A recurve bow is a traditional one that is perhaps the most recognizable from history books and movies covering medieval times when rows of archers defended the land.
This type of bow has limbs that bend out from the archer. The draw weight is fixed with the model, rather than being adjustable like is the case with a compound bow, so care much be taken to select the appropriate one.
editors choice
Here is a list of the recurve bows we recommend:
Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow
The 62-inch Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow is an excellent beginner bow choice for novice archers. It is a good first purchase, perhaps with a specialist archery store helping to select suitable arrows, bow stringer, gloves, etc. Completely up to you.
The model offers a full range of limb weights from 25 lbs right up to 60 lbs. Many of the limited weights come with their Stringer tool to help use the bowstring correctly.
With the weight selection, we highly recommend the lower weights like 25 lbs or 30 lbs because trying to handle a 35+ pound bow limb is no easy task and likely to make the learning process slower still.
There is the included option of either left or right-handed orientation. The choice places the arrow rest on the opposite side, among other subtle changes. Choosing the correct orientation turns out to be quite important here.
The construction of the bow is rugged. The colorful canary-yellow grip (pink or green with the pink/camo sets) stands out from the rest of the body.
PROS:
- Excellent beginner recurve bow
- Many choices of limb weights, with optional stringer tool
- Limb made from fiberglass and maple wood for elegant appearance
CONS:
- Arrow rest and silencers may benefit from upgrades (upgrades recommended)
Compatible with the Samick Sage hunting pack, the bushings are brass, and the quiver, sight, and stabilizer are all good quality. The limbs are made from a combination of fiberglass and maple wood for a distinctive appearance and flexible strength. The limbs are replaceable later too.
Spyder Takedown Recurve Bow and Arrow
The 62-inch Spyder Takedown Recurve Bow is a better, redesigned Samick Sage bow that is set to improve upon the experience of shooting at paper targets, bow hunting or bow fishing (read.. quality bow fishing reels)
The product is available in draw weights from 20 lbs up to 60 lbs. The inclusion of a 20 lb version is a lighter draw weight than many other bows on the market. Every model comes with an optional stringer tool. There is both a left and right-handed model available.
In the box is three parts, with the bow needing to be assembled using an Allen wrench. There is also an arrow rest to fit and a Dacron Bowstring which is also supplied.
PROS:
- 62-inch bow made from laminated wood and fiberglass
- Strengthened tips
- Weighs only 2.8 lbs
- Selectable weight from 20 lbs up to 60 lbs (stringer tool available at each weight class)
CONS:
- Sometimes difficult to assemble when the supplied bolts are too large for the bolt they should go through.
The draw length is 29-inches. The bow itself is a perfectly balanced 2.8 lbs of laminated wood and fiberglass with the strengthened tips.
PSE Razorback Recurve Bow Right Hand
The 62-inch PSE Razorback Recurve Bow Right Hand is only good for right-handed archers. The bow is suitable for most people up to 5 feet 7 inches in height. The product comes in 20-inch, 25-inch, 30-inch and 35-inch draw weight models.
The PSE Razorback is elegant with its use of maple wood and fiberglass on the limbs. There are sufficient sight bushings and a stabilizer to help improve your aim.
The draw weight is chosen when picking the right model for you, so be sure to choose carefully.
PROS:
- Beautiful recurve bow with a riser made from Beachwood, Walnut, and Burma white wood
- Selectable draw weight
CONS:
- Longer bow that some people expect (62-length)
The product is best suited to older boys because of its 25-pound draw needed and a minimum draw length of 24-inches which rules out junior archers with shorter arms and less pull strength.
Junxing Recurve Bow left & right Hunting Longbow
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The Junxing Recurve Bow is a longbow with a darker look than many other models. It is made using a combination of laminated fiberglass and maple wood with both the limb and the riser adopting a dark black/gray appearance that’s very subtle.
While the bow is stated as only for left-handed use, it may also be possible to use for right-handed people too. The 54-inch bow length is shorter than some other longbows making this model more manageable for people with a shorter arm length. The weight is 1.8 lbs which is exceedingly light too.
The draw weight is 25 to 30 lbs, with a draw length of 30-inches.
PROS:
- 54-inch maple wood and fiberglass bow
- Darker look than other products
CONS:
- Assembly required (instructions provided)
A bow holder is included in the package, along with three aluminum arrows.
Buffalo Hunting Bow and Arrow Handmade Recurve Horsebow
The Buffalo Hunting Bow and Arrow is an elaborately designed hand-made recurve horsebow bow. It is made from both fiberglass and wood, with the fiberglass avoiding warping in the heat.
There is a slight difference to the shape of each bow because of the fact it is hand-made, but the producer has over 30 years’ experience with these types of archery products.
The color is a mix of black, white, red and cream. The draw weight is chosen by selecting the appropriate bow when ordering. The choices run from 30 lbs up to 65 lbs. The draw length is between 29.5-inches and 31.5-inches which is adjustable.
PROS:
- Unique, colorful red, white, cream and black design
- Wood and fiberglass design
- Bonus paper target and arrow rest
- Draw weight selected from 30 lbs to 65 lbs
- Draw length 29.5 to 31.5-inches
CONS:
- Fits most types of arrows, but not all of them
Included with the package is an arrow rest and bonus send paper target.
What is a recurve bow?
This type of bow most of the time has a wooden riser in the center of the string, with the limb made of fiberglass and wood. The use of fiberglass reduces issues with wood expanding and warping in the heat.
For greater accuracy, attention must be placed on the correct draw weight with a recurve bow (read.. best vintage recurve bows). Then the string and bow core materials, followed by the bow size and draw length are of importance too.
Other Bows That Might Be A Good Fit
While a bow may be colorful or from a respected brand, get the selection wrong, and it’s not fixable later in many cases.
Best Non-Compound Bows
Selecting an excellent recurve bow is all about getting the specifics right. Maybe you are more interested in the best takedown recurve bow?
Materials like the bowstring and arrow rest are replaceable items, whereas other parts would either need repairing or the product replaced entirely if it becomes broken during use.
