Ascham Oaks Archery

There are four basic types of archery bows and many variations for each type. The four basic types of archery bows are: recurve, longbow, compound and crossbow. Each type of bow works the same on a similar principle. The archer pulls the bowstring, storing energy in the bows limbs until that same energy is transferred to the arrow. Let’s take a closer look at each type of bow.

1. The Recurve Bow

A recurve bow has limbs that curve toward the archer with the tips curving back toward the target. This “recurve” acts as a lever when the bow is fired, allowing for an efficient use of the energy stored in the bow. Recurves are considered “traditional bows”. The modern recurve can trace is roots back 2800 years to the Assyrians.

2. The Longbow

The longbow is generally “D” shaped when strung and relatively straight when unstrung. Most archery organizations recognize a longbow as a bow that the string only touches the bow at the string grooves. Versus the recurve string resting on the back of the limb when not drawn. Longbows are generally lighter in physical weight, quieter when shot and more durable than recurves. Longbows are also considered “traditional bows”.

3. The Compound Bow

Compound bows are considered modern bows. The compound bow uses a system of pulleys, cams and cables to give it a mechanical advantage over traditional bows. The cams allow the holding weight of the bow at full draw to be greatly reduced while still storing the full amount of energy. This is called “let off”. Some bows have as much as 80% let off. This means a 50 lbs. draw bow would have a holding weight of 10 lbs. This along with a consistent energy storage allow these bows to be shot with greater and more consistent accuracy. The complex and mechanical nature of a compound bow makes them specific to an archers draw length.

4. The Hybrid Bow

As the fourth type of bow, I submit the hybrid bow. The Genesis Original Bow made by Genesis Archery is best example of this type of bow. This bow has the pulley, cam and cable system of a compound bow, but acts and shoots like a traditional bow. It has no let off. The draw weight increases the further the bow is drawn like a traditional bow. The pulley, cam and cables allow the bow to have a draw length from 15” to 30” and an adjustable draw weight from 10 lbs. to 20 lbs. This bow is a good choice for archers struggling to figure out what to get for a first bow. It can adjust to the archers needs and continue to grow with the archer all the way to and through adulthood.

What About the Crossbow?

Most of the world recognizes the crossbow as the fourth type of bow. I do not. While crossbows do store energy in their limbs like a conventional bow, that energy is created by mechanical means, not an archer drawing the bowstring. They do not require an archers skill to shoot. In fact, they were created because training an archer took too long. I believe the effort it takes, both mental and physical, to become a proficient archer is diminished by the “ point and pull the trigger” operation of a crossbow. The crossbow has its place. It is certainly an effective hunting tool, but it is not an archer’s bow.

Key Reasons To Start With Traditional Archery

I prefer traditional archery to modern archery, although I own and shoot both types. I believe that if you learn how to shoot a traditional bow then you can easily transition to a compound bow. But if you start with a compound bow, you will still lack some of the skills needed to master a traditional bow. It is for this reason that I strongly suggest starting with a traditional bow. Specifically a recurve, largely because they are easier to find in beginner draw weights. Because it acts like a traditional bow, the Genesis Original Bow is also a very good choice for a starter bow. It has an adjustable draw weight from 10-20 lbs. and can be drawn from 15″ to 30″. It is for that reason that these bows are used by archery clubs and organizations to teach their beginner classes. They can service archers of all sizes.

Additional Beginning Archery Resources

• Three Must Have Archery Accessories
• How To Determine What Size Archery Bow You Need
• Archery Basics: How to Determine What Draw Weight Is Right For You