Archery term
Limb
Definition
A limb is one of the two flexible arms of a bow that bend and store energy as the bow is drawn and then release that energy to propel the arrow. Bows have an upper and a lower limb, and on takedown recurves the limbs are separate parts that bolt into the riser.
Why it matters
The limbs are what store and return the energy of the shot, so their material, length, and stiffness largely determine a bow's draw weight, smoothness, and speed. On takedown recurves, archers change limbs to adjust draw weight or fine-tune performance while keeping the same riser, making limb selection central to setup.
Related terms
Where it applies
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