Best 9 Archery Recurve Bows: Choose the Right Equipment for Your Shot

Choosing the right recurve bow is crucial for both beginners and experienced archers. This guide evaluates top recurve bows in the market, comparing their performance, durability, and value to help you make an informed decision.

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Reviews

Hungarian Style Recurve Horsebow (30-60lbs)

Crafted for both right and left-handed archers, this Hungarian-style handbow combines traditional design with versatility. Standing 54 inches long with a 6.1-inch brace height, it’s built to handle draw weights between 30 to 60 pounds. The 28-inch draw length extends up to 33 inches, making it a responsive choice for target shooting and hunting.

Crosman Augusta Recurve Bow

At just 3 pounds, this attractively styled youth recurve bow handles surprisingly well for its size, with adjustable sights and a built-in rail for easy aiming. The included arm guard and finger protection help keep practice sessions safe, while the two composite arrows allow new archers to develop proper technique before upgrading their equipment.

PSE Night Hawk Recurve Bow

Crafted from durable hardwood with a 50-pound draw weight, the PSE Night Hawk takes traditional archery backcountry-style. The built-in stabilizer dampens vibrations for quieter shots, while the 62-inch length and pre-drilled holes make it versatile for various setups. Whether you’re a new archer or adding to your collection, this affordable bow delivers solid performance and looks great on the hunt.

Fleetwood Edge Takedown Recurve Bow

This traditional recurve bow combines classic styling with modern performance features like drilled riser holes and quiet limb tips. The Dymond wood riser with hardwood limbs delivers consistent accuracy while the 62-inch length provides versatile shooting options. Whether you’re a new archer developing proper form or an experienced hunter needing a reliable backup, the Edge offers a well-balanced blend of tradition and functionality.

PSE Nighthawk Takedown Recurve Bow

Crafted from Beechwood and Exotic Walnut with glass-laminated Maple limbs, this 30 lb recurve bow delivers impressive performance at an accessible weight of just 2.89 lbs. The riser’s dual-colored wood finish adds a stylish touch while the takedown design makes transport a breeze. Whether you’re a new archer or transitioning from compound bows, this PSE Nighthawk offers surprisingly smooth shooting with minimal noise.

PSE Pro Max 54” Recurve Bow Package

The PSE Pro Max kit gives you everything you need to start shooting, including a solid dymondwood riser, adjustable sight, and three perfectly-matched carbon arrows. While you might want to consider getting a better armguard, the built-in finger savers and plastic rest make it a great choice for new archers. The whole package came together quickly and works well, though some minor issues with the arrow nocks have popped up for a few users.

Western Archery Timber Ridge Take Down Recurve Bow

The Western Archery Timber Ridge Takedown recurve bow combines eye-catching wood grain patterns with accurate performance, perfect for both target shooting and hunting. At 40 lbs draw weight, it handles well whether you’re a beginner or intermediate archer. This budget-friendly bow delivers quality craftsmanship and quiet performance with its Dacron string and sound-dampening features.

Cabela’s Warden 62’ Recurve Bow

The Cabela’s Warden 62’ Recurve Bow offers a smooth draw with a slim grip that fits archers of all ages. Made with a wood core and black fiberglass limbs, it provides durability while maintaining a comfortable shooting experience. The walnut, white oak, hard maple, and garcin riser combine functionality with attractive craftsmanship.

PSE Pro Max Recurve Bow

Made from sturdy dymondwood and featuring a maple core with fiberglass limbs, this beginner-friendly recurve bow handles well enough for regular practice sessions without feeling overpowered. The included setup, from the plastic rest to the carbon arrows with turkey feathers, means you’re ready to shoot right out of the box. While some might want to upgrade the arm guard and consider different arrows, the overall value and quality make it a solid choice for new archers.

Buyer’s Guide

Choosing the right recurve bow requires careful consideration of several key factors to ensure optimal performance and satisfaction. This guide outlines essential features and considerations to help you select the ideal recurve bow for your needs.

Draw Weight and Length

Draw weight determines the bow’s power and is measured in pounds (lbs). Beginners should start with a lighter draw weight (5-6 lbs) and gradually increase to 6-7 lbs. The draw length should match your physical attributes, typically measured from the angle where your arm naturally stops to the corner of your mouth.

Material and Construction

Modern recurve bows combine materials like carbon fiber, aluminum, and wood. Carbon fiber bows offer stiffness and durability at a lower weight, while aluminum provides a balanced weight-to-strength ratio. Consider the balance of weight, stiffness, and material properties that suit your shooting style and preferences.

limbs and Cam Design

Limb design affects the bow’s shooting characteristics. Compound bows use cams to reduce the effective draw weight during the shot, providing consistent power. Traditional recurve bows maintain a constant draw weight throughout the shot. The cam system also influences the bow’s let-off percentage, which determines the reduction in hold weight during the shot.

Accessories and Setup

Invest in quality stabilizers, arrow rest, and sight for improved accuracy. The limb tune and overall setup significantly impact performance. Consider having a professional bow technician perform an initial setup to ensure optimal performance and reduce the learning curve.

FAQ

How do recurve bows differ from compound bows?

Recurve bows store energy in the limb tips when drawn, releasing it as the arrow exits. Compound bows use cams and pulleys to increase this mechanical advantage, generally offering more power and stability.

This fundamental difference impacts performance, with compound bows typically providing higher speeds and greater hold-time accuracy at the expense of increased complexity and cost.

What’s the difference between “short” and “long” recurve bows?

“Short” recurves, often up to 68” in overall length, prioritize quick draw and release while minimizing size. “Long” recurves, exceeding 68”, offer better energy transfer and accuracy, ideal for specific shooting styles or preferences.

While “short” recurves excel in crowded or indoor shooting spaces, “long” recurves deliver superior power and consistency for competitive or target shooting.

What’s the significance of “let-off” in recurve bows?

Bow let-off represents the percentage of peak draw weight that isn’t felt at full draw. Higher let-off percentages (commonly 6-18%) reduce muscle fatigue during long sessions, though too much let-off can affect arrow velocity.

For most archers, 8-12% let-off strikes a balance between reduced muscle strain and maintainable shot speed, though preferences vary based on shooting discipline and physical strength.

How does arrow selection impact recurve bow performance?

Arrow weight and material directly influence performance. Lighter arrows (though not excessively) provide faster sight-picture recovery and quicker follow-through, while heavier arrows offer better penetration and stability in flight.

Standard arrow selection ranges from 350-550 grains per inch, with the optimal weight determined by bow draw weight and intended use. Factors like arrow diameter, spine, and fletching also significantly affect performance and consistency.

What maintenance requirements do recurve bows have?

Regular maintenance focuses on cleaning and lubricating components, checking for proper string contact with limbs, and ensuring smooth cam or pulley operation. Most parts require annual inspection by a qualified technician.

Maintenance intervals vary based on usage frequency and environmental conditions. Regular cleaning with appropriate solvents and ensuring limbs remain free from moisture and debris are crucial for preserving bow performance and longevity.

How does hand size affect recurve bow selection?

Proper grip size is crucial for consistent shot execution. Grip diameter should allow a full wrap around with the thumb resting naturally, while still providing enough space for proper hand positioning and finger clearance.

Standard grip diameters range from 1.25” to 1.5”, with adjustments available for smaller or larger hands through grip inserts or custom grips. The correct grip size enhances both comfort and shot quality during repeated firing.

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