An expert in archery should know how the parts of a bow contribute to an accurate and powerful shot. First, we have to recognize the different parts.

The riser is the part where the handle or grip is located or where one holds the bow and where the limbs are attached. In the simple bows and recurve bows, the riser and the limbs make one part. Risers in compound bows are made with either aluminum or titanium. Titanium is lighter yet stronger, but much more expensive.

The limbs are attached to the ends of the riser. These parts are bent back when pulling the string to load energy. Once the arrow is shot (line is released).the limbs spring back to normal positions. As the limbs are critical to the performance of the shot, it is often the most researched upon and improved. In recurve limbs, the limbs are slightly curved forward from the center to the ends, providing extra force to recurve bows. Split limbs are thinner, therefore leads to faster arrows due to faster movements of the limbs.

Cam wheels are the ones on which the cable travels as the bowstring is pulled or released. The shapes of these wheels depend on the manufacturer’s design. The shape may either be round or eccentric. Eccentric cams fans feel that they work better than round ones because of the additional force exerted on the bowstring upon release, since the string has to travel over more distance and thus must move faster. This leads to a faster and further shot. However, it may be said that the eccentric cams makes a shot potentially inaccurate. Still, more manufacturers use eccentric cams today.

The cable guard applies only on compound bows. This is a piece of steel with small rollers used to place the bow cables off the arrow shaft. Cable guards hinder shooting accuracy because it sets the cable off-center, thus making one side heavier. Some guards are located below the grip, others are above.

The arrow rest is a part of the riser that can be detachable, where the tip of the arrow is placed when drawing.

Arrow rests range from bent wire rest to fall-away models that drop down as the arrow traverses the bow riser after release. This leads to higher accuracy and faster shots since there is no resistance from the bow that can hinder the arrows as it begins its trajectory.

The bow sight serves as a scope, much like ones soldiers use on their rifles. It is a great aid in accuracy. Most hunters today uses either a pin sight or a electronic scope. Having a bow sight is entirely up to the individual. Perhaps a truly skilled hunter can do without any bow accessories and still leaves its prey no room for escape.