Walsall Company of Archers
Bow Styles
Recurve Bow
A recurve bow has tips that curve away from the archer when the bow is strung. By
definition, the difference between recurve and other bows is that the string touches
a section of the limb when the bow is strung. A recurve bow stores more energy and
delivers energy more efficiently than an equivalent straight-
Compound Bow
A compound bow is a modern bow that uses a levering system, usually of cables and
pulleys (cams) to bend the limbs. The limbs are much stiffer than those of a recurve
bow, this limb stiffness and cam system makes the compound bow more energy-
Longbow
The longbow is a traditional bow that has been in use for centuries for hunting and
battle. It is made from a single stave of wood and it’s limbs are relatively narrow
and are circular or D-