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Four of the most popular types of archery bows are longbows, recurve bows, crossbows, and compound bows.
When you decided to try archery, did you have any idea how many different types of bows you’d have to choose from?
Before you can decide on what type of bow to get, you need to first determine what you want to do with this new hobby.
Do you plan to bow hunt, target shoot, or just play around in the backyard with the kids?
Or, maybe you’re thinking about a little competition.
Depending on your plans will help determine what type of archery bow you need.
Let’s take a look at the traditional bows which include recurves and longbows, followed by the crossbow and my favorite, the compound bow.
I’ll discuss the differences between these types of bows so you can get an idea of what style of bow you might like to try. FYI, you’re not limited to just one style. Several archers I know have a bow of each style.
Traditional Bows
The first of the types of bows archery newbies should know about are traditional bows.
These are great bows for beginners because they’re not complicated and are less expensive than compounds and crossbows.
Traditional bows usually will not include any extras on the bow such as a stablilizer or sight.
Traditional archery also doesn’t use a release like the compound bow does–you use your fingers.
Special gloves are made for shooting traditional archery, and you might want to check into one to save your fingers.
You can distinguish between a longbow and a recurve because the limbs on a longbow will be straight and a recurve will have curved limbs. Both bows are made as a one-piece or as a takedown style.
A takedown style means that the limbs can be removed- dividing the bow into three sections that fit nicely in a carrying case for storage or travel.
Traditional bows are seen in many types of archery competitions, field archery, 3D archery, and target archery. A lot of people also enjoy bowhunting with traditional bows.
1. Recurve Bow
The design of the curved tips of a recurve bow makes the release smoother and the arrows faster.
When strung, the recurve has a more pronounced curve, and the string touches the limbs. The recurve bow is a good choice for target archery as well as field archery and 3D.
A takedown recurve will allow a shooter to change out the limbs if they are worn or become damaged or if the shooter chooses to increase the draw weight for a more powerful shot should he want to try bowhunting.
2. Longbow
The longbow is the other type of traditional bow which is made from a single piece of wood or laminated wood. The length of a longbow is sometimes as long as the archer is tall.
When strung, the longbow will have a D-shape look to it, and the string does not make contact with the limbs. Most longbows are one-piece but can also be a takedown style.
Learning to shoot traditionally takes a lot of practice and patience, but if you’re up for a challenge, then this style of archery is for you.
Other Types of Bows Archery Newbies Should Know
3. Crossbows
I like to describe a crossbow’s design as taking a bow and attaching it sideways on a gunstock.
The bowstring is drawn back or cocked, and it has a trigger similar to a gun for shooting.
A scope is mounted on the bow just like a rifle would have a scope. The crossbow shoots specially designed arrows called bolts.
This type of bow is very accurate and can be used for longer distances than the other bows.
There are at least three different types of crossbows: reverse draw, compound, and recurve.
Crossbows are gaining popularity, partly I believe, because a lot of states are now allowing hunting with crossbows.
Many folks who have difficulty using a compound because of shoulder issues or decreased upper body strength are choosing crossbows instead of compounds.
While crossbows are used primarily for hunting, they can also be used in competitions like 3D, field, and target archery.
The crossbow shooters usually shoot from longer distances than other classes. This helps prevent excessive wear and tear on the targets.
4. Compound Bow
Compound bows first made an appearance around 1966 and became popular very quickly.
It is probably the most popular type of bow today.
Compound bows are designed to be lightweight and durable. One of the newer ladies’ bows weighs only 3.3 pounds.
Compound bows have a complex system of cables, pulleys, and cams which can be intimidating at first.
These bows may have a single cam, dual cam, or no cam and there are pros and cons to each style.
Because of the unique pulley and cam system, it’s one of the most powerful bows.
The compound bow is used a lot in bowhunting, field archery, 3D archery, and target archery. Many folks use their compound bows to bow fish. I hear it’s a lot of fun.
So how do you choose?
With so many options, you’re bound to be a little confused.
The bows mentioned here are the most common bows used:
- longbow
- recurve
- crossbow
- compound
To help make things easier for you, I strongly encourage you to stop by your local bow shop for a visit.
Tell them what you want to do with your bow. They’ll probably have every style mentioned here.
Shoot the various styles and find what you enjoy the most. Ask a lot of questions. The more you know, the better decision you’ll make and the happier you’ll be.
And remember, you’re not limited to just one bow; in fact, I don’t know of any archer who has just one bow.
More on Types of Bows Archery Newbies Need to Know About
If you want to learn more check out this post about Archery for Beginners.
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