The Spigarelli BB is a Barebow riser featuring special slots for weights.
IN a world where precision tools and high-tech equipment dominate competitive sports, Barebow archery is a breath of fresh air – raw, simple and deeply connected to archery traditions.
This elegant, stripped-down discipline is gaining fans across the globe, captivating archers who seek pure skill over sophisticated machinery.
The roots of Barebow as a modern sport stretch back to the early 2010s, blossoming from a grassroots movement in Europe.
Back then, a few adventurous archers decided to compete with bows stripped of their sights, stabilisers and clickers – the accessories typically found on an Olympic Recurve setup.
Kelantan’s top Barebow archer Norishyam Ismail shooting with a Gillo GT 27 riser at an indoor Barebow tournament.
All they were allowed was a basic arrow rest and added weights on the riser, the heart of the bow.
At that time, no manufacturers made bows specifically for Barebow, but two pioneering Italian brands – Spigarelli and Gillo – rose to the occasion, crafting bespoke risers for this emerging community.
At the forefront was Sante Spigarelli, a revered Olympian, coach, and the driving force behind Spigarelli Archery.
His contribution to Barebow is legendary.
Models like the Spigarelli BB and the Model 650 became iconic across European tournaments, offering archers equipment tailored to their discipline.
The Spigarelli Revolution 25 features a futuristic skeletal design and specially engineered arrow rest.
Perhaps the most visually stunning creation is the Spigarelli Revolution 25 Barebow Riser. With its futuristic skeletal design and specially engineered arrow rest, the Revolution quickly turned heads wherever it appeared.
Thanks to its International Limb Fitting (ILF) system, archers could easily swap limbs to tailor their bow for greater speed or silky smooth draw cycles.
Meanwhile, another Italian name was making waves – Gillo Archery, founded by Vittorio Frangili.
His masterpiece, the Gillo GT, has become the choice for some of the world’s best Barebow shooters, such as Lina Bjorklund of Sweden and Italy’s Cinzia Noziglia.
Gillo’s team of sponsored athletes and their distinctive bows have become fixtures at elite competitions, cementing Italy’s dominance in the Barebow community.
Not all the magic comes from Italy.
The CD Archery WF25X is a heavy riser that shoots remarkably true right out of the box.
Across the English Channel, Mybo, a respected British brand, unveiled the Mykan – a Barebow riser that quickly achieved cult status among enthusiasts.
The Mykan’s allure lies not only in its superb craftsmanship but also in its air of exclusivity.
In South-East Asia, it has inspired a loyal club of owners who proudly list their bow serials like badges of honour.
Priced at about RM4,500 in Malaysia for the riser alone, the Mykan’s modular weight system allows archers to customise the balance to perfection.
In the United Kingdom, it holds national records, making it a true performance icon.
Sensing the growing excitement around Barebow, SF Archery of South Korea introduced an affordable contender – the Sebastian Flute Evo.
Designed with value and performance in mind, the Evo Barebow riser costs around RM1,500 and even includes options for integrated weights.
To promote the Evo, SF Archery has generously sponsored Malaysian Barebow archers, helping to grow the local scene.
Its reputation for reliability and accessibility makes it a favourite for newcomers eager to dive into the sport without breaking the bank.
From the United States comes perhaps the most radical Barebow design yet – the CD Archery WF25X.
Born from the minds of Calvin Smock and Dewayne Martin, this riser incorporates a unique “weight-forward” philosophy.
Unveiled at the prestigious Lancaster Archery Classics in Pennsylvania, the WF25X is a heavy riser that shoots remarkably true right out of the box, needing minimal adjustment.
Mybo’s Mykan riser holds national records in the United Kingdom, making it a true performance icon.
Few units have made it to South-East Asia, making it one of the region’s rarest treasures for Barebow aficionados.
Not to be left out, industry giant Hoyt Archery – known for its Olympic-winning recurve bows – has also stepped into the Barebow arena.
Their GMX-3 riser, based on their famed GMX platform, is specifically engineered to accept custom weights.
Hoyt’s inclusion of Barebow specialists into their pro staff team a few years ago signals the seriousness with which this American titan approaches the discipline.
The real turning point came in January 2020, when World Archery formally recognised Barebow as an official target sport discipline.
This recognition has opened the gates for innovation, inspiring established brands and ambitious newcomers to push the boundaries of design, performance and accessibility.
Today, whether you crave the handcrafted Italian elegance of a Spigarelli, the British cool of a Mybo Mykan, the cutting-edge boldness of a CD Archery WF25X or the accessible precision of an SF Evo, Barebow offers a bow – and a challenge - for everyone.
More than a sport, Barebow is a return to roots, celebrating raw talent, keen instincts and pure passion.
And judging by the vibrant communities growing across continents, its best days are still ahead.
