-
Recurve
The a bow with limbs that curve smoothly forward (in reverse to its body) to a noticeable degree, from the center to the tip of each limb, where the bowstring rests on the belly of the limbs when braced.
Illustration of a Recurve bow TOP
-
Longbow
A straight or nearly straight bow of five feet or longer (where the string does not lay on the belly of the limbs).
Illustration of a Longbow TOP
-
Compound Bow
A bow that uses a system of cams, pulleys, and cables to change the weight build-up as the bowstring is drawn.
Illustration of a Compound bow TOP
-
Quiver
A container to hold arrows conveniently while hunting and shooting. The many types of quivers are referred to by where they are attached; bow quiver, back quiver, side quiver, shoulder quiver and ground quiver. TOP
-
Finger Tab
A flat leather piece worn to protect the string fingers from the bowstring. Some styles include a spacer that reduces pinching of the arrow. Frequently shortened to "tab".
-
Armguard
A piece of stiff material (traditionally leather) attached to the inner side of the lower arm and wrist of the bowarm to protect it from the bowstring when the arrow is released. Also called a bracer. TOP
-
Draw weight
The amount of pull, measured in pounds, needed to draw an arrow back its full length. How to measure Draw Weight. TOP
-
Draw length
The length, for a given archer, from the back of the bow to the bowstring in his fingers at full draw. How to measure Draw Length. TOP
-
3D Archery
Specifically, shooting at a three dimensional, usually life-size, animal target used to practice bowhunting. Usually constructed out of dense foam and colored in natural colors. TOP
-
Nock point
An attachment to the center serving of a bowstring used to help mark and maintain a consistent nocking point. The reference may be a small bead of material, a metal crimp-on, a piece of plastic that shrinks to fit, or additional serving. TOP
-
Shelf
A carved part of the bow, in the middle or close to the middle, that allows a place to lay to arrow before releasing. TOP
-
Arrow
A straight, slender rod, usually fletched and tipped, that is the projectile shot from a bow. Arrows are described by their thickness, length, spine, and shaftment. There are various types of arrows based on the shaft design, its purpose, the form of its arrowhead, the type of fletching. Arrows can be made of wood, aluminum or graphite composite. Traditional arrows are usually made of wood. TOP
-
Selfbow
A bow consisting essentially of one piece of wood, rather than several laminated pieces.
-
Silencer
Strands of material attached to the string to stop it from vibrating, thus eliminating string noise. Usually placed about 12 inches from where the bowstring makes contact with the bow limb. TOP
-
Traditional Archery
The sport of archery using "traditional" equipment (longbows, recurve bows, selfbows) and without mechanical or technical aids (compound bow, sights, etc). TOP
