What is a recurve bow, and what is allowed on it?
Officials' detail · Bows, arrows and equipment · 1 of 6A recurve bow is a handle, called the riser, with two flexible limbs and a single string, drawn and released with the fingers. It may carry one simple sight with no lens, one clicker to check draw length, and stabilisers. Nothing on it may be electric or electronic.
How it works
| Part | Allowed | Not allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Bow | Riser, grip and two limbs with a single string between the tips | A "shoot-through" riser |
| String | A centre serving, one or two nocking points, one lip or nose mark | A peephole or any mark that helps aiming |
| Arrow rest | Adjustable rest and pressure button, set no more than 4 cm back from the grip's pivot point | Electric or electronic parts |
| Draw check | One indicator, heard, felt or seen | Electric or electronic |
| Sight | One sight with one aiming point; windage and elevation adjustment | Lenses, prisms, a level, electronics; more than 2 cm of length in the line of sight |
| Stabilisers | Any, with vibration dampers | Touching the body at full draw; guiding the string |
| Fingers | Tab, glove or tape, with an anchor plate and finger separator | Any device that helps draw or release the string |
- The bow is held in one hand and the string drawn with the fingers of the other.
- A brace on the riser is allowed if it does not consistently touch the archer at full draw.
Tricky cases
What is the clicker for?
It is the "draw check indicator": a blade that clicks off the arrow point when the archer has drawn to the same length each time. One is allowed, and it must not be electronic.
Can a recurve sight have a magnifying lens?
No. Lenses, prisms and levels are not allowed on a recurve sight.
Can a recurve archer use a release aid?
No. The string is drawn and released with the fingers, and finger protection may not include a device that helps to draw or release.
Why the rule exists
The division is meant to test the archer, not the machine: no magnification, no mechanical release and nothing powered.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Archery rules | As above | B3 9.1 |
| Para archers | Extra provisions | Book 5, not covered |
From the rule book
World Archery Rulebook, Book 3, Article 9.1. Version of 27 January 2026. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Archery Rulebook (PDF).