The Development of the Recurve Bow

Development of the recurve bow over the years has resulted in changes that enhance the original design. Two significant details are worthy of noting. Modern recurves are detachable and easier to carry. They generally consist of multiple parts, assembled to form a complete bow. Another prominent development is related to the materials currently used to produce recurve bows. Today, recurve bows are manufactured out of refined materials that perform more effectively.

  1. Former Recurve Bows

    • The Chinese, Greeks, Turks and other ancient cultures developed recurve bows built on the same basic design. Those simple one-piece recurve bows made of wood were different from other bows. Thanks to the curves located at the top and bottom of the bow, recurves outperformed regular long bows. The curves turned away from the archer and made the bow stiffer. The bow was pulled taut as it released the arrow, then resumed its shape, thus launching the arrow with more force. Modern recurve bows still work on this principle.

    Modern Recurve Bows

    • The Minnesota State Archery Association states that "...recurves are classic and many archers prefer the heritage, simplicity, and greater challenge of shooting a recurve bow." Modern recurve bows are usually the kinds used in various competitive events, including the Olympics. Unlike the single units common in the past, most recurve bows today are the "take-down" type. This allows the limbs of the bow to be detached for easier transportation and storage. Today's recurve bow is composed of carbon fiber, aluminum alloys and various types of refined materials that create a more stable bow.

    Parts of the Recurve Bow

    • Three major parts of the recurve bow are the riser, limbs and bowstring. The riser is the center section and the body of the bow. This is where the grip, bow sight and arrow rest are located. The flat, curved sections are the limbs. The limbs are what give the bow flexibility. They also help determine how much draw force is necessary to pull and release the arrow. The arrow is released from the area of the bow string referred to as the knocking point.

    Benefits of Recurve Bow

    • The design of the modern recurve bow produces the same benefits as traditional recurve bows. They allow for more speed and greater accuracy, and are extremely light in weight. The curved ends on the limbs of the bow help the archer draw the arrow smoothly. It's not uncommon to find recurve bows that are also composite bows. The riser and limbs on a composite bow are made from layers of different material. Modern composite recurves consist of materials like wood, sinew, foam, fiberglass and metal.

    Recurve Bow Popularity

    • The modern recurve is still popular, and is the only type of bow allowed in the Olympic Games. Other archery organizations also allow use of the recurve bow. The National Field Archery Association (NFAA) provides the basic rules related to all styles of field archery. It associates the recurve bow with a "Traditional" style of archery. The NFAA makes states that "this style of shooting is for those who wish to compete with the Recurve or Longbow." Recurve bows can be constructed and customized to accommodate an archer's strength, size and shooting style.