Types of archery bows

In this new era, there is great variety in the construction details of bows (both historic and modern) all bows consist of a string attached to elastic limbs that store mechanical energy imparted by the user drawing the string. Bows may be broadly split into two categories: those drawn by pulling the string directly and those that use a mechanism to pull the string. Here are some bows that are usually been used in this new age.

1. Longbow

The longbow is the oldest and most basic type of archery bow. Hunters and warriors all over the world have used this bow design for thousands of years to shoot game, demonstrate skill and defend themselves during warfare. According to Tucson Archery, the longbow is known for its stability and lightweight design, as well as for the surprisingly high velocity with which it can launch an arrow. Longbows are typically made from a single length of wood, often feature a leather grip at the center of the curve and are designed to shoot without sights. These bows are self-nocking, meaning they have small notches cut in at either end of the bow to hold the string in place. A small shelf or notch may be cut into the side of the bow to help hold the arrow as the archer draws the string. Today, longbows are generally not much more than 50lb draw weight. Mainly used in Field archery, though they have their own classifications in Target archery.

A group of longbow archers

2. Recurve Bow

Modern recurve bows use advanced materials and technology in their construction. The risers can be machined or cast from magnesium or aluminium and the very latest technology uses carbon fibre for the riser (much lighter). The limbs are made from layers of wood, fiberglass or carbon on a core of wood or carbon foam. When fitted, the limbs are held in place by the tension of the string.

You can shoot a modern recurve 'barebow' i.e. riser, limbs, string and an arrow rest. Arrow rests are needed on modern recurves because of the design of the bow. But, so long as you keep within the regulations defined by FITA, you can add several aids to accuracy to a recurve bow. In brief these are:

• Sights.
• Pressure Button.
• Clickers.
• Stabilisers.

Foresight only are allowed. Basically an adjustable (vertical & horizontal) viewing ring that you center on the target. Pressure buttons are spring-loaded plungers that help to counter the tendency of the arrow to fly off to one side. Clickers are simple strips of spring steel that 'click' against the riser once the arrow has passed them on the draw (helps with consistent draw length). Stabilizers are those big long things that stick out of the bow. They help to balance the center of gravity of the bow and reduce the vibration that the sudden release generates. Vibration = wasted energy.

It all might look and sound complicated but in reality you begin shooting a recurve bare bow and add things one at a time as you progress.

Recurve bows with accessories 

Aiming / Full Draw

3. Compound Bow

The compound bow is the most advanced bow design. It features a variety of built-in gears, cables and cams that reduce the amount of effort required to draw the string. These mechanisms provide an easier draw and can also hold the string in a fully drawn position with little to no effort from the archer. This allows the hunter or marksman to hold the string and perfect his aim without wasting energy. Compound bows provide superior accuracy, shooting velocity and distance compared to a longbow or recurve bow, as noted by Tucson Archery. The modern compound bow is made from aluminum or composite materials to provide strength and durability without the heavy weight of wood.

Compound bow without any accessories