Reflex bow

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A reflex bow is a bow often made entirely of wood that has curved or curled arms that turn away from the archer. When strung and subsequently fired the curves assist in creating a greater force with which to fire an arrow at a faster speed without adding significantly to the drawing weight, size or the physical mass of the bow. When unstrung, the entire length of the bow curves forward from the belly (away from the archer), resembling a reversed "C", which differentiates a reflex bow from a recurve bow.

This type of bow was used extensively by nomadic tribes of Asia (most notably the Mongols, Turks) and Magyars during their early history (before 1000 AD).