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Types of Archery Bows [Beginners Guide 2021]

By John Octavio | Last Updated

Types of Archery Bows Archery is once again spreading worldwide after ancient times. However, if you are the one who is interested in archery and inspired by the archers in movies, but you don’t know properly how to differentiate between the bows. Then you are at the right place. We’ll tell you every piece of bit about bow types.

Bows are made up of different materials and available in various designs and shapes depending upon their type. If you are a professional, you might know about these types, but if you are a beginner, then don’t worry because after leaving this site, you’d have the essential information about bows.

Let’s start and jump into the depth to learn more!

There are four major types of bows as following:

  1. Recurve bow
  2. Longbow
  3. Crossbow
  4. Compound bow

Table of Content

  • Recurve bow:
  • Traditional Bow/Longbow:
  • Crossbow:
  • Compound bow:
  • Parts of the bow:
    • Limbs:
    • Riser:
    • Bowstring:
  • Bow construction:
    • Wooden bows:
    • Fiberglass:
    • Composite bows:
    • Glass bows:
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
    • 1. Which one is the better one among compound and recurve bow?
    • 2. How can we store bow properly?
    • 3. Which bow is the best for hunting?
  • Conclusion:

Recurve bow:Amazon.com : TOPARCHERY Traditional Recurve Bow 53'' Archery Hunting Handmade Horse Bow Longbow 30 lbs : Sports & Outdoors

Recurve bow are best for both beginners and professionals. This recurring bow is the oldest form of bows used from ancient times till now. They have an ancient and traditional history. Recurve bow is named so because it is curved from both the limb ends.

Moreover, they require energy and power to release the arrow. However, the curved shape stores the power and helps the archer release the arrow with full force.

When it comes to manufacturing, most of the time, they are made up of carbon, wood, or fiberglass. Apart from this, recurve bows come in a “3” shape design, and both beginners can use it for practice and professional for a fantastic archery experience.

Traditional Bow/Longbow:Amazon.com : SAS Gravity 64" Hunting Longbow Wooden Traditional : Sports & Outdoors

After recurve bow, we have longbow. It is also called the traditional bow, and along with recurve bow, it is also the oldest form of a bow. Longbow is the one that is most easy to make and most convenient to use.

However, as it doesn’t have a curved shape, it requires a lot of power to release the arrow ideally. The length of the bow is mainly equal to the height of the archer, and it is pretty slim. Most of the time, log bows are used for target shooting instead of archery competitions.

Longbows seem “D” shaped because of the slim shape and narrow limbs when seen through the side angle.

However, it enables the user to take a long draw while shooting for accurate results.

Crossbow:Amazon.com : Steambow Sen-X Onyx Tactical Crossbow with One Push Cocking (Two CO2 Cartridges) : Sports & Outdoors

Crossbow is an advanced and up-to-date archery bow that comes with a trigger release mechanism. The crossbow is much easier to use because of its easy and straightforward usage. Crossbows are also considered the best for beginners.

When it comes to the crossbow’s design, it has short limbs and a very small riser with the grip that is present on the bow. However, it has a lot more draw weight than the other bows because of the shorter limbs.

The working of crossbows is based upon the crank mechanism, pulling back the string and releasing it. However, to aim and shoot with accuracy has become easier with crossbows.

Compound bow:ZSHJG Archery Compound Bow Kit Complete Compound Bow Arrow Package Set 30-70lbs Adjustable Hunting Bow 320FPS Adult Bow with Carbon Arrows (Type1): Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors

Compound bow is the most complex and tricky type of bows used for archery. The hunters mostly use them because of the stunning and advanced design.

Compound bows are equipped with small pulleys at the end of the limbs. It allows you to take time and aim effectively and accurately. Moreover, due to the pulley design system, it offers less draw weight than the other bows in the market.

The compound bow is made up of composite material like steel, metal, etc. apart from this, crossbows don’t require a lot of draw power, and they offer you convenience at a greater rate. Due to these reasons, the compound bow is also the best choice for the hunters.

Parts of the bow:

Bows are divided into different parts, and they are:

  1. Limbs
  2. Riser
  3. Bowstring

These are the essential parts of an archery bow, and they are explained as follow:

Limbs:

Limbs are the most crucial part and base of the bow. It is decided and provides the forcer to the bow for a perfect release. Limbs are attached to the riser, and the strings are attached at both ends.

Riser:

The riser is the center and central part of a bow. Most of the time, it is made up of wood. However, some other materials like metal and steel are also used. The primary purpose of the riser is to contain the grip, arrow test, and the sight window.

However, the selection of a riser depends upon if either you are right-handed or left-handed.

Bowstring:

Bowstring is attached at both ends of the limb. It is made up of different materials, and it has loops at both ends. The bowstring is responsible for holding the energy that is used during the release of the arrow.

Bow construction:

Wooden bows:

Most of the bows, especially old, traditional bows, are made up of wood like longbows and recurve bow. But they are made up of some specific type of wood like elm, oak, bamboo, rosewood, etc.

Fiberglass:

If you are looking for some durable, strong, and flexible bows, you should pick up the one made with fiberglass. Although it is not the best material for bow manufacturing, it is still better than wood. Children or beginners mostly use fiberglass bows for practice.

Composite bows:

High-end bows are made up of composite material. Basically, the composition bows mean that they are made up of by mixing several materials. Such type of manufacturing is proffered for better durability, flexibility, and firmness.

Glass bows:

Some of the modern and advanced bows be made with glass or graphite. Limbs made with glass or graphite have more power. However, they are pricey than the other ones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Which one is the better one among compound and recurve bow?

Firstly, the point that which one is the better depends upon the user’s practice. However, mostly the recurve bow is the best one for beginners, and the compound bow is the perfect one for professionals and hunters.

So, choose the one according to your situation ad interests.

2. How can we store bow properly?

If you don’t want your bows to get damaged, store them in cabinets in a horizontal way, so that their limbs don’t get damaged while in a vertical position.

3. Which bow is the best for hunting?

Compound bows and longbows are best for hunting because they can aim ideally and enable you to target the subject in a better and convenient way.

Conclusion:

Your choice of bow can either make you the best archer or can make you hate archery. Make the right choice and conquer the archery world!

We hope that this article would be helpful for you.

In case of queries and suggestions, comment below!

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