Types Of Archery Bows and Arrows

Types Of Archery Bows and Arrows

The Bows and arrows has gone through some significant changes over the past thousand years. This has been for a variety of different reasons, although how affordable and easy to use they are compared to many other weapons has been one of the primary reasons behind this.

When most people think of the traditional bow with the long, curved piece of wood with a string attached to one end and an arrow nocked on the other they may think it hasn’t changed much over the years. However, there are actually different types of bows still used today, though very few people use them for anything other than target practice or hunting small game.

It is important for every archer, beginner or pro, to learn about all these types. An archer never stops buying bows. In addition to being knowledgeable, understanding the different bow and arrow types will give you an idea of what piece to add to your collection next. As we mentioned above, there are quite a few different types of bows, which we’ll look at below. 

Compound Bow

The compound bow was developed in the late 1960s and it is used by more than 80 percent of hunters today. The limbs on this type of bow are typically made from carbon graphite and they create energy when they move backward after the string is released. They work like a pulley system, multiplying the force applied to them when they were drawn back by a windlass or pulley system.


Today’s compound bows can generate enough energy to launch an arrow at speeds ranging from 300 feet per second to 400 feet per second. The traditional archers’ bow may have been simple and effective for thousands of years, but modern hunting bows are much harder to master. In the hands of a talented and experienced hunter, however, these bows give them a distinct advantage. The compound bow has another advantage – it is adjustable and can be made to suit the archer’s needs.

Recurve Bow & Longbow

The original bow was simply a bent sapling that would launch an arrow with just the strength of arm and wooden string. Over time archers would gain more strength and they began to use horn, sinew, and eventually a new material – animal gut – to make a more powerful string. This string gave the arrow both speed and striking power. The first bows were made of simple materials but as man gained control of fire he was able to work with metals such as copper and tin to create the first bronze bows.


With the advent of stronger metals, mankind was eventually able to work with iron and created even more powerful weapons than simple wood or bones could deliver. The recurve bow would dominate for thousands of years though its design remained relatively unchanged. This bow has an unstrung curve built into it, giving the archer more power when they bend it. The longbow was simply a larger version of this design, often measuring five feet in length or more with many layers of wood to create maximum strength. This required years of training before an archer could shoot multiple arrows with enough speed and accuracy to make them deadly.

Crossbow

The crossbow was originally invented by the Chinese but there is some evidence dating back five thousand years that Greek soldiers were using this same weapon in battle. The crossbow was made famous during the middle ages when mounted knights were in charge of protecting large areas of land that could be traversed only on horseback or using small boats. As these castles and other defensive positions were besieged, the crossbow became very popular among those inside because it could fire through small slits in walls or high windows.


The crossbow is a very simple design and it does not take much to prepare it for battle or hunting. The arms are cocked back and held in place with a piece of string, usually goat hair twisted together, that holds the arms in position. When the trigger is pulled the weapon immediately releases and propels an arrow forward at a speed of 300 feet per second or more.


The arrows leave the crossbow slightly slower than a bullet leaves a gun but it is still a very effective weapon because the arrow has both speed and kinetic energy behind it. Today’s hunters have access to three types of bows that can be used for hunting or target practice. All three bows have the same basic design, but there are significant differences between them that should be considered before someone decides how to use the bow. All three bows have strings and pull arms so they can propel an arrow through the air with deadly force no matter which style is chosen.

What type of bow is best for archery?

The best type of bow to use will depend on what is being hunted or how far away the target is located. Each has its advantages and disadvantages so the hunter must determine which ones fit their situation best before they choose a specific bow . For target practice and hunting smaller game like rabbits, the recurve bow is a good choice because of its low cost and ease of use. Long bows are better for hunting larger animals while the compound style works well in almost any situation.


Remember that each type of bow requires training to be used properly. The more time the hunter spends with each type of bow, the better they will become. Once an archer has mastered one style, then they can pursue other types to see if there are other options that might be preferred. Some hunters do not like using any bow at all and prefer to use a gun instead. Remember that each person is unique so what works for them may not work for others. At the end of the day it is all about what feels most comfortable for each individual.

Moving Target Shooting

Another popular option is to use a crossbow. These are easy to master and they do not require much practice to get used to using them, which makes them very appealing to some hunters who do not have time on their hands. These bows allow the hunter to take shots at targets that are moving and often require them to shoot up steep hills.


These bows can also be used for target practice and there is almost no set up time required when using one of these bows. The crossbow has a reputation for killing people; however, they rarely do because the shooter must aim above the intended target in order for the arrow to shoot through the object. Each of these types of bows has a place in hunting and they all have their place when it comes to target practice. The hunter simply needs to make a decision based on what is available, where they are going to hunt, and how much money they can spend before choosing which bow to use.

What are the types of arrows in archery?

There are different types of arrows utilized by hunters and archers.

What are the types of arrows in archery?

Wooden Arrows

The oldest arrows that were used by hunters and soldiers are wooden arrows. These wooden shafts can be made from several different types of wood such as yew, ash, and oak. The most popular wood for making these types of arrows is hickory because it is easy to find and inexpensive. They can also be polished with beeswax so they can be used to hunt waterfowl.


In the past, these types of arrows were usually fletched with turkey or goose feathers instead of synthetic vanes. Arrows that were created for target practice were often painted a bright color so they could easily be seen when the user was shooting them at a target. These shafts are all roughly the same size and most are made to measure between 28 and 36 inches long which is the legal requirement for hunting arrows in most states.

Fiberglass Arrows

Fiberglass arrows are more expensive than wooden ones, but they can last twice as long. These types of shafts can be made from several different kinds of fiberglass such as Kevlar and carbon fibers. Each of these materials is very strong and none of them will break when used properly. The only real difference between the two materials is that carbon fiber arrows are stronger and they cost twice as much.


Since these shafts can be used in any weather condition, hunters often use them when they go hunting during the winter months. If a hunter is going to be hunting in an area that has high winds or storms then it is best for them to use these types of shafts because the wind will not knock them off course like it can with wooden ones. The biggest advantage of using fiberglass arrows is that they are very durable and since there is little difference in price between different types; hunters can use the more expensive carbon materials if they want to spend the extra money.


This type of arrow does require special inserts for hunting, but even these are very cheap and can be bought in bulk to save money. The final advantage is that the arrowheads for these shafts are made from tungsten carbide, a metal that will never break or bend, which means they can also be reused many times if the user is careful.

Aluminum Arrows

When it comes to hunting, aluminum arrows are the most popular choice. These types of shafts are usually sold as a complete package so there is no need for hunters to try and figure out which arrowheads they should use. Aluminum arrows are very light weight which makes them easy to shoot with. Since these shafts weigh less than half an ounce , it is not difficult to get the arrow up to its target very quickly.


Hunters who are just starting out will have an easy time shooting aluminum arrows because they shoot at a relatively low speed, but there are some disadvantages that hunters need to be aware of before making their decision on which type of shafts they should use. Aluminum arrows cannot withstand being shot at with another bow because they can shatter on impact. They are also unable to shoot with bows that have draw weights of more than 35 pounds.

Carbon Arrows

Carbon is the newest material that is being used by arrow manufacturers. These types of shafts are made from a combination of graphite and epoxy resin which makes them very strong and durable. These materials make carbon arrows very light weight, but this also means they will shoot at a higher speed than other types of arrows. Since these shafts are so new, they are also some of the most expensive on the market.


Hunters who use carbon arrows need to be extra careful when taking care of them because these types of shafts can shatter if they are dropped or shot with a bow that has too high of a draw weight. They are also more likely to bend than other types of arrows because carbon is so light.

Composite Arrows

Composite arrows are just like aluminum arrows, but they use carbon and fiberglass materials to strengthen the shafts. Since these types of shafts are more durable than aluminum ones, hunters can shoot them over and over again without having to worry about the arrowhead bending or breaking off. Composite arrows also weigh less than aluminum ones which makes it easier for hunters to shoot them.


These types of shafts are very cheap and most bow companies offer them as part of their standard packages so many people will start using these arrows without having any experience with archery before since they shoot at a relatively slow speed. There are some disadvantages though, if the hunter needs to change out the arrowheads then it can be very expensive because composite arrows are so cheap to begin with.

Bow Hunting Arrows

Since bow hunting uses an extra-high draw weight, it is important for hunters to use special arrows that will not break under the pressure. To do this, many bow companies sell their own special types of bows and arrows, but there are other options for hunters who do not want to use the bows that the company they are buying from sells.

Bow hunting arrows are usually made from carbon or aluminum, but there are a few other materials that can be used depending on the preference of the hunter.


These types of shafts also have a larger diameter in order to make them more durable and resistant to the number of times they will be shot while hunting. Bow hunters need to keep in mind that the material used to make their arrows should affect the weight, because these types of shafts are very likely to break if they are too light. Since bow hunting happens over longer distances, the size and weight of the arrowheads is also important because it will affect how quickly the animal will bleed out.


There are a few things that hunters need to keep in mind when they are buying their arrows because it can impact how well they hunt and shoot their bow. There are many different types of arrow shafts on the market, but these four options should give hunters an idea of what type of arrows they should use depending on the situation.

What is the best type of bow and arrow for beginners?

A beginner should start with either aluminum or composite arrows. It really depends on what situation they are going for, but these types of shafts will be the most durable so they do not have to worry about it breaking when they are just learning how to shoot a bow.

What is the best type of arrow for target practice?

A target practice arrow should be made from carbon if the goal of practicing is to improve accuracy. Carbon arrows are very light so they will shoot faster which will give the hunter a better idea on how far away their shot needs to be depending on their draw weight.

What is the best type of arrow for small game?

Small game hunters should use aluminum arrows because they are a lot cheaper than carbon even though the latter can be reused. These types of shafts will not break as easily as carbon ones, but they are just as accurate which makes them perfect for hunting small games like rabbits and squirrels.

What is the best type of arrow for large game?

Large game hunters should use carbon arrows with broadheads because these types of arrowheads are good for cutting through hide and muscle since they can be used in both hunting and self-defense. Carbon arrows will fly faster than aluminum ones, but they also come at a higher price which makes them impractical for hunting small game like rabbits.

What is the best type of arrow shafts for hunting?

Hunters should use aluminum or composite arrows depending on their preference. These types of shafts are not as fragile as carbon ones, but they are just as accurate which makes them the best option for hunters who need durable arrows.

What is the best type of arrowheads?

Broadheads are the best types of arrowheads because they are designed to sever flesh while hunting, but hunters also have the option of using field tips for this purpose instead. Another type that can be used is a practice tip which has no needle or blade, even though it does make an audible noise when the arrow shoots.

What are some things you need to buy before you can hunt with a bow?

Before you start hunting with a bow, there are some equipment hunters need to consider buying. Archery targets are good for practicing before the season starts, but hunters also have the option of using broadhead target tips instead which just makes noise when an arrow hits it. Hunters need to buy release aids  so they do not have to use their fingers when they shoot, and a chest protector should be worn while using archery equipment since it will help protect the hunter from any types of arrow injuries.

Top Target Arrows For Compound Bow

Tiger Archery 30Inch Carbon Arrow Practice Hunting Arrows

  • Excellent carbon construction
  • Wind drifts work well in bad weather
  • Great for target practice


REEGOX Carbon Arrows Vital Seeker Hunting Arrows

  • Made from lightweight and durable carbon fiber materials
  • Economic
  • Adjustable nocks


MS Jumpper Archery Carbon Arrows, High Percentage Carbon

  • Made from lightweight and durable carbon fiber materials
  • Economic
  • Adjustable nocks


KESHES Archery Carbon Arrows for Compound & Recurve Bows

  • Adjustable nocks
  • Ideal for practice shooting
  • Suitable for all ages

Musen 30 Inch Carbon Archery Arrows, Spine 500

  • Available in 28″ and 30″ length shafts
  • Adjustable and replaceable nocks
  • Durable
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2 Comments

  1. Hi I have a bronze age bow a farmer dug up 60 year ago could you tell me how to get it valued its solid iron about 3foot long

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