Bow anatomy & construction

Dished Grip

A dished grip is a design feature found on the handle or grip of an archery bow. It refers to a handle that is curved or "dished" inward toward the archer's hand. This curvature is usually most pronounced in the middle of the handle, with the sides sloping outward toward the tips of the bow limbs.

Why Use a Dished Grip in Archery?

The primary purpose of a dished grip is to provide a more secure and comfortable hold on the bow. By curving inward, the grip allows the archer's hand to better conform to the shape of the handle, which can reduce slippage and increase control over the bow during the shot. There are several reasons why archers may choose to use a dished grip:

Improved Comfort

A dished grip can provide a more comfortable and ergonomic grip for the archer's hand, reducing fatigue and strain during long shooting sessions.

Increased Control

The curvature of a dished grip allows the archer's hand to more firmly grip the bow handle, reducing slippage and increasing control over the bow during the shot.

Improved Alignment

A dished grip can help to improve the alignment of the bow with the archer's arm and shoulder, which can result in a smoother and more consistent shot.

Types of Dished Grips in Archery

The degree and shape of the curvature in a dished grip can vary depending on the style of the bow and the preferences of the archer. There are several different types of dished grips that archers may encounter:

Deep Dished Grip

A deep dished grip has a more pronounced inward curvature that provides a secure grip for the archer's hand. This type of grip may be preferred by archers who shoot with heavier bows or who require more control over their shot.

Shallow Dished Grip

A shallow dished grip has a more subtle curvature that provides a comfortable grip for the archer's hand without compromising control. This type of grip may be preferred by archers who shoot with lighter bows or who prioritize comfort over maximum control.

Benefits of a Dished Grip in Archery

A dished grip can provide several benefits for archers of all levels, including:

Improved Comfort and Control

By providing a more secure and ergonomic grip, a dished grip can improve the archer's comfort and control over the bow, resulting in more consistent and accurate shots.

Reduced Hand Fatigue

The curvature of a dished grip can help to distribute pressure more evenly across the archer's hand, reducing fatigue and strain during long shooting sessions.

Improved Shooting Technique

A dished grip can help to improve the alignment of the bow with the archer's arm and shoulder, which can result in better shooting technique and more consistent shots.

The four main bow types

Most archery bows fall into one of these four families. Click any to read its full definition.

Longbow
Recurve
Compound
Crossbow

PAIR WITH THIS ARTICLE

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01 BESTSELLER Spear Arrow Puller with Magnetic Buckle

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Spear Arrow Puller with Magnetic Buckle

02 RANGE-READY XT Armguard - Forearm Protector

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XT Armguard - Forearm Protector

03 ESSENTIAL String-Easy Bow Stringer

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String-Easy Bow Stringer

01 BESTSELLER Alpha Bow Case (37in)

COMPOUND BOW CASE

Alpha Bow Case (37in)

02 RANGE-READY Archery Bow Grip Tape

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Archery Bow Grip Tape

03 ESSENTIAL Bow Scale Accurate Bow Poundage

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Bow Scale Accurate Bow Poundage

01 BESTSELLER Spear Arrow Puller with Magnetic Buckle

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02 RANGE-READY Hip Quiver First

ARCHERY QUIVER

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03 ESSENTIAL Field Quiver XR430

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