Sportpijl

Sportpijl is a Dutch term used in archery to refer to an arrow intended for sport shooting, as opposed to hunting. In Dutch-speaking contexts the word combines sport with pijl (arrow) and is often used by clubs, retailers, and competitors to distinguish target arrows from hunting or field arrows. The exact usage can vary by region and organization, but sportpijl generally denotes arrows designed for accuracy, consistency, and compliance with sport rules.

Construction and characteristics of a sportpijl typically include a shaft made from carbon, aluminum, or a composite material, with a nock, fletching, and a tip appropriate for target shooting. Target points or field points are common, depending on the discipline and equipment rules. Weights, spine (stiffness), and overall length are adjusted to a archer’s draw weight, arrow rest, and sight setup. The choice of material and design aims to optimize flight stability, grouping, and durability in practice and competition.

In competitive archery, arrows used for sport are selected to meet the specifications of national and international bodies, such as national federations or the World Archery Federation. Clubs often advise on sportpijl selection based on the archer’s level, target distance, and the type of event (indoor, outdoor, or field). While sportpijl generally denotes sport-oriented arrows, the term can overlap with product branding and regional naming conventions in archery retail.

See also: archery, target archery, hunting arrows.