Olympic Recurve? Barebow? Compound?
Olympic Recurve? Barebow? Compound?
Hello archers! I learned the very basics of archery in my early youth on a very basic fiberglass youth bow. While still very young, I picked up a second hand compound bow.
Somewhere along the lines, life got in the way, and I dropped the sport. In my middle years, I am trying to pick up the sport again. I see posts here about Olympic Recurve and Barebow shooting.
I know that I can simply google or YouTube a quick answer, but I wanted to start a discussion here about the differences between bows and their uses.
For instance, I inherited my stepfather's wooden recurve hunting bow. I have always known that "style" to be a recurve. What makes an Olympic recurve bow different?
"Olympic" recurve generally refers to a recurve bow with the additional accessories that are permitted in international regulated competitions, such as: an elevated arrow rest, plunger button, sight, stabilizers, and clicker. Usually these accessories are used on carbon fibre or aluminum risers with interchangeable limb systems, but that isn't a technical requirement for competition. These accessories are also not required for competition but anyone choosing not to use them would be at a serious disadvantage.
That's what I used to have, that's what I miss.
Modern recurve has a stiff riser, r.g. aluminium, and detachable limbs. You can actually use the same basic bow for Barebow and Olympic recurve.
I am pretty much a newb but I believe Olympic recurves have weighted stabilizers and sights that would be quite unwieldy in a hunting or speed context. Compounds seem to be for those who prioritize power, ease of use, and accuracy.