Archery is considered as a very primitive method of shooting by many hunters. The more you look around the market, the more you recognize that modern bows looks anything but primitive. In a spectrum ranging from primitive to very advanced; you get the recurve bow at one end of the spectrum, which is the most conventional, then the compound bow, then the crossbow. This is rather ironic because the cross bow was much longer than the compound bow around it. There are a number of other factors that will help you to decide which bow is right for you. See also our suggestions on the best crossbow bolts for hunting, the best crossbow cases, the best tactical backpack, and the best rangefinders for bow hunting.
Ranking Each Bow Type
Hunting Regulations
Based on what state you live in, regulations could leave your bow choices wide open or they could automatically remove certain bow options. Since state laws can definitively rule out certain bow options, it is worth discussing the topic first.
1. Recurve
The most commonly known in line with Legal law are Recurve bows. In general, you only have to ensure that there’s enough draw weight and that you can shoot legally in your state.
2. Compound bow
The majority of regulations are very beneficial to composite beams but have some limitations. In certain situations, states control the degree to which they let go. Departure is the decline in force that is expected when the bow is pulled back. Many states have a minimum draw weight to guarantee that they can launch an arrow with sufficient kinetic energy to be lethal. Finally, certain states may have battery operated equipment connected to your bow. Not all compound bows on the marketplace in all states are legal, hence, before making your decision, make sure you recognize the state hunting regulations.
3. Crossbow
The crossbow is the most restricted type of bow. The design of the weapon provides a few crucial benefits over the other two styles of weapons, all of which enable the hunter to draw and manually maintain the bow. Some states treat it as less primitive because of its benefits and commit it to increased control. Some states do not permit them to be used at all or only during current firearms. Specific seasons can be permitted in other states or during normal seasons of archery. If you plan to buy a crossbow, you can certainly check your state regulations in order to find out if they are a legal choice.
Ease of Use
1. Recurve
Recurve bows would be the easiest to aim, but perhaps the toughest to succeed in hunting. Most teenagers get the chance at summer camp or with family and friends to shoot recurve bows. Most recurve bow shooters finger-draw instead of using a release, so the entire process is almost as easy as it can be. Recurve bows, however, lack the mechanical advantage of the other two types of bows and are harder to reliably shoot.
Check here for best recurve bows
2. Crossbow
A crossbow would be the next easy to use for those with rifle shooting experience and arguably the simplest to be accurate with while hunting. For several, when you shoulder them like a rifle and can use a scope or more conventional sights, they are easier to reliably shoot. When the bow is drawn, the hard work is finished, and long gun shooters can become familiar with the use of a crossbow.
3. Compound bow
The compound bow is a little more complicated than a recurve bow to see it and control, but has the benefit of let-off and advances that make it quick and accurate. In whatever place you can find yourself when hunting, a reasonable choice for draw weight is anything you can draw comfortably.
If you selected a recurve bow and a compound bow that were initially equally difficult to draw, once you are comfortable with how to use it, the compound bow would be easier to be effective with.
Check here for best compound bows
Popularity
1. Compound bow
The majority of today’s world of archery hunting centers around compound bows. There are smaller sub-communities that prefer to use more conventional kit and recurve bows for archery hunters. However, it will be easiest to find details, tips and directions relating to compound bows.
2. Crossbow
When it comes to crossbow shooting, since certain states are too restrictive, the technique lags behind in terms of success. Many individuals who hunt archery with compound or recurve bows still see crossbows as an entirely separate method of shooting and apply some stigma to the technique. On all of these purposes, crossbows are not quite as common as compound bows.
See also: How to choose the crossbow scope
Effectiveness
All three types of bows can be used for the harvest of any large game animal found in North America.
Which depends, however, on the hunter recognizing his or her bow’s strengths and limitations. That is also only valid if the hunter is professional and careful with the bow.
1. Compound and Crossbow
A heavily contentious subject is certainly the powerful selection of crossbows and compound bows.
Many shooters of all sorts are comfortable placing arrows over 70 yards in a kill zone, but there are countless debates about whether or not those are smart shots to try on a big game animal.
Depending on skill and opinion, a more common range restriction is anywhere between 30 and 60 yards for hunters of all bow types.
Despite of range, the modern broadheads and mechanical arrows or bolts used in compound bows and crossbows are very efficient on big game animals and usually have efficient outcomes when combined with good shot positioning.
If a recurve bow or a compound bow with a lighter draw weight is used, make sure to examine which combination of arrowhead and arrow shaft would work better at slower speeds.
See also: Different types of crossbows
2. Recurve bow
Many professional recurve bow hunters realize that their shoots have to be limited to much shorter ranges than the other two bow types. They are looking at being within 20 to 25 yards of their quarry with a lot of hunters. There are those that stretch the limits of their weapons, like all types of hunting, but it is certainly safer for closer recurves.
See also: Best crossbow cases
Price
In almost every purchasing decision, price is a factor and bow choices are no exception.
1. Recurve
Although spending a lot of money on a recurve bow is definitely possible, it is much more challenging to do so on a bow from one of the other two types. There are plenty of recurves that are between $150 and $300 on the market that would be ideal for hunting.
2. Crossbow
Crossbows are somewhat more costly than recurve bows, but slightly less costly than compound bows. Crossbows often appear to be a little more ready-to-use than compound bows.
Again, you can probably spend big bucks on a top of the line crossbow if you want to. In the $450 to $650 price range, however, several common options are available.
See also: Complete Guide on crossbow hunting
3. Compound
It gets much simpler to spend big bucks as you step up to compound bows. Most bows on the cutting edge of technology will run you north of $1000 (something new appears to be introduced every year).
You can see that you could invest a decent chunk of change on a quality modern compound bow if you think the price does or may not include anything you need, such as sights and rests.
The value of a year’s new bows on the market is that the market is usually full of recycled bows that can be had even though they are only a year old for a fraction of the price.
Best Recurve Bow: Reviews
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.
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.
Best Compound Bows: Reviews
1. Diamond Archery Prism
Designed especially for target shooting, the Diamond Archery Prisma provides the flexibility and adaptability that any recreational or competitive archer requires to improve in the shooting. Highly adjustable, the Prism makes a generous 50-pound draw weight changeset and 12-inch draw length adjustment. It also comes in a rainbow of colors from bright blue and purple to the more traditional Mossy Oak Break-up.
It is important to remember that this model does not come with a stabilizer. Consider adding an Octane 5-inch Ultralite Bow Stabilizer. It eliminates noise for better shooting and offers additional balance for greater stability and enhanced precision.
This bow stands at an axle of 31 inches and weighs only 3.2 pounds. The length enables improved on-target stability, while the relatively lightweight makes it a better option for younger archers. There could be a decrease in forgiveness, though, which means that you may need to pay careful attention to the shooting form in order to get the best results from this compound bow.
2. Bear Cruzer G2
Bear Archery is one of the best compound bow manufacturers, and the Cruzer G2 is their flagship compound bow. The Cruzer G2 is the traditional compound bow in appearance, but that’s part of why it’s classic and of such a good value.
The Cruzer G2 is a really flexible bow. It can be modified to draw lengths from 12 inches to 30 inches and to draw weights from 5 pounds to 70 pounds. Which makes it perfect for beginners and seasoned hunters alike. It’s particularly perfect for beginners who transform into hunters.
And, unlike some of the compound bows, you can change the Cruzer G2 with the Allen wrench.
You don’t have to pay for the bow press. The EnduraFiber limbs and twin cams send you a quick, 70 percent let-off run.
The Cruzer G2 comes with six accessories made by Trophy Ridge: a four-pin scope, a whisker biscuit arrow brace, a five-arrow quiver, a sling stabilizer, a peep scope, and a neck cord.
All this, and the bow weighs only three pounds, so you can hunt all day without discomfort!
Best Crossbow: Reviews
1. Best Budget Crossbow – CenterPoint Sniper 370
Centerpoint’s Sniper 370 offers value for its cheap price and it’s # 1 in the low section of our best crossbow list. It provides a much greater production than most bows on the middle level and integrates basic features that make it a reliable performer. Its design is oriented towards quality and comfort.
It offers higher accuracy than one would expect from the low price point and includes noise silencers and a rubber-coated stirrup for a quiet performance in its package. The quality of the optics is not too low although it is more suitable for use during daylight hours. The security features are outstanding, offering a multilevel system that even a complete beginner would have difficulty losing. It comes with a 5-year warranty, quite a quality assurance, and versatility.
The biggest drawback in its design is that it is slightly front-heavy and has a much higher trigger edge relative to most other versions. That said, if this is your first crossbow and you have no way of making a comparison, those two issues would be mostly unnoticeable. This is otherwise one of the best value-for-money crossbows, especially in the entry-level range. Ideal for beginner archers and hobby hunters on a small range.
2. Best Value for Money Crossbow – PSE Fang LT
Although the PSE Fang LT technically fits into the crossbow market place, it is only for its price tag and not features and results. It produces some pretty incredible power for a low-end crossbow (330 feet per second with 97 pounds of kinetic energy to be exact), packing a strong punch for a lightweight design like this. It is lightweight and easy to move, making it a fantastic option to keep hunting from a tree or a hidden stand. However, it is made of molded aluminum rather than machined aluminum, which may cause some durability issues, especially with the frequent, repetitive shooting.
The Fang LT comes with everything you need to continue shooting before you do any serious hunting. While this equipment may be sufficient for backyard target shooting, you’ll want better performance when you go after that monster buck this fall.
It is well-balanced, lightweight, and simple to use, the PSE Fang LT is a perfect choice for women and beginner shooters, but it packs ample strength to attract the powerful, athletic styles. The Fang LT offers value and performance well beyond its price point and is perfect for hunters of all ages and levels of experience.
Conclusion
I think the preference between the bow types for most hunters comes down to how primitive they choose to be. Recurve bows would still be preferred by extreme traditionalists.
For those individuals who are looking in bowhunting but prefer to lean towards the most modern and easy-to-be-effective technique permitted by regulations, crossbows provide an alternative.
Compound bows are picked by individuals who tend to fall it into category of having to shoot in the traditional form of bow and arrow while benefiting from innovations that make their weapon more effective.
All three options can be comfortable and effective, so do not hesitate to try all of them.