Arm guard? Defiantly, no.

[jhg]

I don't use an arm guard (except to contain my sleeve if hunting in cold weather).

I don't think its my form- some bows I can get string slap, but I believe I am matched well to my bow ElkMaster and maybe that is why I don't get string slap when shooting.

Who else skips wearing an arm guard?

[Pat B]

I have a pretty loose style so I rarely hit my arm with the string but I wear an arm guard all the time while shooting to keep my sleeve out of the way. I even wear it in the summer with short sleeves to try to keep everything consistent.

[Orion]

Has as much to do with the bow one is shooting as shooting style. One seldom needs an arm guard with a recurve and rather high brace height.  I wouldn't be without one with an ASL and a low brace height. Whatever floats your boat. 

[Bowguy67]

An arm guard is unnecessary with proper form and especially proper grip, plus elbow position which typically is relative

[woodchucker]

Never really used one...?? 

[JBrown]

I don't have to wear one when I shoot my 56" Elkhart but when I shoot my 62" Timberhawk Falcon I have to wear one..

[McDave]

I don't wear one routinely, because I usually shoot recurves that have relatively high brace heights.  If I'm shooting a longbow with a brace height less than 7 1/2", I usually get string slap and have to wear one.

Some people, women mostly, have an elbow joint that bends slightly backwards at full extension, and they generally need to wear an arm guard unless they can learn to keep a slight positive bend in their elbow joints.

Shooters of all skill levels either do or don't use arm guards, and I've never tried to encourage any of the people I teach to use one or not.  I just always have one available in case they want to use it.

[old_goat2]

Has as much to do with the bow one is shooting as shooting style. One seldom needs an arm guard with a recurve and rather high brace height.  I wouldn't be without one with an ASL and a low brace height. Whatever floats your boat.

This!^^^^^ plus string material comes into consideration

[Bowguy67]

I don't wear one routinely, because I usually shoot recurves that have relatively high brace heights.  If I'm shooting a longbow with a brace height less than 7 1/2", I usually get string slap and have to wear one.

Some people, women mostly, have an elbow joint that bends slightly backwards at full extension, and they generally need to wear an arm guard unless they can learn to keep a slight positive bend in their elbow joints.

Shooters of all skill levels either do or don't use arm guards, and I've never tried to encourage any of the people I teach to use one or not.  I just always have one available in case they want to use it.

They actually don't need and shouldn't bend the elbow. It is somewhat common though women hyper extend the elbow in ways guys can't. We teach them, and it's only possible under tension, to roll/flex the forearm out of the way.
And it's def NOT the type bow. Guys why fight it, maybe you're missing something? We teach straight women classes. Straight kids classes. Not one needs arm guards. Even when shooting longbows. The whole fist grip is a big part of the problem I bet. Next the elbow position/arm alignment and as stated rotate the elbow, forearm. Try it boys. Can't say it don't work if you don't. If you say you have and it doesn't work I bet we can work it out. Send me some pics.
One other thing. Improper release is another issue. Most common. Grip and elbow position in men

[BAK]

Only to keep my sleeve from snagging.

[katman]

Same here. to keep forearm clothing out of way in cold weather. Don't use one all summer in short sleeves with recurve, hybrid or asl.

[The Whittler]

I would rather have it and not need it then......  Besides it's like Robin Hood without his feathered hat or Superman without his cape.

[jhg]

I view an armguard (pun intended) like eyeglasses. If I can do what I want to do without them by garsh I am gonna.

[Sam McMichael]

I always wear an armguard. I don't leave home without it.

[1Arrow1Kill]

I always wear an armguard. I don't leave home without it.

I'm with ya Sam . . . (unless I forget!?!?!)

[Jon Stewart]

Do the Olympians know they don't need to wear an arm guard if they had proper form?

Been at this for 60+ years and always wear one.

[KentuckyWolf]

Wear one every time. Habit and keeping hunting cloths out of the way in winter.

Haven't hit my arm in many years with a string....but I sure remember being a kid...still learning...and my left forearm being black/blue/yellow all summer long.

[dragonheart]

I wear one all the time.  With a Hill style bow it is an essential piece of equipment.  Hunting it is need to keep clothing back.  Different grips have effected the amount of and even if there is a slap to the arm.  The straight Hill style of grip being the most needed as I hit my arm every arrow I shoot.  I try to wear one all the time for habit to not forget it if I go hunting.   

[Bisch]

There is only 2 instances where I wear an armguard:

1) When shooting a selfbow with a low brace height.

2) When bunting I wear a tight fitting elastic armguard made by Vista Archery just to make sure my string dosen't catch my sleeve.

Bisch

[GCook]

If I needed it due to clothing I would but if I had a bow that routinely slapped me I'd rehome it.  It's to hot here to wear one 8 months of the year.
I haven't worn one since I was taught proper grip and elbow placement years ago.