Sports & Outdoors

How To Tell The Difference Between A Recurve Bow And A Compound Bow

Do you want to take up archery, but feel a bit lost in all the technical jargon? In this Videojug guide Michael Peart, professional recurve archer and Olympic reserve, talks you through the difference between a recurve bow and a compound bow. Enlarge

How To Tell The Difference Between A Recurve Bow And A Compound Bow

Do you want to take up archery, but feel a bit lost in all the technical jargon? In this Videojug guide Michael Peart, professional recurve archer and Olympic reserve, talks you through the difference between a recurve bow and a compound bow.

Top Tips

  • A compound bow is shorter than a recurve bow, and is shot with a release aid rather than a finger tab.
  • With a recurve bow the weight comes on gradually as your draw it back; with a compound bow the weight comes on really fast, then drops off by about two thirds.
  • A compound bow shoots arrows faster, and allows you to shoot a heavier bow.