Common Bow Types: Recurve Bow (2024)

FAQs

Common Bow Types: Recurve Bow? ›

In archery, a recurve bow

The compound bow, using a system of cables and pulleys, is the most popular bow for both hunting and target shooting. The greatest advantage of the compound bow is its "draw weight let-off." As you draw the compound bow, you reach the "peak" weight before you come to the full draw.

There are four main types of bow that you'll see in archery - the recurve bow, the compound bow, the longbow and the barebow - and all can be used in the various disciplines, although there are different rules for each.

Usually (but not always) recurves tolerate differences in arrow spine better than longbows. Many (but not all) experienced archers consider them easier to shoot and intrinsically more accurate.

The point of a recurve bow is to shoot arrows faster and draw short bows longer. Bow limbs are tools/levers, and recurved bow limbs are better levers. They give you a mechanical advantage when drawing the bow, and that advantage is transferred to the arrow as increased velocity.

There are many different kinds of bow shapes. However, most fall into three main categories: straight, recurve and compound.

Recurve bows shoot faster and more powerfully than a long bow because of the number-three shape. At the tips, the bow curves out toward the target. The draw length on a recurve bow is more important than on a longbow. A traditional bow's bowstring can be drawn back as far as you are able to pull it.

The main difference between the two is the design of the limbs. On a longbow, the string only touches the limbs at the very tip at the string grooves, forming a “D” shape. Recurve bows have a distinctive hook at the end of their limbs and the string rests on a portion of the belly of the limb.

Most people when learning will start with a recurve bow. There is a reason for this. Recurve bows are easy to find and easy to use by everyone no matter what age, and they are very forgiving to shoot. Shooting your recurve arrows from a shelf rather than your hand is easier.

Why do many hunters choose a recurve bow? ›

Many hunters choose the recurve crossbow because of its simplicity. It is easier to replace the string on a recurve crossbow than on a compound crossbow. Recurve crossbows are easier to work on, allowing the shooter to do more maintenance.

Disadvantages of recurve bows:

Requires more upper body strength to draw and hold. Must be closer to your target.

It all depends. A wooden self bow—that is a bow made with a stick with no backing—might take a set if left strung too long, while a laminated wood or plastic bow might not change much at all, and most modern recurves are not self bows even if they are built with layers of wood.

Unstring your bow when you're not using it. That is, unless your bow is fiberglass. If you have a fiberglass bow, it doesn't hurt it to leave it strung all the time. But if your bow uses natural materials on the back and belly, you need to unstring it when it's not in use.

Common Types of Archery Bows: Compound, Recurve, Longbow, and Self Bow. The four types of bows — compound, recurve, longbow, and self bows — have distinctive designs and benefits. We break them down to help you understand which is right for your needs.

The best type of bow for long range combat that has been used by any historical army or culture is the English longbow. This type of bow was famously used by the English during the Hundred Years' War and was known for its impressive range and accuracy.

“The English (or Welsh) Longbow is possibly the most famous bow in the world, with a long history and association with famous battles like Crécy and Agincourt, and legends like Robin Hood.