Best Recurve Bow | Top Reviews for Hunting and Target Shooting

best recurve bow

Welcome to the Best Recurve Bow Reviews for Hunting and Shooting.

Before getting excited about going the best recurve bow for hunting or target shooting, you have to find a recurve bow that not only performs in terms of reliability, accuracy, and durability but also meets your unique hunting or shooting requirements.

In this review guide, we will be taking a detailed look at the different buying considerations and specifications. We will also review several recurve bow models in detail and discuss their benefits and drawbacks.

Our Top Pick

We think the best recurve bow is Samick Sage. It’s great for archers of all skill levels, packs up and stores easily, and not as expensive of others in its class.

Here’s a quick run through of our other choices from the best recurve bow brands:

Review of the Best Recurve Bow Models

Buffalo Hunting Recurve Bow – Best Recurve Bow for the Money

This one from Buffalo is a viable option for archers who want a versatile bow at a reasonable price. This bow’s features allow for target shooting as well as hunting. These features include:

  • A draw weight of 30 to 65 pounds
  • A draw length of 29.5 inches to 31.5 inches
  • A riser that allows for both hand orientation
  • Red cobra snakeskin cover
  • Suitable for use with all arrow types

Buffalo Hunting Bow And Arrow Handmade Recurve Horsebow Longbow Brand New (40lbs)

The Buffalo Recurve Bow offers superior quality and is available at eight different draw weights that range from 30 pounds to 65 pounds. At the high end of the draw weight spectrum, the Buffalo is considered one of the best recurve bows for hunting whitetail deer and even bigger game like elk.

The lower draw weight options are ideal for competitive target shooting, especially since it offers exceptional balance, durability, and consistent accuracy. The bow’s riser is also suitable for use by both left-and right-handed archers.

The Buffalo is not a takedown recurve bow, however, and you have to select your bow at a fixed draw weight. However, there are several options available, and you can choose a draw weight that matches your current skill level.

Pros

  • High-quality recurve bow at an affordable price
  • Several draw weight and draw length options available
  • Compatible with all arrow types
  • Durable construction that offers a solid draw
  • Consistent accuracy

 Cons

  • Doesn’t come with assembly instructions
  • Doesn’t feature takedown limbs

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Bear Archery Super Kodiak – Best Recurve Bow for Hunting

Like all other products from Bear Archery, the Super Kodiak was designed and manufactured with hunting in mind. The Super Kodiak’s features include the following:

  • Draw weight range between 45 and 60 pounds
  • Weighs 3 pounds
  • Length of 60 inches
  • A shelf that covered in bear hair
  • Real leather side plates
  • Fitted with a Fast Flight bowstring

Bear Archery Super Kodiak 60 Recurve Bow Right Hand 40 lb Dymondwood Riser Maple and Fiberglass Limbs, Black/Brown Maple

The Super Kodiak from Bear Archery is a stable and balanced recurve bow designed for hunting. Even at the low end of the draw weight range, it is suitable for hunting small game. At a draw weight of 60 pounds, you will be able to shoot large game from as far as 40 yards.

The Super Kodiak is also one of the items in this list with superior quality. It has a hardwood construction that will last for years and a satin finish for added aesthetic appeal. Brown and black hard-rock maple compose the riser, and the limbs are clear maple with a high-strength black fiberglass finish. It is also one of the fastest recurve bows on the market.

It may not be suitable for beginner archers. The riser is quite large for the average hand and, at 3 pounds, it may be too heavy to carry around for an entire day.

Pros

  • Durable and balanced design for improved accuracy
  • Heavy draw weight selection for all bowhunting purposes
  • Aesthetic appeal
  • Suitable for use with high-penetration bolts

Cons

  • Relatively high price
  • Not suitable for beginners

If you want the best recurve bow for hunting, look no further than the Bear Archery Super Kodiak.

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Southwest Archery Spyder

The Spyder Takedown Recurve Bow from Southwest Archery is a viable option for entry-level and intermediate target shooters and hunters who require flexibility in terms of draw weight and length. The Spyder’s features include:

  • A variable draw weight between 20 and 60 pounds
  • A draw length of 28 inches
  • Available in left- and right handed
  • Compatible with Flemish and Fast Flight strings
  • Preinstalled threaded bushings

Southwest Archery Spyder Takedown Recurve Bow - Compact Fast Accurate 62" Hunting & Target Bow - Right & Left Hand - Draw Weights in 20-60 lbs - Beginner to Intermediate - USA Company Spyder-40R-WS

If you are looking to take up archery, the Spyder Takedown may be ideal for you with its wide draw weight selection, selection between left- and right-handed riser, and durable construction.

The bow’s draw length has a measurement of 28 inches. You can, however, pull it farther to increase the draw weight by 2.5 pounds for every additional inch. If your pull is less than 28 inches, your draw weight will decrease by 1.5 pounds per inch.

One drawback is that the quality of the included string is not on par with the bow itself. It is not one of the fastest recurve bow options. You can, however, attach a high-quality Flemish or Fast Flight string.

Pros

  • Versatile recurve bow that is suitable for hunting and target shooting
  • Wide draw weight range
  • Flexible draw length
  • Lightweight, yet durable construction
  • Reliable with consistent accuracy

Cons

  • Included bowstring quality can be improved

The Southwest Archery Spyder is a viable option for beginner archers who are looking for an affordable, high-quality recurve bow that doesn’t limit them in terms of draw weight and draw length.

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SAS Spirit

Archers who are strapped for cash should consider the Spirit from Southland Archery Supply. This budget recurve bow offers a wide selection of high-end benefits that makes it a suitable alternative, even if you don’t have a limited budget.

Southland Archery Supply Spirit 62" Take Down Recurve Bow (34 LB)

The Spirit’s features include the following:

  • A draw weight selection that ranges from 20 pounds to 34 pounds
  • A bow length of 66 inches
  • Fiberglass limbs that made of maple laminations
  • Available in both left-and right-hand

With its height of 66 inches, it has a draw length of around 28 inches and people with heights up to 6 feet can use it comfortably.

The Spirit features a durable and sturdy wooden riser fitted with a shelf and stabilizer. The draw weight range makes it suitable for adults over the age of 22 years, but since it is limited to 34 pounds, you can only use it for hunting small game at close ranges. In states with a hunting draw weight limit of 40 pounds, you will only be able to use the Spirit for target shooting.

The Spirit has a bowstring included, but you have to attach the string yourself with a bow stringer.

Pros

  • Low price tag
  • Durable riser construction
  • Strong fiberglass limbs
  • Draw length is suitable for tall people
  • Left- and right-hand models available

Cons

  • Draw weight is limited
  • Not suitable for hunting in some states

If you need quality at a budget, consider this durable takedown model from Southland Archery Supply with its beautiful design and strong fiberglass limbs.

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Bear Archery Grizzly

The Bear Archery Grizzly is a versatile recurve bow within the mid-range price category. It is suitable for target shooting and hunting and a favorite choice among competitive archers. This bow’s features include the following:

  • A draw weight range between 50 and 60 pounds
  • Length of 58 inches
  • Weighs 1.7 pounds
  • Laminated northern hardwood riser
  • Maple limbs
  • Available for right-handed archers

With its substantial draw weight range, the Grizzly is highly versatile and suitable for several applications, including big game hunting. The bow’s draw length also makes it ideal for use by people as tall as six feet or taller.

A stained gloss finish protects it against dents and moisture. Bear hair covers the shelf fitted to the riser for added stability. The Grizzly comes with high-quality Dacron Flemish string so you will not have to replace the string prematurely.

Since the draw weight range is 50 pounds at the low end, beginner archers with underdeveloped archery skills and strength may find it challenging to draw the Grizzly and shoot accurately. Also, the bow is only available to right-handed archers.

Pros

  • Powerful recurve bow with a durable construction
  • Heavy draw weight allows for big game hunting
  • Elegant design
  • High-end strings included
  • Reasonable price

Cons

  • Not suitable for beginners
  • Only right-hand models available

The Grizzly is ideal for big game hunters and professional archers who are looking for a good deal.

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SAS Explorer Metal Riser

The Explorer Metal Riser from Southland Archery Supply is a versatile hunting and target shooting bow that is suitable for use by beginners and children. The Metal Riser’s features include:

  • Takedown limbs
  • Draw weight range between 22 and 34 pounds
  • A bow length of 66 inches
  • Durable fiberglass limbs
  • Riser with a polished finish
  • Available for right-handed archers

Southland Archery Supply SAS Explorer Metal Riser Takedown Recurve Bow (Black Marble, 22 Lbs.)

The Metal Riser is a flexible, yet durable recurve that offers a lot of draw weight for a piece in this price range. It also comes with takedown limbs, allowing you to change the draw weight as you improve your archery skills and strength.

Because the Metal Riser has a lightweight and flexible design, it is suitable for children or beginner archers who want to hunt small game. Since it has a length of 66 inches, it is recommended for archers up to six feet in height.

With its draw weight limited to 34 pounds, the Metal Riser is not suitable for hunting game like whitetail deer. In some states, regulations prohibit hunting with bows that have draw weights less than 40 pounds.

Additionally, the Metal Riser is only available to right-handed archers.

Pros

  • Takedown limbs allow for changeable draw weight
  • Flexible, yet durable fiberglass limbs
  • Suitable for archers with heights up to six feet
  • Durable riser
  • Ideal for children and beginner archers

Cons

  • Draw weight may limit hunting applications
  • Only right-handed versions available

The SAS Explorer Metal Riser is a reliable entry-level alternative for backyard target shooting and small game hunting.

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Southwest Archery Tigershark

The Tigershark from Southwest Archery is widely regarded to be one of the best takedown bows available. It has a beautiful design and several features for enhanced versatility, including:

  • An adjustable draw weight between 25 and 60 pounds
  • Compatibility with various accessories
  • Durable construction that features four types of wood
  • Available to left- and right-handed archers
  • Compatible with Flemish and Fast Flight strings

Southwest Archery TigerShark Premium Takedown Recurve Bow USA |Limited TIME Sale| Available with Stringer Tool | Weights 29-60 lb | Left and Right Handed | Assembly Instructions Included LH 35 WS

A standout features of the Tigershark is its striking appearance. The four different wood types add to the visual appeal of the bow, as well as its durability.

Unlike many other recurve bows, the Tigershark is available in models for people who are left- and right-handed. It also has an easily-adjustable draw weight that ranges from 25 pounds to 60 pounds. As a result, it is incredibly versatile and is suitable for beginners who need a bow for target shooting as well as archers who hunt big game.

The Tigershark has some minor drawbacks. The quality of the bow stringer is subpar, and you may have to purchase a new one for heavy draw weights. It is also on the heavy side, which may make hiking long distances challenging.

Pros

  • Great value for money
  • Easily adjustable draw weight
  • Beautiful design
  • Select between left- and right-handed bow
  • Compatible with accessories like sights and shelf

Cons

  • Bowstring quality is lacking
  • Substantial weight

If you need an affordable, high-quality takedown bow, consider the Tigershark from Southwest Archery.

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PSE 10 Snake Recurve Bow

The PSE 10 Snake is another budget recurve bow with a lot to offer in terms of quality and performance. The Snake’s features include the following:

  • A riser that works for left- and right-handed archers
  • A simplistic design
  • A draw weight of 25 pounds
  • Tactical black color
  • Brace height of 8 ¾ inches

PSE 10 Snake Recurve Bow, 60-Inch, Black

The PSE 10 Snake is an entry-level recurve bow with a durable and sturdy design, but a low price tag. This bow has a draw weight of 25 pounds and is perfect for backyard target practice and children who want to try their hand at archery.

The riser has an ambidextrous design that is suitable for people of both hand orientations, and it is comfortable and allows for a firm grip. The design makes for a reliable weapon that offers consistent accuracy.

Since the Snake is an entry-level recurve bow, it only features one draw weight of 25 pounds. If you are a skilled bow hunter, you may be able to hunt small game like rabbits with this draw weight. If you are looking for a hunting bow, however, you may have to consider another item on this list.

Pros

  • Budget recurve bow
  • Durable construction
  • Suitable for beginners and children
  • Ambidextrous design

Cons

  • Only one draw weight of 25 pounds

If the price is your only buying consideration, the PSE 10 Snake will provide you with sufficient quality and reliability.

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Martin Archery Hunter

The Martin Archery Hunter is a recurve bow from a reputable manufacturer that is suitable for target shooting and hunting. The Martin Archery Hunter recurve bow’s features include:

  • A draw weight range between 35 and 65 pounds
  • A brace height selection between 6.75 inches and 7.75 inches
  • A weight of 2.3 pounds
  • Durable Shedua riser
  • Draw length up to 30 inches

Martin Archery Hunter Recurve Left Hand Bow, Shedua, 55

Martin Archery is one of the leading manufacturers of recurve bows – a fact that is clear when you consider this bow’s design, accuracy, and reliability.

The bow has a draw weight selection that ranges from 35 pounds to 65 pounds. At a draw weight of 35 pounds, the bow packs a punch as a target shooting bow. When you increase the draw weight 65 pounds, you have a formidable big game hunting bow.

The Martin Archery bow is also known for its arrow speed and accuracy over long distances. It is considered one of the fastest recurve bow options. It has a relatively high price, however, and may not offer the best value for money in this category.

Pros

  • Conventional, durable design
  • Draw weight range ads to the bow’s versatility
  • Suitable for target shooting and big game hunting
  • Delivers fast arrow speed

Cons

  • Not suitable for beginners
  • More expensive than other models in this performance category

The Martin Archery Bow provides old-school reliability and performance if you are willing to pay a premium.

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PSE Razorback Recurve Bow

The PSE Razorback is the ideal recurve bow for small-framed archers, and it has an affordable price. The PSE Razorback’s features include:

  • A maximum draw weight of 30 pounds
  • A shooting range of up to 30 yards
  • Compatible with several riser accessories
  • Berger button hole for a cushion plunger
  • Limbs attach to the riser with bolts

Precision Shooting Equip PSE Razorback Recurve Bow Right Hand, 20#

The PSE Razorback has a contemporary design to accommodate beginner archers and people who don’t have sufficient strength to draw bows with heavier draw weights.

The Razorback has a maximum draw weight of 30 pounds and is perfect for target shooting. In some states, this draw weight is also sufficient for hunting smaller game like birds and rabbits.

The bow’s riser is pre-drilled to accommodate several accessories, including a shelf, arrow stabilizers, and a sight. You can also attach a quiver to the bow.

Since it has a limited draw weight, it may not be ideal for experienced archers who need a more extended shooting range.

Pros

  • Affordable recurve bow
  • Modern design with durable limbs
  • Riser can be fitted with multiple accessories
  • Ideal for target shooting

Cons

  • Draw weight is limited to 30 pounds

The PSE Razorback is an affordable and reliable weapon for target shooting.

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Courage SAS 60” Recurve Bow

The SAS 60” hunting takedown recurve bow from Courage is a viable option for target shooters and hunters alike. This bow’s features include:

  • A draw weight selection that ranges from 45 pounds to 60 pounds
  • A hardwood riser
  • A bow length of 60 inches
  • Wooden limbs with fiberglass coating
  • Included bowstring and rug rest

SAS Courage 60" Takedown Recurve Archery Bow (50#, Right)

The SAS 60″ is a high-end bow that offers complete comfort, stability, and precision shooting. The material of the bow’s riser includes bintagor, makore, and chuglam hardwoods, and the and the limbs consist of maple and makore wood laminations.

It features a draw weight selection that ranges from 45 pounds to 60 pounds, making it suitable for several purposes: competitive archery, target shooting, small game hunting, and big game hunting.

The riser is comfortable and provides sufficient grip for a stable and smooth draw. The bow also offers consistent accuracy over long shooting ranges. You can pair this recurve bow with the best sight for the bow.

The SAS 60” is only available to right-handed archers, and since the draw weight range is 40 pounds at the lower end, beginners may have difficulty drawing the bow.

Pros

  • Stable, reliable, and accurate bow
  • Durable riser and limb construction
  • Versatile bow
  • Suitable for experienced archers

Cons

  • Not suitable for beginners
  • Only available to right-handed archers

The Courage SAS 60” is a high-end recurve bow with all the specifications for target shooting and hunting.

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Martin Saber Recurve Bow

The Martin Saber Recurve bow comes with a wide range of modern features to enhance your hunting or target shooting experience. The Martin Saber’s highlights include the following:

  • A lightweight riser
  • Vibration dampening technology
  • Weight of 3.4 pounds
  • A bow length of 64 inches
  • A draw weight range selection between 30 and 55 pounds
  • Takedown limbs

Martin Archery Saber TD Black 45# RH Recurve Bow

The Martin Saber is popular among bowhunters and target shooter, mainly because it incorporates several modern features that include a lightweight riser and vibration and noise technology.

This bow also has takedown limbs that allow you to increase the draw weight as your archery skills and strength improve. Its design allows for a smooth draw, and it is comfortable to hold, even at high draw weights. The Martin Saber also provides reliable and consistent accuracy, even in windy conditions.

Pros

  • Wide draw weight selection
  • Suitable for hunting and target shooting
  • Durable, but lightweight construction
  • Allows for a smooth draw and consistent accuracy

Cons

  • Rubber arrow rest quality can be improved
  • Relatively high price

The Martin Saber is a high-end recurve bow with several modern features to increase accuracy and comfort.

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Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow – Best Recurve Bow Overall

The Samick Sage offers everything you want in a recurve bow. Since the Samick Sage has takedown limbs, it is suitable for beginners, intermediate archers, and hunters who require draw weights of 40 pounds or more. Let’s take a look at its features:

  • Takedown limbs
  • Bow length of 62 inches
  • Hard maple limbs with black fiberglass
  • A recommended maximum draw length of 29 inches
  • Available to right- and left-handed archers
  • String and arrow rest included

Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow 35lb

The Samick Sage, with its affordable price tag, offers a lot of benefits and features. Included with it is a high-quality B-50 bowstring with an arrow rest to ensure a stable arrow release and to enhance the archer’s aim.

This bow is also a recurve takedown type, which means you can replace the limbs to increase draw weight as your archery skill and strength improve. As a result, you never have to replace the bow itself. This model is also available to left- and right handed archers. This is the best budget crossbow.

One drawback of the Samick Sage is that it tends to pick up dents and scratches easily, which can have an adverse effect in the bow’s appearance.

Pros

  • Takedown recurve bow and suitable for all draw weights
  • Available in both hand orientations
  • Offers a firm, comfortable grip for a secure draw
  • Excellent value for money
  • Suitable for archers of all experience levels

Cons

  • Susceptible to aesthetic nicks and dents

The Samick Sage is a high-quality bow at an affordable price.

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Buying Guide

Since recurve bows can be expensive, you want to take some time to learn more about this type of bow, its components, and considerations to keep in mind while shopping around.

In this buying guide, we will be taking an in-depth look at recurve bows and how you should go about finding your ideal product!

What is a Recurve Bow?

The word “recurve” refers to the type of bow. There are several types of bows that you can choose from, including good compound bow, reflex bows, traditional bows.

A recurve bow’s name comes from its shape, which consists of a center that curve towards the archer and limb ends that curve away. This shape provides it with added power, and lessen the strength requirement from the shooter.

People who are new to archery may prefer modern recurve bows because they are more powerful and accurate than traditional bows or longbows.

A takedown bow is a disassembled recurve bow. Takedown bows usually have fiberglass limbs, a wooden centerpiece, and a riser that made from aluminum, carbon, or alloy. The benefit of a takedown bow is that you can replace the limbs for an increased draw weight as your skill and strength improve.

 

The Purpose of the Recurve Bows

There are, in essence, two purposes for recurve bows, namely target shooting and hunting. Before you select a bow, consider your intended use and how it changes some of the specifics that you need in a bow.

Almost any recurve bow is sufficient if you need it purely for target shooting. However, if you need one that is comfortable for your body type, with adequate draw weight and range, you need to look at more specific settings.

Some people also use recurve bows for hunting. While recurve bows are not as typical in hunting as rifles or compound crossbows, you can use this type of bow for hunting whitetail deer or even larger game.

The first requirement is a heavy draw weight to ensure a humane kill. If you are new to bow hunting, you have to spend a lot of time perfecting archery skills like aiming and judging distance before developing strength.

Recurve Bow Measurements

Shopping around for a new recurve bow may seem like an overwhelming prospect, especially if you are new to the world of archery. The good news that there are only three measurements that you need to find the perfect bow for your body type.

The important measurements include:

  • Your draw length
  • Your bow length
  • Your draw weight

The sections below will provide you with a detailed description of the measurements and how you should use them to select a recurve bow.

Draw Length

The draw length refers to how far the archer pulls the bowstring back before shooting the arrow. Draw length measures the distance from the pivot point, which is the back of the bow handle, to the nock, which is the place on the bowstring where you place the back of the arrow.

Draw length is measured in inches when the archer is at full draw. There are two ways to measure draw length:

  1. The first is to stand with your back pressed firmly against a wall. Spread your arms out so that the back of your hands are flat against the wall and your arms form a 90-degree angle to your body. Measure the distance between the fingertips of each hand in inches. This measurement should be around the same as your height. Then, divide your answer by 2.5 to calculate your draw length.
  2. The second way to measure your draw length is to visit an archery store and have them measure your arms and the width of your torso professionally.

Draw length is an important measurement, as it affects the bow length you need as well. Don’t select a recurve bow if you didn’t calculate your draw length.

Bow Length

Bow length refers to the distance between the tips of the bow’s limbs. The bow length you need depends on your draw length. To find the ideal bow length, consult the chart below:

Draw Length14″ to 16″17″ to 20″20″ to 22″22″ to 24″24” to 26″26″ to 28″28″ to 30″31” +
Bow Length48”54”58”62”64” to 66”66” to 68”68” to 70”70” to 72”

The bow lengths listed in the chart above are general guidelines for people who want to use their bows for target practice. However, if you need it for hunting, select a bow length that is suitable for your draw length to optimize the energy that goes into your shots.

Draw Weight

Draw weight is a measurement of the force that the bow stores when it is at full draw. The heavier the draw weight, the harder it is to draw the bowstring. For example, a bow with a low draw weight of 10 pounds is more natural to draw than one with a heavy draw weight of 60 pounds.

Many sellers and manufacturers use a hashtag to indicate the draw eight measurements of a bow, so a 50# bow is a bow with 50 pounds of draw weight.

Like draw length, the draw weight is an important measurement. If the draw weight is too high, you will find it challenging to draw the bow. If the draw weight is too low, it may not be suitable for hunting, and you may not achieve the range you want when shooting at targets.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to determine draw weight as accurately as you can assess draw length. To find the best draw weight for you, you have to take your age and gender into account.

  • Young adults between the age of 18 and 21: Draw weight between 15 and 30 pounds
  • Women over the age of 22: Draw weight between 20 and 35 pounds
  • Men over the age of 22: Draw weight between 25 and 40 pounds

Experienced archers who developed their skills and strength over an extended period will be able to use a recurve bow with a draw weight of more than 40 pounds.

Many archery professionals recommend that beginner archers select a recurve bow with a draw weight at the lower end of the range. For example, if you are a 22-year old woman, select a draw weight of 22 pounds rather than 35 pounds. It will allow you to shoot more arrows during a practice session without straining your muscles.

Draw weight is an important measurement for bow hunters. Local hunting regulations in your state may have minimum draw weight requirements.

To achieve a humane whitetail deer kill, you need a draw weight of at least 40 pounds. To kill larger game like elk, you need a draw weight of at least 50 pounds. As a beginner archer, you may have to spend a lot of time practicing and developing your strength before you will be able to hunt successfully.

Bow Weight

The weight of your bow is a relatively insignificant buying consideration, but it may be worth taking into account if you are planning on carrying it long distances.

Recurve bows on the heavy end of the weight spectrum are light enough to pick up and use. However, if you are walking on rough terrain for miles, the weight can quickly drain your energy.

man drawing recurve bow

Recurve Bow Components

When researching recurve bows, you may stumble upon unfamiliar terms for recurve bow components. Below is a detailed discussion of the different parts and the minimum requirements they should meet.

Riser

The riser is the handle of the bow and, since it is molded to the archer’s hand, it is the component that determines whether the bow is left- or right-handed. A riser can also include a platform or shelf on which the arrow rests when you draw. When you shoot an arrow off this platform, it is called “shooting off the shelf.”

The riser can also be fitted with an elevated rest that is attached above the shelf. The high rest is a similar component to the shelf, but some believe that shooting from the elevated rest enhances accuracy.

A bow sight can be attached to the riser to indicate where the arrow will hit. Many archers attach a bow sight to their risers, but others prefer to rely on conventional aiming methods.

The riser is also the component of the recurve bow that houses the stabilizer. Competitive archers attach a stabilizer to prevent shaking and to improve aim.

Limbs

The limbs are the component of the bow that serve as attachment points for the bowstring and that provides energy to the arrow. Recurve bow have uniquely-shaped limbs that curve toward the shooter at the center and away from the shooter at the tips.

The advantage that recurve bows have over longbows, or traditional ones lies with the curvature of the limbs. Since the tips are curved forward, they transfer more energy to the arrow, resulting in more speed and a longer shooting range.

As a result, beginners and people with low upper body strength can achieve the force and arrow speed they need.

Takedown Limbs

Takedown limbs are common components of recurve bows. When you see the term “takedown limbs,” it means you can remove the limbs from the riser and replace them with limbs that offer a heavier draw weight.

The benefit of a takedown recurve bow is that it allows you to increase your bow’s draw weight as you develop your strength and archery skills. As a result, you can buy one bow and use it throughout your life as an archer.

For example, you can start with limbs that have a draw weight of 20 pounds. When you notice that drawing your bow is becoming too easy and you want to achieve higher arrow speeds and force, you can remove the 20-pound takedown limbs and replace them with 25-pound limbs.

Bow String

Most bows come with bow string included, and chances are you will never have to buy a new string for your bow. The bowstring can be made from many different materials, and the type you need depends on intended use, draw weight and the kind of bow you have.

The center of the bow that you draw back is the center string serving. This segment of the bowstring where you attach the arrow is called the nock. Many archers use a special metal nock that they attach to the center string serving, but you can also make your own nock with a thread.

Left-handed Bow vs. Right-Handed Bow

Recurve bows are not suitable for both right-and left-handed shooting like most firearms. If you are right-handed, you will hold the bow with your left hand and draw with your right hand. If you are left-handed, however, you hold the bow with your right hand and draw with your left.

If you select the wrong bow for your hand orientation, your hand will not fit comfortably around the riser, which may impair your ability to draw and aim.

Bow Arrow

Many beginner archers are so focused on selecting the right recurve bow that they forget about arrows. There are various types of arrows available with different tips, materials, weights, lengths, and nock types.

The type of bow arrow you need depends on your intended use. If you need arrows for hunting, you will need likely need carbon arrows with broadheads. For target shooting, you may prefer aluminum arrows with field target points.

If you are a beginner, you ideally want lightweight and small arrows. Hunting arrows, on the other hand, have to provide optimal penetration. Your bolts must also be long enough so that when you draw back too far, the arrow’s tip will not slide off the shelf.

Arrows are usually available in packs of ten or twelve. Purchasing batches is ideal since the bolts are manufactured in similar circumstances, which means fewer inconsistencies in their make-up and flight characteristics. If you are an experienced archer, purchasing arrows in batches are particularly crucial for practicing grouping.

Final Thoughts

When selecting a recurve bow, there are several features that you may want, including:

  • takedown limbs
  • a wide selection of draw weights for added versatility
  • consistent accuracy
  • durable construction

The Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow checks all these boxes. It is the best recurve bow! Additionally, this bow is suitable for left- and right-handed people. If you don’t need takedown limbs and want a bow that offers better value for money, consider the Buffalo Recurve Bow with its durable limbs and ambidextrous riser design.

The Buffalo Recurve Bow also has a draw length that is suitable for most heights, and it has a maximum draw weight of 65 pounds, which is heavy enough for all hunting purposes.

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