The 8 Best Recurve Bows in 2023 (Buying Guide)
If you are looking to buy the best recurve bow on the market this is the right article for you. We have reviewed 8 different recurve bows for your convenience.
This guide will help you find the best recurve bow for your needs. There are so many models out there that it can be hard to find the gems—the recurve bows are worth buying.
I will give you all the facts and details about each bow and compare them so you can pick the recurve bow you like the most.
All the bows on this list are worth every penny. You can’t go wrong with any of them, but I highly suggest you find a bow that suits you and your archery activities.
The 8 Best Recurve Bows Reviewed and Rated
Here are eight recurve bows that I think are the best in their field.
1. Samick Sage – Best Recurve Bowfor the Money
- SIZE – the Samick Sage Recurve bow is 62” long, 28”...
- INCLUDES: Riser - 2 Fiberglass laminated limbs - 14 Strands...
- HAND ORIENTATION - Right Handed - Hold the bow with your...
The Samick Sage is the bow that gives you the most value for your money. It’s easy to spend hundreds of bucks when looking for a good recurve bow, but the Samick Sage gives you the same experience as the more expensive bows at a lower price.
It’s a great bow for beginners because it will grow with you! Many beginner bows out there force you to buy a new bow when you have advanced your skills, but the Samick Sage allows you to continue to use it as you advance your skills.
The Samick Sage has everything you need and more. It comes complete with a string and an arrow rest. It even has pre-installed brushings for a quiver, a sight, a stabilizer, and the plunger. Since it already has brushings for a sight, I recommend you buy one. Here is a great guide on the best single-pin bow sights you can choose.
At this price, there must be a catch—maybe the limbs? But no, the limbs are strong as well. They are made of maple mixed with fiberglass. They are durable and light and have a great pair of limbs with metal pockets to hold them sturdily in place.
With a 25-60 lb draw weight, right- and left-handed versions, and flexibility for hunting and target shooting, the Samick Sage fits anyone. However, more experienced hunters will prefer a more advanced hunting bow.
This is a takedown bow, and you can separate the limbs from the riser, making it smaller and more portable. This is much easier for traveling or storing in a smaller space.
You don’t have to be afraid to take it apart because it’s very simple to set up.
2. Bear Archery Super Kodiak – Best Recurve Bow for Hunting
- This magnificent 60 recurve features a crowned,...
- Matched gray and brown hardwood laminates
- It is originated from United States
This is a bit pricier, but that is for a good reason. The Bear Archery Super Kodiak is a bow of high quality. You can see that Bear Archery has put a lot of hard work and planning into this well-made recurve bow.
This is a 60-inch bow, so it’s not ideal for a beginner. It has a long riser made from black or gold charcoal wood with two stripes of maple wood running through it. On the back of the riser and limbs is black fiberglass to increase the durability and strengthen the bow.
On the tips, one layer of black and one layer of white phenolic works well with any modern string material.
This is my favorite hunting bow, and I have been drooling over it for months. I finally pulled the trigger and purchased it a few days ago. I wasn’t sure whether to buy the Bear Archery Grizzly or this one, but after some reading and talking to someone who already owned the Super Kodiak, I had to go with this great recurve bow.
I am happy with the purchase, and I think it will be an awesome bow to bring along on my hunting adventures. I strongly believe this is one of the best hunting bows.
3. Bear Archery Grizzly – Best Recurve Bow for Target Shooting
- Limbs overlaid with clear maple and backed and faced with...
- Crowned, cut-on center arrow shelf
- Comes with leather side plate and bear hair arrow rest
The best recurve bow for target shooting is the Bear Archery Grizzly. This was designed to be the best all-around bow 50 years ago. And to this date, it still is!
This is a legendary bow that delivers accuracy that crushes its competitors. This bow does not have the same power as the Super Kodiak, but it has accuracy. It is a great bow for both target shooting and hunting.
The weight of this bow is only 2 lbs, which is great for beginners. For advanced archers, accuracy will be the most valuable reason for purchase.
The Bear Archery Grizzly is a bow that can handle all weather conditions! If you want to practice your archery skills on a rainy day, there is nothing stopping you.
When I shoot with my bow there is one thing I dislike: Sound. With this bow, that’s a problem you don’t have to think about. It’s silent as a mouse, which makes it great for quiet hunting or areas with angry neighbors.
This is a high-quality recurve bow that shoots smoothly and accurately. However, if you’re going to take a trip out in the woods to hunt, there is no reason to use the Grizzly Bow. I would purchase this bow on this list of bows for target shooting.
4. Southwest Archery Spyder– Best Recurve Bow for Beginners
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This recurve bow has a beautiful riser that fits perfectly in hand. One of the biggest perks of this bow is that it has a very smooth draw. Every mid-range bow aims for this, but not every manufacturer or brand masters it.
The Southwest Archery Spyder is 62 inches long. It is the perfect size for women and men, up to about 5’11” inches, and has a 29-inch draw length, which is very similar to the Samick Sage.
This beginner recurve bow is a little stiffer than the Samick Sage, and the riser can be a little easier/better to grip for some people. The riser also gives you a lot of options when it comes to accessories.
If you want a great beginner recurve bow, this is a solid option. There are no major setbacks or negative aspects to this bow to stop me from recommending this to any beginner I meet.
5. SAS Spirit – Best Budget Recurve Bow
- ✅RISER: Pale yellow to cream colored Risers are made from...
- ✅LIMBS: Limbs are Made of maple laminations and strong...
- ✅Recommended shooter heights up 6'
Sometimes it can be smart to purchase a cheaper bow to test the waters. If you are buying your first bow and are unsure if you will continue with archery, this budget recurve bow is a great choice.
Even though it’s cheap, it can be used for hunting small game and target shooting without any problems. You won’t get the quality and feel that high-end bows offer, but still, this a great bow that works for most use cases.
If your main purpose for buying a bow is to hunt big game, then I do not recommend this bow. It can work perfectly for small games if you shoot well, but it does not have enough power for larger games.
If you are an advanced archer, you could use this as a backup/fun bow on your backpacking trips or for bow fishing, which works perfectly.
The bow is lightweight since it’s made of fiberglass. It’s a great option for kids or teenagers looking to get into the sport. The archer’s height must be under six feet.
The Sas Spirit comes in both left- and right-handed versions, and the draw weight is from 28 to 34 lbs.
6. Southwest Archery Tigershark – Best Takedown Recurve Bow
- Specs - We’ve combined four naturally sourced woods to...
- Standard vs. Pro - The Tigershark Pro offers a Precision...
- Includes - One handcrafted riser (LH or RH), one pair of...
This beautifully-designed bow is a great choice for those looking for a takedown recurve bow.
If you look at the riser, you can see that there is some serious effort put into this bow to look great and stand out. It is made of four types of wood, making it colorful and unique.
As you know, I am a huge fan of the Samick Sage, and it is a bow I recommend often. I mention this because the same manufacturer makes the Southwest Archery Tigershark! They have created high-quality bows for decades, and this bow is no exception.
The bow comes in two versions: The pro and the standard. The difference between the two is that the pro version offers a precision pin-locking system on the limbs so that they are always installed correctly. This will help you achieve optimal accuracy and performance.
This is a high quality bow that comes at an exceptionally low price. If you are not sure if archery is for you and want a test bow, then this is a great starting point.
7. Tongtu Archery Anthem – Best Traditional-Style Recurve Bow
- LIGHT WEIGHT BOW AND ARROW SET.Simple design of an archery...
- GOOD QUALITY ARCHERY BOW SET.Durable riser can be taken down...
- FOR LEFT AND RIGHT HANDED SHOOTERS.Double Arrow...
Using a traditional-style bow is always fun, especially when they look and feel like the Togtu. This bow has been used for decades and is still used for a good reason.
Several older traditional bows, such as longbows, can be much harder to learn and master. This would be my first choice if I were to convert to a traditional bow.
This recurve bow is solid, meaning the limbs are not removable or changeable. This is the only bow on this list that is a solid piece. Since they are not changeable, they must be good, and they are! I have tested this bow many times, and the limbs are great.
The limbs work almost to the handle, which makes the shooting process very smooth.
8. Bear Archery 1st – Best Recurve Bow for Youth
- Beginner bow set comes ready to shoot with two Safetyglass...
- Set also includes finger rollers, armguard, and arrow quiver
- Recommended age range for children is 4 to 7 years old
If you have a child who wants to begin to explore archery, it’s smart to buy a cheap bow with a low draw weight. That way, they can learn how to shoot and perfect their stance before they move to bows that are harder to use and more expensive.
It’s not a good idea to invest 500+ dollars for them to quit after a week, so start slow with this Bear Archery Bow. This is the best youth bow out there, and it is made by the big and famous archery brand Bear Archer, which has made some of the best hunting bows.
At the link below, you will find this bow plus a set. This set includes everything you need to start shooting straight away! Target, arrows, and a complete bow don’t get much better!
This bow is aimed at children ages 4-7, but if your child is under ten the set will likely work for them. The best thing about this recurve bow is the price. It’s probably one of the cheapest archery sets out there.
Check today's priceArchery has existed for centuries. It was a great tool for hunting and war, but there was always one issue: They couldn’t seem to shoot far enough or fast enough without dragging around a very long bow.
As we know, the length of the string decides how far and fast the bow can shoot, so if you have a short bow, it won’t shoot very far.
Those who needed to shoot long distances had to create longbows, but their height and strength often stopped them from achieving their distance and speed goals.
Then, the recurve bow was invented. Recurve bows have limbs that bend inwards, with tips that turn outwards. This way, archers can have longer strings, resulting in farther ranges without having to extend the length of their bow as much.
Since then, the recurve bow has been a standard bow that most archers have in their arsenal. It has helped both competitive archers and hunters. From the day the recurve bow was born, there was no need to carry around a very long bow and hard carry.
How to Pick the Correct Recurve Bow
There are three measurements that you need to calculate before you purchase a recurve bow. These are the draw length, bow length, and draw height.
Draw Length
First up is the draw length. This is a measurement of how far the archer pulls the string before they release it and shoot the arrow.
Finding the correct draw length is as important as picking the right size running shoes. It is not something you just pick and go with, but rather something you spend extra time on, test, and validate in order to find the draw length that is comfortable and efficient for you.
Choosing the wrong draw length will impact your arrow length and bow length because these are calculated from the draw length.
How to Measure Draw Length
There are two ways to find the draw length. You can go to your local pro shop and let them figure it out.
Or, you can do it yourself simply by putting your back against the wall and raising your arms, forming a (T) with your body. Then, measure the length from the tip of your right hand to the tip of your left hand. Divide this number by 2.5, and you have your draw length. If you are still confused, here is a full guide.
The draw length is the most important measurement to figure out before you make a purchase, so make sure to do it right. If your draw length is way off, it will be hard for you to shoot accurately.
I don’t recommend finding the draw length yourself if you haven’t done it before, but if you do, here are a few things to do to get the correct draw length.
Make sure to align your shooting arm and shoulder. If these are not aligned, your draw length won’t be either. Relax your upper body.
Don’t move or use your back muscles when measuring the draw length because this will push your entire shoulder forward and mess up your measurements.
Bow Length
Bow length is an important factor that you should choose carefully. The rule of thumb is that the bow length is double the draw length. This is not 100% accurate, so test this theory for yourself and find the right bow length.
How to Find Your Bow Length
Finding your correct bow length when you have measured your draw length is simple. I have made a chart for you to make it even simpler.
There is some wiggle room. Your next recurve bow doesn’t have to be within these criteria, but it is a great starting point.
Draw Weight
The draw weight measures how difficult it is for you to draw your bow.
The lower the draw weight is, the easier it is to draw the string toward you. The higher the number is, the harder it is to draw the string and shoot.
The draw weight is a very important measurement you need to know before buying your next recurve bow. It’s not fun to buy a bow you cannot draw.
A lot of archers overestimate their strength when it comes to drawing weight, so don’t do that. A good starting point for most beginners is about 20-30 pounds of draw weight.
Consider your age, gender, and body weight when picking your draw weight, and remember that this number can change.
Most people will eventually increase the draw weight they can handle. This is especially true for beginners, who see a rapid increase in draw weight because of increased muscle strength and tolerance.
A recurve bow with 10-14 pounds in draw weight is a good starting point for children.
I recommend starting with a draw weight between 25 and 35 pounds for women. A good starting point for most average men is around 4o-55 pounds. I started with this, which was hard enough for me initially.
You can always adjust from there; the most critical part is to find a draw weight you can comfortably handle.
Know the Purpose of Your Bow
I have listed a few top-performing recurve bows, but which one should you pick? One of the biggest factors you should consider before you pick one is knowing what you want your bow to do for you.
You don’t need the best recurve bow to shoot through cardboard or foam in your backyard. Any recurve bow will do for this purpose. If this is your plan, I recommend choosing the best budget to recurve bow or the best recurve bow for the money. These are two great bows for a low price that you can buy to get your feet wet or use for years in your backyard.
However, if you’re looking to hunt game and pierce through skin and bone, you need a recurve bow with a draw weight of 40 pounds or higher.
If you want to be safe, you can choose our recommended best recurve bow for hunting, but if you don’t like it or don’t want to invest that much money, there are lots of recurve bows out there that will work.
The only case where I would go higher than 40 pounds of draw weight is if you are going to hunt some BIG game like buffalo or bears. In these situations, to be safe, I would aim for a 55-pound draw weight or higher.
How to String a Recurve Bow
When you have finally bought a new recurve bow, it’s important that you can take it apart, set it up, and string it correctly. If you don’t do these steps correctly, you risk destroying your new recurve bow.
To avoid this, here is a simple step-by-step guide.
Step 1 – Buy yourself a bow stringer. I wouldn’t tell you to do this if it wasn’t game-changing. These will save you time and add to the lifetime of your bow. Make sure it’s designed for recurve bows and not longbows.
Step 2 – Thread the bowstring over the limb tips. Thread the biggest loop on the upper limb and thread the smallest loop on the bottom limb.
Check where the draw weight is written if you struggle to see which limb is which. If you have found that, you know it is the bottom limb.
Step 3 – Place the smallest pocket on the upper limb. Then, place the leather piece 8 cm behind the string loop on the bottom limb. The string loop should be the one closest to the tip.
Step 4– Hold your bow horizontally.
Step 5– Step on the bowstring while holding your bow. This will cause your recurve bow to bend, and you will see the bowstring slide upwards. If not, help and push it toward the tip of the limbs.
If you struggle to slide the string into place, your stringer may be too loose. You can fix this by tying knots on the bottom of the stringer to make it tighter.
Step 6– Check if the string is secured, then slowly lower the bow. Don’t rush this; if it’s not secured properly and you drop it down right away, you can easily be injured or hit by a limb.
Step 7 – Now you are done! Take off the bow stringer, and you’re ready to go.
When you have successfully attached your string, it’s time to set up your nocking point. When placed on the nocking point, the arrow should be at a 90-degree angle, and the arrow should rest.
How To Use a Recurve Bow – Shooting, Standing, and Aiming
Congratulations, you have now purchased a great recurve bow and know how to string and tune it. Let’s jump to the fun part: How to use it!
When you pick up your new, recurve bow, place your feet shoulder-width apart at a slight angle towards your target. If you are a right-handed archer, you should place your left hip towards your target, and if you are left-handed, you should put your right hip in front.
So, point your hip towards the target and do not step over the shooting line. Done? Great, now place your dominant foot slightly in front of the other. This will make your stance more comfortable and gain you some extra stability. Remember to keep your feet at a 45-degree angle to the shooting line.
You are ready to pick up an arrow and lift the bow to shoulder height. Nock the shaft and ensure your arm is safe and away from the string so you don’t get hit when you release the draw.
Keep the arm that is holding the bow straight at all times. Having it bent will make it hard for you to hold the bow while drawing.
Use a Loose Grip
When we get new members in our archery club, there is one mistake that shows up far too often, and that is the tight grip. A lot of beginners hold the bow as if it would be the end of the world if they dropped it.
It’s understandable that you want to hold on to it, but don’t do it too tightly. The less you squeeze, the better.
That’s the reason that Olympic archers drop their bow into a sling after each shot. They don’t squeeze at all, and let the bow drop into the sling instead so that they can stay perfectly relaxed in order to get the best shot possible.
How To Use the Tab Hand
By now you should have an understanding of your holding hand. Now let’s take a look at your tab hand.
Basically, you should make a hook with your index and middle finger. These are the two fingers that you will use to grab the bowstring and charge the power into the arrow. Make sure to relax the pinky finger inside the palm throughout the shot.
When you have hooked the bowstring with your tab hand, draw the bowstring towards you using your back muscles, not the biceps, this is very important! If you are unsure if you are doing it correctly, ask someone who has been doing archery for a while to take a look at your form.
Anchor Point
Pull the string towards you until your index finger is aligned with your jaw, and try to put the string in the center of your nose. Don’t be afraid of it; I have also seen this a few times.
Many beginners have been in a situation where the string has slapped them on their forearms, so they don’t want to put the string anywhere close to their faces. Avoiding doing so will hurt your form and overall accuracy.
Release
Now, all that’s left is to aim and release. When you release the bow, please don’t do it like it’s a hot rock, but rather like you are putting a bag of eggs down on the floor. If you are struggling with this part, purchasing a bow release can be a good idea.
A rapid movement on the release will hurt the whole shot. This applies to your body as well. Once you have shot the arrow, remain in your shooting position until the arrow has hit the target. This is to ensure you don’t move while the arrow is flying through your bow, which will mess up your shot.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this article! This is everything I know on the topic that can help you with your purchase.
If you don’t agree with my top choices, please add your vote on what you think is the best recurve bow with some facts, and I will consider adding it into the article with a small mention.
If you aren’t sold on recurve bows, maybe a crossbow is the option for you? If so, make sure to check out this list of the fastest crossbows.
