Types Of Archery Bow
Archery Bows
Crossbow
Crossbows are deadly accurate and have a firing range longer than a traditional longbow. Crossbows can be found in many styles and sizes from pistol grip crossbows to full size military models. Crossbows are easier to aim than longbows because the crossbowman doesn't have to use a hand to hold the string back while aiming. Crossbows require less upper body strength to operate as well. Crossbows are mostly used for target shooting in modern archery.
Crossbows today are made of many materials, including wood, metals and polymer Crossbows are believed to have been invented by the Chinese in the 4th century BC.
Recurve Bow
The Recurve bow is the one most commonly seen on TV in the Olympics. It is basically same as the traditional bow but the ends of the limbs are curved for more forceful shot.
Recurve bows are designed to curve away from the user when drawn, resulting in faster arrows and more forceful shots. They are often made from modern materials such as fibreglass.
This bow is a hard hitting, smooth and reliable bow that is well suited for bow hunting, target archery, and stump shooting.
Bow weights for recurves typically range from 28 lbs to 45 lbs.
Compound Bow
Compound bows are much more technically sophisticated than the recurve. A compound bow is a modern development of the bow which uses a lever system of cables, wheels and cams to draw the limbs back. the bow employing wheels or cams at the tip of the limbs.
They are designed to be shot from the full-draw position.
Compound bows often have a peak weight of up to 60lbs, but may only need 15-20lbs to hold the arrow before firing it.
Longbow
Longbows were developed by the Normans around 1,000 years ago.
The longbow which is made from a single natural piece of wood, is the type of bow Robin Hood traditionally used and is simply a stick with a string (although great skill is required to make them) and is taller than the archer and shot off the hand.
Yew is the only widespread timber that will make good self longbows, and has been the main wood used in since Neolithic times.
Traditional style longbows can be a bit difficult and time consuming to master, but have their benefits.
It may interest you to know that arrows can leave a longbow at over 140mph, and their effective range can be as great as 180 metres. That’s impressive.
Conclusion
So there you have it, these are the most popular types of bows in use and what you have to do now is decide which of these types is the most suitable for you to fulfil your ambitions and become an expert archer.
Look at these Archery Experts on this Archery World Cup 2009 video- enjoy.
Archery Bows
