Recurve bow

The recurve bow features limbs that point away from the shooter when the bow is strung. The string sits in a notch along the back of the limb and only comes away from the limb when the bow is drawn. It is easier for the novice archer to use, since its curved limbs give it more potential energy.

When pulling back a recurve to a full draw, the archer experiences less hand shock and vibration than with a longbow. However, unlike the compound bow, this bow does not have a ‘let-off point’, that is, the archer will still feel the total draw weight of the bow throughout the entire process. When the string is released, the limbs and string move in a forward direction. The stored energy in both parts of the limb is released very quickly, propelling the arrow towards the target at high speed.