Longbow: A bow class that can be shot under the rules of both major federations (WA and IFAA).

Lbs is the abbreviation for pounds and is the common unit used to specify the draw weight of a bow. The draw weight in lbs indicates the force required to draw the bow to a specific length (usually measured at 28 inches).

Example: A bow with 40 lbs means that at a 28-inch draw, approximately 40 pounds of draw weight are required.

Conversion:

1 lb ≈ 0.45 kg

40 lbs ≈ 18 kg of draw force

Important:

If you draw further or shorter than 28 inches, the actual draw weight on the fingers changes.

A left-handed archer is an archer who holds the bow in the right hand and draws the string with the left hand.

Features:

• The arrow rests (on recurve/longbow) on the right side of the bow
• The dominant eye is usually the left eye
• A mirror image of a right-handed archer

Important:
In archery, the shooting side is primarily determined by the dominant eye, not the writing hand.

A left-handed feather is a natural feather whose natural curvature or structure (the position of the feathers relative to the quill, with the feathers and quill forming an “L”) is such that, when correctly mounted, it causes the arrow to rotate leftward in flight (counterclockwise when viewed from behind).

Importance in arrow construction:

• Natural feathers are available in right- or left-handed versions
• All feathers on an arrow must have the same twist direction
• The twist direction influences the arrow’s rotation in flight

Effect:

• Stabilizes the arrow through rotation
• Improves flight stability
• Especially relevant for helical (diagonally glued) fletching

Whether left- or right-handed, the twist direction is typically secondary – what matters is consistency.

Let-off refers to the reduction in draw weight at full draw in a compound bow. As the bow is drawn, the draw weight initially increases. Just before full draw, the cams (roller systems) take over the force transfer, causing the holding weight to drop significantly.

Example:

• Bow with a 60 lbs draw weight
• 80% let-off

→ At full draw, you only hold about 12 lbs.

The limb of the bow is the part that stores energy during the draw and transfers it upon release to the string (unintentionally), the arrow (intentionally), and the riser/handle (unintentionally).

The limb pocket is the area on the riser where the limbs are attached. It connects the riser and the limbs and transfers the forces generated during the draw.

Variants:

• ILF system (International Limb Fitting) → plug-in and interchangeable
• Bolt-on systems
• Permanent bonding in one-piece bows

Functions:

• Partial adjustment options for tiller and draw weight
• Secure fixation of the limbs
• Alignment of the limbs (tuning)

The longbow is one of the oldest and most traditional forms of bows. It is usually long, slender, and nearly straight (in its relaxed state, without a strong recurve form).

Typical characteristics:

• Simple, clear design
• Usually made of wood or wood laminates
• No technical accessories (no sight, no clicker)
• Often shot “over the hand”

The longbow has a uniform, linear power buildup and is primarily used in traditional archery.

Historically, it became famous through the English longbow (ELB).