Dished Grip: Geometry, Fit & Hand Placement

A dished grip is a bow handle design in which the center curves inward — or is "dished" — toward the archer's hand. The curvature is most pronounced at the throat (the deepest, narrowest point of the handle), with the sides sloping outward toward the limbs. This geometry passively seats the thenar eminence — the fleshy pad at the base of the thumb — into the throat, helping the hand settle into a consistent position from shot to shot.

How a Dished Grip Differs from Other Styles

The dished form is one of five recognized traditional longbow grip styles, alongside straight (Hill-style), humped, locator, and sculpted/recurve. Its defining structural feature is a narrow, deep throat — typically about 1–1¾ inches deep and 1–1⅛ inches wide at the narrowest point — which sets it apart from flatter or more heavily contoured designs. It also appears on some recurve risers. For a broader look at how grip geometry affects technique, see our guide to archery grip types, styles, and hand placement.

Deep vs. Shallow Dished Bow Grip

The dished bow grip comes in two main variants:

• Deep dished grip: A more pronounced inward curve that provides a secure, defined hand position — often preferred with heavier bows or where maximum control is a priority.
• Shallow dished grip (sometimes called a concave bow grip): A subtler curve suited to archers who prioritize comfort and a more relaxed hold, common on lighter bows.

Benefits of a Dished Grip

• Reduced bow torque: Seating the thumb pad at the pivot point directs force straight through the bow, limiting the twisting that throws arrows off course.
• Consistent hand placement: The curved throat acts as a natural locator, helping the archer repeat the same low-wrist grip position on every shot.
• Reduced hand fatigue: Pressure distributes across the palm rather than concentrating in one spot, easing strain during long sessions.
• Better elbow alignment: A correctly fitted dished grip encourages the inner elbow to rotate clear of the bowstring, supporting cleaner form.

Hand Placement on a Dished Grip

Relax your hand, place it on the bow, and slide it upward until the web of your hand seats fully in the throat. Only the area between the thumb and the palm's lifeline should contact the grip — the remaining fingers stay relaxed and hover rather than clutch. Setting your knuckles at roughly a 45-degree angle to the riser keeps the elbow rotated clear of the string. After the shot, keep the hand loose and let the bow move forward naturally. Inconsistent bow reaction on release is a reliable signal that grip pressure is varying between shots.

If the geometry doesn't suit your hand, aftermarket options or moldable putty can build up specific areas for a better fit.