What feature differentiates a recurve bow from other types?

A recurve bow is uniquely distinguished by its limbs that curve away from the archer when unstrung and then sweep back towards the archer when drawn. This design allows for a more compact bow that can generate higher arrow speeds compared to straight-limbed traditional bows, such as longbows.

The design not only enhances the performance of the bow but also provides greater power and accuracy. By having the limbs in this particular configuration, a recurve bow utilizes a greater amount of the archer's draw length compared to other types of bows, allowing for more energy to be stored and transferred to the arrow upon release. This results in a more efficient energy use when shooting.

In contrast, features such as "let-off points" are generally associated with compound bows, which utilize a system of pulleys and cables to reduce the effort needed to hold the string at full draw, while weight and energy storage capacities vary among different bow types irrespective of their classification as recurve or others. The recurve's design is integral to its classification and use.