Originally posted by Pat B: First off it is not the bow that is static. That would be a walking stick. d;^) On a static recurve the recurves remain static(stiff) as the bow is drawn acting like levers similar to the levers on an Asiatic Horn Bow. On a working recurve the recurves open up as the bow is drawn lengthening the working portion of the limb. Many straight limbed bows also have static tips(usually the last 6" to 8") but it is not as noticeable as with recurves.