Know your bow: understanding archery’s bow varieties

If you’re new to archery, you might be surprised to learn just how many different types of bows there are

From the gadget-stacked recurve bows expertly-handled by the pros at the Olympics, to the traditional longbows you’re more likely to see in the silver screen’s next medieval epic, bows come in all shapes and sizes to suit a range of physiques and preferences. So that you can, quite literally, get to grips with the subject, here’s a short guide on archery’s many varieties of bow…

If you’ve only ever seen archery on TV when the Olympic and Paralympic Games are on, a recurve bow is the one you’ll be familiar with. The bow’s limbs curve away from the archer at the tips, allowing more energy to be stored, but requiring more strength from the archer to pull the bow string before manually releasing their fingers. Compared to compound bows (see below), recurve bows have fewer gadgets attached, but Olympic rules do allow for some aids, including sights and stabilisers to reduce vibration.

• Pros Simple design, versatile, great for target and field archery
• Cons Requires strength and skill to master; fewer mechanical aids than compound bows
• Typical Use Olympic target archery, traditional archery, and beginner training

If you’re a techie at heart and you like your gadgets with all the bells and whistles available, compound archery is for you. That’s because the modern compound bow was invented in the USA as recently as the 1960s, and comes equipped with a system of pulleys and cables designed to reduce the holding weight at let-off. A magnifying lens is also permitted, along with a release switch. A compound bow therefore offers more power and precision and the ability for archers to aim for longer, but is heavier overall. 

And the good news for compound archers is that compound archery will make its Olympic and Paralympic debut in 2028, when LA will host the mixed compound team event alongside the usual recurve individual events. 

• Pros High accuracy, mechanical advantage reduces physical strain, Olympic debut set for 2028
• Cons More complex and heavier, requires maintenance
• Typical Use Target competitions and field archery

One for the purists, barebow isn’t a specific bow type but rather a style of archery that refers to a recurve bow stripped of its mechanical aids. Sights, stabilisers, or any other aids are strictly no-no, as barebow archers prefer to rely on the sort of instinctive shooting that humans have been practising for centuries. Although barebow isn’t included among the Olympic disciplines, it has been included as part of The World Games programme since the first edition in 1985.

• Pros Focuses on pure form and skill; lightweight
• Cons Less forgiving; requires practice to achieve accuracy
• Typical Use Traditional competitions, field archery, and archery purists

Take a seat, Robin Hood fans, this one’s for you. This classic bow is most often associated with medieval archery, English history, and some of the coolest characters ever committed to screen, from Katniss Everdeen to Legolas. The longbow has an elegant but minimalist design, featuring a single piece of wood that can sometimes be as long as the archer is tall. Longbows have no recurve tips or mechanical parts and require a strong draw. 

• Pros Simple, traditional aesthetic, durable
• Cons Demands significant strength and skill; less forgiving than recurve or compound bows
• Typical Use Traditional archery and historical reenactments

Choosing the bow for you will depend on personal preference, physical attributes, and your reasons for taking up archery. If you dream of belting out the national anthem with a gold medal around your neck, the recurve bow should be your go-to, with recurve having been part of the Olympic sporting roster since 1900.

If you’re keen to explore more precision and power and you enjoy the benefits of technology, the compound bow is ideal. The mixed compound team event will also be part of the Olympics at LA in 2028, so there is also a chance of future Olympic recognition beyond that.

If your interest in archery stems from its historical significance, then barebow and longbow categories offer a throwback and almost primitive experience focused on traditional skills. All these bows require practice, discipline, and good coaching to master, but each opens the door to a vibrant community and exciting competitions.