How to Choose a Recurve Bow?

You will be surprised at how easy it is to choose a recurve bow. Understandably, you might have become somewhat confused when looking at all the different models available.

 For a beginner, this is normal, but the truth is that if you choose any recurve, to begin with, you will be very satisfied.

Generally speaking, what you pay for is what you get. The same is true with archery equipment, but there are certain investments. Moreover, shortcuts can be made when buying beginner’s kits to save time and money. 

There is an overwhelming variety of products available on the market from manufacturers around the globe. When buying your first recurve bow set-up, it can be difficult to know where to begin.

Here in this article, we will inform you of some best products that can help you to choose a recurve bow for yourself. Without their use, it is generally impossible to get yourself a perfect recurve bow.

Read Also: Best Recurve Bow for Beginners and Experts

The main things that are required for choosing a recurve bow:

Identify what equipment you will need: Shooting a basic recurve bow, such as those used in the Olympics, requires a riser, limbs, string, rest, button, sight, stabilization, and other accessories.

Set a budget for what you want to spend on the kit. If something catches your eye in the store, prepare to ignore it.

After completing a beginner’s course, it is recommended that you purchase your first bow. Once you have perfected your basic form, a coach can determine what kind of equipment you need more accurately.

1: Strings of the Bow

Bowstrings are available in a variety of lengths, materials, and thicknesses. Make sure that the string is the right length before you begin. 

The thicker strings (those with more strands), which are required for heavier loads, tend to be a little slower, however, they may fit your chosen arrow nocks better.

The string and finger tabs will last longer if you use a tied nocking point rather than brass.

Top archers often choose simple white-out of the many available colors. In hot weather, the color will reflect and will not significantly affect the string. In any case, if the string is properly stretched when it is made, you will not see much change in it.

2: Finger tab

It would be preferable if there were a structured finger tab with a shelf or finger divider – or at least the option to add these features. You will need to experiment with these additions as your shooting technique progresses to determine whether they are effective.

3: Arrows

It is recommended that beginners use aluminum arrows or cheaper aluminum/carbon arrows. The spine of your arrow is determined by the weight you are pulling at the draw length you reach, and needs to be checked against the tuning chart provided by the manufacturer.

Once you receive new limbs, these numbers will change, so you will save money by purchasing cheaper arrows. Now, rather than having to switch and buy a new set later. If you intend to shoot outdoors, use bright-colored vanes.

 Plastic vanes are easy to repair and replace for beginners, but you will likely want to move on to spin wings in the future. If your arrows are broken, be sure to purchase spare nocks and fletchings.

4: Stabilisation

By balancing the bow with long and short rods, vibrations are reduced. You do not need to worry too much about investing too much at first, as most of them are well-made and will serve you well as a beginner. 

An optimal stabilization system will result in a bow that is well-balanced, properly weighted, and comfortable to shoot.

Ideally, you should start with a long rod and then add v-bars later. In addition to top and bottom rods, additional weight, and dampers, these options are usually added when borrowing someone else’s equipment.

5: The button and rest

There are three types of rests available: plastic, fixed, and magnetic. Metal rests are more durable and will not require replacement. For beginners, they are difficult to use, however, they are a viable alternative to plastic rests.

Some of the highest scores in the world have been shot with fixed plastic rests.

Thus, the arrow flies from the bow, and the button pushes it away from the riser. As a result, it allows for precise adjustments and tuning of your arrows, as well as being paired with the rest to optimize your shooting. On the market, some buttons offer exceptional value.

6: View

You should consider your view to be the second most important piece of equipment you purchase. Quality is something you pay for in this case, as a cheaper sight may shake apart after several shots, or may be fragile and difficult to adjust.

Micro-adjustable parts, higher build quality, and superior materials are all features of more sophisticated sights. It is important to choose a piece of equipment that is durable and reliable, as it will be with you for some time.

7: The Limbs

In selecting limbs for beginners, it is important to consider the archer’s growth and development.

Except for screw-in fittings and the newer Hoyt Formula system, the majority of available fittings are on the market.  Only they are compatible with the ILF system (fitting the green riser on the right, below), which works cross-brand.

Most people will outgrow their first set of limbs within a few months, so it is common to recommend purchasing cheaper limbs.

You won’t be left with a top-of-the-range piece of equipment you’ll have to sell when you outgrow the limb.

7: The Riser

There is one part of the bow that you will want to invest the most time and money into. As the foundation for the rest of the bow, the riser will last you for many years to come.

If you’re able to visit a shop in person, pick up and hold as many risers as you can, and feel their weight and balance in your hand. You can often test risers before buying them in many shops.

Many different materials can be used to manufacture the riser, including wood (the traditional material), metal, or carbon. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Despite their lightweight, wood and carbon risers require additional stabilization to maintain balance, while aluminum risers are extremely durable. 

There is a limited choice of wood bows, and traditional shooters usually prefer them. Modern technology is used in the manufacture of bows made from metal or carbon.

Good risers have good balance, good hand placement, and straightness (a twisted riser is not in good shape and weight will affect how the limbs bend, how the bow reacts when it’s shot and how well it aims.

Best features present in the best Recurve bows:

1: Length of the Bows

Ideally, your bow should be twice as long as your draw length. The draw length of your recurve should be at least 56 inches if your draw length is 28 inches. There is generally a correlation between the length of the bow and its accuracy.

2: Weight of the Bows

It is not only the draw weight that matters. It is also important to consider the actual weight of the bow itself. While shooting, you will often need to hold the bow in front of you for extended periods you’re a beginner, you should pick a solid recurve that weighs between 2 and 3.5 pounds. When in doubt, choose a bow that weighs no more than three pounds.

3: Other Accessories

You should also consider whether you want a bow sight and other accessories when choosing a recurve bow. Some recurve bows come with pre-drilled holes for such attachments, while others do not. 

Many traditional archery enthusiasts prefer not to use any type of sights or accessories because they prefer the pure “stick and string” experience. 

 If a riser has not been drilled for these accessories. You can still add a peep sight (which can be attached to any bowed string), or glue-on arrow rest.

Main steps for choosing the best Recurve Bows:

Here are a few steps that can help you in choosing the best bows for yourself.

  • Choose the draw weight according to your body type, and ensure that it is at least 40 pounds. You will need to draw weight if you wish to hunt. It does not matter what draw weight you use for target practice.
  • Based on the information above, decide whether you want a one-piece or a take-down bow.
  • For starters, the bow should not weigh more than 3.4 pounds.
  • Make sure your bow is twice as long as your draw length.
  • Choose a bow that is drilled for extra attachments, such as a bow sight.

FAQs:

What should be the length of the recurve?

A bow should be at least twice as long as your draw length. You should choose a recurve with a draw length of 56 inches or more if your draw length is 28 inches. There is generally a positive correlation between the length of the bow and its accuracy.

What is the correct method for determining the recurve bow draw length?

The best way to measure your draw length is to stand with your back to a wall and extend your arms against the wall.  To determine the length of your arms, hands, and chest, measure the distance from the end of one middle finger to the end of the other middle finger. 

For a 30-inch draw, what size arrows should I use?

This is especially important when using fixed-blade broad heads, which tend to magnify tuning issues. For a 30-inch arrow shot from a 70-pound bow, the Easton spine chart recommends a spine of 250. The spine chart recommends a 340 spine if you reduce the arrow length to 28 inches.

Conclusion:

Choosing these bits of kit comes down to personal preference and budget. There is a huge range of archery goods catering to archers of all levels and all styles. So, if you’re uncertain about whether a piece of equipment or its price.

Here in this article, we informed you about the products required for making recurve bows. The best features are present in these Bows. In the end, we discussed the main steps for choosing the recurve bows.

Leave a Comment