A Beginner's Guide to Different Types of Bows
Jaypee A • April 28, 2025
Archery Bow Selection tips
Here's a look at some of the different types of bows you might encounter, whether you're just starting out or looking to explore different archery styles:
1. Genesis Bows
- Genesis bows are specifically designed for beginners, particularly young archers. They have a unique single-cam system with no let-off, meaning there's no specific draw length. This makes them highly adjustable and easy to shoot for people of all sizes and strengths. They are commonly used in schools and archery programs.
- Example: Genesis Original Bow - This is the classic Genesis model, known for its simplicity and versatility. It's often used in NASP® (National Archery in the Schools Program).
2. Genesis Mini Bows
- A smaller and lighter version of the original Genesis bow, designed for even younger or smaller archers. They have a lower draw weight range (typically 6-12 lbs) and are very lightweight (around 2 lbs).
- Example: Genesis Mini Bow - Perfect for introducing young children to archery, with its easy-to-handle design and adjustable draw weight.
3. Gen-X Bows
- The Gen-X is a step up from the original Genesis, offering more advanced features for archers who are ready to progress. It has a higher draw weight range (10-20 lbs) and a longer axle-to-axle length, providing more speed and accuracy.
- Example: Genesis Gen-X Bow - A great choice for archers who have mastered the basics and are looking for a bow with increased performance.
4. Traditional Recurve Bows
- These bows have a classic, timeless design with a simple curve in the limbs. They are typically made from wood or a combination of wood and other materials (like fiberglass). Traditional recurves require more skill and technique to shoot accurately compared to compound bows.
- Example: Bearpaw Grizzly Recurve Bow - A popular choice for traditional archery enthusiasts, known for its smooth draw and classic aesthetics. Often used for hunting, target shooting, and traditional archery competitions.
5. Olympic Recurve Bows
- These are highly specialized recurve bows designed for Olympic target archery. They feature advanced components like stabilizers, sights, and clickers to enhance accuracy and consistency.
- Example: Hoyt Formula Xi Recurve Riser - A top-of-the-line Olympic recurve riser used by many competitive archers worldwide. It's highly adjustable and customizable to fit the archer's individual needs.
6. Asiatic Bows
- These bows, also known as horse bows, have a distinctive curved shape that allows for a shorter bow with a longer draw length. They were historically used by mounted archers in Asia. They often have a unique "siyah" (ear) design at the tips of the limbs.
- Example: Grozer Turkish Recurve Bow - A handcrafted traditional Turkish bow, known for its powerful performance and beautiful craftsmanship. Often used for traditional archery, horseback archery, and historical reenactments.
7. Compound Bows
- Compound bows use a system of cams and cables to create "let-off," which reduces the holding weight at full draw. This makes them easier to hold steady and aim. Compound bows are known for their speed, accuracy, and power, making them popular for hunting and target shooting.
Example: Mathews V3X Compound Bow - A high-performance compound bow with advanced technology for increased speed, accuracy, and shootability. Often used for hunting and 3D archery.
Explore Further:
Here are some links if you'd like to delve deeper into the world of archery and see some of these bows in action:
- Genesis Bows - Learn more about Genesis bows and their models.
- Grozer Archery- Discover a wide range of traditional Asiatic bows.
- Atlanta Archery Club – Archery bow selection.
Meet Yale, Nogin
Head Coach NTS Level 4
Yale Nogin, Head Coach and founder of Atlanta Archery Club, has 35+ years of archery experience and 8 years of teaching. A USA Archery NTS Level 4 Coach, he blends archery with chiropractic and yoga, inspiring all ages to develop lifelong skills.
Ladies, Take Aim! Why Archery is the Perfect Sport for Women and Girls Hey there, fellow archers and aspiring arrow-slingers! It’s me, Sarah, and I’m here to share why archery for women and girls isn’t just a sport — it’s a total game changer. Now, I know what you might be thinking: "Archery? Isn’t that kind of medieval?" or "But I’m not exactly Katniss Everdeen..." Let me tell you — archery is anything but outdated , and you don’t need to be a superhero to fall in love with it. Empowerment Through Archery: Feel Strong, Focused, and Fierce There’s something powerful about picking up a bow and taking aim. Whether you're hitting bullseyes or just starting out, archery empowers women with: Strength and confidence Mental focus and control A sense of accomplishment You’ll learn to trust yourself and your instincts — and that kind of strength carries over into all aspects of life. Leveling the Playing Field: Why Archery Welcomes All Unlike many sports, archery doesn’t depend on size, speed, or brute strength . What matters most? Technique - Focus - Consistency. That’s why girls and women can excel at all levels , from beginner practice to national competitions. In archery, everyone truly competes on equal ground. Skills That Stick: Confidence, Discipline, and Focus Learning to shoot a bow teaches more than target skills. You gain life skills like: Patience Perseverance Focus under pressure Whether you’re tackling school, work, or life challenges, archery builds mental resilience you’ll carry forever. Archery Builds Confidence — One Arrow at a Time Each time you step up to the line, you grow. As your aim improves, so does your self-esteem. You begin to believe in your abilities — not just at the range, but in everything you do. Confidence and self-worth? That’s a pretty sweet bonus. A Sisterhood of Support: Women in the Archery Community The archery community for women and girls is inspiring and welcoming. At local clubs, JOAD programs, and competitions, you’ll find: Encouraging mentors Motivated peers Lifelong friendships You’ll never feel like you’re on this journey alone.
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