Reflex bow
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A reflex bow is a bow 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. This bow form puts the bow under severe strain, and the materials and workmanship must be high quality. 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 Central Asia (notably the Parthians, Mongols and Turks) and Magyars until the introduction of firearms.
There is an interesting section in Homer's Odyssey when the suitors attempt to string Odysseus' bow and are unable to do so, whereas Odysseus is able to string it without standing up. A reflex bow is almost impossible to string unless you know the technique and is easiest to string from a sitting position. This passage has been suggested as evidence that reflex bows were just beginning to spread into the Aegean area at the time of writing.
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[edit] See also
Other bow forms:
[edit] References
- (1992) The Traditional Bowyers Bible Volume 1. The Lyons Press. ISBN 1-58574-085-3.
- (1992) The Traditional Bowyers Bible Volume 2. The Lyons Press. ISBN 1-58574-086-1.
- (1994) The Traditional Bowyers Bible Volume 3. The Lyons Press. ISBN 1-58574-087-X.
