Anatomy of an Olympic Recurve Bow

A recurve bow has tips that curve away from the archer when the bow is unstrung.  When strung a recurve stores more energy than an equivalent straight limbed bow and therefore offers more thrust to project the arrow through the air to the target.

Riser

The riser on  the modern bow could also be called the handle. It is the central component of the bow placed between the limbs, and it is where all other major components attach,  it is usually constructed out of machined aluminum and/or carbon fiber.

Riser Grip

A riser grip or handle is the part of the riser that you hold while shooting.The grip is often designed for comfort and to match the hand of the archer. The riser grips are often replaceable with after-market ones.

Limbs

Limbs are the flexible planks made of wood, fiberglass and/or carbon fiber that are attached, one on either end of the riser. They work to store and release the kinetic energy needed to propel the arrow through the air. Limbs are measured in pounds of pressure generated by the stiffness of the limbs at usually at draw length of 24 inches. Although, there are many different manufactured ways to attach limbs to risers the most common standard is International Limb Fittings (ILF) that allows limbs and risers from different manufacturers to work together. Therefore, manufacturers make sure upper and lower limbs are distinguishable so they are install on the riser consistently.

Sight

A sight is a device that attaches to the riser to assist the archer by providing an adjustable pin that is used to make  more  consistent shots.

Stabilizer System

A stabilizer system is designed to help absorb the vibration of the shot and reduce unneeded noise during the shot. A stabilizer system can consist of a long rod, short rods, an extension rod, additional weights and a v-bar; additionally, a dampener may be added to the end of each rod to further help absorb vibration or add additional weight as desired by the archer.

V-bar

A v-bar is a part of a stabilizer system used to attach the side short rods to the main long rod and gets its name from its shape.

Clicker

A clicker is a device attached to the riser to assist the archer in producing a dependable draw length and to ensure arrows and limbs generate the same force repeatedly.  It is positioned to pass over the end of the arrows once the archer has reached the desired draw length and the name “clicker” comes from the noise produced as it passes over the end of the arrow.

Plunger

A plunger button (or pressure button or cushion) is a spring cushioned device that the arrows sits against while on the arrow rest.  It is designed to fine tune the horizontal oscillation upon release of the arrow and assist the arrow to  reach the center shot location easier.

Arrows Rest

An arrow rest is a device attached to the riser, usually made of metal or plastic that the arrow rests upon while the archer draws the string back.

Bowstring

A bowstring is the cord that attaches to both limb tips and transforms stored energy from the limbs into kinetic energy in the arrow.

Bowstring Serving

The serving is the cord tightly wrapped around the strands of bowstring to produce a single cord and produce a consistent area to attach the arrow to the bowstring via the arrow nock.

Arrows

An arrow is the projectile shot from the bow at the desired target and consists of a spine, a point, a nock, and three fletchings.  They are usually made of aluminum and/or carbon fiber, although carbon fiber is a popular choice because of its straightness, weight and durability.

Fletchings

Fletchings are the feathers or plastic vanes glued  around the end of an arrow, usually done in three.  The fletchings are used to help the arrow spin and correct the arrow’s flight so consistent shots can be achieved.

Nock

A nock is the two-pronged end of an arrow enabling the arrow to be attached to the bowstring. Usually made of plastic, it is a single unit either inserted into the end of an arrow or attached to the arrow using a aluminum nock pin.

Point

Target arrow points, sometimes called field points, are dull metal ends that provide weight to the front end of the arrow to help the arrow fly through the air.

Bow Sling

A bow sling is a strap that is usually made of cloth or leather and attached to the riser below the grip.  The bow sling usually wraps around the archer’s wrist to provide additional security to stop the bow from falling out of the archer’s hand after the arrow is released.

Quiver

A container usually made of leather, plastic, cloth or synthetics to hold the archers collection of remaining arrows while shooting and it is usually worn either on an archer’s back hip or over their shoulder.

Armguard

An armguard is usually made of either leather or plastic, and it is secured with adjustable straps to the archer’s bow-arm. It provides protection from the bowstring as it releases stored energy through the arrow.

Finger Tab

Usually made of leather it provides protection for an archer’s fingers while pulling the bowstring and additionally provides a smoother surface for release of the bowstring.

Clothing Guard

Keeps the clothing the archer is wearing from effecting the  string while shooting and reduces string interference.

Bow Stand

Securely holds the archers bow between shots or while they retrieve arrows from the target.