The first rule of archery is the dumber the hat, the better. If that’s true, my hat is likely on USADAs list as a performance enhancer. On the line, it’s normally the first thing other archers comment about (that’s saying something given how many other things they could mock for). At home, it’s a common source of tension, with Devan lying and saying it makes me look like “a little rascal in arrested development” instead of admitting how awesome it is.
My hat is a custom made welding cap. I found during indoor my group would move from range to range depending on the lighting, sometimes startlingly so. This hat gave me the right amount of shade mitigating this without getting in the way, the short flexible brim not interfering with the string. If I want more light, I just need to flip it up. Additionally, it acts as a side blinder, as I wear it an angle because I shoot with one eye (more on that elsewhere). At full anchor I’m effectively aiming through a slit. While bucket hats have short brims, they interfere with my follow through; I find if my hand hits something on its way back, I’m likely to flinch or move in a way I don’t want. If I need sun protection on my neck, I can throw a sun-cape over top, easily taking it on and off to soak it on the hottest days.
It might look a little silly, but it’s genuinely the best hat you could ask for shooting.
I buy mine from Native Welding Caps on Etsy, but there are host of different makers you can find there and other sites.
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