Archery: Common Types of Bows

Olympic Recurve Bow

Olympic recurve

A recurve bow is the bow of choice for both recreational archers and Olympic archers. This type of bow consists of a riser (handle) and a pair of limbs in varying weight, which can be disassembled for easier customization, transportation, and storage. These bows can be attached with other shooting accessories, including but not limited to: arrow rests, sights, and stabilizers.


Compound Bow

Compound

Compound bows can be incredibly accurate and precise, and is shot for the purpose of recreation, competition and/or bowhunting. Different compound bows tailored for these purposes have different uses and can be customized to suit one’s needs.


Barebow & Traditional Archery

These terms are interchangeable but can refer to two distinct shooting styles:

Barebow

Barebow recurve

Barebow archery typically means competitive shooting without sights, usually using a recurve bow with metal risers.

Traditional

Traditional bows

Traditional archery, however, covers a wider range of bows, and includes recurves, long bows, war bows, etc., which may be crafted using wood or modern metals and carbon fiber.




Thank you for reading!

Submitted by:
Allana Nicole Picana
ICS200, Spring 2024
Jan. 21, 2024