Recurve bows have recently made a big comeback as a popular weapon for hunting, target shooting, and even some competitive archery. With all of the options on the market, finding the best recurve bow to suit your individual needs can be a time-consuming process. This guide will break down the many differing bow options on the market, outline which bows are designed for which purposes, and review the most important considerations when purchasing a bow.
The #1 Recommended Recurve Bow
The SAS Spyder is one of the most popular bows on the market and for good reasons. It has a number of different sizes (some with stringing tools) and of course, left or right handed options. There are a couple of different installations on the handle where you can attach reels, sights, or stabilizers. This makes the Spyder one of the more versatile bows on the market at 28” draw length.
Best Takedown Recurve Bow
The Samick Sage is a wide and powerful 62″ bow that is a perfect weapon for all ages. Samwick has it rated as a beginner to intermediate level of difficulty. It is constructed of are hard maple wood with black fiberglass above and below the handles. Samwick gives you a number of options to choose from right or left handed and eight different draw weights ranging from 25-65lbs. Many users have complimented the Sage’s power in the smaller draw weights, mainly the 25-35lb weight.
Best Recurve Bow for Hunting
The SAS Spirit is a 66” take down bow with a handful of different sizes for your convenience. Hunters of all experience levels will find the Spirit a worthwhile tool. Regardless of the size you get, it’s still moderately priced at just over $100. As usual, you can purchase a left or right-handed version. The handle is made of a couple different types of wood- chuglam, gmelina arborea, and beech, which are some of the finest bow materials around.
Most Powerful Recurve Bow
The SAS Courage is a 60” bow that isn’t too heavy on cost but is still a high-quality weapon. The wood is made of Bintangor, Makore and Chuglam materials, which are common in SAS products. Many customers have remarked on the Courage’s all-around prowess-perfect for target shooting and hunting. There are a couple of draw weights available and the 45lb version seems to be a popular seller. Compared to other takedown and recurve bows, the Courage is remarkably easy to construct and use. It doesn’t have any hardpoints for attachments, leaving it a simple rest and pull bow.
Best Recurve Bow for Beginners
If you are new to archery and want to get a taste before investing hundreds of dollars into the sport, the Bear Firebird Youth Recurve Bow is priced at an affordable $47.00. The bow has limbs made of composite material and is compatible with both left hand and right-hand dominant shooters. The bow measures 60 inches and has a draw length of 22 to 28 inches. The draw weight of the Bear Firebird is 30 to 35 pounds, meaning its a better bow for learning to shoot, rather than hunting. This bow is ideal for people ages 12 and older. Another plus for beginners, the Bear Firebird Youth Recurve Bow is covered by a warranty that addresses any issues with the limbs during the first five years of ownership.
Best Youth Recurve Bow
The SinoArt Takedown bow utilizes the same wood and fiberglass materials as most adult and advanced bows do. This takedown bow’s handle comes with built-in sight and arrow resting mounting holes so you can make your own additions if necessary. In addition to the bow, you also get an arm guard and arrow rest with your purchase. Keep in mind that this particular model is a right-handed version. It comes in either a 48” or 54” string version and between 12-22 lbs draw weights.
Best Recurve Bow for the Money
The Bear Archery Super Kodiak Recurve is a mid-level bow with an exceptional design. This bow has been the favorite of many archers due to its durability and accuracy. The bow has a 60-inch length, a leather side plate, bear hair mat, and an arrow shelf cut on center. The structure of the bow is rich and deep brown hardwood laminates. For under $550, you definitely get your money’s worth with the Bear Super Kodiak.
Best Recurve Bow Under $300
The Ragim Archery Black Bear is a higher-end one-piece bow that sports a 58” string. There are multiple points along the handle where you can attach stabilizers and sights among other attachments. The riser is constructed out of Padouk Wood, a material not commonly found on more well-known brands. There are other versions of the 58” Black Bear including 40 and 50 lb draw weights. This particular model is a 45 lbs draw weight.
Best Recurve Bow Under $200
Mandarin Duck isn’t as well known of a brand, but the Black Hunter 60” is high-quality professional bow equipped to make the toughest shots with pinpoint accuracy. This 60” model comes with a couple of different draw weights between 30-60 lbs, perfect for the serious marksman or hunter.
Best Recurve Bow for Target Shooting
The Martin Saber by Martin archery is a powerful bow, with this particular model holds a 29 lbs drawing weight. A notable feature of the Saber is that it is equipped with VEM (Vibration Escape Modules) that reduce noise and make the firing of the arrow smoother. In target shooting-focus and concentration are everything, and the Saber really strives to make the entire process as streamlined as possible. Since these bows are pretty popular, the stock and inventory can shift around a bit. You can also check out the 35 lb draw weight Saber. So far, Martin Archery has separate listings for its individual bows.
Best Recurve Bow Brands
PSE
When compared to the other companies in the archery industry (such as Martin, Hoyt, and Bear), PSE is newest to the scene, with its beginnings in 1970. Former Magnavox Corporate engineer Pete Shepley offered his ideas to other, already established companies, but when they didn’t bite, he decided to pursue his passion for archery full-time and started up his own company. Shepley began making release aides, arrow vanes, and compound bows, and in the early 1980s, the company moved to Arizona. Today the company’s home office, factory, and facilities span an entire city block. The company has more than 20 patents for archery products and bow design. PSE was one of the first businesses to machine accessories and bow risers from solid aluminum materials, and the company has developed an innovative, four stage creation process for making ultra-light bows.
Martin
Martin Archery has been in the industry since 1951 when the company was first established. The company has existed as an American icon for nearly 65 years, which makes it even harder to believe that following Martin’s death in 2013, the company faced difficulties and near extinction. An executive, Rich Weatherford, saw promise in Martin Archery and thought the business would be a good investment to turn a profit and create American jobs. In October of 2013, both Weatherford and Diversis Capital partnered up in a joint venture to buy Martin Archery a mere three days before the company was to be put on the auction block. Weatherford seeks to revive the ideals of the founder of the company, Gail Martin.
The new owner seeks to integrate the best technology for manufacturing compound bows. Three new product lines have been added to the company since 2014 including accessories, compounds, and takedowns. In fact, in 2014, Weatherford ensured the revamping of the entire Martin product line. As of 2015, the company entered the market with 14 brand new compound bows, a revamped takedown bow product line, and bows that have been added for both target archery as well as bow fishing lines. The brand new compound bows are sporting high-end, durable upper and lower limbs. Clearly, Weatherford has put a breath of life back into the company as he pursues business success backed by dedication, passion, and hard work.
Hoyt
Hoyt is a company that sells compounds, recurves, and archery accessories. The company has been in the archery industry even longer than Martin Archery, preceding the launch of Martin by two decades. Hoyt was officially established in 1921. Today, Hoyt has 14 compound bow models available, including Carbon Spyder ZT, Tribute, Faktor, Ignite, Nitrum, Ruckus and Ruckus Jr, Pro Comp Elite FX, Freestyle, and Charger. Additional compound options include the Pro Edge Elite, Podium X Elite, and Pro Comp, and Elite FX. In terms of recurve bows for target archery, Hoyt has the Formula Series Limbs and Risers and the Grand Prix Series Limbs and Risers. Additional recurves made available by Hoyt include the Gamemaster II, Tiburon, Buffalo, and Dorado. The recurves come with natural or camo finishes.
Bear
Fred Bear is the founder of Bear Archery. After seeing a documentary on bow hunting, Bear became interested in archery and crafting his own arrows, bows, and strings, and he mastered the art through the teaching of Art Young. In the early 1930s, Bear was making equipment for himself as well as his friends, and within six years he had dedicated all of his attention to the creation of Bear Archery. By the late 1940s, Bear Archery moved to Michigan. The founder of the company passed in 1988, but his dedication and commitment to crafting high-quality equipment remain alive and well in the heritage of Bear Archery.
The Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve bow is for a right-hand dominant individual. The price of the bow is right around $400.00. The Bear Grizzly Recurve bow comes with limbs made of a clear Maple core surrounded by fiberglass material. The structure of the Grizzly bow has remained unchanged since 1964. The bow features a Dacron Flemish string and is crowned. The bow is fitted with a cut on center arrow shelf featuring a Bear Hair Rest and a leather side plate. At the very end, I must mention that you can order and pay for all the above-mentioned bows online, preferably using video id verification systems such as Fully-Verified, just to make sure your transaction and your data are secure.
How to Buy the Best Recurve Bow for Your Individual Needs
There are many different factors to consider when buying a bow, and all of the options listed above may have added to the confusion. If that is the case, continue reading this guide on how to buy the perfect bow to fit your needs.
What is a Recurve Bow?
The recurve bow is a weapon that can be traced back to 2000 B.C.E. in Asia. The bow is crafted from multiple pieces in order to achieve the curved shape. Early recurve bows featured limbs that were thin and wide. When the bowstring was removed on earlier bows, the bow limbs jutted forward from the bow’s grip. The recurve bow differs from the longbow in that the bowstring connects with the bow’s structure. The string on the recurve bow has a few inches of contact with the end of each bow limb, whereas the string on a longbow connects at two distinct points. When using a recurve bow you will find the limbs are forced vertically which speeds up the rate at which the arrow travels while simultaneously minimizing the shock to the hand holding the bow. To learn more about the history of the recurve bow and how they work, check out this Wikipedia entry.
Bow Performance
Getting the perfect recurve bow for your needs requires that you determine the bow’s performance level. The formula for determining bow performance is the combination of assessing how a bow shoots, how it feels when used by the archer, the accuracy of the shot, and the level of smoothness the archer experiences when making the draw. The same formula also requires the assessment of grip comfort, the amount of hand shock the bow produces after an arrow is released, the quality of the bow’s structure, the materials the bow is made of (hinting at its durability), transport conveniences, and the speed of the arrows used.
One way to get a good idea about what bow might serve you well is to talk to other archers. Other people familiar with archery can make recommendations pertaining to the bows and brands they have used in the past specifically for target practice or hunting. Dealers in sporting goods stores or archery shops are also useful for recommendations. You should consider taking a close look at reviews online, especially those written by users of the product in question. Check out customer feedback to see what features bows have to offer, which are favored, and which ones users say you can do without. Of course, the specific features of your bow will be based on your particular user interests and your current archery skill level.
Recurve Bow Structure
The term “recurve” describes the framework of a bow. When you look at a recurve bow the equipment’s structure features a riser in the middle and two limbs extending from the riser. The bow is made of carbon, fiberglass, or wood. Each limb has an end portion that curves out and slightly back, resulting in a recurve. The framework was originally designed in ancient Egypt. The benefit of this design is that the bow can store up a greater amount of energy and can also deliver that energy with greater precision and effectiveness than a straight limb bow counterpart.
You will see the recurve bow is used heavily in the Olympic competitions, and the bow I personally prefer for hunting and field practice. In the past, horsemen used recurve bows as a form of protection. If you are a neophyte archer, you might opt for using a bare bow recurve fitted with a single bowstring and a rest for your arrow. Archers with a greater amount of skill might choose a recurve bow with all the bells and whistles including clickers, stabilizers, sights, and pressure buttons.
Recurve Bow Variants
Recurve bows are available in three types: Basic, Takedown, and Composite. If you invest in a Basic Recurve Bow, which is the least expensive option, the bow is made of opposing grains put together with glue or wood laminates. This process allows for the bow maker to get the right curve in the bow’s structure. The Takedown Bow is one that can be taken apart for ease of transport from one place to another. There are different methods for the breakdown of a Takedown Bow, including the Fred Bear Takedown option or the pocket and locking system method. Finally, a Composite Recurve Bow is the oldest type of bow, which were made from materials like laminated sinew, wood, and horn. Many hunters like recurve bows because they are lightweight, easy to use, and shorter and faster than other options. Before investing in any of the recurve variants, however, it’s important to determine your correct draw weight.
Deciding What Recurve Bow Works for You
Before you make that important bow investment, make sure you cover all your bases. There are certain things to watch out for when buying a recurve bow and there are definitely some coveted features to keep in mind when purchasing a bow. Here are a few things to consider while you are looking to buy the best recurve bow on the market.
The Reputation of the Manufacturer
Have you looked into the bow manufacturer and how long the company has been in business? What kind of bows does the company make? Are there any available user reviews that can tell you something about the quality of the bow you want to purchase? The top-notch companies working in the archery industry take pride in their work and make bows out of quality, lasting materials. It is in your best interest to invest in a recurve bow made of exceptional materials and preferably one that comes with a product warranty. In contrast, some manufacturers are not as reputable and may produce a bow of substandard quality. Potential issues to keep in mind include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Inflexible bow limbs — The limbs on a recurve bow need to have the right level of flexibility in order for the bow to work correctly.
- Poor quality bowstring — The bowstring needs to be of the highest quality which also means you will need to wax the string occasionally to ensure the bowstring’s integrity.
- Uncomfortable poorly made bow risers — The riser of the bow is the portion in the mild of the upper and lower limb. As the grip area, it should be comfortable.
- A bow that cannot adapt to changes in the atmosphere — This can lead to potential damage to the structure of the recurve bow in the future.
Bow Weight
Bow weight and draw weight are two entirely different things. When considering bow weight a lighter recurve bow will serve you well. If the bow is light it is easier to tote around and will allow more shooting time without exhausting yourself physically. Of course, with practice, you will be able to extend the amount of time you use the recurve bow with each session. Experts recommend a recurve bow less than three pounds in overall weight if you plan to use the bow for actual hunting. If the bow is for a female or youth, weighing closer to two pounds is ideal. However, if you are just using the bow for a bit of target practice, the weight of the bow should not be a profound concern.
Draw Weight
Getting a recurve bow with the appropriate draw weight is crucial for your shot to be accurate. The draw weight is the amount of force put on the bowstring to make a desired shot. For the purpose of hunting live prey, a bow with a minimum draw weight of 40 to 45 pounds is required. If there is a draw weight less than 40 pounds and you attempt to cover an length of greater than 15 yards, it is more likely to miss a lot of shots during the hunt. This is due to the arrow not having enough force to penetrate the prey. The draw weight will determine the amount of force an arrow uses to penetrate your target. If your main concern is target practice, draw weight is not as critical as when hunting live game. Having a correct draw weight on your recurve bow will ultimately allow you to make an ethical kill as it contributes to the consistency of your shot.
You need to determine your draw weight based on your own gender and body weight. If you are new to using a recurve bow, go for the lighter draw weight that is ideal for your body type so you have an opportunity to get used to drawing back and using a bow. After spending time with the recurve bow, drawing back the bowstring should become more familiar. As your strength improves, upgrade to a bow with a higher draw weight. At this time, you can begin to base your draw weight on comfort level. Below are the draw weights recommended for beginner youths, women, and men:
- For small children who weigh anywhere between 70 and 100 pounds, the recommended beginner recurve bow weight is between 10 and 15 pounds.
- For older children who weigh anywhere between 100 and 130 pounds, the recommended beginner recurve bow weight is between 15 and 25 pounds.
- For females who weigh anywhere between 100 and 160 pounds, the recommended beginner recurve bow weight is between 25 and 35 pounds.
- For small-framed males who weigh anywhere between 120 and 150 pounds, the recommended beginner recurve bow weight is between 30 and 45 pounds.
- For other males who weigh 160 or greater, the recommended recurve bow weight is between 40 and 55 pounds.
Recurve Bow Length
When making a recurve bow investment you must consider bow length. To be able to make long shots, a longer recurve bow is necessary. Take for example the longbow when it was used in medieval England — the bow was often a bit taller than the shooter and the greater size of the bow allowed it to cover a distance of some 200 yards. A recurve bow that is 60 inches or greater in length is within the realm of being a “long bow.” To test the length, hold the recurve bow out in front of you as if you were releasing an arrow. The bottom limb should not come in contact with the ground. A bow 10 inches longer than your height is sufficient. Alternatively, you can use a formula of doubling your draw length for determining bow length, thus, if you have a draw length that equals 30 inches, you will need a bow length of 60 inches.
Quality of the Bow Riser
When buying a recurve bow, look for one with an ergonomically styled grip for maximum comfort during use. A good grip helps to minimize bow vibration following arrow release. It is good for the riser to have brass bushings so it can add important accessories to your bow as well, such as a bow sight and a stabilizer. The riser will be crafted out of aluminum or hardwood. Either way it needs to be light, but durable.
Quality of the Bow Limbs
Typically, a recurve bow’s limbs are made of fiberglass material. The fiberglass will make the upper and lower limb less prone to breakage over the course of time. The exterior of the limbs might be camo dipped for additional color, or the limbs might be a solid color like black. There are even some bows featuring a pink camo exterior for women.
Special Options
Some recurve bows come with special features. Take for example the takedown recurve, where you can remove both limbs from their connection with the bow’s riser by unscrewing the screws that connect the parts. Essentially, the takedown bow is all about convenience and ease of transport, and it is in no way a necessity. The benefit of a takedown bow is that if something breaks you can replace a part instead of the entire bow.
Some new bow buyers wonder if they should invest in a left handed or right handed bow. The selection should be based on your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, you will buy a bow to hold in your left hand, and if you are left handed, you will buy a bow to hold in the right hand. If you are ambidextrous it does not matter, as long as you are comfortable holding the bow. Essentially, bow orientation focuses on what hand you use to draw back the bowstring, not hold the bow itself.
Accessories
There are a number of accessories you can use with recurve bows, all of which help to have an improved experience during target practice or hunting. Some of the primary accessories to consider include stringers to help get the bowstring on the bow more easily, and a bow holder to ensure the safekeeping of your recurve bow when it is not in use. An armguard can prevent potential injury in the event the bowstring accidentally strikes your arm. The arm guard is actually a sheath that you place on your bow arm. It is sometimes identified as a bracer. A recurve sight helps to see the target with greater clarity and from a distance. An arrow rest is an accessory that attaches flush to the bow’s riser and holds the arrow in position until you release the bowstring.
Conclusion
Clearly, when it comes to recurve bows, there is a vast array of models to choose from, which means it is important to have a good sense of what you are looking for before you shop. It is a good idea to sit down and note the different features you are looking for in a recurve bow. Make sure you know the draw weight, length, and whether or not you want a takedown structure. Also, consider how you plan to use the bow. To begin, check out models from any of the leading manufacturers mentioned in this guide.