With a variety of archery bows and uses, archery is a sport that can be a lifelong activity. The different archery bows have the ability to shoot arrows at speeds from 170 feet per second to more than 300 feet per second, with great accuracy. There are, however, several differences among different archery bows.
History
According to Centenary Archers, the first stone arrowheads were discovered in Africa and date to 50,000 BC. The first archery bows were constructed from wood. Around 2800 B.C., the first composite bow was used, made from wood and animal horn and held together by animal sinew and glue. By 1969, the first compound bow was released and revolutionized the archery industry.
Function
There are several types of archery bows designed for different uses. Some bows are specialized for competitive target shooting while others are designed for recreation or hunting. The big, solid frames of competition bows are designed to achieve increased accuracy. Hunting bows, however, are smaller and designed to perform well under extreme weather conditions.
Features
Compound bows that utilize technology such as engineered limbs, high-tech cams and lightweight materials can produce arrow speeds of more than 320 feet per second. They are typically made with a mixture of materials, such as aluminum or carbon. Modern recurve bows are made from carbon laminates. Traditional archery bows, such as longbows or recurves, are made from wood, animal horn or animal sinew and can produce arrow speeds of around 170 to 190 feet per second.
Identification
Each archery bow has specific characteristics that identify the type of bow. For example, compound bows have cams or wheels at the end of the limbs. The strings wrap around the cams or wheels and a series of cables. Recurve bows have tips that curve away from the archer with the string touching the limbs. Longbows are a D-shaped bow similar to a recurve except that the string does not contact the limbs before attaching at the axle.
Size and Weight
Size and weight are two factors that archers consider before choosing an archery bow. Compound hunting bows can weigh less than 4 lbs., with an axle-to-axle measurement of 30 inches. The short axle-to-axle length allows for maneuverability in the woods, tree stand or ground blind. Another measurement important to archery bows is the brace height, measured from the bow string to the grip handle. Most compound hunting bows will have a brace height between 6 and 8 inches, which provides forgiveness if form isn't perfect. Traditional bows, such as the longbow, can be up to 6 feet tall. Modern recurve bows can weigh less than 3 lbs.
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