Archery Equipment Explained: Recurve, Compound, and Traditional Bows

Tap a piece of equipment to see its features.

Recurve Bow

A bow whose tips curve slightly outward, generating more power — the standard bow used in Olympic archery.

Compound Bow

A modern bow that uses a system of pulleys and cables so the string can be drawn with less effort.

Longbow

A long bow with a simple curved shape, traditionally used as a weapon of war in medieval Europe.

Traditional Korean Bow (Gakgung)

A traditional Korean bow made from layered materials like water buffalo horn and ox sinew — short in size but remarkably powerful.

Arrow

The projectile fired from a bow; the balance between its point and fletching determines an accurate flight path.

Quiver

A container for carrying arrows, worn at the waist or on the back so they can be drawn quickly.

Arm Guard

Protective gear worn on the forearm to prevent injury from the bowstring striking the arm.

The Type of Bow Determines How It's Shot

Olympic archery uses the recurve bow, while compound bows with pulley systems are widely used for hunting and sport. Understanding the structure and character of each bow gives a much deeper appreciation of the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions

What bow is used in Olympic archery?

Olympic competition only permits the recurve bow, without any pulley mechanism.

How is Korea's traditional bow different from other bows?

The Korean gakgung is layered from materials like water buffalo horn and ox sinew, giving it remarkable spring power despite its small size — a bow unique to Korean tradition.