The archery technique was often used in hunting or war in the past. Now, it is used as a recreational sport and is loved by many people.
To master this sport, the archers must understand the parts of a bow. It supports you in using and adjusting them to serve your needs. Stay on reading for more information about this tool through the article below.
Table of contents
The Main Parts Of A Bow
Riser
The riser is also known as the central processing unit located in the middle of the two side bows and is where the other main components come together.
A riser is usually aluminum, carbon fiber, composite, and wood. It has three main components with the following functions:
Grip
The grip is created for the shooter to hold while shooting. It rests on the most curved part of the riser, around the central point.
Before you shoot, you need to hold the grip comfortably and firmly. The thumb should point straight to the aim while the other fingers hold the riser tightly.
Depending on the size of the bow, the grip also has different sizes. Therefore, you should try it to confirm if the size fits your hand or not, and enough force to shoot before buying one.
Arrow Shelf
The arrow shelf is still called the arrow rest, mounted inside the sight window. It is where the archers place their arrows and shoot. This part can be fixed on the riser or assembled as an expansion tool.
For those who have strict requirements on the size and design of their arrows, the fixed shelf is more convenient. You can buy it separately and customize it to fit.
Sight Window
The sight window is for the shooter targeting the aim. It is the cut just above the grip. Standard bows usually have one sight window. However, if two are on either side, they may assist the shooter more.
The compound bow is more modern which uses cables and pulleys to bend. It has no sight window, instead of the separated viewpoints. They can be assembled into the riser.
In compound bows, multiple types of sights can be used. The most commonly used type is the fixed pin sight with multiple pins in different measurements. It helps the archer aim at a target more precisely since they know the exact distance of their target.
Upper And Lower Limbs
The next important part of a bow is the limbs. These are flexible boards made of wood, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or metal.
It consists of upper and lower limbs attached to the riser. These two components must be attached to the appropriate ends of the central processing unit and are not interchangeable.
Limbs work by storing and releasing energy, helping create the momentum needed to propel the arrow through the air. It is usually measured in pounds, while the force exerted by its stiffness is typically 24 inches in length.
Nock
The nock is where the bowstring and the rest parts are connected. There will be a small opening for the string to pass and fix at each limb, upper and lower. However, this part is only present at the recurve bow.
For the compound one, replacing the node is the cam system. This system is responsible for transferring energy from the string and storing it until released. The cam system helps the archer make a stronger shot than normal force and easier to aim at a certain point.
Bowstring
The bowstring or string is the final part of completing a whole bow. In tradition, it is made from cowhide leather, hemp, silk, linen or vegetable fibers, etc. It is fine as long as the material is strong, light, and resilient.
The string is linked to the limbs by the nock, with a silicone wax applied around it to reduce friction. The pivot point and center serving are the two main components of a string.
The pivot point is where the arrow attaches when it prepares for shooting. This point is usually made of brass and bent fixed to the string.
Meanwhile, the center serving is where the arrow is held, and when it is released, the arrow will be shooted. This area is at the center of the string and aligns with the hilt.
Conclusion
Depending on the arc type, the parts of a bow may be more or less. However, most of them have main components like riser, limbs, nock, and string, with similar features. Each component of this tool plays an important role in helping the arrow hit the right target. Hopefully, this article helps you better understand your tools before entering the “hunting” of the target.
Last Updated on 3 years by admin
