Ultimately, there is a large range of recurve bows on the marketplace currently to pick from. As a result, it’s easy to get confused when it comes to finding the right recurve bow for you.
There are several considerations in your choice, such as bow size, weight pull, price, whether or not you like style and colour, technical requirements, features & equipment used, and so on.
At all stages of the recurve market, there are too many equal members to describe any single bow as greater than any other one. Instead, this guide aims to highlight unique aspects of various bows to inform your own decision making.
Large-scale manufacturers produce many fantastic, highly capable bows, and some of them are mentioned below. These bows work by extreme archers into the niche of beginners who just want equipment to get the job done. See also our recommendations on the best hunting tree stands to buy, the best trail cameras, the best tree stand accessories, the best backpack straps.
Some Terms Explained
To begin with, certain words that require clarification will be referred to in the guide.
Riser: The riser is the unbending component of a bow into which the grip is built.
Limbs: The bending parts of a bow are the limbs. In recurves, these softly angle backward from the riser (toward the archer) before recurving forward to the tips.
Draw: To draw a bow means to pull the string back. A person’s draw length is the measured distance that defines their full draw. A bow’s draw weight is the poundage pressure it takes to bring the bow string back to the defined draw length.
Anchor Point: The anchor point of a person is the position in which their string hand completes full draw. Anchor points should be readily accessible and repeatable, since they are often used to “anchor” the rear end of the arrow in the same position to make shooting accurate.
See also: Best compound bow for hunting
Best Recurve Bow Reviews for 2020
1. Best Beginner Recurve Bow on a Budget: Samick Sage
The Samick Sage is an entry-level bow targeted at beginners who don’t want to spend a fortune getting acquainted with bow and arrow hunting. The Samick Sage is all you’d expect from an inexpensive bow and more.
One thing you’re going to certainly enjoy about this recurve bow is that it comes complete with a string and an arrow rest, meaning you can save some cash on accessories. The model also has pre-installed bushings for the plunger, as well as a stabiliser for your bows, a sight, and a quiver.
You get a decent package, practically, for an unbeatable price. The performance of the limbs is another thing that will inform you that this is the recurve bow that you can purchase. They are lightweight , compact, and robust, built from hard maple in a mix of plywood. The pockets of metal will keep the limbs in place and add to the overall durability.
In addition , the fact that it is a takedown bow provides a beginner with much more benefit and as you become more advanced and your strength is improved, the limps can be upgraded.
A wide number of draw weights to pick from and both left and right handed models ensure that the Samick Sage can be ordered entirely suited to your requirements. The best use of the Samick Sage is target practise, although it can also be used for hunting, but anything a little quieter will be preferred for more experienced hunters.
This is an entry level bow, due to its manageable design and robust build, can also fit for more advanced archers.
Specifications
- Three-piece takedown system
- Length: 62 inches
- Available in right- and left-handed models
- Draw weight between 30 pounds and 55 pounds (in 5-pound increments)
Pros
- Affordable quality
- Proven performer
- Interchangeable limbs mean you can start at a low poundage and work up
Cons
- Requires (simple) modification to shoot off the shelf
- Complicated manufacturing history raises questions about future availability and support
2. Bear Archery Grizzly – Best recurve bow for target shooting
The Bear Archery AFT2086150 Grizzly is an outstanding choice if what you have in mind is a target practise and even a shooting experience. If you want to hone your abilities and try to get yourself to the next step, it’s a smart idea for the archer. You will greatly appreciate its low weight (about 2lbs.) if you are a beginner and you will be impressed by its supreme accuracy if you are an experienced hunter; an accuracy that even the most compound bows don’t provide.
You will be capable of sending arrows flying at faster speeds, and you will find it more reasonable than using other bows to reach the target. A great thing about this bow is that it can handle all weather conditions, and you can take it to any place you can like with you on trips. In comparison, since you can hardly hear it while releasing the arrow, the Bear Grizzly is ideal for those quiet shooting regions.
You will also find out that the limbs made of maple and fibreglass are especially resistant to wear and tear. If you pick this bow, you’re going to get a great value for money. It comes with all the accessories you need, plus you won’t have to spend extra.
Although not the cheapest bow to buy, the Bear Grizzly is definitely one of the best. The standard of its design is on par with that of higher priced bows, and so is its efficiency. Anyone able to pay what is needed for the Grizzly Bear should seriously consider buying it. Rest assured that this price range is second to none, and maybe more. If your budget is under $500, the Bear Grizzly may be a bow for you.
Specifications
- One-piece construction
- Length: 58 inches
- Available in right- and left-handed models
- Draw weight between 30 pounds and 50 pounds (in 5 pound increments)
- Leather side plate and bear-hair arrow rest
Pros
- Time-proven design
- Affordable mid-range bow
- Classic looks
- Comes ready to shoot off the shelf
Cons
- One-piece construction difficult to travel with
See also: Best crossbow for hunting
3. SAS Spirit – Best recurve bow for beginners
If you’ve been looking for a recurve bow to show your kid how to use it, the Southland Archery Supplies SAS Spirit provides an outstanding starting point. Since it’s lightweight, it’s easy to hold for children. The combination of maple and fibreglass in its construction also means that the bow is used without breaking.
Keep in mind that the overall height of the archer should be six feet, which means it’s a great pick for a youth growing up. You’ll find this model usable for both left-handed and right-handed shooters, so there won’t be any problems to choose the right version.
The draw weight goes from 22lbs to 34lbs with a few iterations in between. Although it can sound like a choice that you can use only for target practise in the backyard, it is also effective for hunting trips.
Pros:
- It is available in both right-hand and left-hand versions
- Excellent for kids growing up while learning to use a bow
- Decent versatility that can make it a good pick for hunting, too
Cons:
- One aspect that some reviewers noticed about this model is the poor quality string; a solution would be to replace it
4. Southwest Archery Tigershark – Best takedown recurve bow
Most likely, the first thing that will catch your eye when you look at this recurving bow is how stunning it is. The maker uses four different types of wood to produce this model, and it is not the only factor that will ensure its excellent overall quality.
Both the left-handed and the right-handed shooters can find a version that functions from them, since this model is brought by the manufacturer of such versions. Another thing to learn from this model is that the weight of the draw can be changed between 25lbs and 60lbs in increments of 5lbs. That gives this bow a lot of flexibility, and you’re going to be able to adjust the operation to make it work for you.
As it comes with reinforced limb tips, you’ll be able to use either Flemish or Easy Flight strings. The PRO edition comes with a pin-locking technology for precise positioning of the legs.
Pros:
- It is built with durability in mind
- The draw weight can be adjusted with ease
- You can install various accessories on it
Cons:
- It is a good thing that this model is compatible with both Flemish and Fast Flight strings, but the one it comes equipped with is of cheap quality
5. Best Youth Recurve: Arc Rolan Snake 48″ Recurve
Taking children into archery is great; it’s a great hobby for them to get them out and focus on persistence and perseverance. For a lot of kids, having a bow sets them on the path of life ‘s passion.
With that being said, archery isn’t for everyone — so a kid’s first bow just wants to give them a chance. A easy, cheap bow that can throw arrows decently is all that’s needed — and the Arc Rolan Snake does that well.
The Arc Rolan shows up in clubs and shooting ranges, where it’s a fine lender bow for kids who have a go at the sport. They’re well made for what they are, and both the bow and the string are robust.
The Arc Rolan is a perfect beginner bow for kids who would like to try archery. It’s cheap and long-lasting enough to allow a lot of shooting and handing over between siblings. Matching a few light arrows with feather fletching to this bow would make it completely capable of effective shooting.
Specifications
- Length: 48 inches
- Draw weight: 15 pounds
- Ambidextrous build
- Durable composite-polymer construction
- Suitable for children 6 to 11 years old
Pros
- Workable length for kids
- 15-pound draw weight is powerful enough to not be considered a toy, but not so powerful that a kid can’t draw it
- Durable construction
- Ambidextrous grip allows left- or right-handed shooting
Cons
- Simple design doesn’t look like an adult’s bow
- Kids can outgrow the 15-pound draw weight relatively quickly if they shoot all the time
6. Best Three-Piece Takedown Recurve: Acadian Woods 3 Piece Carbon Reflex
Here’s where things are going to take a serious turn in the price department. If you want the “best” recurve, the custom bow is the obvious alternative. There is no way to measure the quality of custom bows — all works of art.
Acadian Woods Custom Longbows and Recurves are very good recurves.
The bowers, Tim Mullins and Gancarcik, carry their skills to their bows to deliver the finest in efficiency, feel and looks. One such innovation is the 3 Piece Carbon Reflex recurve.
Acadian Woods bows are beautifully made masterpieces of the custom bow world. One-on-one play with the bowers helps you to make the bow the way you want it to be. The Acadian Woods bow has been a bow to admire for a long time, whether you’re a hunter or a competition shooter.
Specifications
Variety of limb construction options
Variety of riser construction options
Options for extra set of limbs
All orders come with a bow stringer, Spectra string and bow sock
Pros
- Three-piece takedown system
- Fully customizable options
- Custom draw weight and length
- Top-quality bow design for performance and style
- Able to discuss options with bowyer
- Unique end product
Cons
- High cost
- Waiting time between ordering and receiving
7. Southwest Archery Tigershark – Best takedown recurve bow
Most likely, the first thing that will catch your eye when you look at this recurving bow is how beautiful it is. The manufacturer uses four different types of wood to produce this model, and it is not the only factor that will guarantee its outstanding overall quality.
Both the left-handed and the right-handed shooters can find a version that functions from them, since this model is brought by the manufacturer of such versions. Another thing to learn from this model is that the weight of the draw can be changed between 25lbs and 60lbs in increments of 5lbs. That gives this bow a lot of flexibility, and you’re going to be able to adjust the operation to make it work for you.
As it comes with reinforced limb tips, you’ll be able to use either Flemish or Easy Flight strings. The PRO edition comes with a pin-locking technology for accurate alignment of the limbs.
Pros:
- It is built with durability in mind
- The draw weight can be adjusted with ease
- You can install various accessories on it
Cons:
- Equipped with Cheap Quality
Final Thoughts:
We hope this article was helpful, and you are sure about which recurve bows you would want to purchase. Thank you for spending time to read the article till the end. It was our pleasure to write about these affordable best recurve bows for hunting.
Our suggestions above are what we found the best recurve bows available in the market. These are the best recurve bows to buy in every price range for you. We have analyzed the features and functions of each product and reviewed our best for the buyers.