Types of Archery Bows

July 10th, 2008 by Wes Ames

The Different Types of Archery Bows

Bows are used to shoot arrows. In ancient times bows were used in combat and hunting. Archery which uses bows and arrows has become a popular sport. There are many types of archery bows available in the market. This article gives information about the basic types of archery bows

Following are the types of archery Bows;
Longbow: Longbows are tall. In fact they are taller than the users height. They have relatively narrow limbs which have a D shaped cross section. As compared to other bows, they are not significantly recurved.

Traditional English longbows are made in such a way that their thickness are 5/8 or more of its width. If it is less than the specified width then the bow is disqualified from long bow competitions.

If you want to take part in long bow competitions then it is necessary that your long bow meets the desired specifications. At the handle, long bow is widest. Longbows have been commonly used for warfare and hunting by many ancient cultures of the world.

During the period of Middle ages, English longbows are frequently used. The English long bow was 6.6 feet i.e. approximately 2 meters long. The Scot, Welsh and Scots used it as a war weapon. It was used in various battles such as battle of Crecy in 1346 and battle of Agincourt in 1415.

Flat bow: Flat bows are non recurved, flat and have relatively wide limbs. They have approximately rectangular cross-section. Most modern flat bows are very similar to classic longbows.

Shortbows: Shorter version of a flat bow or longbow designs is nothing but a short bow. An important feature of short bow is that they are more maneuverable than flat bows and longbows. The arrow can cannot be drawn very far as the bow is short. Therefore shortbows store less energy; hence their maximum range is not long as compared to longbows. Shortbows were previously used for hunting purpose by many American tribes and by African Bushmen.

Recurve Bows: Recurve bows are the only bows that are used at the Olympics. As they are extremely light in weight many Olympic players prefer these bows. Its working principle is similar to that of traditional longbows. Limb ends, curve forward which helps to smoothen the draw.

Compound Bows: A Compound bow considerably reduces the force that many archers have to hold. As less force is required to hold compound bows at full draw, the user can more concentrate on the target. Overall energy is also stored by this bow. Compound designs use elliptical or cam wheels on limb ends to optimize leverage that is exerted by the user.

Crossbow: Crossbows are a variation of a general bow design. Here are the limbs are mounted horizontally. The limb design is either a recurve or a compound but the concept of shooting remains the same. The user manually pulls the string either with a windlass or manually and then locks it into the place.

The string is held through mechanical means in the locked position. The energy that is stored in it limbs is then released with the help of trigger mechanism to launch the loaded arrow.

Shop Archery Bows

1978 Bear Archery Color Ad Compound Bows 1978 Bear Archery Color Ad Compound Bows US $5.00 18h
Bear Archery Bows 1942 1977 Bear Archery Bows 1942 1977 4 Bids US $16.50 3d 22h 42m
Bucks Bows Birds VHS Archery Video Bucks Bows Birds VHS Archery Video 0 Bid US $1.99 3d 23h 36m
SAMBAR SPUR 30LB RECURVE BOW - COMPOUND ARCHERY BOWS SAMBAR SPUR 30LB RECURVE BOW - COMPOUND ARCHERY BOWS 0 Bid US $123.20 4d 2h 54m
FALL AWAY BOW ARROW REST Archery RH For Compound Bows FALL AWAY BOW ARROW REST Archery RH For Compound Bows US $21.95 6d 13h 30m
Archery 3D range supplies whitetail deer bows 3d target Archery 3D range supplies whitetail deer bows 3d target US $3,023.61 6d 20h 52m
Indian Archery Braided Bowstring for Youth Bows 54 AMO Indian Archery Braided Bowstring for Youth Bows 54 AMO US $3.99 9d 2h 11m
Indian Archery Single Loop Bowstring for Youth Bows NOS Indian Archery Single Loop Bowstring for Youth Bows NOS US $3.99 10d 16h 5m
3-VINTAGE INDIAN ARCHERY FIBERGLASS LONG BOWS recurve 3-VINTAGE INDIAN ARCHERY FIBERGLASS LONG BOWS recurve US $78.88 13d 1h 9m
Archery Elk Hunting DVD using calls bugle compound bows Archery Elk Hunting DVD using calls bugle compound bows US $12.95 21d 23h 44m
Color Eastman Miniprint Archery Men Bows Arrows 1945 Color Eastman Miniprint Archery Men Bows Arrows 1945 US $14.99 22d 5h 42m
MARTIN ARCHERY - COMPOUND BOWS - 2632 CAT HAT - NEW MARTIN ARCHERY - COMPOUND BOWS - 2632 CAT HAT - NEW US $17.95 25d 19h 2m
1966 COLT Archery Target Bows Print Ad n1043 1966 COLT Archery Target Bows Print Ad n1043 US $6.95 27d 18h 58m
1959 WING ARCHERY SUPPLIES Recurve Bows Print Ad r782 1959 WING ARCHERY SUPPLIES Recurve Bows Print Ad r782 US $8.95 28d 1h 42m

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