LARP bows
LARP bows are the centrepiece of any ranged combat setup in live-action role-playing: they give rangers, elves and steppe nomads a distinctive silhouette – and must at the same time be safe, compliant with the rules and durable. Here you can find out everything you need to know before buying: from bow types and materials to the correct draw weight, the right choice of arrows and care.
Material and construction: What distinguishes a LARP bow from a sports bow
The key difference between a LARP bow and a sports or hunting bow lies not in its appearance, but in its safety design. LARP bows are designed exclusively for use with special safety arrows, whose foam tips cushion the impact – metal or hard tips are strictly prohibited at events.
The IDV bows in the range feature a tried-and-tested GRP core (glass fibre-reinforced plastic) with a polyurethane foam coating. This construction makes them robust, easy to grip and more durable than all-wood bows – whilst retaining a pleasant, natural feel. Wooden bows are particularly visually appealing and historically inspired, but require a little more care and protection from moisture.
The Dacron bowstring made of polyester is considered a typical wear part: it is robust, has low stretch and is designed for continuous use at events. If you notice frayed fibres, kinks or significant elongation, it is advisable to replace it. Suitable Dacron replacement strings for IDV bows in both bow lengths are available in our range. In addition, you’ll also find LARP weapons for close combat and matching LARP accessories for your complete setup in the shop.
Bow types at a glance: Longbow, Recurve and Composite Bow
Longbow
The longbow is the simplest and most historically significant type of bow. With its straight, long body and intuitive draw length, it is ideal for characters with a historical medieval background. Perfect for beginners and anyone who values an authentic look. Available in the range in a 1400 mm length with an 18 lbs draw weight.
Recurve bow
Recurve bows are recognisable by their forward-curving limb tips, which transfer additional energy upon release. This allows for a higher release speed with a shorter draw length and gives the bow an elegant silhouette – particularly popular for elven and forest characters. Available in 1200 mm and 1400 mm lengths with 18 or 26 lbs draw weight.
Composite bow
The composite bow is historically associated with Mongolian and Oriental nomadic horsemen. Its shorter design makes it easy to handle and allows for shooting in confined spaces. In LARP, it is particularly suitable for steppe warriors, shamans or nomadic character concepts – and also impresses visually as a prop across the board.
Draw weight and event rules: What you need to check before buying
The draw weight in pounds (lbs) describes the force required to draw the string to full draw. In our range, you’ll find IDV bows with 18 lbs and 26 lbs – two tried-and-tested values suitable for the majority of LARP events. By way of comparison: at full draw, 18 lbs corresponds to a resistance of around 8 kg, whilst 26 lbs is just under 12 kg – easily manageable for experienced archers.
Most major LARP events in Germany and Austria allow bows up to a maximum of 30–40 lbs. Rulesets such as those of Drachenfest or Conquest of Mythodea are binding and are published publicly. Some events allow higher draw weights exclusively in defined zones or for experienced archers with proof of proficiency.
Important: In addition to the draw weight, the certified foam tip diameter of the arrows used also plays a role – most rulebooks require a minimum diameter of approx. 40–50 mm. Both factors together determine whether your setup is permitted at the respective event. In the Bows and Arrows section, you’ll find everything you need for a complete ranged combat setup.
The right bow for your character concept and experience level
If you’re picking up a LARP bow for the first time, a recurve or longbow in the lower draw weight range (18 lbs) is a good choice. Ready-made sets comprising a bow and matching safety arrows – from around €10 per arrow – make getting started much easier: all components are designed to work together, the low draw weight is gentle on the arm muscles and is easily compliant with the rules at most events.
A simple bow with a natural wood-effect finish is the perfect match for a forest dweller or ranger. Combined with a leather quiver and a cloak in earth tones, it creates a harmonious overall look. A draw weight of 25–35 lbs is typical for this character concept and easily complies with the rules at most events. The IDV bows, starting at around €108, offer excellent value for money here.
For an Elven character, a slender recurve bow with curved limb tips is recommended – it exudes elegance and precision and harmonises perfectly with Elven accessories and appropriate attire. Steppe nomads and Oriental warriors opt for the short composite bow: handy, historically inspired and ideal for fast-paced gameplay. High-quality bows in this category cost around €117.
Care and storage: How to keep your LARP bow in good condition for many seasons
With the right care, a LARP bow will last for many seasons. The most important step after every use: release the string. If you leave the bow permanently drawn, you risk the limbs becoming permanently warped – this is particularly true for GRP/PU bows, where the foam core can suffer under constant tension.
When it comes to storage, the rule is: dry, straight and free from external pressure. It is best to hang the unstrung bow vertically or lay it flat without stacking other objects on top of it. Check the bow body regularly for damage – fine cracks can form, particularly at the limb joints, and these should be spotted early on.
The Dacron string is the typical wear part on the bow. If you notice frayed fibres, kinks or significant stretching, it is time for a replacement. Suitable Dacron replacement strings for IDV bows are available in both lengths (1200 mm and 1400 mm) in our range – for around €12, this is an affordable safeguard against an unexpected string break in the middle of an event.
LARP arrows and accessories: GRP shaft, foam head and replacement string
A complete ranged combat setup includes safety arrows that comply with the event rules. IDV arrows feature a 76 cm long GRP (glass fibre) shaft – lightweight, robust and with a very low breakage rate during continuous use. The padded round head made of polyurethane foam is a mandatory component: it must fit securely onto the shaft and should have a minimum diameter of approx. 40–50 mm, as required by most rulebooks.
| Design | Suitability | Practical benefits |
|---|---|---|
| IDV arrow, black | LARP | Classic look, inconspicuous in play |
| IDV arrow, traffic red | LARP | Highly visible, easy to find |
| IDV arrow, pine green | LARP | Forest look, perfect for ranger characters |
| IDV arrow, glow-in-the-dark | LARP | Visible at dusk and during night-time games |
| Dacron replacement string (1200/1400 mm) | Accessories | Durable replacement part for IDV bows |
As an essential accessory, Dacron replacement strings complete the range – suitable for IDV bows in both lengths. Having a spare string ready in your kit is worth its weight in gold at multi-day events. For a complete look, we also recommend a LARP belt pouch for safely carrying arrows.
Whether you’re looking for your first LARP bow or want to complete your ranged combat setup with matching arrows and a spare string – browse our range of IDV bows, safety arrows and accessories now and gear up for your next adventure.
Frequently asked questions
Most major LARP events in Germany and Austria allow bows up to a maximum of 30 to 40 lbs. The exact limit varies depending on the event’s rules – Drachenfest, Conquest of Mythodea and others publish their safety rules publicly. Before purchasing, it is always worth checking the rules of your regular event. The IDV bows in our range, with 18 lbs and 26 lbs, are perfectly suitable for the majority of events.
No. At LARP events, only safety arrows with certified foam round heads are permitted. These must have a minimum diameter of approx. 40–50 mm and must not detach from the shaft. Standard wooden arrows or arrows with metal tips are not permitted and will be confiscated during security checks. IDV arrows with GRP shafts and PU round heads meet current LARP safety requirements.
The longbow has a straight body and a long draw length – it is easy to learn and visually historically accurate for medieval characters. The recurve bow has limbs that curve forwards, transferring additional energy upon release. This allows it to achieve a higher release velocity with a shorter draw length and gives it a more elegant appearance – ideal for elven or woodland characters.
IDV bows consist of a GRP core (glass fibre reinforced plastic) with a polyurethane foam coating. This construction makes them more robust and durable than pure wooden bows, whilst also giving them a pleasant, non-slip feel. The GRP core ensures even energy transfer, whilst the PU foam reduces the weight and mimics the appearance of a natural bow.
For beginners, we recommend recurve or longbows with a draw weight of 18 lbs. The low draw weight is gentle on the arm muscles, allows for the proper learning of shooting technique and is readily permitted at most events. Ready-made sets comprising a bow and matching IDV safety arrows further simplify getting started, as all components are perfectly matched.