Bows are expensive pieces of equipment. Most archers spend between $150 and $1000 on a recurve bow. Yet, you cannot get around buying them. After all, they are essential for archery. This, combined with all of the other equipment required for archery, results in it being an expensive sport.
Because of this high price, archers will want a bow that lasts for a long time. Otherwise, they will need to spend money on a replacement bow. Continue reading to find out how long the average recurve bow lasts and how you can expand its lifespan.
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How Long Does A Recurve Bow Last?
If you take incredibly good care of your recurve bow, you can expect it to last for between 20 and 30 years. This makes it a worthwhile investment, as you will get lots of use out of the recurve bow. On the flip side, if you fail to maintain your recurve bow, it is unlikely to last for more than 5 years.
Ultimately, recurve bows can last for a long time. Unfortunately, this requires that you put time and effort into keeping it well maintained and stored properly.
How To Make Your Recurve Bow Last For A Long Time
As mentioned, maintenance and storage are essential to guarantee the longevity of a recurve bow. To help you keep your bow well maintained, follow these fantastic tips:
Inspect For Damages
Whenever your bow is used, you must check that it has not received any small damages. These smaller damages may seem unimportant.
However, they can build up over time. This can result in the bow breaking and becoming unusable. If you spot any cracks in the bow, get it checked by your local archery shop immediately.
Check That Durable Materials Are Present
Recurve bows can be constructed from an array of materials, such as bamboo, carbon fiber, and fiberglass.
While wood may seem like a brilliant material for a recurve bow to be built from, it is actually one of the weakest materials to use. These wooden bows can be more vulnerable if you fail to store them suitably. Wood will be weakened by moisture.
Meanwhile, fiberglass is often used in combination with other materials to strengthen them and increase their longevity.
Fiberglass bows can be used for years without withering. Carbon fiber is also a durable material commonly used for recurve bows.
Put Your Bow In A Protective Case
You should consider getting a case to protect your recurve bow. This will protect them from dirt and moisture. You can find recurve bow cases sold at different prices, so there is something for everyone.
Many of these cases also have enough room for all of your archery equipment. These cases also make it convenient to transport recurve bows. If you can’t find a protective case that is suitable, then just make sure that you keep your bow in a safe place. This should be away from direct sunlight and any sources of dampness.
Read.. how to store your bow
Clean The Bow
You should try to clean your recurve bow regularly. While it is recommended that you clean the bow after every use, this is not convenient for everyone. Instead, it is merely important to clean it routinely. To wash the bow, simply wipe it thoroughly with a clean and dry cloth.
This will remove any of the dirt and debris that has clogged the bow. It is not a good idea to use water to clean the bow, especially if parts of the limb are made of wood.
Replace The Bowstring Regularly
Bowstrings are prone to fraying over time. Compared to the limbs of the bow, the string has limited longevity. Consequently, it is advised that you change the bowstring approximately every three years. This obviously depends on how often you are honing your archery skills.
Even if the string does not appear to be damaged, you might want to change it if you have used the same string for a few years. It is especially important to alter the bowstring if it appears to be frayed.
What Causes A Recurve Bow To Break?
These bows can become damaged for a few different reasons, including:
- Poor archery form: having the correct form is essential for archery. Not only can form improve your archery skills, but good form will prevent the bow from being damaged.
- Dry firing: this is known as the practice of firing a bow without an arrow. You should never attempt to use a bow without an arrow, as the energy transferred into the bow rather than the arrow, can result in the bow being destroyed or damaged.
- Improper storage: you should keep your recurve bow in a case or adequate storage. If you leave your bow exposed to direct sunlight, high temperatures, and moisture, you risk damaging it.
- Eventual bowstring damage: after regular use, bowstrings will start to fray. When this occurs, you must restring the bow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will A Recurve Bow Lose Power Eventually?
No, modern recurve bows made from fiberglass will not lose power over time. They are made to last for years or even decades and retain their power. If you leave your wooden recurve bow strung, it might lose some of its power, but if you unstring it when you’re not using it, the bow should maintain its integrity. Recurve bows are a great investment for archers who want a reliable and long-lasting bow.
Is It Hard To String A Recurve Bow?
If you are a beginner, it can be quite intriguing to string a recurve bow. However, if you have all the necessary equipment and follow an informative guide, you should be able to string the bow with minimal difficulty. There are different methods of stringing a recurve bow, so you may have to experiment to find the method that works best for you.
Final Thoughts
With these top tips, you can ensure that your recurve bow lasts a very long time. While it may seem like a lot of effort to maintain the bow, it is worth it in the long run. After all, a well-maintained bow will not need to be replaced. Therefore, you can save yourself money and effort by following our advice.
1 thought on “How Long Does A Recurve Bow Last?”
Very good article. I didn’t realize that bows may only last for a couple of decades. I’ve had bows older than that over the years that are still in top form, well stored and always unstrung after shooting. Insightful well written article.