Editing Bow and arrow (section)

===By side profile===
{{main|Bow shape}}

* Straight bow: a bow approximately straight in side-view profile. These bows are referred to as straight, although there may be minor curves in the natural wood, and the bow may have a "set" or curvature that a wooden bow takes after use. 
* [[Recurve bow]]: a bow with the tips curving away from the archer. The curves straighten out as the bow is drawn and the return of the tip to its curved state after release of the arrow adds extra velocity to the arrow.<ref name=Paterson90>Paterson ''Encyclopaedia of Archery'' pp. 90–91</ref>
* [[Reflex bow]]: a bow whose entire limbs curve away from the archer when unstrung. The curves are opposite to the direction in which the bow flexes while drawn.<ref name=Paterson90/>