Archery term
Riser
What does Riser mean?
The riser is the rigid central section of a bow that the archer grips and to which the limbs, rest, sight, and other accessories attach. On takedown recurve bows the riser is a separate machined or molded component, commonly made of aluminum or carbon, that bolts to the limbs.
Primary source for this term: World Archery Press Sheet 11: The Archery Glossary (2016)
Why it matters
The riser is the structural foundation of the bow and the mounting platform for nearly every accessory, so its design, weight, and geometry strongly affect balance, stability, and how the bow shoots. On takedown recurves the riser is also the part archers upgrade or change to adjust feel and fit while keeping the same limbs.
What to check
- Check riser length, grip, mass, and the limb attachment standard.
- Confirm limb compatibility with the riser maker before ordering.
- A similar limb fitting is not proof of compatibility.
Useful next steps
