Archery Bow: Types, Parts & How to Choose

An archery bow is a device that stores mechanical energy in its limbs and releases that energy through a string to propel an arrow toward a target. Archery bows vary widely in shape, construction, and intended use, and can be made from wood, carbon fiber, fiberglass, or aluminum.

Core Components of an Archery Bow

Regardless of bow type, most archery bows share the same fundamental parts:

• Riser – The central section the archer holds. On recurve bows, the riser also serves as the mounting point for sights and arrow rests. Learn more about how the bow grip integrates with the riser.
• Bow limbs – The flexible arms that bend when the string is drawn, storing the energy released at the shot.
• String – Connects both limbs and directly propels the arrow forward.
• Arrow rest – A small device that holds the arrow in position on the bow before the shot.

On compound bows, cams and cables are added to the system. These cams bring the bow to peak draw weight early in the draw cycle, then reduce the holding weight by a significant percentage — a property known as let-off. This makes it easier to hold steady at full draw.

Types of Archery Bows

Understanding the different archery bow types helps archers match equipment to their discipline and goals.

Recurve Bow

A recurve bow has limbs that curve away from the archer at the tips, which increases arrow speed and power relative to bow length. Recurve bows are used in Olympic archery and suit a wide range of disciplines — target, field, 3D, and traditional archery — both indoors and outdoors.

Longbow

The longbow is a traditional archery bow design characterized by its long, narrow profile and absence of mechanical parts. Typically made from wood, longbows offer a smooth, natural shooting experience and are often chosen for traditional archery and hunting applications.

Compound Bow

A compound bow uses a pulley-and-cable system to reduce holding weight at full draw, making accurate aiming more accessible. Compound bows are adjustable for draw weight and draw length and are commonly equipped with accessories such as scopes, stabilizers, and arrow rests. They are widely used for hunting and competitive 3D archery.

Crossbow

A crossbow mounts a horizontal limb assembly on a stock and fires using a trigger mechanism. Crossbows are available in varied draw weights and are most commonly used for hunting and target shooting. For a broader overview of bow and arrow systems, see the bow and arrow glossary entry.

When evaluating any archery bow, also consider overall bow mass weight, which affects balance, stability, and fatigue during extended shooting sessions.