The Recurve Bow's Hollow: Where Is It?

The hollow of a recurve bow is not a term that is used in archery. However, the hollow could be referring to the space between the bow and the string, which is called the brace height. The brace height is the distance between the deepest part of the grip and the string.

The riser is the rigid centre section of a recurve bow

Riser length can be customised, with options including 15", 17" or 21". The riser is cut 3/8" past centre, with a highly radiused shelf that allows shooting off the shelf or the use of a plunger and elevated rest. The riser can be used with both recurve and longbow limbs.

Riser materials vary, with carbon fibre risers providing incredible stiffness and near-instantaneous vibration damping, reducing noise significantly. Carbon fibre risers also tend to feel warm to the touch, which is ideal in colder weather. Fibreglass risers are stiffer than wood and more affordable. Metal risers make the bow heavier and more stable, allowing the archer to see the target and get a better shot.

The limbs are the upper and lower working parts of the bow

The most common type of limb for recurve bows is called ILF or "International Limb Fitting". ILF limbs are compatible with ILF risers, allowing for mix-and-match between brands. ILF limbs are also easy to attach and detach, simply requiring insertion into the ILF riser until a click is heard. Screw-in limbs, on the other hand, require a "limb bolt" to secure them in place and are more common in beginner bows. These limbs are often proprietary and cannot be mixed and matched between manufacturers.

Like risers, limbs are made of different materials, including wood, fibreglass, carbon fibre, or a combination of these materials. Recurve limbs also have minor parts such as the string notch and the string groove. The string notch is where the string loop is attached and secured to the bow, while the string groove is where the string lies at rest.

The string is the cord that attaches to both limb tips

Manufacturers also use Kevlar, Dyneema, or Spectra to produce these bowstrings. The string consists of several parts: the string loop, the string serving, and the nocking point. The string loop hooks into the limbs, with a specific upper and lower string loop, though some custom strings have the same-sized loops. The string serving wraps around the actual string strands, providing a better surface to hook your fingers onto the string. The nocking point is the pair of small indicators, made from serving material, plastic, or brass, on your bowstring. It ensures the same accurate positioning of your arrow before shooting.

The string is attached to the limb tips, which curve away from the archer when the bow is unstrung. The limbs are the long and flexible parts of a recurve bow that store energy when the bow is drawn. They create the power of the bow and come in different weights. There is an upper and a lower limb, with the lower limb often having a slightly heavier draw weight to balance out the bow when drawn. The limbs are typically made from multiple layers of fibreglass, carbon and/or wood on a core of carbon foam or wood.

The brace height is the distance between the deepest part of the grip and the string

The brace height of a recurve bow is the distance between the deepest part of the grip and the string. This distance is also referred to as the "fistmele", which is the length of a closed fist with the thumb extended. This indicates the correct distance between the deepest part of the grip and the string. The brace height of a recurve bow can be adjusted by twisting the string, which will either shorten or lengthen its dimensions. This will either add or reduce tension in the bow's resting limbs, bringing them closer or pulling them further apart.

The brace height of a recurve bow typically falls between 7 and 9.5 centimetres from the riser. However, it's important to note that the brace height can vary depending on the type of bow. For example, a 62- or 64-inch bow typically has a brace height of 7.5 to 8.5 inches, while a 70- or 72-inch bow has a brace height of 8.75 to 9.5 inches. It's important to consult the manufacturer's recommendations for the ideal brace height range for your specific bow.

Adjusting the brace height of a recurve bow can impact its performance. A shorter brace height can cause issues with arrow clearance, while an overly extended brace height can lead to the bow limbs stopping short, resulting in a loss of power. Therefore, finding the optimal brace height is crucial for achieving the best performance and arrow flight.

Additionally, the brace height can influence the noise level and vibration of the bow when firing arrows. By adjusting the brace height, archers can find the setting that minimises noise and vibration, resulting in a smoother and more controlled shot. This process of trial and error involves repeatedly measuring the brace height, shooting arrows, and making small adjustments until the desired results are achieved.

Furthermore, the brace height can also affect the stability and accuracy of the bow. A longer brace height can provide more stability, while a shorter brace height may be preferred in situations where a quick release is necessary. Ultimately, the ideal brace height will depend on the specific requirements of the archer and the intended use of the bow.

The arrow rest is where the arrow rests during the draw

The arrow rest is a crucial component of a recurve bow, serving as the designated spot for the arrow to rest during the draw. It plays a significant role in ensuring accurate and consistent shots. While it is possible to shoot a recurve bow without an arrow rest, using one brings several advantages that enhance the overall archery experience.

The arrow rest can be as simple as a fixed rest, or it may be spring-loaded or a magnetic flip rest. The choice of arrow rest depends on the archer's preference and the type of arrows used. For outdoor bows, skinny arrows are used, while fat arrows are used for indoor bows. However, for beginners, a simpler arrow rest is generally recommended, such as the Hoyt Super Rest, which is included with Hoyt risers. This type of rest lacks adjustments to the arm holding the arrow, so it's a "set it and forget it" option.

When it comes to more advanced arrow rests, the two predominant styles are stick-on and wrap-around. Stick-on rests adhere directly to the riser on the shelf side of the bow, while wrap-around rests have a "plate" affixed under the collar of the plunger on the sight-mounting side. Stick-on rests are generally favoured for their simpler design and lighter weight, while wrap-around rests offer the advantage of micro-adjustability.

It is worth noting that the arrow rest should be adjustable vertically and in the "sweep angle" to accommodate arrows of different diameters. This adjustment ensures that the arrow contacts the plunger in the middle, optimizing the accuracy of the shot.

In summary, the arrow rest plays a vital role in the functionality and accuracy of a recurve bow. While it is not mandatory, using an arrow rest can significantly improve the archery experience by providing a stable platform for the arrow and protecting the bow from wear and tear.

Frequently asked questions