Guide to Archery Bows

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Kinds of archery bows include the following:

Compound bows

Compound bows use pulleys (also called cams) and cables to pull the string back. This reduces the amount to force required to fully draw the bow. The lower draw weight makes them easier to aim and hold in position. They can also be set up at different draw weights to match different user strengths.

Compound bows come with more accurate sight pins that can be adjusted to various target distances. Some say that they tend to be heavy and are prone to mechanical failure (compared to recurves or long bows), but some experts say that with proper maintenance, they can last 10 to 20 years.

Recurve bows

Recurve bows are designed to curve away from the user when drawn and snap back into position when released. This greatly increases the force and speed of each shot. They usually consist of a riser at the center and two limbs at either end. These limbs tilt backward to form the curve. Their draw weights are determined by the bow size and cannot be adjusted.

Most models are made of wood laminated in fiberglass or carbon fiber. Recurve bows are used in Olympic archery and in most competitive archery.

Longbows

Longbows have solid, gently curved bows, instead of a riser and separate limbs. Some say that makes them difficult to draw for beginners, because the draw weight increases as it is pulled. They usually do not come with sights, making them difficult to aim as well. Longbows are commonly made of solid or laminated wood.

Bow weight.  Make sure you can comfortably draw the bow string with the bow held straight out in front of you.

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Below are more tips from very helpful expert archers in the PSE forum:

1. About brace heights: A lower brace is no easier drawing than a higher brace. Draw weight is the single largest factor. Generally, lower brace heights, around 6" or below, are found on "speed bows" and are not the best choice for beginners.
Higher brace heights may be a little more forgiving for a beginner, but once a little confidence and experiene is gained, a lower brace height bowcan be shot very well.

2. For the average beginner, a compound is much easier to learn to shoot accurately than a recurve or long bow. A compound is much more efficent than either, and has far superior range of accurate shooting. In selecting any kind of bow, choosing one with the correct draw length and weight are the most important factors for accurate, comfortable shooting.