Which type of bow benefits most from using a cord bowstringer?

Using a cord bowstringer is particularly beneficial for laminated recurve bows due to the design and construction of these types of bows, which often feature a more complex limb profile and materials. The bowstringer helps in safely and effectively stringing and unstringing the bow, protecting the limbs from excessive stress and potential damage that can occur if the bow is strung by hand.

Laminated recurve bows typically have curved limbs that require a specific approach when being strung. The bowstringer's design allows for an even distribution of force along the limbs, minimizing the risk of limb twist or split that might arise from improper handling. This is essential as laminated recurve bows are often built with a variety of materials that can be sensitive to improper stresses.

While compound bows also require care during handling, they usually utilize a different mechanism for drawing the string due to their cam systems. Longbows, on the other hand, have a simpler design and can often be strung without the use of a bowstringer. Crossbows have an entirely different construction and operation that does not apply to the need for a traditional bowstringer.