Best Recurve Bows – 2021 Buyer’s Guide

Hunters want the best product before they go out in the open to hunt with their friends or competitors. Recurve bows took the market by storm when they were first introduced. These longbows store more energy and hence hit the target with a greater force.

There are so many different brands and models in the market that buyers have a hard time picking up one product. The whole process can be daunting if you don't know where to look for your favorite model. But that is where we come in.

This article is written for the most enthusiastic hunters looking to up their game. It includes a list of the top products in the market. All of these units have been compared against their pros and cons to help you choose better. A well-researched buying guide is also included to aid you in the process.

Comparison of the Best Recurve Bows

What is a Recurve Bow? 

You may have heard about compound bows and crossbows, but recurve bows are slightly less popular. This isn’t because they lack efficiency, but the reason often comes as a surprise to users. These are relatively expensive and are used by the most serious of hunters.

In essence, a recurve bow has limbs that curve away from the archer when it is unstrung. It also stores comparatively more energy and hence delivers more energy when you shoot. All this means that you will get a more energetic and fast arrow when you pull the trigger.

The draw length of such a bow is also more important because unlike traditional longbows, you cannot draw very far with a recurve unit. You will have to decide how far you have to go to shoot the arrow with power.

Is a Recurve Bow Hard to Learn? 

The art of archery, on the whole, requires time and effort, especially if you are serious about learning. It can take you days or even weeks to learn to master the art. For some people, it takes months or even years. It all depends on how much effort you place in your passion. The same principle applies to recurve bows too.

Since these are differently shaped than normal bows, users might feel a bit overwhelmed when using them for the first time. But once you get the hold of them and learn about their accessories, it doesn’t seem very hard. The design is comparatively simpler, and you don’t have to spend too much time maintaining or cleaning the unit.

So whether you are a beginner or a pro, learning to shoot with a recurve bow will be both fun and challenging. In the end, it will all be worth it.

How to Choose a Recurve Bow 

If you enter the market without any prior knowledge about these bows, you will be bombarded with false information. You will also feel overwhelmed because of the cheap marketing standards. But give this section a quick read to know the best way to choose your next bow. Here is what you need to look for.

Purpose of Purchase

Whether you are replacing your old model or investing in a completely new one, it is important to know the purpose behind the purchase. If you are a beginner and want to learn, then a simplistic model with a great safety mechanism would be the best. 

However, if you are a pro, you should look out for more challenging units that offer greater durability. You should also choose one that ensures greater customization.

Draw Weight 

It is important to figure out the suitable draw weight while you are choosing your bow. This refers to the amount of force you need to draw the bow fully and correctly. You will have to consider your age, height, and body weight for this.

Beginners need to start with a lower draw weight of 10 to 15 pounds because they will initially lack the strength to apply greater force. Pro hunters can also choose to draw weights between 50 and 60 pounds. 

Weight and Accessories

Since you will have to carry the entire unit for great amounts of time, you must consider the unit's weight and the accessories it needs. Most good products will weigh less than four pounds and have a compact shape.

Moreover, an ideal model is one that comes with all the aftermarket accessories needed for assembly. As for length, anything between 30 and 50 inches would do.

Key Terms to Know 

To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean:

• Draw Weight: This is the amount of force necessary to draw a bow and is measured in pounds.
   
• Draw Length/Max Draw Length: This represents the distance from the nocking point on the string at full draw to the deepest part of the grip (called the throat) + 1.75 inches. Max draw length is the maximum distance a bowstring can be pulled back.
  
  
• Bow Weight and Length: The weight and length of the bow.
   
• Brace Height: The distance between the grip and the string when loose. 
   
• Hand Orientation: Indicates the dominant hand that should be used.

Review of the Best Recurve Bows

We have discussed too many technicalities regarding recurve bows above, but that was just the tip of the iceberg. It is now time to discuss the actual products. We’ve chosen and reviewed only the best of the best. You should compare them against their features to see which one suits you more.

What Are the Components of a Recurve Bow?

Recurve bows aren’t as complicated as compound bows, but they aren’t very simple either. They include many components that require an introduction. You should know about all these parts if you are looking to invest in a recurve bow. Here are the main ones:

Riser

The riser is also called a handle and is the most important component of a bow. It is also the central part that is placed between the limbs and allows for the attachments of all other components. It is normally made of aluminum.

Risers Handle

This is the part that you hold while shooting. It is designed to provide great comfort and convenience to the user. The grip is also easily replaceable.

Limbs

These form a major section of the bow and are normally made of wood or fiberglass. These planks are attached to the riser and store and release kinetic energy. This energy then helps propel the arrow in the air.

Sight

Also referred to as optics of a bow, the sight is integral in providing you with a clear view of the field. It is attached to the riser and can be adjusted to provide consistency and accuracy.

Stabilizer

As the name suggests, this is added to the unit to absorb any vibrations and reduce the sound produced when you shoot. It also helps keep your hand steady when you draw at a greater length.

V-Bar

This is part of the stabilizer that is attached to the rod and aids the stabilizer in its function.

Clicker

The clicker is added to assist in producing a reliable and safe draw length. It also ensures that the user applies the same force repeatedly. Together, this ensures you achieve consistency in your shots.

Why is a Recurve Bow Better? 

Whenever you are confused between different types of the same weapon, a good way to escape the dilemma is to draw comparisons. But doing that can be stressful, so we did it for you. Here is why a recurve bow is better than all other types in the market:

Recurve vs. Compound Bow

Compound bows tend to be fast and powerful. But they are mostly suitable for larger animals like a deer or elk. They also tend to be more expensive. It is very difficult to shoot from a distance with these, and that is why recurve bows take the lead.

They are available in many different sizes and most allow for longer draws. They are also more accurate when it comes to long-range shootings.

Recurve Bow vs. Longbow

Longbows are one of the oldest types of models that exist in the market, but they are losing popularity because of being too old fashioned. They tend to be really long and hence difficult to carry around and handle. The cross-section tends to be deeper and thicker than a recurve bow. This adds extra weight to the longbow.

A recurve bow, on the other hand, is easy to handle and carry around. Its relatively low weight also makes it easy to store and maintain.

Composite Bow vs. Recurve

Composite bows, as the name suggests, is made up of more than one material. Usually, brands incorporate many different materials to create a singular composite bow. This increases the diversity as well as the cost. Meanwhile, recurve bows tend to be cheaper and more effective for target shooting.

They also tend to be more suited for beginners and amateurs who have no previous experience with hunting. Moreover, you will get more reliability with recurve models.

Reflex Bow vs. Recurve Bow

Reflex and deflex bows are often considered as a subtype of longbows. They are easier to shoot, and their longer lengths allow you to cover a greater area. But they are also relatively heavy and hence lack portability. Their design is also a bit complex, which means that you will need more time to master archery with reflex bows.

A recurve bow takes the lead here because, unlike a reflex bow, it doesn’t require the entire length of the bow to curve forward from the belly. Only the outer limbs turn away from the archer, which provides greater comfort.

Crossbow vs. Recurve Bow

Crossbows are one of the most popular types of bows in the market, but that doesn’t make them the best. They tend to be universal and allow for faster speeds. The actual limit often exceeds 350 FPS, but this high speed comes at a cost. Crossbows often tend to be less accurate than recurve bows.

On the other hand, recurve units are much simpler and easier to handle. They are also easy enough to release and nock. Although they need additional power to get the shot off, they still tend to be more accurate than crossbows.

How to Shoot a Recurve Bow 

As mentioned earlier, it is not very hard to shoot with a recurve bow. The unit's shape may be different, but the process has many similarities with how a traditional bow is shot. Here are the exact steps you need to follow to do this successfully.

1. The first step is to decide the purpose of your bow. You can use it for hunting or target shooting. The difference would appear in the draw weight. It will require greater draw weight for hunting.
   
   
2. Then choose a suitable draw weight that correlates with how hard you have to pull each time. A beginner should start with 10 to 20 pounds, and an adult should start at 50 to 60 pounds.
   
   
3. If you lack practice, then you shouldn’t shoot with a bow that is harder to pull. This will put unnecessary strain on your back.
4. The bow length should be such that when placed on the ground, it sits with the top limb between your forehead and nose.
   
   
5. Then hold your arrow in your preferred hand and place it on the arrow rest. You can also position the arrow with the index fletching.
   
   
6. Now push the nock of the arrow in the bowstrings between your fingers. Make sure you don’t wrap the finger around the arrow shaft.
   
   
7. Hooking the bowstring is the next step, which requires you to use three fingers. You should avoid gripping the string with your fist.
   
   
8. Then grip the bow from the handle tightly. The main idea is to push the bow in place so that it doesn’t move or get displaced from its position.
   
   
9. Next, you have to properly rotate your elbow. It should point away from you, and your forearm should be clear of the string.
   
   
10. The last step is to release the arrow by moving your hand slightly back until the bowstring slips from your fingers. Make sure this release is smooth but slow.

This is just a general summary. For a more detailed guide, refer to the video below.

How to String a Recurve Bow 

This is as important as learning to shoot with a recurve bow. Many other types don’t require this step, so you might have to read it carefully to understand better. We have also added a video at the end to help you get more clarity. So let’s get started.

1. The first step is to always get your bow ready. Recurve units come with a small ridge that is often referred to as the groove. If you have a three-piece unit, install the limbs by following the manufacturer's instructions.
   
   
2. Then put the stringer on to the bow. First, slide the saddle on the top limb so that the large pocket fits over the lower limb. Always start with the upper limb first.
   
   
3. Place the stringer saddle end over the lower limb. It should be just behind the string loop. The saddle end is also flat and open and lies straight on the limb.
   
   
4. Next, place your pound end over the bottom limb’s tip carefully. Make sure the two parts are properly secured. The pound end is also enclosed so it can hold the tip.
   
   
5. Next, string the bow by standing on the stringer. Make sure your feet are at least shoulder-width apart.
   
   
6. Then pull the bow towards your body and slide the loose loop up until it fits the notch that is near the top of the bow. Both of these things need to be done simultaneously to achieve success.
   
   
7. Now, hold the bow by its handles and pull it straight up so that the limbs are fully flexed. Your stringer will support the bow’s draw weight now.
   
   
8. Next, slide the top string’s loops into the tip of the limb’s grooves. This may seem a bit difficult at first, but with practice, you will be able to achieve success in no time.
   
   
9. Once you are done with stringing, inspect the whole string to ensure everything is attached, and there are no loose ends.
   
   
10. You may also remove the stringer once you are done with the inspection.

For a more detailed overview of the process, check out the video below.

Conclusion 

If you want to achieve good results on your hunts, you may use any traditional bow, but if you are looking for perfection, then a recurve bow should be your only option. 

All the models reviewed above provide exemplary features; the only difference is between their prices, brands, and purpose. All you have to do is compare the pros and cons of all these products and match them with your criteria. This will help you choose the most suitable product for your hunts.

But remember, archery is supposed to be fun. Any product that makes you feel otherwise is not the one for you.

People Also Ask

People love recurve bows, and their great speeds are not the only reason. They are extremely efficient and reliable. However, given the variety available in the market, people might end up being confused. Therefore, we’ve answered some frequently asked questions below:

How to Size a Recurve Bow

Sizing a bow accurately is the first and most important step to achieving success. You want a bow that is at least twice as long as your draw length. This means that if your draw length is 30, then you need a bow that is at least 60 inches long or more. Longer bows also tend to provide greater accuracy.

What Kind of Arrows Does a Recurve Bow Use?

There are many different kinds of arrows that a recurve bow uses. The most common ones are carbon arrows that work the best, especially for target shooting activities. They also tend to be more accurate and durable. On the other hand, fiberglass arrows are also used, but they tend to be more expensive.

How to Clean and Maintain a Recurve Bow

Maintaining your bow properly will help you achieve greater consistency in your shots. You can use any mild abrasive product to clean the exterior. You can also dust off the dirt using a clean or slightly damp cloth.

How Long of a Recurve Bow Should I Get?

Longer recurve bows tend to be expensive, but they also tend to be more durable and comfortable. As a rule, the length of your bow needs to be twice that of your draw length. If you are a beginner and have a draw length of 20 inches only, then your bow needs to be 40 inches or more.

Who Invented the Recurve Bow?

These bows have existed for quite some time now and were first introduced by the Mongolians. These people used bows on horsebacks and for military purposes. The design and the shape have undergone a major transformation since the introduction of the first units.