Hunter Diary 02 – Construction of Recurve Bow

Arrow rest
Where the arrow rests during draw. These may be simple fixed rests or may be spring-loaded or magnetic flip rests.
Back
The face of the bow on the opposite side to the string
Belly
The face of the bow on the same side as the string
Bow sight
An aiming aid attached to the riser
Brace height
The distance between the deepest part of the grip and the string; fistmele is the traditional term, referring to the equivalent length of a closed fist with the thumb extended, indicating the proper traditional distance used between the deepest part of the grip and the string.
Grip
The part of the bow held by the bow hand
Limbs
The upper and lower working parts of the bow, which come in a variety of different poundages
Nocking point
The place on the bowstring where the nock (end) of an arrow is fitted
Riser
The rigid centre section of a bow to which the limbs are attached
String
The cord that attaches to both limb tips and transforms stored energy from the limbs into kinetic energy in the arrow
Sling
A strap or cord attached to the bow handle, wrist or fingers to prevent the bow from falling from the hand
Tab or Thumb ring
A protection for the digits that draw the string. Also provides better release
performance. Usually made of leather.
Tiller
The difference between the limb-string distances measured where the limbs are attached to the riser. Usually the upper distance is slightly more than the bottom one, resulting in a positive tiller. Reflects the power-balance between both limbs.

Archers often have many other pieces of equipment attached to their recurve bows, such as:

Clicker
a blade or wire device fitted to the riser, positioned to drop off the arrow when the archer has reached optimum draw length. Used correctly, this ensures the same cast-force each time. Many archers train themselves to shoot automatically when the clicker ‘clicks’ off the arrow.
Kisser
a button or nodule attached to the bowstring. The archer touches the kisser to the same spot on the face each time (usually the lips, hence the name) to give a consistent vertical reference.
Plunger Button
a fine-tuning device consisting of a spring-cushioned tip inside a housing. The plunger button screws through the riser so that the tip emerges above the rest. The side of the arrow is in contact with the tip when the arrow is on the rest. The spring is tuned so that it allows a certain amount of movement of the arrow towards the riser on release, bringing the arrow to the ideal “centre shot” location. The plunger button is used to compensate for the arrow’s flex, since the arrow flexes as the string pushes onto it with a very high acceleration, creating what is commonly known as the archer’s paradox. The device is also known as a cushion plunger, pressure button, or Berger button.
Stabilizers
weight-bearing rods attached to a recurve bow to balance the bow to the archer’s liking, dampen the effect of torque and dissipate vibration.