Compound bows, recurves, longbows and crossbows, arrows and broadheads, and bowhunting basics, explained from published sources.
15 pages
Comparison · Bows and Archery
Longbows and recurves are best separated by limb shape and string contact. Recurve geometry can store more energy for a given draw weight and draw length, while longbows keep the simpler traditional shape and have limited string contact.
Comparison · Bows and Archery
Multi-pin bow sights keep several fixed aiming references ready for set distances, while single-pin sights use one adjustable aiming reference, usually with a sight tape or yardage indicator. For bowhunters, the main trade-off is a ready set of preset pins versus a cleaner sight picture and a pin that can be adjusted to a measured distance.
Comparison · Bows and Archery
Crossbow bolts and vertical-bow arrows share basic parts, but they are not interchangeable. Crossbow setups may have model specific requirements for length, finished weight, spine and nock style, while vertical-bow arrows are usually selected with arrow length, draw weight, point weight and spine charts.
Guide · Bows and Archery
Paper tuning is a close range check that shows whether a fletched arrow is leaving a compound bow cleanly. A clean bullet hole is the goal, but persistent high, low, left or right tears can point to nocking point, rest position, clearance, spine, cam timing or cam lean issues.
Glossary · Bows and Archery
A bow peep sight is a small rear aperture mounted in the bowstring, often used on compound bows. The archer looks through it to center the front sight, pin, or scope, which gives the eye a repeatable rear reference.
Guide · Bows and Archery
Mechanical release aids help compound bow shooters connect to the string consistently and execute the shot with less finger interference. This guide compares wrist-strap index-finger releases, handheld thumb-button releases, hinge releases and resistance-activated releases, with safety and practice notes for learning each style.
Guide · Bows and Archery
A safe bow draw starts with a stable stance, light bow hand grip, straight but unlocked bow arm, smooth draw, and the same anchor point every shot. Equipment should allow safe, repeatable form, and the string should never be released without an arrow safely pointed at the target.
Guide · Bows and Archery
A finished arrow is usually introduced as four main parts: the shaft, fletching, nock and point. Modern arrows may also include inserts or half-outs, broadheads, wraps and cresting, and each part can affect fit, weight, balance, tune or identification.
Guide · Bows and Archery
A longbow is a traditional bow with relatively straight limbs, best known in English and Welsh military history and still used today in traditional target archery and bowhunting. Modern rules vary, so the word can mean a broad bow style in casual use or a specific equipment class in competition.
Guide · Bows and Archery
Arrow spine is shaft stiffness, and the right spine depends on the bow and arrow setup rather than one number alone. Use the arrow maker’s current chart with measured draw weight, arrow length, point weight and any listed adjustments before choosing a shaft.
Guide · Bows and Archery
Fixed broadheads keep their cutting blades exposed in flight, while mechanical or expandable broadheads fly with blades retracted and open on impact. The right choice depends on matched equipment, verified point of impact, sharp blades, and a setup that supports penetration and accurate shot placement.
Guide · Bows and Archery
A compound bow uses cams, cables, limbs and a bowstring to store energy and reduce holding weight at full draw. The key specs to understand are draw length, draw weight, let-off, IBO speed, brace height and axle-to-axle length.
Guide · Bows and Archery
A recurve bow is the Olympic bowstyle with limb tips that curve away from the archer. This guide explains how the limbs and string work, what the main parts are, how 28 inch draw weight ratings are used, and how recurves compare with longbows, compounds, barebow setups, and crossbows.
Comparison · Bows and Archery
Crossbows and compound bows can both be effective archery hunting tools, but they work differently and are treated differently by hunting regulations. A crossbow locks the string at full draw in a trigger mechanism, while a compound bow is hand drawn and uses cams or pulleys to reduce holding weight at full draw.
Guide · Bows and Archery
Draw length is the distance you pull the bowstring for comfortable, proper shooting form. The wingspan divided by 2.5 method is a good starting estimate, but a bow shop or technician should confirm fit before you buy or adjust a bow.