Whether you are a seasoned hunter with years of experience or a beginner hunter who is just starting out on your hunting journey, a good recurve bow is an essential tool for your hunting needs.
However, with so many recurve bow brands offering a wide range of recurve bows for your choosing, the process of choosing the most suitable bow may be difficult.
Check out our comprehensive recurve bow review of the 9 best recurve bows to learn more about the top recurve bows that are available. You will be one step closer to finding the right one for your hunting needs.
Reviews of the Best Recurve Bows
1. Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow
Best Overall
Affordable
Easy to assemble (no tools needed)
Wide range of draw weights
Reinforced limb tips for string upgrades
Relatively large
String upgrade required
The Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow is an affordable 62-inch bow with a riser that is of very high quality. It comes with reinforced limb tips that are made of hard maple with black fiberglass, so that you can opt for string updates. The choice of material also means that you get a lightweight, durable, and flexible bow.
In addition, this recurve bow comes complete with a string and an arrow rest, which means that you do not have to spend more money on accessories. But if you do want to add on to your Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow, this ergonomically designed bow comes pre-installed with brass bushings to attach accessories.
This bow is also one of the best recurve bows for beginners as it comes in a wide range of draw weights. This means that when you just start out, you can work on your form with a lower weight, and as you grow stronger and more stable, you can slowly edge up to a full hunting weight on the Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow.
Furthermore, you do not have to stress out about putting the bow together when you receive it, because it is relatively easy to assemble.
For lefties out there who find it hard to find a good recurve bow, this bow comes in right-handed and left-handed options. Couple this with its wide range of draw weights and you get a sturdy bow that is suitable for a wide range of archers.
One drawback of this bow is that archers with a smaller build may find this bow to be a little large. At 62 inches, the Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow is great for users who are 5 foot 11 inches tall and up.
2. Bear Archery Grizzly
Best Convenience
Excellent for all skill levels
Ready to shoot out of the box
Weather-resistant
Slightly pricey
Not a takedown recurve bow
This Bear Archery Grizzly bow is a great option for someone who has target shooting in mind. The 58-inch recurve bow is specifically designed for hunting, and many users appreciate that it is extremely light, at about 2 lbs. It is therefore a great option for beginners.
Coupled with being lightweight, the Bear Archery Grizzly is also extremely durable. It comes with custom-crafted limbs and risers that are made of northern hardwood. Its limbs also sport a glossy finish which helps to prevent the limbs from absorbing moisture, increasing the lifespan of the recurve bow.
Materials like maple and fiberglass are also used, adding on to the bow’s resistance to wear and tear. The bow is thus to be able to withstand harsh weather conditions, making it a great bow for hunters.
The Bear Archery Grizzly is also well appreciated by more advanced hunters for its accuracy and speed. In addition, it is also extremely quiet: it barely makes a sound when you release an arrow. It is thus great for hunting in quiet areas.
Some users, however, feel that the Bear Archery Grizzly Bow is slightly pricey. But keep in mind that this bow is fully ready to be shot out of the box. This means that everything you need is provided and there is no need for you to spend extra money to source accessories.
3. SAS Spirit
Best for Children
Excellent for kids
Left-hand and right-hand options
Durable construction
Unclear set-up instructions
May be outgrown quickly
Southland Archery Supply, or SAS, is known as a popular manufacturer of quality bows and has been serving hunters and bowmen alike for well over a decade. Its SAS Spirit is a 66 inch recurve bow that is best suited for shooters less than six feet in height.
The model is available in various draw weights that go from 22 lbs to 34 lbs. This means that depending on your skill and body frame, you can choose one that is suitable. The bow also comes in both left-hand and right-hand options.
The limbs of the SAS Spirit are made from maple with laminations of fiberglass for increased durability. They are also extremely flexible and will not break easily. The woods that are used for the construction of the SAS Spirit are Chuglam, Gmelina Arborea, and beech, all of which are extremely strong and sturdy.
Taken together, this recurve bow offers an excellent entry point for children as a great youth recurve bow. Its lightweight construction, flexibility, height, as well as range of draw weights are easily manageable for a child to use.
If your child wants to attach accessories to his or her bow, the SAS Spirit has many attachment points for accessories. So, if you are looking for a bow for your young son or daughter, this might be the bow for you. You should be aware that this bow may be outgrown very quickly due to its height.
Do take note, though, that because the SAS Spirit is a takedown recurve bow, some assembly is required. The tools that are needed for assembly are provided along with an instruction manual. However, some users left reviews that the instructions provided are unclear, so you might have to do a little homework.
4. PSE Archery Razorback Recurve Bow
Best for Lightweight
Great for smaller archers
Lightweight
Durable construction
No accessories
Not suitable for hunting
The PSE Archery Razorback Recurve bow is an affordable recurve bow that has a maximum draw weight of 30 lbs. The bow’s riser is made of hardwood while the limbs are made of wood laminate. This makes for an extremely durable and high-quality bow that can last for years.
This bow is largely praised for its accuracy. It delivers ranges up to 30 yards. The PSE Razorback bow is also very light, weighing a mere 2.2 lbs. You will feel comfortable even if you have to carry it for a whole day.
The size of the handle is also perfect for those with smaller hands. In addition, the PSE Archery Razorback Recurve bow has a Berger button hole to install a cushion plunger for your comfort.
Because of its construction and features, this bow is a perfect choice for users with smaller frames. Women archers also particularly love the PSE Archery Razorback Recurve Bow.
It is also excellent for indoor or outdoor target practice. On top of that, the takedown bow is easy to transport and store. However, because of its maximum draw weight of 30 lbs, the PSE Razorback may not be a great bow for hunting. It would also not be suitable for you if you are looking to shoot arrows at great speed or with great force.
The bow comes with a user manual and assembly instructions for easy assembly. No tools are required for you to put together your recurve bow. Your purchase of a PSE Razorback does not come with arrows or accessories. However, the riser comes pre-drilled so that you can attach any accessory that you need onto it.
5. Southwest Archery Spyder Takedown Recurve Bow
Best Versatility
Lightweight
Comes with a riser, limbs, arrow rest
Right hand bow and left hand bow option
Tools required to assemble
Slightly pricey
The Southwest Archery Spyder Takedown Recurve Bow is made up of high-quality materials incorporating four types of wood. The bow is 62 inches, and is manufactured in a wide range of draw weights which varies from 20 lbs to 60 lbs.
This recurve bow is good for left-handed users and right-handed users, as the manufacturers provide both options. The Southwest Archery Spyder Takedown Recurve Bow can be used as a recurve bow for hunting deer, as well as for bowfishing.
The bow is also versatile in the sense that it is good for both men and women up to about 5 foot 11 inches tall and up to 29-inch draw lengths. It has a riser that is comfortably molded to shape the hand, and is able to fit many accessories if you need them.
The Southwest Archery Spyder Takedown Recurve Bow is considerably lightweight, and is good for you if you are looking for a manageable recurve bow.
Furthermore, when you purchase the Southwest Archery Spyder Takedown Recurve Bow, you will get a riser, a pair of limbs, one 14 Dacron string, and an arrow rest. This means that you do not have to separately source for accessories, saving you both time and money.
However, if ease of assembly is important to you, you may want to note that some users found it hard to assemble this bow, because some tools are required to put it together and take it down. If you require some help with assembly, check out this guide: how to string a recurve bow.
6. KESHES Takedown Hunting Recurve Bow
Best Ease of Assembly
Many accessories
Easy to assemble
Ergonomic design
No arrows provided
Requires maintenance
KESHES is a small family-owned business that aims to produce high-quality and efficient products that make it easier for people to reconnect with themselves and nature. KESHES Takedown Hunting Recurve Bow has a 62-inch bow length and draw weights that range from 15 lbs to 55 lbs.
Right out of the box, the KESHES Takedown Hunting Recurve Bow is very easy to put together. Reviews cite that even beginner users had no difficulties setting it up. In addition, your purchase comes with many useful accessories. This includes 14 strands of bowstrings, a stringer tool, an arrow rest, as well as a full eyesight set.
The bow itself sees limbs that are made of Hardwood Limbs with Fiberglass, making it flexible and sturdy. Its riser is made with different kinds of quality wood lamination, which helps to improve strength and stability. The knob that comes with the riser also helps you to attach the limbs without the need for tools.
The KESHES Takedown Recurve Bow is also pre-installed with brushings for you to install the plethora of accessories that they readily provided. This also means that the bow can grow with you: you can add on more advanced accessories as you hone your skills or if you need to hunt larger game.
The ergonomically designed recurve bow is crafted with soft, rounded edges that ensure maximum comfort. As for orientation, lefties can be glad that KESHES offers their recurve bow in left and right handed options.
All these features add up to a versatile 3 lbs recurve bow that is easy to carry around and store, and is good for all environments. As a result, the KESHES Takedown Hunting Recurve Bow is often touted the best takedown recurve bow. However, do note that because of the full wood construction, this recurve bow requires maintenance and regular inspection.
7. SAS Explorer
Best Durability
Lightweight
Durable construction
Many color options
No left-handed option
Requires assembly
SAS Explorer is an affordable bow by SAS that is stylish, flexible, and durable at the same time. The limbs of this bow are made of maple, which is a wood well-known for its flexibility and durability. Fibreglass is also used in the construction of the bow, ensuring the bow’s sturdiness.
Unlike many other recurve bows, the riser of the SAS Explorer is made of lightweight aluminum. This adds to the durability of the bow. On top of that, it gives it a bright and aesthetically pleasing finish that you will love.
The SAS Explorer is also fitted with a plastic grip. This means that it is comfortable to hold the riser in all seasons: you will not experience hot or cold shock. Furthermore, the recurve bow comes with threaded holes for you to fit any attachment for your needs.
This is also a takedown bow, which is easier to assemble and disassemble for easy carrying and storage. This bow comes in five different color options for you to choose from. However, do note that the riser for the SAS Explorer is designed only for right-handed persons. This 66-inch bow is also better recommended for users whose heights are 6 feet and above.
8. SAS Courage
Best Value for Money
Good price
Easy to assemble
Comes with accessories
Riser does not accept accessories
Limited draw weights
If you are looking for a bow to shoot or hunt traditionally, SAS Courage may be the one for you. The bow comes with a laminated wood riser, limbs that are constructed with 2 different types of wood and coated with high strength fibreglass.
The SAS Courage has a draw weight of 35 lbs to 60 lbs, and is available in both left and right orientation. At 60 inches, this bow is slightly smaller than the other beginner recurve bows in the market, hence it is a good option for users with a smaller build.
However, because the SAS Courage only has limited draw weights, it favors higher draw weights that are used by hunters. This means that it is available in high poundage models. Despite that, many of its users express that it is easy to draw when firing.
Because it is inexpensive but still strong enough to be useful for target practice or hunting, it is a good recurve bow for beginners. On top of that, the SAS Courage would also make a good backup bow for a more experienced hunter.
Users also cite that this bow is easy to assemble. However, because you would require tools to disassemble SAS Courage, many users do not recommend it as a bow that you would want to be taking down the road.
Unlike some cheap recurve bows which come with no accessories, when you purchase the SAS Courage, it comes along with accessories such as a string and a stick on rug style arrow rest. However, you should also know that the SAS Courage does not come with preinstalled bushings for you to attach your accessories.
The bow also comes with a 3-year warranty from its manufacturer.
9. TopArchery Traditional Recurve Bow
Best Traditional Recurve Bow
Right-handed and left-handed options
Good for beginner and seasoned archers
Lightweight
No arrow rest
Lacks accessories of modern bows
TopArchery’s Traditional Recurve Bow sports a minimalistic design that welcomes the traditional way of life. Despite its small size and weight, this traditional bow sees a draw weight that ranges from 30 lbs to 50 lbs. It has an overall body length of 53 inches as well as a brace height between 16 and 18 cm.
The riser of the TopArchery’s Traditional Recurve Bow is made of wood and has a leather grip that is very comfortable to hold. Its limbs are made of flexible and weather-resistant fibreglass, giving it extra durability. The bow weighs a mere 1.92 lbs, making it extremely easy to carry around.
Many users expressed that the TopArchery Traditional Recurve Bow reminds them of a time when longbows were a part of daily life and used for hunting and combat.
So, if you are looking for a bow with a modern design, this bow may not be for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a long-lasting bow that is stripped down to the roots of archery for you to practice serious archery or go hunting, this is the bow for you.
The features of this traditional bow make it useful for both beginner and skilled archers. The TopArchery’s Traditional Recurve Bow also comes in both right-handed and left-handed options and it comes completely assembled and ready to use right out of the box.
Different Parts of a Recurve Bow
Before you purchase a recurve bow, you should be able to recognize and understand the different parts of a recurve bow. Otherwise, you would not be able to tell even if you are given the best recurve bow in the world.
Here is a quick breakdown of the most fundamental parts of a recurve bow:
Riser
The riser is the heart of a recurve bow. It is placed between the limbs and it’s the backbone of the bow where other components are attached to. In traditional bows such as the TopArchery Traditional Recurve Bow, risers are made of wood. The risers of modern recurve bows are usually made of aluminum or carbon fibre.
Limbs
The limbs are attached to the both ends of the riser and are the most critical parts of the recurve bow. In recurve bows, the limbs curve back towards the archer, and then curve away from the archer at the end of each limb. It stores and releases kinetic energy so as to launch an arrow towards a target.
In takedown bows such as the SAS Spirit, they have takedown limbs that you can remove from the riser so that you can replace and upgrade them as you hone your skills.
Bow String
Put simply, the bowstring is the cord attached to the limb tips. It works to transform the stored energy in the limbs into kinetic energy in the arrow. Some bows such as the Southwest Archery Spyder Takedown Recurve Bow come with a bow string, which is a great feature!
These are the three main parts of a recurve bow. Of course, there are accessories and smaller parts that differ from one recurve bow to another. Taken together, recurve bows are relatively simple as compared to other bows. Learn more about the difference between recurve bows and compound bows here.
Proper Shooting of a Recurve Bow
Whether you are shooting a recurve bow for the first time or looking to refresh your skills, it is important that you know how to properly shoot a recurve bow.
This not only helps you to shoot safely. It also helps you to shoot more efficiently and accurately.
1. Ensure proper stance
Stand with your legs positioned shoulder-width apart. Your whole body would be perpendicular to your target. If you are right-handed, stand with your left hip pointing at the target. On the other hand, if you are left-handed, your right hip should point at the target.
2. Turn your head towards the target
While your body should be perpendicular to the target at all times, your head should be turned towards your target so that you can look at it directly. In doing so, keep your shoulders down and chest in. Make sure not to hunch!
3. Have a firm grip
Most recurve bows come fitted with handles so you know where to hold the bow. Stay relaxed, but make sure you maintain a firm grip. This ensures that you will achieve both accuracy and comfort.
4. Aim with your dominant eye
When aiming, use your dominant eye to ensure reliability. Close your other eye. If your recurve bow comes fitted with a sight or scope, use it to check your aim.
5. Releasing the string
When you release the string, it should not be an abrupt action. Instead, it should be smooth. The bowstring should slide out in a smooth motion towards the target. This way, the bow will fly in a straight motion, instead of shakily.
6. Remain steady
After shooting, you should stay still until the arrow hits the target. This is because a slight movement from you can affect the trajectory of the arrow.
FAQs
Conclusion
The Bear Archery Grizzly has got to be the overall winner for the best recurve bow. It is an excellent recurve bow for all skill levels and is lightweight, durable, as well as versatile. It arrives in a package filled with necessary accessories, making it a purchase that is worthy of your money.
For a more affordable option, consider the Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow. It comes packed with amazing features but without a hefty price tag.
If you are looking to change things up a little too look at recurve crossbows, check out our guide!