Flatbow
From Karate, Kungfu, Wrestling, Mixed Fighting Information Source
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The Flat Bow is a type of longbow that is typically shorter than a longbow and is without the “D” cross-section making a “flat” limb (except for the grip, of course). This bow is typically lighter and does not “kick” as much as a true longbow. This is a good alternative to the longbow and is pretty easy to shoot.
History
Characteristics
The Flatbow is a very stable, durable and convenient bow. The lanceolate limb profile and low arched or flat back and belly, give this bow an aesthetic appeal recognized by archers everywhere. It is beautiful to look at, to handle and to shoot. The greater efficiency of the rectangular cross-section is well documented in experiment, and proven in practice. Unlike the Longbow the bending stresses are distributed evenly across a wider area and there is less neutral, non-working wood, which reduces unnecessary mass. This results in a bow that efficiently stressed, more at ease with itself, and therefore longer lasting. It can also be made shorter and thus shoots faster for a given weight. The Flatbow is found all over the world and is one of the oldest designs in existence, with actual relics dating back some 9,000 years. Historically, because it is shorter, this type of bow was favored by hunters in wooded regions, by horse archers, and by warriors who used guerrilla tactics as opposed to soldiers who faced the enemy in exposed lines. The popularity of all wooden bows declined in the '50's and 60's, but it is significant to note that the flat limb was adopted by all manufacturers of fiberglas and laminated bows and even compounds. With the great revival of wooden bows in the 1990's, the Flatbow has finally received the recognition it deserves as a truly superior design.
