The type of bow with limbs that curve away from the belly of the bow is the recurve bow.

Quick Scoop

  • In archery, a recurve bow is specifically defined by limbs that curve away from the archer (and the belly of the bow) when unstrung.
  • This curved limb design lets the bow store and deliver more energy than a straight-limbed bow of the same length, giving the arrow higher speed.
  • Many modern target and Olympic archers use recurve bows, making this shape one of the most common and recognizable in contemporary archery.

So if you see a question asking “which type of bow has limbs that curve away from the belly of the bow?” the answer is: recurve bow.

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