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Glossary
Archery terms, explained
Short, plain definitions of the words you'll see on product pages and spec sheets. Each one links to a guide when there's more to know.
B
- Brace height
- The distance from the bow grip to the string at rest.
- Broadhead
- A bladed hunting point, fixed or mechanical. Read the guide →
D
- Draw length
- How far the string is pulled back at full draw, measured in inches. Read the guide →
- Draw weight
- The force needed to pull a bow to full draw, in pounds. Read the guide →
G
- GPI
- Grains per inch: the weight of an arrow shaft. Read the guide →
I
- IBO speed
- A standardized arrow speed rating for compound bows under set test conditions.
L
- Let-off
- The reduction in holding weight at full draw on a compound bow, as a percentage. Read the guide →
R
- Release aid
- A mechanical trigger device used to release the string on compound bows. Read the guide →
S
- Spine
- How much an arrow shaft bends; it must match draw weight, arrow length and point weight. Read the guide →