Bow Handle: Parts, Materials & Grip Technique

The bow handle, also called the riser, is the central structural section of a bow. It connects both limbs into a single unit, serves as the mounting point for accessories, and is where the archer holds the bow during the shot. World Archery's rulebook formally defines a bow as an instrument consisting of a handle/riser and grip plus two flexible limbs — a distinction worth understanding.

Materials Used for Bow Handles

Bow handles are manufactured in three common materials, each with distinct trade-offs:

• Wood: Traditional and relatively inexpensive, with some scope for customization. Wooden handles tend to be heavier and less durable than modern alternatives. Micarta is one traditional grip material sometimes used alongside wood.
• 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 and accuracy. Carbon fiber handles are also the most expensive.

Key Parts of the Bow Handle

Grip Section

The grip is the narrower sub-component of the bow handle that the bow hand actually contacts. Correct archery grip technique places pressure on the meaty pad of the thumb rather than across the full palm — this minimizes bow torque, the side-to-side twist that sends arrows left or right. The throat (or pivot point) is the deepest part of the grip and the reference point from which brace height is measured. Knuckles should sit at roughly a 45-degree angle to the riser. For a detailed breakdown of wrist positions and styles, see our archery grip types, styles, and technique guide. A related form error to understand is the heel technique in archery, where pressure shifts to the heel of the hand and commonly causes arrows to hit high.

Arrow Rest

The arrow rest is a small shelf or platform mounted on the bow handle where the arrow sits before release. Common types include full-capture rests and drop-away rests. Some risers also feature a built-in ledge — explore the related concept of the arrow shelf for more detail.

Sight and Stabilizer Mounts

A bow sight attaches to the bow handle and helps the archer aim, typically using adjustable pins or dots aligned with the target. Stabilizers — weighted rods that mount to the riser — balance the bow and reduce vibration transferred to the archer's hand at release. Their length and weight can be adjusted to affect the bow's overall balance and reduce fatigue over a session.

Riser Geometry

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