Archery is the art of directing an arrow to a target. Despite this simple and universal goal, there are different paths. Different styles of bows can cater to each archer’s individual’s preferences towards focusing on skill versus mechanical precision.
Traditional Archery
Traditional archery is a time machine that brings us the ancient ways of our ancestors. The exact definition of traditional archery is up for debate but usually entails the use of a wooden bow with no modern devices to aid with aiming or stabilization. Instead, traditional archers rely on instinct and skill to send their arrow to the target. Traditional archery purists may even use wooden arrows instead of modern aluminum or carbon arrows. Traditional wooden bows typically come in two flavors: longbows and recurves. Longbows are tall with a straight design and a very gentle curve. Recurves are curved at the tips to allow more power and efficiency. Archers today are also able to experience “exotic” bows from many ancient cultures due to the availability of these designs in affordable, fiberglass models.
Modern Recurves
Modern recurves represent a marriage between traditional bow designs and modern materials. While modern recurves maintain the classic shape of traditional recurve bows, it integrates the use of modern materials such as metal for the handle or riser and fiberglass or carbon for limbs. These materials create bows that store more energy which sends arrows farther and faster but are also more durable and consistent. In addition, modern recurves can be fitted with stabilizers, sights and clickers - giving the archer more tools to achieve precision and accuracy.
Barebow recurve archery blends modern bow with traditional shooting styles. Barebow shooters use a stripped down modern recurve to take advantage of the material advantages but rely on instincts and muscle memory to achieve accuracy.
Compound Archery
Compound archery diverges even further from traditional archery. Compound bows are highly complex and take advantage of a pulley system to provide the archer with mechanical advantages. This allows the archer to achieve incredible precision and power as the compound bow utilizes various tools to more efficiently store energy.
Choosing an archery style is entirely personal preference and goals. Some archers want to explore the traditions of our ancestors while others want to achieve the highest accuracy possible.