string that makes contact with your chest and if you choose wisely the chestguard will have a "non-snag" panel sewn in where the string will touch.

As far as sizing goes , ideally go and try some but if this is impossible then

ARROWHEAD U.K. CHESTGUARDS/CHEST PROTECTORS

This site has a sizing guide. I have one of the excellant hybrid chestguards. Other makes are available of course.