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.

It’s no surprise that archers are calling the Martin Archery Hunter Recurve among the top bows for sale. The bow has been in production now for well over five decades, and it is time-honored as a classic bow, especially considering its tremendous success in terms of sales. Both the neophyte and the experienced archer can appreciate the power and ease of handling that comes with the use of the Martin Archery Hunter Recurve bow. It’s a bow that delivers in terms of speed and performance.

This bow is ideal for the archer with a draw that’s a bit longer than average in terms of length. The Martin Archery Hunter is a bow that measures 62 inches, and it performs ideally for those with a draw length of about half its length at 30 inches. Since this bow is made longer it offers up greater accuracy, stability, speed, and ease of control. The bow is sold with a stringer, Flemish bowstring, and the classic rest. The Hunter Recurve is a little bit on the pricey side, especially with a starting price between $599.00 and $619.00; but, is it worthy of an investment? The latter question can be addressed with a resounding “Yes!”

Design

The Martin Archery Hunter is a visually attractive looking bow with its riser woods crafted out of a hard maple wood that outlines Shedua and a Bubinga broad beam running through the riser’s center. Shedua is a tree from the Fabaceae family and is native to regions in the Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon. Overlays made of black fiberglass and Bubinga wood is used for the tips of the bow’s limbs; it’s visually attractive as well, as the heartwood is heavy, hard, and it is also known as African rosewood. The bow’s limbs are crafted out of black fiberglass and laminated with Eastern Hard Maple.

The Martin Archery Hunter Recurve is sold with a draw weight between 35, 45, 50, 55, 60, and 65-pound draw weights. The bow’s brace height measures 6 3/4 inches to 7 3/4 inches, and the Hunter Recurve features a mass weight of 2 pounds, 3 ounces. The Archery Manufacturer’s Organization’s (AMO) length for this bow is 62 inches. The manufacturer really sticks to the tried and true as this bow’s design has undergone very little reconfiguration since its initial release in the early 1960s.

Each bow is handcrafted using metal templates to draw out the bow shape on wood. The manufacturer then sands down the entire bow body to give it an ultra-smooth, flawless finish. The unique woods perfectly complement one another, and the handcrafted structure is durable so the archer is promised a long lasting model.

Assembly, Accuracy, & Power

The Martin Hunter Recurve features a design that’s intentionally symmetrical. Putting the bow together once you get it is simple. The bow has to be strung, and you have to connect the arrow plate to the body of the bow. It takes about a quarter of an hour total to assemble the unit. The bow comes with an easy to follow user’s manual.

Whether you are using field points and doing a bit of target practice or you are out in the woods hunting live small or larger game, the Hunter Recurve will prove powerful. Ultimately, you’ll find this bow will easily meet your high-performance demands since it features enough raw power to ensure a straight flight path and ease of kill.

The bow has a solid, smooth grip and the draw is evenly distributed. The string that comes with the bow is the perfect length and thickness: An arrow nocks nicely when attached to the string on a Martin Recurve.

The accuracy of the bow will definitely  impress. At a distance of about 40 yards, the grouping the archer gets is about five inches. The arrow flies with a straight path and achieves a speed of 175 fps. From a distance of 50 yards, the archer can still expect significant penetration of the selected target.

Conclusion

The Martin Hunter recurve serves the neophyte hunter who demands the best introductory recurve bow on the market to date. This bow will remain a great selection, even when the newer archer transitions to an intermediate archer and an eventually advanced bow user. Thus, in the long run, an initial investment into the Martin Hunter Recurve Bow can save the archer a considerable amount of money in terms of equipment investment. The Hunter Recurve certainly delivers in terms of being a bow serving up the best long-term value. If the archer is one making the transition from a crossbow to a recurve, the Hunter will not disappoint and will give the crossbow user a bit of the flavor of classic archery.

The Martin Jaguar Takedown Bow is a decent bow in terms of its initial investment; an archer can anticipate a price tag being between $194.00 and $262.00, depending on where the bow is purchased. The Jaguar is a bow available with a black or camouflage dipped exterior. The model is sold with a 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55-pound draw. This takedown bow features a hearty riser, an ultra smooth draw, and the shot is as powerful as it is impressive. The bow comes equipped with a slew of coveted features, making this a fantastic entry level bow or one for the avid archer to add to his or her existing collection of archery weapons.

Design

The Jaguar Takedown features a 7-inch brace height and a mass weight of 2.7 pounds. Its AMO length is equal to 60 inches, and the bow is right hand oriented only. For any archer looking to get a taste of what it is like to partake of traditional bow and arrow use, the Jaguar is a fantastic choice. The bow has limbs made of laminated wood and glass, and serves of plenty of power when the arrow flies! For ease of transporting the unit from one location to another, the manufacturer has made it possible for you to remove the limbs from the bow’s riser. This removable function also allows for the simplicity of equipment storage.

The Martin Jaguar comes with a user’s manual. The bow comes equipped with a riser made of aluminum and magnesium mix, which lends to the lighter weight of the bow. The riser is compatible with any arrow quiver, stabilizer, or arrow rest. This bow is fitted with a solid limb alignment system. The manufacturer has designed the bow with convenience, performance, durability, and ease of handling in mind. Since the bow is light, it’s great for hunting excursions, and since the bow if fitted with a hand-warming thermal grip, you’ll maintain your handle of the bow, all while protecting your hand from the elements.

Assembly, Power, and Accuracy

The assembly of the bow is easy enough to ensure it is ready for use in about 15 minutes from the time you pull all the parts from the box. The parts included are minimal: You get a riser, two identical takedown limbs, an arrow rest, and the hardware needed to put the bow together. To attach each limb you will use a limb bolt, aluminum limb bolt bezel, composite limb bolt washer and a barrel nut. Once the limbs are attached, you can move to the step of attaching the arrow rest to the riser, and then you can string the bow. You will need to take care in not over tightening components so you can prevent unintentional damage to your equipment. Disassembling is equally easy.

The Martin Jaguar Takedown Recurve Bow is perfect for use with field points or real points. This bow best suits the neophyte and intermediate archer seeking a reasonably priced bow that delivers in terms of power and accuracy. Some professional archers will also appreciate the bow if looking for a light, but powerful bow for target practice or hunting excursions. The design of the bow ensures a comfortable grip. The only down side associated with the Martin Jaguar is that the plastic arrow rest is not as durable as it should be, and it may require replacement for a nominal fee in the future. Nevertheless, considering the cost for an arrow rest run around $10.00 and the Jaguar has the features of some upper-end bows, this issue should really have little to no effect on an archer’s decision to make the initial investment.

Visually, the Jaguar Takedown Recurve Bow is inspiring: It is immediately clear that the manufacturer takes a lot of pride in the design and perfection of the Jaguar line. This recurve bow makes for an outstanding option for the new archer looking to get his or her feet wet, and its ease of use will serve as encouragement for those considering long-term participating in the popular sport.

The neophyte archer will appreciate the smooth draw and accuracy the Martin Jaguar Takedown Recurve Bow delivers. The adept archer is likely to be equally surprised, especially when finding the Jaguar has a similar feel and the accuracy of far more expensive, upper end bows. Groupings remain tight and accurate whether you are 20 to 40 yards out from your selected target. The bows with 40 to 45-pound draws are perfect for hunting game, with the 45-pound draw bow more suitable for deer hunting and the 45-pound draw bow better for hunting bears.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the Martin Jaguar Takedown Recurve Bow is well-designed, simple to care for, and it delivers an exceptional performance with every use. Living up to the name of “Jaguar” this coveted bow is fast, powerful, and dangerous. A suitable bow for archers of all experience levels, the Jaguar is a highly coveted as well as recommended bow. When using it on the field or for hunting live prey, an archer can feel confident that he or she is using a bow that is dependable, accurate, and powerful!

The PSE Blackhawk Recurve Bow is part of the manufacturer’s Heritage Series, and when it comes to single piece bows ideal for entry level archers, the PSE Blackhawk is considered among the best. The Blackhawk Recurve is built with durability in mind, and the archer will be pleased with the power, speed, and shot accuracy one can achieve by using the bow. In terms of use, archers who enjoy target shooting can definitely benefit from an investment in the Blackhawk Recurve, but the bow is also perfect for the archer looking to hunt game. The price point of the Blackhawk is clearly reasonable at around $249.00; thus, the archer gets a high quality, well-crafted, impressive bow at a lower end price.

This bow is made with considerable care and with consideration to, not just the accuracy and power behind the bow, but the grip, feel, and look of it. The bow’s woodwork is truly breathtaking and flawlessly presented with an ultra smooth surface. The bow is fitted with a crowned shelf as well. The Blackhawk Recurve is a bow perfect for classic archery excursions absent of all the modern technologies, bells, and whistles.

Design

The Blackhawk Recurve Bow is available in several different draw weights from 35 to 50 pounds in increments of five. The bow is not designed for ambidextrous usage, so one of the buying considerations is the dominant hand of the archer. The AMO length of the bowstring is 56 inches, a 60 inch end-to-end measurement, reinforced limb tips, a high quality Dracon String, a mid wrist grip, and a fixed limb system. The active limbs on the bow minimize shock, vibration, and helps in making gripping and handling the bow more manageable.

The brace height of the Blackhawk is 7 to 7 1/2-inches. The bow’s riser is made of walnut and maple woods. The limbs of the bow are fiberglass covered. The PSE Blackhawk Recurve Bow is a bit different from other types of bows in the fact that the riser and limbs are all one piece and are, therefore, inseparable:  The archer cannot take down the bow for transport or storage. In all, the bow is quite light as it weighs all of 3.1 pounds.

The archer benefits greatly from an initial investment in the PSE Blackhawk Recurve Bow. The accuracy of the bow and the vibration-free, quiet operation makes it so the Blackhawk will suit the avid or professional archer. Even better, either as the individual gains greater experience, the ease of use, decent price, and ample power, makes it a bow that can transition with the neophyte archer or it can serve as an introduction to other types of archery as well. The only thing archer’s may not care for is the fact that this recurve bow is all one unit: It is not like a takedown bow where the limbs can be removed for ease of transport.

Assembly, Power, & Accuracy

If you were to ask 20 archers what bow they recommend for an archer to start out with, 75 percent of the group would tell you to choose the PSE Blackhawk Recurve. You are going to want to make an investment in a quality stringer so you can string the bow quickly and without damaging your equipment or running the risk of self-injury. You will have to assemble the arrow rest and put the string on when you first get the bow. The PSE Blackhawk comes with a highly durable Dracon string, as this is custom with the older recurve bows. With no separation between the riser and limbs, there is no need to connect the bow’s body, and there is no unnecessary fussing with details.

It is as if the single bow unit allows the vibration and energy present during the arrow’s release to evenly distribute throughout the unit. The end result is an ultra smooth, exceptionally easy draw, and an absence of vibration during your shot. You will be able to maintain tight groupings at 10, 20, 30, and even 40 yards or more from your target. The Blackhawk serves up enough power to use on the shooting range or out in the wild at your favorite hunting spot.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the PSE Blackhawk Recurve Bow is an affordable archery solution for a beginner seeking a powerful, accurate, easy to use bow. For the experienced bow user who wants to partake of classic archery opportunities, the Blackhawk is highly recommended: The simplicity of design, lack of vibration, and sheer power the bow delivers makes the Blackhawk a decent buy for neophytes and adepts alike.

The PSE Coyote Recurve Bow makes classic archery inviting, and in fact, can serve as appropriate equipment for traditional archery as well as a door opener to other forms of archery. The decent price point that comes with the PSE Coyote helps to make the bow far more desirable as it is typically priced around $267.00. The classic structure of these recurve bow might have the user expecting a bit less than what the PSE Coyote actually delivers in the way of accuracy, speed, and power. The bow does not feature an ambidextrous grip, so getting the right bow is based on the dominant hand of the archer.

Design

The exterior of the recurve bow is camo-colored. The bow has a draw weight of 44, 45, 50, or 55 pounds. The bow’s structures are a takedown design so the limbs readily disconnect from the riser: The benefit of the ability to take down the bow is to ensure ease of transportation as well as storage. The aluminum riser of the bow is manufactured with absolute precision in mind. The grip on the bow is made from plastic, but it still gives the bow user a tremendous amount of comfort when the bow is in use. The cutaway riser has holes drilled into it so you can add a stabilizer, mounting for your sighting, and a rest. From end to end, the bow measures 60 inches. Both the upper and lower limbs are made of a hard wood.

The PSE Coyote Recurve Bow comes fitted with a 60-inch Dacron bowstring: measured from end-to-end. The bow’s brace height is between 5.5 inches and 6.25 inches. You are certainly granted ease of transport with a bow weighing all of three pounds. The riser is made of machined aluminum, and it is aligned with perfection. This bow’s take down structure is one of its main perks, lending to increased portability. The archer can anticipate a dependable performance whenever using the PSE Coyote Recurve.

The outside color of the bow is called Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity, and it allows the user the opportunity to blend in with the natural surroundings during a hunt. It is important to note that the earliest versions of the PSE Coyote had some issues with the design of the limbs: This issue should in no way overshadow the consideration of the PSE Coyote Recurve Bow today as such issues have been remedied.

Assembly, Power, & Accuracy

With the PSE Coyote Recurve Bow the archer ends up with a fairly powerful and accurate offering. The bow is easy to grip and therefore stable when in use; the greater stability lends to accurate shots and more consistent groupings. This bow has a brace height that is fairly short at 28 inches, but it does allow for greater power behind the shot. Neophytes may find the brace height factor one that calls for more practice to ensure shot consistency. In fact, those who are new to archery may find alternative bows a bit easier to manage.

The PSE Coyote Recurve Bow is most impressive with its accuracy: The archer can rest assured in knowing there will be an accurate shot at 20, 30, 40, and even 50 yards. Since the bow features a lower brace height there’s a greater degree of power behind the arrow once it is released. The same is true whether you by a 50 pound draw bow or one with a 45 pound draw. The bow is powerful enough for hunting deer and elk with ease.

The amount of power you get out of the PSE Coyote will vary, and is dependent on the draw length – if it is long, the bow gives you more power. If the draw poundage is higher, the bow is that much more powerful. Finally, the heavier the arrows are, the more powerful the bow offers.

Conclusion

The PSE Coyote Recurve Bow is one that promises exceptional value for the initial investment. The shooting accuracy, super comfortable and easy grip, and the ultra smooth draw are just some of the features making the PSE Coyote a worthy investment. The Coyote is not a bow that proves the best for neophyte archers just starting out in the sport, simply because the bow requires a greater degree of skill to ensure shot consistency over the course of use. Prior limb issues identified in prior incarnations of the Coyote Recurve Bow no longer exist: Today’s PSE Coyote is durable, has strong limbs, and a durable bowstring.

The Martin XR Recurve Bow Kit 135 is an exceptional value featuring a price tag around $115.00. The kit is a wonderful option for the beginner archer looking for a bow to train with and it comes with starter targets. This bow is perfect for the left or right handed novice, and with its ultra-affordable price tag, it is a kit that is a great offering for anyone looking to get a young person into the sport of archery. Later, if the young archer continues with training he or she an upgrade to a more powerful bow model. Essentially, the Martin XR Recurve Bow Kit gives the youngster a taste of what Martin Archery has to offer in the way of equipment while the archer gets a taste of archery as a sport.

Design

The Martin XR Recurve bow is equipped with a full sight window. The bow also comes with a fitted elevated rest: This well lend a bit of accuracy to the neophyte’s shot. The bow is sold with a bowstring and the model is ideal for target shooting only. It comes with a very light draw weight of roughly 10 to 20 pounds thereby making the bow easy to handle for the smaller archer. This bow has features where it can be broken down for ease of transport and storage. The bow is crafted of graphite composite materials. It hosts guide inserts made of aluminum oxide, and double footed guide frames crafted out of stainless steel. The hooded reel seats are also made up of the same quality stainless steel.

The bow measures 46 inches in length. It weighs about 4 pounds so it is a bit on the heavy side when it comes to recurve bows. The XR Recurve easily switches from left handed to right handed orientations. When an archer purchases the kit it comes with a practice target, a safety armguard to protect the user when the arrow flies from string snapback; a Belt Quiver, tab, and three very strong arrows. The arrow rest helps improve the neophyte’s shot. This bow is recommended for any neophyte who really wants a bow that will not destroy a budget. Despite the low price tag, users will still find the Martin XR a high-quality selection. Recommended for archers 12 years of age or older, the XR Recurve is the best bow you can buy for a preteen looking to learn archery skills for the first time.

Features

The only feature that neophytes may find bothersome is the heavier weight of this bow. It can prove a bit more cumbersome than some bows weighing less than four pounds. When an archer buys the bow it comes already preset for the right hand oriented user as a default set up. The bow is sold with a left-and riser insert. The right-hand riser has to be removed by taking out two screws with an Allen wrench, and the left-hand insert has to be put in its place. The bowstring must then be flipped from top to bottom. The user’s manual provides full instructions for how to install the bow’s arrow rest and how to string the bow for the first time.

The manufacturer sells the kit with a full 90-day warranty. As the child grows and eventually requires a heavier draw weight, the user will find this bow good up to 20 pounds draw before having to upgrade. The ambidextrous design of the bow makes it easy for the buyer of the bow to ensure the investment is perfect for a young archer despite hand orientation. One of the nice things about the Martin XR Recurve is that is not a miniaturized adult bow, but a bow specifically designed for the young archer and his or her skill level. Surprisingly, the bow comes with a kit that actually includes more accessories than you might otherwise get with a traditional bow investment.

Conclusion

The Martin XR Recurve Kit 135 promises a young archer durable equipment one can use to master archery basics. The bow is refined enough to give the new archer a good sense about the sport and if he or she wants to further pursue its practice. The Martin XR Recurve Kit 135 puts a minimal strain on the wallet while a youngster gets the opportunity to test the waters of the sport so to speak. The inclusion of everything the archer needs plus the ambidextrous design of the bow is also a good point well. With an affordable price tag, this bow is definitely among the recommended for beginner archers everywhere.

The Hoyt Buffalo Recurve is a bow that is available in several styles. An archer can get the bow featuring an visually exquisite blackout riser with matching limbs, a blackout riser with limbs made of maple, or a silver riser coupled with blackout limbs. The Hoyt Buffalo is part of the company’s traditional series of bows. The bow brings together an impeccable design, amazing accuracy, and remarkable features in a single model. The Buffalo Recurve cost around $745.00, thereby making it an upper-end model when it comes to recurve selections.

Design

The Hoyt Buffalo is a bow featuring a riser length measuring 19 inches. The bow weighs all of 3.2 pounds, thereby lending to its ease of transport from one favored hunting spot to another. The Buffalo is available in a wide range of draw weights ranging from 35 to 65 pounds in five-pound increments. An archer can purchase the bow with a bow length of 58, 60, or 62 inches. The brace height of the bow runs between 7 and 8 inches. The riser on the bow is made of machined aluminum and to ensure a perfectly smooth draw, the manufacturer integrated a Paralever Limb System couple with an adjustment feature for the weight and tiller. A handmade, custom Flemish bowstring comes with the Hoyt Buffalo Recurve Bow and a convenient bow stringer is included with the archer’s purchase to make stringing the bow safer and easier than stringing it via conventional methods.

Features

The Buffalo Recurve Bow is perfect whether you want to go target shooting or you just want to hit up your favorite hunting spot immediately. Whether the archer is a beginner looking to master the basics of the sport or an old pro looking for some solid equipment to hunt and shoot with, the Hoyt Buffalo has much to offer. The bow works for both left and right-handers and today’s archers are in agreement when saying that the Hoyt Buffalo is among the best of the best in recurve bow buying options. The level of accuracy and the power the bow delivers are unrivaled by the competition. The bow releases smooth and with very little limb vibration, so you get a quiet shot with every use. The exterior of the bow is crafted of weather-resistant materials to better ensure the bow’s longevity.

When you buy the Hoyt Buffalo, it comes with a package that includes limb covers, a stringer, silencers, and a transport case. The Hoyt Buffalo Recurve is a bow for the archer that demands the ultimate archery experience in terms of user comfort, power, accuracy, and equipment design. If you have ever dreamed about being a pro archer or you are a professional, this is the kind of bow that should be in your hands when you are on the range or hunting prey.

Assembly

The owner’s manual gives full instructions on how to assemble the Hoyt Buffalo. The limbs have to be placed in the pockets and the archer then has to tighten bolts manually. The assembly of this bow does not require a screwdriver or Allen wrench. Once together, the included stringer makes for ease of stringing up the bow. The kit comes complete with whisker silencers so you can put them on the string for dampening sound.

The palm fits nicely around the grip of the Hoyt Buffalo, thereby ensuring long-term comfort when using the bow. The long length of the riser, which measures at 19 inches in length, ensures a quieter shot due to the reduction in vibration. The limb pocket structure of this bow also contributes to the low noise this bow delivers. As with most modern recurve bows, the Hoyt Buffalo hosts a riser constructed of machined aluminum. Since the manufacturer has cut the riser past, center it means there is no worry in terms of your arrows and their spines. The bow’s limbs are exceptionally well made, strong, and durable.

Conclusion

The accuracy of the Hoyt Buffalo is exceptional: you get absolutely no bow torque when you release an arrow, the solid grip, and the lack of vibration ensures a quiet, powerful, smooth, and accurate shot. This bow is excellent for a beginner who is really set on participating in archery for the long term but is not ideal for the neophyte who is not yet sure about his or her level of passion when it comes to the sport. The upper-end price tag makes this bow a considerable investment and one wisely made by the long time archer or pro. The bow has plenty of adjustments on it allowing the archer to really personalize the bow and how it is used. It is terrific for hunting live prey like deer and smaller game, as well as bigger targets like elk, ox, buffalo, and more.

The Bear Firebird Youth is a recurve bow that is quite affordable as it features a cost ranging from $45.00 to $49.00. The bow is one of 12 Youth bows crafted by Bear Archery, and the Firebird Youth bow stands amid a long line of exceptional youth bows. The bow is best for those archers ages 12 and over, and promises the neophyte archer an exceptional model to learn how to shoot with on the target range.

Design

The Firebird Youth Recurve has a bow length equivalent to 60 inches from tip to tip. The draw length on the bow measures between 22 inches and 28 inches, while the bow ranges from 30 to 35 pounds in terms of its draw weight. The Firebird Youth bow has super strong limbs crafted out of composite materials. This bow is an ambidextrous piece making it exceptional for the left or right-hand dominant individual, and if a parent is seeking to invest in an entry-level bow for a youngster, the Firebird Youth bow by Bear Archery is one of the best options on the market. The limbs of the bow fall under the coverage of a warranty for a full five years after the initial purchase of the bow.

The manufacturer of the Firebird Youth is the very same as that who crafts traditional bows like the Super Kodiak and the Grizzly. The company was first established by Fred Bear: A man familiar with the hunt and what an archer covets in exceptional archery equipment. The Firebird Youth is a good selection to get a young archer familiar with the feel of a powerful bow and the durability of the Firebird ensures the archer will have the dependable equipment to practice with for many years to come.

Features

The bow is crafted out of solid fiberglass to lend strength to the riser and two limbs. The exterior is sometimes silver and sometimes green, depending on the model. The riser is black and has finger grips for ease of handling and gripping the bow. The bow does not require any assembly when it arrives: This means it is almost ready for use, as the archer will still have to string the bow with the included bowstring. Once the string is on the bow, the archer can experience the smooth handling and ease of use one can come to expect from a bow designed by Bear Archery.

The bow is fitted with a strong, attractive paracord string and the body of the limb measures about 1/4 inch thick. The paracord comes with two crimps so the sting can be contained within the crimp instead of having to tie off the bowstring once it is put on the bow. At the end of each limb, there is a black end tip protector that slides over the bowstring that fits into the precut grooves for the bowstring’s placement. Since this bow works for left or right-handed people, the finger grips are universal: The bow can be flipped over to allow for a left-hander to use the bow with the same ease a right hand oriented archer can use the Firebird Youth. The black riser is made of strong rubber material. The brace height of the Firebird Youth is roughly 7 inches.

When shooting the Firebird Youth you can get a pretty solid shot from 15 yards out. The shots are grouped fairly well for a youth bow. The draw of the bow is easy, especially with the ergonomic style of the bow with its grip fitted with finger model. It is not, however, a model ideal for hunting prey as there is not enough power generated from the bow to allow for an ethical kill. The Firebird Youth is a great investment for a beginner looking to master the basics of archery. It is suitable for use during target practice and anyone under 16 years of age should be monitored by an adult when using the bow to prevent potential injuries.

Conclusion

If looking to get a youngster started in archery and you want the archer to have the opportunity to fall in love with the sport, a Firebird Youth bow is an exceptional investment. If you are seeking an intermediate or advanced bow or equipment for hunting, the Firebird Youth is not an ideal choice. A beautiful bow for practice and training, the Firebird Youth is an affordable investment. Its construction ensures the bow’s longevity and the warranty on the bow’s limbs offer more than generous coverage. Ultimately, the bow is a great buy for the neophyte looking to enter into the world of archery.

The Bear Archery Super Kodiak is a superior recurve bow serving as part of the company’s Traditional Bow series. With a manufacturer like Bear Archery behind the Super Kodiak Bow, there’s no doubt an archer is making an excellent long-term investment into an exceptional piece of archery equipment; part of the company’s mission is to ensure that every bow the company crafts, no matter what size, is to ensure it is “utterly reliable … intensely lethal.” In business for decades, the company also maintains that its equipment has the ability to follow through on that all-important ethical kill shot, quick and noble. Indeed, the Super Kodiak is no different from any other Bear Archery model in the fact that the bow has exquisite visual appeal, feel, and perfected function.

Design

An investment in the Bear Super Kodiak Recurve bow is considerable but well worth every penny if you are an archer who demands nothing but the very best. The bow comes in two designs: Dymondwood® and Black Phenolic. The Dymondwood® is $549.00 while the Black Phenolic model is $799.00. The Black Phenolic model features a three-piece attractive riser; the bow has a gorgeous accent stripe made of Bolivian Rosewood. The riser is also capped with the same Rosewood for an exceptional visual contrast. The bow limbs are durable and equally attractive: the interior of each limb consists of maple laminate. The exterior of each limb is made even stronger with a rich black fiberglass overlay. The bow tips also feature a fiberglass overlay. The entire length of the bow from tip to tip is finished off with an ultra-high gloss finish.

The Dymondwood® model features a very similar design, but the riser is two pieces instead of three. The riser is also made of Hard Rock Maple. The upper and lower limbs are crafted out of Clear Maple wood, and also faced and backed with a rich thick black fiberglass overlay to strengthen each extension. Like the Black Phenolic Super Kodiak, the Dymondwood® also has tips layered in black as well as white fiberglass material.

Bear Archery makes models for left handed and right handed dominant individuals, both of which come in varying draw weights. Both the left and right-handed model of the Black Phenolic comes with a draw weight ranging from 35 to 60 pounds varying in five-pound increments. The Dymondwood® right-handed bow comes with draw weights ranging from 30 to 65 pounds varying in five-pound increments. Finally, the left hand oriented Dymondwood® has a draw weight of 45, 50, or 55 pounds only. The bow is ultra light weighing all of three pounds: This makes it an ideal bow to transport to and from a favored hunting spot.

Features

The Bear Super Kodiak Recurve is made of a material called FutureWood: A material created by Fred Bear in the 1970s and it was only put back into use in bow construction a couple of years ago. A special vacuum is used to fill in all the pores in the wood in the handle area. Once the pores are filled the portion is baked and hardened: This lends to the extra durability and promised longevity of the model as it makes the bow impervious to cracks or warpage.

The Super Kodiak has been on the market for a considerable length of time and its longevity on the market is a testament to its coveted design. The bow is an exceptional option for the neophyte looking for a bow that will serve the archer over the long term, and the avid archer seeking a powerful weapon for the hunt. The Super Kodiak has an easy draw and its design makes it extremely comfortable for the archer to hold. If investing in the Super Kodiak it is also a wise idea to invest in a stringer, as the bow does not come with one during the initial purchase.

Conclusion

What is really nice about the Bear Archery Super Kodiak is that there is nothing to assemble when buying it. The unit is absolutely ready for use the minute the archer strings the bow: This means the archer can get right down to business experiencing all that the Super Kodiak has to offer. An unforgettable experience upon first use is promised since the archer will have an opportunity to identify the real power behind the bow after shooting the first arrow. The bow is ideal for use on the range during target practice, but it also makes for a powerful ally when hunting. The bow has a relatively quiet shot, even without dampeners, and the archer will have enough power and speed put into the arrow as it flies that there will be little trouble making the ethical kill when hunting live prey, whether hunting deer or moose. While not necessarily the best bow when one considers affordability, when looking at the impeccable design and the power behind the Super Kodiak, the archer will undoubtedly recognize the excellent investment.

If you are an archer who is new to the art of stringing a recurve bow, you are going to want to invest in a bow stringer. Expert archers recommend bow stringers because the simple tools offer archers the safest method for stringing and restringing a bow for use. What’s more, a bow stringer is an inexpensive investment: One that can protect an archer from accidental injury as well as unintentional damage to the bow in question.

Bow stringers usually cost under $20.00, but some of the pricier models can go as high as $40.00. The stringer is manufactured with leather and cord, surgical tubing, or plain cord. At the end of each cord, the archer slides a flexible, soft limb gripper onto the limb until it is firmly in position. The unit is often fitted with a tension slider so that it will fit an array of bow lengths. Alternatively, some bow stringers come with a limb cup (pocket) made of durable, but soft materials: The cup slides over the tips of the bow and remains firmly in place.

The tool causes the limbs on the recurve bow to bend so the archer can put the string into the groove (nock) on the bow with greater ease, and with no risk of self-injury or equipment damage. The stringer also helps in preventing the undesired twisting of the upper and/or lower bow limbs, which can ultimately result in the development of a crack or fracture in the bow’s structure. Before bow stringers, archers would rely on the step-through method in order to string a recurve bow, which worked, but came with considerable risks. The innovation of the stringer now ensures stress reduction on the upper and lower limbs of the bow as well as on the archer’s body.

There is considerable resistance when an archer is attempting to string a bow using the step-through method; a sudden, unexpected interruption in that resistance can lead to undesired injury. A good deal of body strength is needed to string the bow using the step-through method, whereas a bow stringer makes it far easier for the archer to string a bow, even when dealing with the tension and resistance the bow structure creates initially. What’s nice about a stringer is the equipment is lightweight, which lends to its ease of portability.

Buying a Stringer versus Making One

Some archers choose to forego buying a bowstring for the act of making one. Making a bow stringer is easy. The archer will need some cordage or a Nylon rope measuring over six feet long and a piece of leather measuring a minimum of four inches by three inches. The archer cuts up the leather material into separate strips measuring 1.5 inches by 4 inches. Once the archer cuts the strips, the individual can use a Phillips-head screwdriver for the purposes of poking two holes into each cut strip of leather. The safest method for doing this is to position the leather fabric on a piece of scrap wood and to use a hammer to tap the screwdriver just hard enough to drive it through the leather material. The archer positions and centers the holes at the short ends of the leather strips. The holes the archer creates will have to be large enough in order to allow the rope or cordage to pass through the holes with ease.

The archer will also have to cut the rope to length, and it should be no shorter than six feet. The archer then seals the ends of the cord by taking a match or lighter to it and heating it up. Once you pass the Nylon rope through both holes on the leather piece, it creates a loop that forms a handle. The archer has to tie the rope off with an overhand loop knot to ensure the durability of the tie. Once the rope is tied, the archer can pull on the rope to check the security of the knot. The same process is repeated for the other piece of leather and the opposite end of the Nylon cord. The end result is a bow stringer made of Nylon rope and leather. Ultimately, the newly made bow stringer requires testing to ensure it is secure. Herein lays the difference between the manufactured bow stringer and the one an archer makes at home: If it is made incorrectly, it could result in damaged equipment or possible injury when used, and for the homemade stringer the archer is entirely responsible for ensure its secure structure. A manufactured bow stringer is ready to use when it comes out of the box and many are sold with a product guarantee.

Using the Bow Stringer – Step by Step

Today’s bow stringers are manufactured in two distinct styles: The Double Pocket Bow Stringer and the Saddle Type Bow Stringer. Both of the latter kinds of bow stringers are fitted with durable Nylon cord. The stringers are also fitted with a pocket made of leather or rubber. The pocket slides over the tip of the bottommost bow limb when you are using the Double Pocket Bow Stringer. In contrast, the Saddle type Bow Stringer the unit has leather or rubber saddle featuring a rubber, dimpled surface. No matter what type you choose, the bigger pocket is for the lower limb tip: Once in the position, it will maintain the bowstring’s position inside the groove cut into the end of the bow.

With the Double Pocket Bow Stringer, the other pocket slides over the tip of the uppermost limb on the bow and lets you put the string inside the bow’s groove or slot. When using the Saddle type bow stringer, it will fit behind the bowstring that is then looped around the bow’s uppermost limb. Position the bottom loop and make sure it is fit in the string groove of the bottom limb. The large pocket on the bow stringer is then slid over the tip of the limb, the string, and the loop.

Hold the bow with the structure of the bow horizontal and parallel to the floor. When restringing your recurve bow, find the upper string loop (the larger of the two), slide it over the uppermost limb, and tip when using the double pocket model. When using the saddle type model, you have to slide the saddle (dimpled surface) over the uppermost limb and beneath the bowstring’s loop. Slide the saddle on the limb and position it right behind the uppermost string loop.

Grab the bow by the center or riser where the handle grip is located. Position the saddle piece with the opposing free hand. You want the bow stringer’s cord to make contact with the ground. Put the ball of each foot onto the cord. Refrain from placing the arch of your foot on the string: This can cause string slippage if the cord moves from under the arch of the foot.

Pull up any existing slack. Put your index finger and thumb behind the string loop on the outer edge of the limb, and make sure all the slack is pulled up. Draw up the bow using the hand you are holding it with: Do this in a single motion to force the upper and lower limbs to move in a downward direction simultaneously. While you are doing the latter movement, slip the bowstring upward on the limb with the opposing hand until you get it inside the nock for the string. Take one finger to ensure the security of the string inside the nock.

Move your feet off the cord. Turn the bow around and put the string toward your body with the upper and lower limbs directed from your body and perpendicular or vertical to the floor or ground. Taking the latter stance ensures your safety. Do a thorough inspection of the string’s positioning to make sure it fits in the notches, there are no frays, and that the tension is good. Once you are certain the bow is the way you want it, you can remove the bow stringer.

Sources:

Archery Exchange’s “Using a Bow Stringer.” Website. URL: http://www.archeryexchange.com/shopcontent.asp?type=bowstringerinstr.

Wolf and Iron’s “How to Make a Bow Stringer.” Website. URL: http://wolfandiron.com/make-bow-stringer/.

Archer’s Talk: Archers Helping Archers. Website forum. URL: http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=877812.

Field & Stream’s, “Bow Hunting.” Website. URL: http://www.fieldandstream.com/answers/hunting/bow-hunting/bow-hunting-whitetail-deer/would-recurve-bow-stringer-be-good-investment.

Reddit. “Why Should I Always Use My Bow Stringer?” Website. URL: https://www.reddit.com/r/TradBowhunting/comments/2ry6f2/why_should_i_always_use_my_bow_stringer/.

JT’s Bearfoot Outdoor Adventures’ “How to Use a Bow Stringer for a Recurve Takedown.” Video. URL: https://youtu.be/aZgTjLQLWsg.