Which type of bow has limbs that curve away from the bow's belly?

A recurve bow features limbs that curve away from the bow's belly, which contributes to its design and performance characteristics. This unique limb shape allows for a more efficient transfer of energy into the arrow, resulting in higher arrow speeds and reduced hand shock upon release. The design also enables the recurve bow to store more energy compared to a straight-limbed bow, enhancing its power and accuracy.

Other types of bows, such as compound bows, longbows, and crossbows, have different designs that do not include limbs curving in this manner. Compound bows use a system of pulleys and cams to increase efficiency, which is not related to the curvature of the limbs. Longbows have straight limbs that typically extend in a single plane, while crossbows feature a horizontal limb configuration designed for a different shooting style. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why the recurve bow is specifically identified by its unique limb curvature.