Archery Types

Traditional archery and compound archery are two different forms of archery that have distinct differences in terms of equipment, technique, and style.

Traditional Archery:

• Equipment: Traditional archery uses simple, classic equipment such as longbows or recurve bows. These bows are made of wood, fiberglass, or carbon and do not use any mechanical devices to assist the archer in holding or drawing the bowstring.
• Technique: In traditional archery, the archer uses only their muscles to draw the bowstring back and hold it steady while aiming. The archer must develop strength, accuracy, and control to shoot effectively.
• Style: Traditional archery emphasizes form and style, and archers often participate in traditional archery competitions where they shoot at targets while dressed in period clothing. The focus is on the experience of archery and form, rather than speed.

Compound Archery:

• Equipment: Compound archery uses a compound bow, which is a modern bow that incorporates mechanical devices such as sights, peep, arrow rest, cables, pulleys, and cams to assist the archer in aiming, holding and drawing the bowstring. These mechanical devices reduce the amount of effort required to hold the bow steady, making it easier for the archer to aim and shoot accurately.
• Technique: In compound archery, the archer uses the mechanical devices to aid in holding and drawing the bowstring, allowing for more accuracy and stability in shooting. The archer can focus more on aim and less on physical effort.
• Style: Compound archery is often seen as a sport, with a focus on speed and accuracy. Compound archers participate in competitions where they shoot at targets from varying distances, and they are often dressed in athletic gear. The focus is on performance and competition.

The key differences between traditional and compound archery are the equipment used, the technique employed, and the focus of the sport or activity.