The required biathlon equipment depends on age, experience and training level. Choosing the right equipment improves safety, stability and shooting development. Below is a practical overview of the equipment normally needed from beginner level to more advanced biathlon training.

Biathlon equipment up to approximately age 12–13

For younger athletes, simple and reliable biathlon equipment is recommended:

• Air rifle:  FX Airguns Biathlon air rifle  is a common choice because this type of biathlon equipment is cost-effective and easy to use.
• Shooting support:  FlexiShoot Pro shooting support  provides stability and confidence when learning shooting technique.
• Magazines are necessary equipment for training.
• Pellets are used as ammunition for air rifle training.
• Pump or filling equipment is needed to fill the air rifle with compressed air.
• Paper targets and knock-down targets are useful for training.
•  Spotting scope  makes it easier to see the shot group without walking to the target.

Biathlon equipment from approximately age 13–14

As the athlete develops, shooting slings begin to replace shooting supports. Slings are important because they provide stability in the prone shooting position.

 Arm sling  and  rifle sling  are key pieces of equipment for developing shooting technique.

Read more:  Guide to biathlon arm slings and rifle slings .

Biathlon equipment from approximately age 15

When skiing and shooting are combined, additional biathlon equipment is required.

• Rifle harness is used to carry the rifle on the back during skiing or roller skiing.
•  H2 harness  and  H29 Pro harness  are popular choices used by many athletes.
• Equipment for standing shooting becomes increasingly relevant as the athlete develops further.

Summary of biathlon equipment

Biathlon equipment is normally built up step by step as the athlete develops. Starting with simple equipment and adding components when they are actually needed is usually the best approach.

The arm sling and rifle sling are important parts of biathlon equipment and have a major influence on stability in the prone shooting position.

 Read the guide to biathlon arm slings and rifle slings .

Yes, but trigger adjustment requires knowledge, precision and a proper function and safety check after the adjustment.

There is no single .22 LR ammunition that can be considered best for every biathlon rifle. The same ammunition may perform differently in different rifles, even between two rifles of the same model.

The most relevant question is therefore which ammunition and batch performs best and most consistently in your particular rifle.

 Read more about .22 LR ammunition testing for biathlon .

Even two rifles of the same model can produce different results with the same ammunition. Small differences between rifles, barrels and ammunition batches can influence performance.

This is why professional testing compares specific ammunition batches with the individual rifle.

A good result from one rifle therefore cannot automatically be transferred to another rifle.

Yes, particularly when the goal is to achieve the highest possible accuracy.

Two boxes with the same product name may come from different production batches. At elite level, several batches of the same ammunition are therefore often tested to find the batch that performs best in the individual rifle.

No. Price is not a test result.

More expensive competition ammunition may be manufactured to demanding standards of consistency and accuracy, but this does not guarantee that a particular batch will perform best in a particular rifle.

What matters is the documented performance in your own rifle.

Temperature can affect ammunition performance, but cold weather does not automatically mean larger shot groups.

In one controlled Norwegian test, no significant deterioration in accuracy was observed between +20 °C and −10 °C under the specific conditions of that test.

Lower temperatures may, however, affect muzzle velocity and point of impact, which makes temperature an important factor in biathlon.

Yes, it is sensible to check the rifle's zero under temperature conditions similar to those expected during training or competition.

Lower temperatures can affect muzzle velocity and therefore point of impact, even if the ammunition continues to produce a tight group.

Accuracy describes how closely the shots are grouped in relation to one another.

Point of impact describes where the centre of the shot group is located in relation to the point of aim.

A rifle may therefore still produce a very tight group even if the entire group has moved to a different point on the target.

Compare several ammunition types or batches in the same rifle and under conditions that are as consistent as possible.

Change as few other variables as possible and verify that a good result can be repeated.

At a higher competitive level, it is also relevant to compare specific batch numbers rather than simply comparing brands and product names.

 Read the complete guide to ammunition testing .

There is no universal number of shots that can be considered correct for every ammunition test.

The important principle is not to draw conclusions from a single good group. Promising ammunition should be tested repeatedly to determine whether the result is consistent and repeatable.

Another ammunition test can help identify interesting products or batches to try, but it cannot determine which ammunition will perform best in your own rifle.

A test result primarily applies to the rifles, ammunition batches and test conditions that were actually included in that test.

Some ammunition developed specifically for biathlon includes features designed for reliable operation in winter conditions.

Manufacturers describe adaptations such as cartridge dimensions and lubricants designed for reliable function at temperatures below freezing.

This does not mean that one particular biathlon cartridge will automatically be the best choice for every rifle.

Prioritise how the ammunition actually performs in your own rifle.

Important factors include:

• accuracy
• repeatability
• reliable function
• performance under relevant temperature conditions
• batch number when pursuing the highest level of accuracy

The choice should be based on testing rather than simply on price, brand name or what performs best in someone else's rifle.

A successful start normally requires suitable training facilities, safe equipment, trained leaders and a gradual introduction to shooting.

Skidskytteexperten can help clubs with equipment, product selection and practical advice when developing biathlon activities.

Service costs SEK 600 per hour including VAT.

Orders are normally shipped twice per week.