In search of a good recurve bow in the market, you might often come to a lot of options that are not necessarily an under-performing bow, but they may not be just the right choice for what you are looking for.
Depending on your requirement, your “ideal” recurve bow might be different from what your friend recommended to you. If you are looking for a good recurve bow for hunting, then a good archery bow may not be the perfect choice for you. Besides, the level of experience also matters a lot, not every recurves bow brand is meant for beginner level archers.
So, here we have compiled a list of top-rated recurve bows to help you decide on which one to invest in.
1.Toparchery archery 56” takedown hunting recurve bow
This recurve bow is popular for being a great performer for beginners, especially if you are looking for a tool that is good for hunting. This offers you a clean and smooth function while making the least noise possible.
Features And Specifications
- High strength aluminum cast body
- To be used with aluminum or carbon arrows
- Strong fiberglass limb with a maple core, and is purchasable separately
- 56″ longbow; arrow can be drawn up to 30″
- Made for right-hand oriented shooters
- 1-year warranty on the bow
PROS
- Strong build, delivers great performance
- High-quality and yields excellent performance
- Affordable
- Full-refund guarantee on the dissatisfaction of the product
- A quiet bow on its own
CONS
- The bow is sold separately, so, you have to look for the rest of the tools, strings, bow stringer individually.
- Only appropriate for right-handed people.
2.Sinoart falcon 60” takedown hunting recurve bow
When your goal from the recurve bow is mainly hunting, then start falcon 60″ would be a good purchase decision for you. The handle is made of metal and the body is made of aluminum-magnesium alloy and composite material to make a durable and strong recurve bow structure.
Specifications
- Bow length 60 inches
- Metal riser available in 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 lbs.
- Comes in a package of a riser, 2 bow limbs, and a bowstring
PROS
- Comfortable experience
- High-quality
- Limbs can be purchased separately to add or shed weight
CONS
- Only meant for right-hand orientation
3.Samick sage takedown recurve bow
Among the beginners and slightly experienced shooters, this recurve bow by Samick is an absolute favorite for a lot of users. To a lot of them, sage is the benchmark of the best recurve bow.
One of the unique features of this one is the option of multiple draw weights starting from 25 lbs. To 60 lbs. Usually, the recommended weight for most shooters is considered to be 40 lbs.
Specifications And Features
- Limbs are made with hard maple and black fiberglass. The knob is tapered on one side, also this has a metallic pocket on the limb.
- Includes a brass plunger, and the brass bushing is already attached to the bow. Also comes with a stabilizer, sight, and quiver.
- The ideal drawing length (maximum) is 29″.
- Brace height should be kept within 7 ¼ to 8 ¼ inches.
- Requires a b50 bowstring and arrow rest.
PROS
- Available in both left- and right-hand orientation
- Variety of draw weights
- Upgradeable limbs
- Noise-free
- Applicable for bowfishing too
CONS
- A heavier model compared to a lot of other bows available in the market.
- Stringer is excluded from the bow; you have to get it separately.
4.keshes takedown recurve bow and arrow
If target shooting is your game and looking for a good recurve bow and arrow set, this one by meshes should be on top of your checklist. Whether you buy this one immediately or making a list of what to buy next, this can prove to be a pure winner.
Specifications
- Wooden limbs layered with black fiberglass.
- Light draw weights, about 35 lbs.
- Good for target-shooting.
- Ergonomically design on the bow riser, rounded-edge riser.
- Pre-installed brass bushing to adjust any kind of features like- brass plunger, stabilizer, sight, etc.
- Applicable for both left- and right-hand oriented users.
PROS
- Excellent ergonomics
- Comfortable grip
- No extra tools are required
- Can be used for bow fishing
- Accessories come in the same packaging
CONS
- Not a great choice for hunting
5.Dostyle archery takedown bow
If you are looking for a recurve bow that offers you effortless, user-friendly, and stylish performance with a simple design, look no further from this dostyle archery takedown recurve bow. The design enables any archer to operate it smoothly be it a beginner or an experienced.
Specifications
- Wooden riser with rounded edge
- Wooden handle
- Water-resistant arrow rest, also lined with fur and sealskin
- The limb is made of fiberglass
- Length 52 inches
- Brace height 14.57 inches
- The maximum length of draw 30 inches
- Draw weight 40 lbs.
PROS
- Strong built
- Long-lasting riser and limb
- Tree different variations
- The package comes with accessories like- riser bow limbs, a pin bow sight, an armed guard, a finger guard, a bowstring, 5 arrows, and 6 targets.
CONS
- Only meant for the right-handed users
6.Centerpoint archery aby215 sentinel youth recurve bow
Among all other excellent performing recurve bows, this one here finally is the best option for your children aged 4-8 years. As it is especially targeted for the children to learn, you can expect a decent performance in terms of getting your kids to get used to archery. Instead of replica toys of original bow and arrow sets, this one is designed to introduce the children to the experience of a real recurve bow while also being very easy to operate so that it does not become very overwhelming for them to learn the skill.
Specifications
- All-weather string system
- Bow length 45 inches
- The maximum range of draw length 25 inches
- 20 lbs. Of draw weight
PROS
- Suitable for young kids, a great one to learn from a young age.
- Comes in a complete archery set
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Strong build and long-lasting
- Inexpensive
CONS
- Only suited for right-handed users
- Reduces string tension
- Easily bends way more than needed
- Only meant for children, not a good bow for the teens, or even pre-teens- let alone the adults
7.Southwest spyder archery takedown recurve bow
This model is often called the sage 2 in the market as it is the better and improved version of its predecessor model by the same manufacturer. A lot of archers enjoy playing with this one for its smooth performance and high-quality build which is not only great for experienced shooters but also works very nicely for beginner archers.
Specifications
- The total length of 62 inches
- Rounded edge on the riser and the limb pockets
- Comes in a package of 3 pieces which include- the takedown bow, Allen wrench, and bowstring.
PROS
- Lightweight yet sturdy body
- A great option for bow fishing, hunting, and target-shooting
- Comes in both right hand and left-hand orientation
- Can be utilized for bow fishing
- Available features for draw weights
- Comes with a warranty of 1 year
CONS
- Stringer comes separately
- Nock is not pre-installed
8.Sas courage hunting takedown recurve archery bow
If you are looking for one sturdy bow for hunting that is equally as good for a beginner as it is for an experienced archer, this is one of the best in the market that gets you best of the both worlds. This one is famous for its easy assembly which makes it super helpful to transport, especially if you are a beginner. The size is just perfect to operate smoothly without being intimidating.
Specifications
- The length of the bow is 60 inches
- Wood and fiberglass body
- Draw weights available from 35 to 60 lbs.
- Draw length of 28 inches
- Appropriate for hunting
PROS
- Lightweight yet sturdy build
- Smooth performance
- Noise-free
- Both right- and left-hand orientations available
- Easy assembly steps
- Sleek design
- Inexpensive option
CONS
- No added attachments in the package
- To bushings installed for any other attachments either
9.D&q archery takedown recurve bow and arrow
If aiming for a very long distance is your priority, then this d&q recurve bow is an excellent choice to achieve smooth, effortless performance along with the distance. This one is made as a hunting bow for small-and mid-sized animals. Besides, they also perform great for the target-shooting and archery practices, good for playing tournament also.
Specification
- Bow length of 57.8 inches
- The draw weight of 30-60 lbs.
- Multiple limbs
- Handle length of 18 inches
PROS
- Easy assembly and transportation
- Comes in a full kit, so need to buy individual items
- Covers a long distance
- Gives you a comfortable experience and smooth performance
CONS
- Only meant for right-handed users
- No guidelines provided
10.Tongue takedown recurve bow
Our final pick is this tongue takedown recurve bow which is also a great performer irrespective of the user’s level of experience. This design is well-known for its ease of transportation and ease of assembly.
Specifications
- The body is made of wood, bamboo, and fiberglass
- Bow length of 50.79 inches
- Draw weights available in 30 and 40 lbs.
- Riser length is 20 inches
- Comes in a package of a takedown recurve bow, an arm guard, a finger guard, an arrow rest, a bow stringer tool, and 12 arrows.
PROS
- Sturdy and strong build
- High-quality and excellent performance
- Ergonomically designed handle
- Assembly is very easy, so is disassembling
- Harnesses excellent speed on the arrow
- Enjoyable and comfortable experience
CONS
- Right hand oriented
- Does not come with a user manual
How do I Extend the Life of a Recurve Bow?
To extend the life of your favorite recurve bow, you need to take good care of your bow and arrow set. The overall maintenance includes cleaning and storing properly. Besides that, knowing the average life expectancy of the parts of your bow is also very important. Not all the parts have the same life span and the same type of process for maintenance. So, here you can find what to do to make your bow and arrow set to serve you for a long time.
Any quality recurve bow has mainly two parts. One is the bow and the other is the bowstring. Now, when you look closely, the bow has two parts, the riser or the handle, and the limbs. To take care of the parts, follow the steps mentioned here.
The Riser and Limbs:
As we have said earlier, the riser and the limbs consist of the key parts of a bow. These are usually made of wood, fiberglass, or carbon fiber. Sometimes, you will find a lot of bows having a mix of these elements.
If you want to properly clean your bow riser and limbs, here is what you have to do-
- The first rule is to keep your bow away from dirt and dust as much as possible and do not let the dust settle on the bow.
- Take off the strings, accessories, or any adjustments attached to the bow.
- Regularly clean the bows by wiping off the dirt with clean soft cotton or microfiber cloth.
- Polishing once in a while is a great way to preserve the life and luster of your bow. There are a lot of solutions available in the market and even the simple polishing compound for automobiles works great for your recurve bow.
- After the polishing compound, give the bow a final wipe-down with a clean cloth, do not use the dirty one you used to dust off the dirt
The Bowstring:
Compared to your bow, the bowstring has a much less life span in general. Under usual circumstances, you may need to replace the bowstring every 3 years or when you can see any signs of damage. For the best performance out of your bowstring, you can follow these steps-
- Like your bow and limbs, the bowstring also needs to be kept away from dirt and dust. Make sure to gently dry dust the string a few times a week.
- If you use your bow and arrow quite frequently, we advise you not to unstring every time you use it. If you do otherwise, the bowstring will be too much strained. However, if you are certain that you will not use the bow for a long time and storing it for a while, then it is ideal to detach the string and store it covered.
- Whether you use the bow regularly or occasionally, be sure to check for any damage or frayed ends on the string once in a while. Besides that, you can also wax the string with beeswax or bowstring wax once or twice a month. This will help the string to last a long time.
What can You Use to Store Your Recurve Bow?
- Bow stands: to keep your bow and arrow in a steady position
- Wall pegs: to hang the bow on a wall using two or more pegs
- Hard case: briefcase like hard cases to protect the bow, strings, arrows, and other accessories
- Soft case: a fabric case that looks like a duffle bag to keep all the necessary things altogether
- Backpack for the bow: a tall bag pack that fits the bow and arrow perfectly
Things to Avoid to Prevent Damaging Your Bow:
- Do Not Dry Fire:
The dry firing means drawing a bowstring or pretending to shoot an arrow without using any arrow. This can be very harmful to your bowstring and can make it very weak. Also, this can sometimes be the cause of injuries.
- Prevent tension on your bow and bowstring:
If the bowstring is not properly stored, there is a high risk of the string getting frayed and weak at places. So, store in a safe place and unstring if needed. Besides that, hang your bow properly using enough pegs to support it, we recommend using 3 pegs for the best support.
- Away from heat and cold:
The temperature of your storage space is a considerable factor as extreme heat or cold will weaken the build of your bow and strings. The bow can crack or break due to harsh temperatures.
- Avoid sunlight:
Similar to harsh temperatures, direct sunlight can be as damaging for your bow. So, use proper storage accessories like- hard or soft cases to protect your bow from any kind of damage.
If you can ensure to replace the strings, clean the bowl, and store it methodically, you can expect your bow to last a long time and be a great companion.
Recurve Bow Buying Guides
- Understanding your draw weight
The draw weight refers to the force that you use to pull the bowstrings. This weight shall vary from person to person, depending on the body mass. There are detailed charts available online that suggest draw weight according to the body weight. On average metrics, if you are an adult male of about 150 to 180 lbs., your draw weight should be within 40 to 55 lbs. And if you are an adult female of about 130 to 160 lbs., your ideal draw weight should remain within 25 to 35 lbs.
- If you are looking for the draw weights for hunting, here are numbers to consider-
For most of the popular hunts like- deer, elk, turkey, the draw weight should be 40 or 45 lbs.
For a larger prey like- buffalo, ox, or grizzly bear, the minimum draw weight should be 55 lbs.
But if you are only looking for target practicing with your recurve bow shooting, then 25 lbs. Of draw weight should work fine. However, you should make it 40 lbs. At least if your goal is to practice shooting while hunting as well.
- Ask yourself if you need a hunting or shooting recurve bow
As you already have understood by now, not all recurve bows are manufactured for hunting. Although all recurve bow is more or less good for shooting practice, if you need something for hunting, then you have to go for specific models and determining whether or not it will be the right choice for you, you need to consider the draw weight. And depending on what you need, your purchase decision will be different as well.
- Comparing recurve bows, look for the recurve bow reviews
After you have decided on the purpose and the draw weight of your recurve bow, it is time to find out the recurve bow that matches your requirements. While choosing your ideal to recurve bow, you have to consider-
- Top recurve bow brands that manufacture quality recurve bows
- Recurve bow weight
- Recurve bow length
If you look closely, a lot of generic recurve bow brands make low-quality bows with a fragile build. Not only that, the risers fail to provide great support and make it uncomfortable to hold the bow and operate thereon. That is why choosing a recurve bow from a well-known brand is very crucial.
- Elements of a recurve bow:
A recurve bow has 3 key parts in the main build of the bow.
- The riser
- The limbs
- The string
If you consider the string to be separate from the bow, then you can say that the bow has two parts and they are the riser and the limbs.
Other than these three main parts of a recurve bow, there are also some small and medium parts and devices attached to the recurve bow that makes it better and more operational. They are :
- Nock
- Center serving grip
- Sight widow
- Sight, which includes: sight bar with scale, sight pin and aperture, sight block
- Clicker
- Arrow rest
- Stabilizer thread
Other Accessories of Recurve Bows
- Bow stringer
Immediately after buying the bow and string, you need a bow stringer to attach the string to the bow. This tool is essential to string the bow safely. Otherwise, there are chances of accidents.
- Targets
If you are a practicing archer, having targets are very helpful to learn and practice your shooting. Having some good quality targets will last you a long time and you can reuse them too, but in a pinch, you can make paper targets to shoot and practice.
- Armguard
This one is among those items that are not absolutely necessary, but great to have in your kit. The arm guards are used to cover the forearm to protect your arm and help you to release the arrow as smoothly as possible.
- Gloves or finger tabs
With the rigorous practice and constant draw stringing, it is very important to protect your fingers from friction. That is why gloves or finger tabs can be very useful to protect the fingers from blisters and injuries.
- Arrow rest
A lot of recurve bows come with a built-in arrow rest. But if you find you do not have one in yours, then you can get one to add with it. This attachment is for setting the arrows while it is drawn. This helps you to aim precisely and shoot effortlessly.
- Broadhead wrench
Sometimes, you need to unscrew or tighten the bits and pieces of the recurve bow and adjust to your preference. A broadhead wrench is just what you need to fix the bits and pieces.
- Beeswax or bowstring wax
Due to frequent shooting and wear and tear, the bowstring of your recurve bow will need regular maintenance them. Waxing the strings is the best way to maintain their long life. Besides, you also need to wax your bowstrings when you store them for a long time.
- Sight
Sight is a device in your recurve bow that helps you to look at the target and take an aim- hence the name, sight. This is very useful for target shooting practices and aiming for a long shot.
- Quiver
This is the container to hold your arrows together. Usually, you may find them in two styles- one that is worn around the waist or shoulder, while some others are attached to the bow itself. Like a lot of these tools and devices, a quiver is not necessary to have, but it is helpful for you while shooting.
- String whisker silencer
As you draw the string, it creates some noises by vibrating with the bow. If you find the sound to be unsettling or distracting, you can use these silencers, which are small rubber attachments to absorb the sound from that string whisker.
FAQs
Q: Are bow tip protectors important?
A: Usually, the bow limb tips are not an absolute necessity, but it definitely is helpful to protect your bow. You can consider getting a set if you play your bows quite hard.
Q: When should I apply wax to my bowstring, how do I apply wax to my bowstring?
A: you should wax your bowstring at least once or twice a month for the best results. Start by applying the wax on the string lengthwise. You should see the formula settling through the strands of the bowstring. Rub with your hands to let it soak properly and finally, take a fabric cord, loop around the bowstring and gently wipe the trough to separate the remnants of the wax.
Q: What kind of wood is used to make a recurve bow?
A: hardwoods are best for a recurve bow. Maple and hickory are the most popular choices you will find in the market.
Q: Is wood the only material used in recurve bows?
A: no, you will find recurve bows made of wood, fiberglass, carbon. Usually, the riser is made of wood or carbon, and the limbs are made of wood, carbon, or fiberglass.
Q: Should I start with a compound or recurve bow?
A: if you are a beginner, recurve bow is a better option for you than a compound bow. Though the compound bows are more helpful to aim precisely, the recurve bows are more lightweight hence easy to maneuver. Besides, they are also more cost-efficient than compound bows.
Q: Which is easier to shoot recurve or longbow?
A: longbows are easier to shoot than recurve bows as they need more energy and practice.
Q: Can a recurve bow kill a deer?
A: you can go deer hunting with a recurve bow. Usually, a 40 lbs. Draw weight will suffice to hunt a deer.
Q: Can you leave a recurve bow strung all day?
A: if you are using the bow frequently during the day, then keep using it as it is, no need for unstringing. However, if you won’t be using it for at least 5 hours at a stretch, unstringing the bow will be the best thing to do.
Q: How far can a recurve shoot?
A: Generally, a recurve bow can shoot between 60 to 100 yards. If it is a hunting recurve bow, the range can go for about 20 to 40 yards.
Q: When and why should I unstring a recurve bow?
A: unstringing the bowstring on your recurve bow helps it to lessen the long-term damage on your bow. Ideally, you need to unstring when you are traveling with your bow or storing it for a long time. We recommend you unstring the bow if you do not use the bow daily, rather once or twice a week.
Q: Is a recurve bow better than a longbow?
A: in overall metrics, recurve bows are better than longbows. Longbows are easier to shoot, but prating recurve bow yields better results over time. Recurve bows can shoot with more power and they are more versatile and useful for hunting.
Q: How do I choose a recurve bow?
A: draw weights are a prime factor to choose recurve bows. Based on your draw weights, you can choose the ideal brand or model of the recurve bow. A lot of people suggest doubling the draw length to get your ideal length of recurve bow. Generally, 28-30 inches of draw length is ideal. So, the length of your recurve bow should be around 56 to 60 inches.
Q: How does a recurve bow work?
A: a recurve bow can harness your energy to its limb and smoothly disperse them when you draw the strings. This makes the bow shoot the arrow with full force and speed.
Q: What is a takedown recurve bow?
A: This type of recurve bow is detachable from its limbs and can be reassembled later on. These are quite efficient for traveling. That is why a lot of hunters also prefer takedown recurve bows.
Q: When I’m buying a bow online, there’s an option to buy a left-handed bow or a right-handed bow. I’m not sure which one we should choose.
A: the hand orientation refers to the hand you should be using to draw strings. If you are lefthanded, you should choose a lefthanded bow to hold it with your right hand and otherwise.
Q: So, I bought my bow… And I forgot to buy arrows! I’ve looked online, and selecting arrows is baffling. What do I do?
A: look at the user manual to find any instruction on that. If you find it refers to any certain brand, then try to find that. If unavailable, look for its alternatives to get the best results. Otherwise, look for the best bow-arrow compatibility and search for your model. A good chance that you will find that matches your bow.
Q: If I buy one of these bows, can I use it to fight crime?
A: bows and arrows are better to be in playing or hunting field, spare your inner Hawkeye for your fantasies.
Q: When I’m ready to buy new limbs, can I buy whatever limbs I like, or do I have to stick with the limbs for the particular type of bow I have?
A: it is better to stick to the recommended limbs for the best performance.
Q:Is a recurve bow a good beginner choice?
A: although a lot of people say that it is difficult to aim with recurve bow, recurve bows are known for their versatility. So, it is best to practice with a recurve bow overall at the introductory stage.
Q:How far does a 50lb recurve bow shoot?
A: you can shoot approximately 100 yards with a 50 lbs draw weight. Recurve bow.
Q:Where can I buy the best recurve bow?
A: amazon and other online merchants have a wide collection of recurve bows suited for a lot of different archers.
Q:What are the best beginner’s recurve bows?
A: in general, the recurve bows are quite beginner-friendly. Among all the options available in the market, southwest archery spider, Samick sage, and SAS courage are some of the best recurve bows for beginners.
Q:Which Bow Manufacturer Is Best?
A: there are a lot of great recurve bow brands in the market and each of them has its specialty. Bear archery, Samick sports, martin archery, southwest archery are among a few of the most popular and consistent manufacturers in the market.
Q:How heavy is the bow?
A: an average recurve bow weighs around 50 lbs.
Q:What is a good draw weight for beginners?
A: the standard draw weight can be applicable for beginners also. You can look at the chart where you can determine your draw weight based on your body weight.
Q: What is a recurve bow?
A: as per Wikipedia, a recurve bow is the one in which the limbs of the bow are curved away from the archer in the unstrung state. This is the type of bows that you can use at the target archery in the Olympics.
Q: What is the best recurve bow for target shooting?
A: it is safe to say that any recurve bow is great for target shooting. Among the top-rated and popular recurve bows, bear archery grizzly is profound for target shooting. It performs greatly for target practicing as well as for hunting.
Q: What is a riser?
A: the center part of the bow that holds the two limbs is the riser. It is also called handle.
Conclusion:
As you may have understood by now, there are a lot of different bows in the market to choose from. If you can be sure about your purpose, then choosing the perfect option for you would get easier. Based on your requirement, you can decide on the draw weights and suitable model from there. And before you purchase a bow, do your research on how to assemble the complete kit and how to maintain them properly. I just wanted to give you a little bit idea for best recurve bow in 2021, hopefully it will help you to choose the best option for you. Best wishes!
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