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So, you want to know what bow is right for you? Here are some examples and explanations to help you choose the right bow that fits best to you.
COMPOUND BOWS
Compound bows are known for their widespread use in field and 3D archery, and bowhunting. Many archers also shoot compounds in target archery.
These bows were developed in the 1960's. They are mechanically operated by pulleys, cables, and cams that help archers hold heavy draw weights at full draw. Compound bows are known for their light weight and accurate speed. Materials used to make compound bows include aluminum, magnesium, carbon and fiberglass. Limbs on this bow are stiffer than other bows which makes them more energy efficient, and increases accuracy. There are also several types of cams; the single cam is for the more skilled archer.
RECURVE BOWS
This bow got its name from its shape. The center of the limbs curve towards the archer and the ends of the limbs curve away from the archer, which makes the bow more powerful. This design does not require as much strength from the shooter. Recurve bows are great starting bows for those who want to get started with archery. Novice archers start with a barebow consisting of bow limbs, a string, an arrow rest, and a riser for balance. As students become more skilled they can add additional features. There are also a lot of advanced recurve bows for more experienced and competitive archers. The recurve bow is also known as a traditional bow.
Recurve bows are the only bows the Olympics allow. Many archers also shoot recurve bows in field archery and 3D archery, and when bowhunting with higher poundage bows
LONGBOWS
Another traditional bow is the Longbow. Longbows are one of the oldest bows dating back to 1298. If you are watching a movie with a battlefield scene from before the 16th century, you are most likely to see this type of bow. It is a very simple bow made of a long curved piece of wood that is as tall as the archer. It does not have arrow rests or sights. These bows are harder to aim and do not have the speed of a Compound or Recurve bow. It takes a lot of practice to master this bow, and it is good for those who enjoy a challenge.
REFLEX BOWS
A Reflex bow has curved arms that face away from the shooter. When you take the strings off, the whole body bends forward in a C shape, compared to the recurve bow where only the ends curve away. The material of the bow is put under a lot of pressure because of the curves that enable a short bow to have a long draw length and a high draw weight. Because of this, a bow can shoot at the same or greater speed and stopping power than a longbow or recurve bow. The Mongols used these bows during their takeover of Asia and Europe.
CROSSBOWS
Crossbows have existed since ancient times and were used mostly by the military during wartime. Evidence shows that they were used in Ancient China as far back as 600 B.C. Crossbows in modern times are mainly used for hunting and sports. This bow is a horizontal limb assembly mounted on a stock that shoots projectiles. The projectiles are called quarrels or bolts. The bow is called the prod or lath.
The draw length on a crossbow is much small than a regular bow. The crossbow has a heavier draw weight but the power stroke is a lot smaller. There are many people who feel that crossbow hunting should not be considered bowhunting because it is too easy. Others say that the crossbow is superior over vertical bows and should not be allowed in archery season. As more people are educated, there is now a revival of the crossbow and it is now being used more often for hunting.
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