Primitive Archer

I think a common issue with the R/d design versus a recurve is that they’re much harder to tiller. I assume this results in less even strain and a slower bow. Recurves are simple in comparison which may explain the difference by wood bow makers on average. I think it’s also easier to get more total reflex from a recurve than with a r/d bow. Seems like Fiberglass bows that can be designed so close to perfect are closer to what we’d see in a model versus real world averages.

to not confuse the thread we might stay a bit closer to the topic. The simple ( ) question actually seems: How and why does the sideprofile affect energy storage?

  Lower string angles and preload from reflex is the simple answer. The entire limb responds to it's relative position to the string. Lower string angles allow for more weight up front because they build weight slower during the draw.

I like it !

Ive done a lot of study and thought on why short bows shoot light arrows better than long bows and can answer that one with certainty. The answer is horsepower vs torque.  Short bows have high horsepower and long bows have higher torque.  Small little 4 cylinder cars that are light weight can go super fast but a truck with an inline 6 can pull large weight uphill.

The answer is in the engine, and specifically has a lot to do with connecting rod length. The longer the connecting rod the more torque and slower the engine will rotate, vs a short stroke engine that will wrap up fast with a blip of the throttle. The shorter rods ( limbs ) allow for higher rotational speeds and more horsepower which a light load ( arrow ) can be accelerated from. The heavier the load the more torque required to motivate it.

Some comparisons can also be made to the draw length, which is why a longer draw will return at a slower rate than a shorter draw, but deliver more torque. An English longbow takes advantage of both situations. A short bow can be made to draw a long distance but the longer the draw the slower it will shoot a light arrow after a certain point. 22 to 23 inch draw seems to be the peak for super light weight arrow speed, and the arrows weight increases, so too should the draw length to gain the extra torque to speed that arrow up.

Thanks Pat. K.I.S.S. Keep it simple stupid is definitely part of my plan.

Bjrogg