Welcome to the Best Recurve Bow for Beginners review guide.
Starting with archery is an exciting prospect, especially if you in the process of buying a brand-new bow.
Recurve bows are popular among beginner archers. This type of bow is easy to use, affordable, and a lot of fun to shoot. There are many different ones to choose from, and it is not always clear when a model is suitable for beginners.
In this guide, we will be taking an in-depth look at the best recurve bow for beginners, their components, and what you should look for in an entry-level model. Keep reading to learn more.
Our Top Pick
Here it is, real quick: the Southwest Archery Spyder.
Review of the Top Products
Southwest Archery Spyder – Best Overall
The Southwest Archery Spyder is a beautiful bow and offers a wide draw weight selection. The Spyder is a popular option for beginners, and when you look at its features, it is clear why.
- Draw weight selection between 20 pounds and 60 pounds
- Lightweight design
- Available to left- and right-handed archers
- Pre-installed threaded bushings for accessory installation
- Takedown limbs
- Draw length of 28 inches
Several specifications make the Spyder a viable option for beginner archers. One standout feature is the wide draw weight selection that starts at 20 pounds. If you have a small frame or if you a younger person, you are not likely to have a problem with a draw weight of 20 or 25 pounds.
The bow also features takedown limbs which allows you to increase the draw weight as your archery skills improve. The fact that it’s light is another reason it’s so popular among beginner archers.
While the takedown limbs are a valuable feature, you need a tool to remove them. You will also need a bow stringer at higher draw weights.
Pros
- The design allows for a solid draw and consistent accuracy
- Comfortable grip
- Wide range of draw weights allows for versatility
- Takedown limbs for draw weight upgrade and secure storage
- Visually appealing finish
- Compatible with several accessories
Cons
- Requires bow stringer and tool to remove takedown limbs
The Southwest Archery Supply is elegant and durable and is easy to use for beginners.
Courage SAS 60” – The Best Value for Money
The SAS 60” from Courage is a beautiful recurve bow with wooden limbs and a fiberglass face. This one is ideal for beginners with its low cost and a wide selection of draw weights. The SAS 60” features include the following:
- A draw weight range from 35 pounds to 60 pounds
- Right-hand orientation
- A bow length of 60 inches
- Takedown limbs
- Wooden riser that is pre-drilled for accessories
The SAS 60” is the best takedown recurve bow with a draw weight selection that ranges from 35 pounds to 60 pounds. As a result, it is suitable for stronger beginners who need a bow for target shooting or hunting small game. This is the best crossbow for the money.
Because it has takedown limbs, you are not limited by the draw weight, and you can, over time, increase the draw weight by up to 60 pounds, which is sufficient for competitive archery or hunting big game.
The SAS 60” is only available to right-handed archers. If you are left-handed, consider another recurve bow like the Spyder from Southwest Archery. Another drawback is that the limbs are not reinforced to accommodate string upgrades.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Lightweight and easy to shoot
- Wide draw weight range
- Easy to assemble
- The wooden riser is compatible with accessories like a shelf
Cons
- Bow stringer required
- you cannot upgrade the bowstring
Toparchery 56” Takedown Recurve Bow
The 56” recurve bow from Toparchery is ideal for beginners who have some experience with archery and require a higher draw weight for target shooting or hunting. This model’s features include:
- A draw weight range selection between 30 pounds and 50 pounds
- An aluminum riser
- A bow length of 56 inches
- A maximum draw length of 30 inches
- Suitable for carbon arrows
- Designed for right-handed archers
- Fiberglass limbs with a maple core
The Toparchery bow is a takedown bow with a reasonable weight of 3.5 pounds and a well-balanced center of gravity to allow for easy use by beginners. The bow has a minimum draw weight option of 30 pounds, which is light enough for most adult beginners, but young people may find this too heavy.
The bow’s affordable price is another point of attraction to beginners, especially since the bow’s construction quality is on par with the higher-end items in this list. The fiberglass limbs with the maple core are hefty, and it has takedown limbs, which is a significant benefit.
This model is only available to right-handed archers, however, and the bowstring is not included with the purchase.
Pros
- High-quality limbs and riser construction
- Draw weight selection between 30 pounds and 60 pounds
- Affordable price
- Draw weight selection adds versatility
- Takedown limbs for easy storage and draw weight upgrade
Cons
- Only available to right-handed archers
This bow from Toparchery is durable, and it produces a consistent accuracy which may be valuable to beginner archers.
Samick Sage Bow
The Samick Sage bow is widely prevalent among beginner and intermediate archers as well as bowhunters and competitive archers. The reasons for its popularity become clear when you look at its features:
- A bow length of 62 inches
- Pre-installed bushings for various accessories
- Options for both hand orientations
- The recommended maximum draw length of 29 inches
- A wide draw weight range between 25 pounds and 60 pounds
The only reason why this can be considered the best beginner recurve bow is that it has a draw weight range that starts at 25 pounds. In terms of quality, bolt compatibility, accessory accommodation, and noise control, the Samick Sage is a unit for the advanced target shooter and bow hunter.
The Samick Sage has a draw weight selection that goes as high as 60 pounds, which is suitable for hunting big game like elk. For the beginner archer with a generous budget, this bow is an appropriate option as you can keep using it as your archery skills improve.
One drawback of the Samick Sage is that you will have to upgrade the bowstring as your archery skills improve. If you want to use this recurve bow as a hunting bow, you may also have to invest in a string silencer.
Pros
- Wide draw weight selection
- Tool-free takedown limbs
- Reinforced limbs
- Suitable for beginners who want room for growth
Cons
- May need a string upgrade
SAS Spirit 62”
One standout feature of the SAS Spirit is its white limbs and appealing design. Before you select this on looks alone, however, take a look at some of its primary features:
- Draw weight range between 22 pounds and 34 pounds
- Available to both hand orientations
- Bow length of 62 inches
- Hard maple limbs with fiberglass
- Takedown limbs
The low, yet wide draw weight range between 22 pounds and 34 pounds is what classifies this model as a beginner recurve bow. While you will not be able to hunt with the Spirit, you will be able to use it effectively for target shooting.
The bow is available to left- and right handed archers, and it is fitted with takedown limbs to make storage and draw weight upgrades easier. Pair this recurve crossbow with a stabilized boardhead for the crossbow.
The Spirit’s draw length makes it particularly suitable for children. The riser also has several attachment points for accessories like a sight or a stabilizer.
Since this is an entry-level recurve bow, it has some minor drawbacks. You can expect to outgrow it quickly, and it doesn’t deliver consistent accuracy.
Pros
- Affordable takedown bow
- Suitable for children
- Low maintenance requirements
- Easy to use
- Several accessory attachment points
Cons
- Not suitable for hunting
- Not the most accurate bow
- Limited draw weight range
Despite being an entry-level bow, the Spirit has a high-quality construction and provides a stable draw. If you need the best beginner recurve bow for your kid, this one may be a viable option.
Buying Guide
Before purchasing a recurve bow, it can be helpful to consider factors including:
- what a recurve bow is
- buying considerations you should take into account
- different recurve bow components
Recurve Bows
As a beginner, you may have heard that you should start developing your archery skills with a recurve bow. Because recurve bows typically have a simplistic design and a wide range of draw weights, they are the easiest to use.
A recurve bow is one type of bow. Other examples include compound bows, traditional bows, and longbows.
A recurve bow derives its name from its shape. In the center, it curves towards the shooter, and at the tip of the limbs, curves away from the shooter.
There are two types of recurve bows; namely, one-piece recurve bows that consist of a single piece of material, and takedown recurve bows comprised of three parts: a riser, and two limbs.
Draw Weight
Draw weight is measured in pounds and refers to the force you have to apply to draw a bowstring back and shoot an arrow. The heavier a bow’s draw weight, the more energy is transferred to the arrow, and the more powerful the shot.
Draw weight is also a crucial consideration as it determines the use of your bow. For bow hunting, you generally need a minimum draw weight of 40 pounds. Also, not all beginners have the skills and strength to use a bow with a high draw weight of 50 or 60 pounds.
As a beginner, select a lower draw weight of 20 or 30 pounds. As your archery skills improve, you can increase the draw weight.
Draw Length
Draw length is a measurement that you need to determine the most appropriate bow length. To find your draw length, stand upright, and stretch your arms out until they are parallel to the ground. Then, measure the distance between your fingertips and divide the answer by 2.5.
Bow Weight
Bow weight is the weight of the bow itself and is an essential consideration for beginners. When you position yourself, draw the bowstring back, and aim at your target, you have to hold the bow for a long time. If it is too heavy, it can affect your archery technique and accuracy.
Most beginners can comfortably hold and carry a bow that weighs less than 3.5 pounds.
Hand Orientation
If you are right-handed, you hold the bow with your right hand and draw with your left. If you are left-handed, you hold the bow with your right hand and draw with your left.
When shopping for a recurve bow, remember to consider your hand orientation. Most are available as left- and right-handed models and some have risers with ambidextrous designs to accommodate both left- and right-handed archers.
However, some bows are only suitable to either left- or right handed archers. If you are left-handed, for example, you will not be able to use a bow that has a right-hand design.
Recurve Bow Components
When researching the best beginner recurve bows, you will stumble upon terms that may sound unfamiliar. Despite their simplistic design, recurve bows consist of several components. Below, we will discuss the most common parts of a recurve bow.
Riser
A riser is the center part of the bow that you hold when drawing. Risers can be made of metal or wood. Recurve bows with wooden risers are generally more affordable, and they tend to be more visually appealing.
The riser is a component where you attach most additional accessories, for example, a stabilizer, quiver, or a bow fishing reel. You can also attach a sight to the riser to enhance your aim. Some risers will be fitted with an arrow rest to help you achieve a stable draw and release.
The design of the riser is what determines the hand orientation. Some risers have grooves that take the form of a left or right hand. If you grip these risers with the wrong hand, it can be uncomfortable.
Bowstring
Bowstring quality is crucial if you are a competitive archer or hunter. However, if you are a beginner, the string included with your bow will likely be sufficient for your needs. As your skills improve and you reach an intermediate level, you can consider replacing your existing bowstring for a high-quality one.
Takedown Limbs
A takedown bow is the recommended recurve bow type for beginners. The limbs determine the draw weight, so if you have a bow with removable limbs, you can increase the draw weight without replacing your bow.
For example, if you are a beginner archer, you may prefer an instrument with a relatively low draw weight of 25 pounds. As you develop your skills and strength, you may want to start hunting or partake in competitive archery. With a takedown bow, you can remove the limbs and replace them with new limbs to increase the bow’s draw weight to 40 pounds.
A takedown model is also advantageous for storage and transportation as you can remove the bows and place them next to each other.
Budget
Beginner archers typically don’t know how much they should spend on a new recurve bow. As a beginner, you may not know essential factors, including:
- if the sport is for you
- how long you will be using it before you will want an upgrade
- how long an affordable bow will last without sustaining damage
As a general rule, stick to models at the lower end of the price range. Fortunately, there are many high-quality units available in the affordable price range. Additionally, if you select a takedown bow, you are not limited in terms of draw range.
Focusing on quality and durable construction instead of extras like stabilizers or professional-grade bowstring can help you find a long-lasting bow without breaking the bank. You can always add expensive accessories as your archery skills improve. The items in our product review list are all durable models.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to the best recurve bow for beginners, we recommend the Southwest Archery Spyder with its wide draw weight selection, lightweight, yet durable design, and takedown limbs. As a beginner, you are highly unlikely to outgrow this bow.
The Southwest Archery Spyder is not only versatile but is also easy to use and provides consistent accuracy and a comfortable grip. If you want value for money, however, consider the Courage SAS 60″ that also features a wide draw weight selection, lightweight design, and takedown limbs.
If you need a bow for an absolute beginner or backyard target shooting but don’t want to spend a lot of money, consider the SAS Spirit 62”.
