Bowhunter Limited: A bow class according to IFAA rules.

Ein Blankschaft-Test ist eine Methode, um dein Bogen-Setup und die Pfeilabstimmung zu überprüfen. Dabei schießt du auf kurze Distanz (ca. 10–20 m) sowohl befiederte Pfeile als auch einen unbefiederten Pfeil (Blankschaft).
Da der Blankschaft keine Federn hat, korrigiert er Flugfehler nicht – er zeigt also sehr deutlich, ob Pfeilspine, Nockpunkt oder Button-Einstellung passen. Treffen Blankschaft und befiederte Pfeile an derselben Stelle, ist dein Setup gut abgestimmt.

Kurz gesagt:
Der Blankschaft-Test zeigt dir, ob Pfeile und Bogen sauber zusammenarbeiten – ohne dass die Befiederung Fehler „kaschiert“.

German bow manufacturer of Bodnik and Shrew Bows. Bodnik Bows products are primarily aimed at intuitive archers.

The bow arm is the arm that holds the bow. Compare bow hand and bow shoulder. The bow arm is largely responsible for the stable execution of the shot and should keep the bow steady on target throughout the entire shooting process.

Bow classes describe the categories of bows established by international federations (including WA and IFAA) based on their design and equipment features. These classes are defined to ensure fair competition, allowing archers using similar types of bows to compete under equivalent conditions.

Key points:

• Purpose: Standardize equipment rules to create level playing fields in competitions.
• World Archery (WA): Defines a limited number of bow classes (see Chapter 19 of their rulebook).
• IFAA: Defines significantly more bow classes (see Article 4 of their rulebook), offering finer distinctions between bow types and setups.
• Differences: WA and IFAA classifications vary considerably, reflecting different traditions, competition styles, and rule philosophies.

Essentially, bow classes are a way to categorize equipment so that competitions are fair and consistent.

The bow length describes the overall length of a bow, measured from limb tip to limb tip along the shape of the bow (for a recurve bow, in its unstrung or relaxed form). It is usually given in inches, for example 66″, 68″, or 70″.

A bow sling is a strap or cord that connects the bow to your hand. It prevents the bow from falling after the shot when you hold it loosely in your bow hand – which is the correct technique, since you should not grip the bow tightly during the release.

A bow stand is used to hold the bow when it is not being shot. Especially outdoors in field or 3D archery, it is very important to keep the bow and the tips of the limbs free from dirt, since dirt can damage the string and may even cause it to break.

The bow window is a cut-out section in the riser of the bow. Its purpose is to align the arrow more centrally toward the target. It is commonly found on modern wood/composite bows and on risers made of metal or carbon.

A bow window helps improve arrow flight. The smaller the bow window is – up to bows that have no bow window at all – the more precisely the bow and arrow must be matched.

Bows with a small or no bow window rely on the Archer’s Paradox. This describes how an arrow that does not initially point straight through the center of the bow can still flex around the bow and fly straight toward the target.

The bow hand is the hand with which the archer holds the bow. A right-handed archer holds the bow with the left hand.

A bow press is a specialized tool primarily used with compound bows. It is used to carefully compress the limbs, relieving tension on the string and cables. This allows maintenance and tuning work to be performed safely.

The bow shoulder is the shoulder on the side that holds the bow. It is crucial for a stable “bow side” and therefore for a consistent and stable shooting process. See also the power triangle.

The bowstring is the connecting element between the two limb tips of a bow. Together with the limbs, it stores energy as the bow is drawn and transfers this energy to the arrow when released.

Modern bowstrings are usually made from high-performance fibers such as Dyneema® or similar materials. Traditional bows may also use Dacron strings.

A bowstring is made up of multiple strands twisted or bundled together. The number of strands depends on the material used and on the draw weight of the bow.

Bowstring thread is the specialized fiber material used to make the strands of a bowstring. It forms the load-bearing structure of the string and largely determines its properties.

Properties:

• High tensile strength
• Low stretch
• Abrasion-resistant
• Temperature-resistant (depending on material)

Materials:

• Dacron (elastic, gentle on older bows)
• Dyneema
• Vectran
• Blended fibers

The choice of bowstring thread affects:

• Brace height stability
• Arrow speed
• Shooting feel
• Durability