Bow Handle: Parts, Materials & Grip Technique

The bow handle — formally called the riser — is the central structural section of a bow. It connects both limbs into a single unit, provides mounting points for accessories such as sights and stabilizers, and is where the archer's bow hand contacts the bow during every shot. World Archery's rulebook defines a bow as an instrument consisting of a handle/riser and grip plus two flexible limbs, which makes this section foundational to understanding the bow as a whole.

Materials

Bow handles are produced in three common materials, each with clear trade-offs:

• Wood: Traditional and relatively affordable, with some scope for customization. Wooden handles tend to be heavier and less durable than modern alternatives. Micarta as a grip material is sometimes used alongside wood in traditional builds.
• Aluminum: Lightweight, durable, and stable. Aluminum bow handles accept a range of color finishes and sit in the mid-to-upper price range for most archers.
• Carbon fiber: The lightest and stiffest option, offering excellent stability. Carbon fiber handles carry the highest price point of the three.

Key Parts of the Bow Handle

Grip Section

The grip is the narrower sub-component of the bow handle where the bow hand makes contact. Correct archery grip technique places pressure on the meaty pad of the thumb, with knuckles sitting at roughly a 45-degree angle to the riser. This setup minimizes bow torque — the side-to-side twist that sends arrows left or right. The throat (also called the pivot point) is the deepest part of the grip and the reference point from which brace height is measured. For a full breakdown of wrist positions and grip styles, see the archery grip types, styles, and technique guide. A related form error is the heel technique in archery, where pressure shifts to the heel of the hand and commonly causes arrows to strike high.

Arrow Rest

The arrow rest mounts to the bow handle and supports the arrow before release. Common types include full-capture rests and drop-away rests. Some risers also feature a built-in ledge — see the related concept of the arrow shelf for more detail.

Sight and Stabilizer Mounts

A bow sight attaches directly to the bow handle and helps the archer aim using adjustable pins or dots. Stabilizers — weighted rods threaded into the riser — balance the bow and dampen vibration at release. Their length and weight can be tuned to reduce fatigue over a long session.

Riser Geometry

The geometry of the bow handle also shapes performance. A reflex riser produces a shorter brace height and higher potential arrow speed; a deflex riser raises brace height, making the bow more forgiving of grip errors. For a deeper look at how this angle is specified, see the page on bow backset: reflex and deflex angle explained.