This post will provide you with information on the best takedown bows for hunting and archery. This is a great article if you are in the market to purchase your first bow or looking to upgrade from a traditional longbow.
Takedown recurve bows are a great option for beginner archers because they’re lightweight, easy to store, and don’t require any tools to assemble.
Let´s start with the basics:
One advantage of a takedown bow is that you’re able to change your draw weight very easily. All you need to do is exchange the limbs. You can do this within minutes. Several family members could easily use one bow.
+ BEAR ARCHERY BULLSEYE (Package). Perfect youth takedown recurve bow available with 15 or 26 lbs draw weight. Sturdy, lightweight multi-laminate. Right-handed archers only.
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+ KESHES Takedown Bow 62″ from 15-60lb. draw weight available. Perfect for beginners. From the same manufacturer as the well-known Samick Sage Bow
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+ SOUTHWEST ARCHERY SUPPLY Voyager 62″. Aluminum Riser, for right- and left-handed archers. Beautiful bow, Bow length is 62″. Draw weight from 25 to 55 lbs.
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+ CABELAS Warden – 62″ Takedown Recurve Bow. Beautiful takedown bow available with 45 or 55 lb draw weight
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+ BUDGET FRIENDLY! SAS COURAGE Beautiful takedown bow with a wooden riser. Available from 29 to 60lb. draw weight, RH or LH 60″ total length.
Contents (Jump to Topic)
In case you are new to all this, here are some pictures of my takedown bow. Assembled and unassembled.
As you can see – You don´t need much room at all. Five minutes and all is set. I shoot barebow, so no sights to install.
Takeaway:
Takedown bows allow flexibility because they let users change the bow limbs and draw weight without buying an entirely new recurve bow. Plus, you don´t need much room to store them!
At a Glance: The 5 Best Takedown Recurve Bows for 2023 are
Bear Archery Bullseye X Takedown Recurve Youth Bow Package
The Bear Archery Bullseye X takedown bow comes in a package and includes an arrow rest and string nock. Made of sturdy and lightweight materials (the bow weighs only 2 lbs), it´s the ideal bow for any youth archer 12 years or older.
This recurve bow is only for right-handed archers. The draw weight is selectable – There is a 15-pound and a 26-pound bow available.
Pros:
- Sturdy multi-laminated construction
- Takedown Bow
- Right-hand only model
- 48″ or 62″ available
- Draw Weight 15 or 26 lbs.
Cons:
- No left-hand model
Specs:
| Draw Weight | Hand | Brace Height | Weight | Axle-to-Axle |
| 15 lbs. | RH | 8″ | 2 lbs. | 48″ |
| 26 lbs. | RH | 8″ | 2.4 lbs. | 62″ |
Bear Archery is a well-known brand – if you´re looking for a beginner’s recurve youth bow, look no further!
Keshes Takedown Hunting Recurve Bow
Having personally shot the Keshes Takedown Hunting Recurve Bow and Arrow, I can confidently share its pros and cons.
One of the standout advantages of this bow is its versatility. Designed to cater to both teens and adults, it offers a wide range of draw weights from 15 to 55 pounds.
This feature allows for gradual progression and adaptability as your archery skills develop over time.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced archer, this bow provides the flexibility to choose a draw weight that suits your preferences and shooting style.
The package includes a complete archery set, leaving you fully equipped to start shooting right away.
The wooden riser, fiberglass limbs, and 14 strands B-55 Dacron bowstring ensure a durable and reliable build.
The inclusion of accessories such as the stick-on arrow rest, stringer tool, sight, and clear instruction sheet saves you the hassle of sourcing these items separately.
One of the significant advantages of this bow is its association with the trusted manufacturer behind the renowned Samick Sage brand.
This ensures the same level of durability and quality that has made Samick Sage bows popular among archers.
You can trust in the craftsmanship and materials used in the Keshes Recurve bow.
The riser of the bow features pre-installed bushings, which allow for future upgrades and customization.
You can easily attach additional accessories or explore bowfishing options, expanding the possibilities and functionalities of the bow to suit your specific needs.
Additionally, the ease of assembly and disassembly, with no need for tools, ensures quick setup wherever you go.
However, it’s important to consider a few potential drawbacks.
While the bow offers a wide range of draw weights, more experienced archers may find the maximum draw weight of 55 pounds to be on the lower side for certain purposes.
While the package includes essential accessories, it’s worth noting that they are relatively basic.
If you have specific preferences or require more advanced accessories, such as a higher-end sight or arrow rest, you may need to consider investing in additional upgrades or purchasing them separately.
Additionally, some users have reported minor limb alignment issues that require adjustments or tuning. While this may not be a widespread problem, it’s important to be aware of and prepared to address any potential alignment issues that may arise.
Pros:
- Versatility: Designed for both teens and adults, it offers a wide range of draw weights from 15 to 55 pounds, allowing for gradual progression and adaptability in archery skills.
- A complete archery set: The package includes a wooden riser, fiberglass limbs, bowstring, arrow rest, stringer tool, sight, and clear instruction sheet, providing everything you need to start shooting immediately.
- Trusted manufacturer: Produced by the same factory as the renowned Samick Sage brand, the Keshes Recurve bow delivers the same level of durability and quality.
- Upgrade potential: The riser features pre-installed bushings, enabling future upgrades and customization with accessories or bow fishing options.
- Travel-friendly design: The takedown feature allows easy disassembly into smaller components, making it convenient for transport and storage. Assembly requires no tools, ensuring quick setup anywhere.
Cons:
- Limited maximum draw weight: The maximum draw weight of 55 pounds may be insufficient for experienced archers who require higher draw weights
- Basic accessories: While the package includes essential components, advanced archers may prefer higher-end accessories, necessitating additional upgrades or separate purchases.
- Potential limb alignment issues: Some users have reported minor limb alignment issues, which may require adjustments or tuning.
- Personal preference: As with any archery equipment, the suitability of the Keshes Recurve bow varies based on personal preferences and shooting styles.
As with any archery equipment, the suitability of the Keshes Recurve bow may vary based on personal preference and shooting style.
I would recommend trying out the bow firsthand to assess how it feels and performs for you before making a final decision.
Overall, my experience with the Keshes Takedown Hunting Recurve Bow and Arrow has been positive. Its versatility, complete archery set, trusted manufacturer, upgrade potential, and travel-friendly design make it a reliable and convenient choice for archers of various skill levels.
Southwest Archery Supply SAS Voyager 62″
One of the standout features of this bow is its versatility. The takedown design allows for effortless assembly and disassembly, making it a breeze to transport and store.
I appreciate the ability to interchange limbs, as it grants me the flexibility to adjust the draw weight to suit different shooting scenarios.
Whether I’m hunting game or practicing target shooting, this bow adapts effortlessly to my needs.
The combination of hard maple and clear fiberglass in the limbs ensures both durability and strength. I’ve put this bow through rigorous use, and it has consistently delivered reliable performance.
The refined pin and bolt limb alignment system contributes to its stability and precision, allowing me to consistently hit my target with accuracy.
When it comes to hunting, this recurve bow truly shines. Its power and accuracy are exceptional, giving me the confidence I need in the field.
The recommended shooter height and maximum draw length accommodate my 6′ frame perfectly, providing a comfortable shooting experience.
Additionally, the compatibility with Fast Flight strings offers enhanced speed and performance, increasing my chances of a successful shot.
I was pleased to find that the bow comes with a SAS bow stringer, which is an essential tool for setting up the string correctly.
This inclusion saved me the hassle of purchasing a separate stringer, and I was able to set up the bow quickly and efficiently.
However, there are a few aspects that could be considered cons. The recommended maximum draw length of 28 inches might be limiting for archers with longer draw lengths.
In my case, with a draw length of slightly over 28 inches, I had to adjust my shooting technique slightly to accommodate the bow’s limitations.
I also found that maintaining the recommended brace height range of 7 1/2 inches to 8 inches required some adjustment and experimentation.
While this allowed me to optimize the bow’s performance, it did take some time to find the ideal brace height for my shooting style.
On occasion, I experienced a slight hand shock upon releasing the arrow. However, I was able to address this issue by adding vibration dampeners and adjusting the weight distribution on the riser, mitigating the vibration and improving my shooting experience.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that as a recurve bow, this model requires skill and practice to master.
Overall, my experience with the highly versatile 62″ takedown bow has been overwhelmingly positive.
Its durability, power, and adaptability make it a reliable companion for both hunting and target shooting. With the right adjustments and practice, this bow can truly elevate your archery game to the next level.
Cabelas Warden 62″ Recurve Bow
From one of the top US archery manufacturers comes this 62-inch beginner takedown bow with either a 45 or 50 lbs draw weight. Those draw weights are enough to hunt in almost all states legally.
Read our article about draw weights and hunting regulations here.
A strong multi-laminate riser design that uses walnut, white oak, hard maple, and garin woods.
This combination of woods gives the bow a unique look that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly durable.
Together, these woods create a striking and stunning bow. There is one thing that some people might not like about the model’s limbs: the large bright yellow letters with the model’s name on them.
But hey, at least you’ll never forget whose limbs you’re shooting with!
Its accuracy is comparable to that of more expensive models despite its low price. But the bow is pretty loud! Plus, it tends to vibrate when you shoot it. I strongly suggest that you buy some string silencers!
Predrilled holes allow you to attach sights, quivers, or stabilizers to the Warden. The Allen key to remove the limbs is part of this package as a dacron string.
SAS Courage 60″ Wooden Riser Takedown Bow
As someone who has had the pleasure of using the SAS Courage Takedown Recurve Bow, I can confidently attest to its impressive qualities.
From the moment I held the bow in my hands, I could feel the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into its construction.
The combination of Bintangor, Makore, and Chuglam hardwoods used for the riser not only gives the bow an attractive appearance but also ensures its durability.
I appreciated the sturdiness and reliability of the riser, as it provided a solid foundation for my shots, resulting in consistent and accurate performance.
The limbs, composed of Maple and Makore wood laminations with fiberglass facing, truly stood out in terms of versatility and performance. They offered a perfect balance of flexibility and power, allowing me to draw smoothly and release my arrows with precision.
The added fiberglass facing contributed to the overall strength of the limbs, resulting in impressive arrow speed and excellent stability throughout my shooting sessions.
Speaking of shooting, the SAS Courage truly excelled in both hunting and practice scenarios. Its 60″ total length provided a balanced feel, allowing me to maneuver the bow with ease and precision.
Of course, like any recurve bow, the SAS Courage does require regular maintenance. This involves checking the limb alignment, inspecting the string and limbs for wear, and applying wax as needed.
However, I found that these routine maintenance tasks were worth the effort, as they ensured the bow’s optimal performance and extended its lifespan.
While the SAS Courage is only available in brown color, I found its natural wood finish to be quite appealing.
However, I understand that some archers may prefer a broader range of color options to suit their personal tastes. Nonetheless, the bow’s performance far outweighs any minor aesthetic limitations.
It is worth noting that the SAS Courage does not come with any additional accessories included.
This means that archers will need to separately purchase items such as arrows, a bow stringer, or a bow case.
However, this allows individuals to select accessories tailored to their specific needs and preferences, ensuring a customized setup.
All in all, my experience with the SAS Courage Takedown Recurve Bow has been nothing short of exceptional. Its high-quality construction, versatile limbs, customizable draw weight, and user-friendly takedown design make it an excellent choice for archers of various skill levels.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a dedicated target shooter, the SAS Courage is a reliable and high-performing companion that won’t disappoint.
Comparison Table
| Bow Model | Bear Archery Bullseye X Takedown | Keshes Takedown Hunting Recurve | Southwest Archery Supply SAS Voyager 62″ | Cabelas Warden 62″ Recurve | SAS Courage 60″ Wooden Riser |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Draw Weight Range | 15 lbs. / 26 lbs. | 15 lbs. – 60 lbs. | 25, 35, 50, and 55 lbs. | 45 lbs. / 50 lbs. | Customizable draw weight |
| Hand Orientation | Right-hand only | Right and Left hand | Right and Left hand | Right-hand only | Right and Left hand |
| Bow Length | 48″ or 62″ available | 62″ | 62″ | 62″ | 60″ |
| Construction Materials | Sturdy and lightweight | Hard Maple limbs with fiberglass lamination | Hard maple, clear fiberglass limbs | Multi-laminate riser | Hardwoods |
| Included Accessories | Arrow rest, string nock | Archery set, including stringer, nocks, sight | SAS bow stringer | Dacron string, Allen key | None included |
| Versatility | Ideal for youth archers | Suitable for teens and adults | Phenolic reinforced limb tips | Suitable for hunting/target shooting | Suitable for hunting |
| Manufacturer Reputation | Well-known brand | Trusted manufacturer | Same factory as Samick Sage | Established manufacturer | Established manufacturer |
| Travel-Friendly Design | Takedown bow | Takedown bow | Takedown bow | Takedown bow | Takedown bow |
| Potential Drawbacks | Right-hand only model | none | Limb alignment, brace height adjustment | Loud and vibrates | Requires regular maintenance |
Poundage on recurve bows is measured at 28″ draw length. Every inch you draw less will reduce the poundage by 2 lbs. Here is an example: If your draw length is 26″ and you buy a bow with 34 lbs draw weight (measured at 28″). This means that you are shooting with 30 lbs.
Me, shooting my takedown bow.
Things You Need to Know Before Buying
Before you go and buy a bow (no matter which one that might be), you need to take three measurements:
- Draw Length
- Bow Length
- Draw Weight
That´s it. Nothing too overwhelming, right? Now, how do you figure those things out? Easy!
Draw Length
That is the distance between a bow’s riser (the middle part) and the most distant part of a bowstring when at full draw.
The Archery Trade Association (ATA) is defining it like this: “Draw length is the distance at the archer’s full draw, from the nocking point on the string to the pivot point of the bow grip plus 1 3/4 inches.”
Everybody has an individual draw length – just like a shoe size!
To be accurate, you need to maintain a proper form when shooting. And that is impossible if you are fumbling around with a wrong draw length!
When at full draw, an archer’s arms should be at a 90-degree angle to their body. Your body should essentially be configured to a “T” shape between your torso and arms.
If you are new to archery, this may sound a bit complicated. But it’s not. Believe me.
Measuring Draw Length
There are different methods to do this. The Wingspan Measurement is the most popular one (here is our article about this topic).
All you need is an assistant, a tape measure and a calculator.
Stand straight with your arms stretched out (see above). Now your assistant measures the distance from fingertip to fingertip (the furthest fingertip!).
Write down your findings, divide by 2.5. That is it! You now know your personal draw length!
Bow Length
Now that you know your draw length, you can go and pick a bow that supports your draw length! There is no magic involved here. Double-check before buying so you don´t end up with a too-long or short bow for you.
As general guidance, take a look at the chart below:
| Draw Length | Bow Length | |
| 14 – 17 inches | -> | 48 inches |
| 17 – 20 inches | -> | 54 inches |
| 20 – 22 inches | -> | 58 inches |
| 22 – 24 inches | -> | 62 inches |
| 24 – 26 inches | -> | 64 – 66 inches |
| 26 – 28 inches | -> | 66 – 68 inches |
| 28 – 30 inches | -> | 68 – 70 inches |
| 31 inches or more | -> | 70 – 72 inches |
Draw Weight
Shooting too high of poundage harms your experience. You should be able to draw and fire your bow at least 20 times in a row with only minimal fatigue.
The best draw weight you can draw smoothly and hold at full draw to comfortably shoot at a target.
Basic Recommendations:
| Young Adults (18 to 21) | 15 – 30 lbs | start with 20 lbs |
| Adult Women >22 years | 20 – 35 lbs | start with 20 – 25 lbs |
| Adult Men >22 | 25 – 40 lbs | start 30 lbs |
The sport of archery is not just about shooting arrows. It’s also about the process: aiming, drawing, and releasing smoothly in one fluid motion.
One way to ensure you get the maximum benefit from your practice session is by starting with the appropriate draw weight. Do not start with too high of draw weight. Your form will suffer, and so will your accuracy.
Many states have laws governing the minimum draw weights for different species if you plan to go hunting. Make sure to inform yourself – Here is a clickable map for you!
Materials
The main materials for takedown bows are wood, metal, fiberglass, and composite. At the same time, the limbs are usually made of several layers of fiberglass, wood, and carbon foam.
The riser is, in most cases, made of wood, carbon, aluminum alloy, or magnesium alloy. If you prefer a more traditional look, go with a maple wood riser. Those look absolutely great!
How Long do Recurve Bow Limbs Last?
Quality recurve bow limbs should last you years to come! The condition of the bow’s limbs is an important factor in how long a recurve limb will last. As well as any damage it may have incurred during use.
This can include
- Creases from drops or rough handling
- Small cracks that don’t affect performance
- Surface scratches and nicks that are too small to interfere with shooting accuracy
- Hairline fractures often won’t be found until they spread and weaken quickly.
Different Archery Types
- Target archery
- Field archery
- Bowhunting
- Traditional archery
- Mounted archery
- Bow fishing
- 3D archery
What’s the difference between target, field, and 3D archery?
The main difference is that target archery is done from a stationary position, whereas field and 3D archery are done on the move.
Target Archery
You shoot either three or six arrows per end. This can vary depending on the type of round you are participating in. Most commonly, it´s 20 ends of three arrows.
Distances are always the same. You only have a set time limit to finish your shot.
3D Archery
3D Archery is popular – and it’s a lot of fun. 3D archery introduces you to engage a target in unique and creative ways. It´s an outdoor spot – the idea is to enhance your archery skill in an environment that comes as close to actual hunting as it gets. Please read our article about the most amazing 3D archery shots here.
Field Archery
Targets may or may not have marked distances. Field archery is done with a recurve bow. Field archers are judged on accuracy and need to adapt to targets at various distances and angles.
Field archery offers three different types of targets: hunter rounds, field rounds, and animal rounds. Each with its own unique targets.
What is a Recurve Takedown Bow?
The takedown recurve bow is actually comprised of three parts. There is the riser and then two limbs, one above and the other below. When compared to a single-piece bow, this type has many extra benefits.
Parts of a Recurve Bow
For one, the three-part bow can be dismantled to pack it down to a smaller size safely without risking bending or breaking the limbs. Take-down bows are easier and simpler to make repairs.
Parts can either be repaired and refitted or individually replaced to effectively make the bow new again. The take-down version is also useful for beginners because the draw weight is adjustable.
The draw weight is based on how stiff each of the limbs is and how it is constructed. Simply by swapping out the existing limbs for a different pair, the draw weight is changeable.
What to Look for When Buying a Takedown Recurve Bow?
There are a few factors to look at when it comes to buying a takedown bow. Each bow is different. Some have multiple models with different draw weights. Others are longer or shorter and suit people of different heights. Are you going to use the bow for target shooting, or do you actually plan to go hunting?
Important Things when Buying a Recurve Bow
Right or left-hand:
A bow is designed either for right-hand or left-hand use. A right-handed bow is held in the left hand with arrows fired from the right hand.
While it tends to be true that a right-handed person will hold a bow in their left hand and shoot with their right, the dominant eye also influences which hand to use for best results.
Draw weight:
Draw weight is a measure of how much force is required to pull the string back. This is an important factor for recurve bows because it determines how powerful they are.
The most common draw weights range between 20 and 60 pounds, with 40-45 pounds being average in today’s market.
Higher draw weights offer more power and require a higher degree of strength and skill to use properly.
If you own a takedown recurve bow, you can change the limbs. That means you can increase or decrease your bow’s draw weight, depending on what’s best for you.
Draw length:
Draw length in a bow determines the distance you can draw the bowstring back. The typical draw length of a recurve bow is somewhere around 28 inches.
To determine what length is appropriate for you, stretch out both arms away from your body, and then measure the length between the tips of your fingers on either hand. (Read more about how to properly measure your draw length here)
With this measurement, divide it by 2.5 to get the approximate draw length. This measurement is a reasonable starting both for kids and adults alike. It isn’t perfect, but it’s fairly good. I would advise you to always consult with a professional to determine your exact measures.
Nocking point
Nocking points are there to give a simple reverence where you should nock your arrow. You don’t necessarily need them – but especially for newer archers, they might be helpful.
Bow Riser
Some bows permit the shooter to add their limbs to a chosen riser. In other cases, the bow riser comes with the bow. The riser is an important part of any recurve bow. Different quality ones depend on the requirements, with the highest quality being Olympics standard.
Make sure to invest in a quality riser – probably going to use it for quite a while. Limbs are more likely to be changed due to increased draw weight once you get stronger.
How To Decide Which Recurve Bow Is The Best?
With the takedown recurve bow, one gets more flexibility to adjust the types of limbs (or riser) used. This customizability is unlike a standard recurve bow, which is one piece and lacks this flexibility altogether.
Most Recommended Recurve Bows
We put together a review article about the best recurve bows in general. Not limited to takedown or vintage. Might want to check it out too.
NOT AVAILABLE AT THE MOMENT …….
Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow
The Samick Sage is, in our opinion, the best all-around recurve bow. It´s a flexible bow available in draw weights from 25 lbs up to 60 lbs (in 5 lbs increments). It is also possible to choose either right or left-hand orientation.
Pros:
- Excellent first bow for new archers
- Draw weight selectable per model between 25lbs and 60lbs (5lbs increments)
- Right or left-hand models
- Made from Maple wood and blackened fiberglass limbs
- Draw length maximum is 29-inches
- Beautifully made
- Limbs replaceable
Cons:
- No stringer is supplied
- Occasional breakage or warping after several months of use
The recurve bow includes its own arrow rest and a B-50 bowstring. The riser is made from strong maple wood, while the two limbs are made with fiberglass.
The maximum draw length is 29-inches. The brace height is selectable from 7.25-inches to 8.25-inches. This recurve bow is designed for either beginner or intermediate bow archers.
When comparing the Samick Sage with other bows on our list, I conclude that this is the best all-around bow available. You could use the Samick as a target shooting or hunting bow alike. The price point is fair – the quality is good.
