When it comes to finding the best recurve Olympic bow, several outstanding options rise to the top of the list. The Sanlida Miracle X10 stands out as the premium pick, known for its high torque and quality materials. The HYF Archery ILF Olympic Recurve Bow earns recognition as the best overall choice, offering a full accessory set and highly elastic, sturdy limbs. Beginners might find the BOSEN Foam Core Competition Recurve Bow suitable, as it's customizable and affordable. The TBOW ILF Archery Competition Recurve Bow excels in accuracy and adjustability, while the SinoArt 68-Inch Competition Recurve Bow is a powerful wooden option ideal for tall beginners. These bows represent the pinnacle of performance and design in the realm of Olympic recurve archery, catering to different needs and skill levels.
Bows have existed for thousands of years, giving people an avenue to socialize and have fun. It also involves your body strength, which is a plus for people who love exercising. Recurve bows came about as an evolution of the traditional ones and are the exclusive choice for the Olympic archery.
They are made in a unique design that allows them to store more energy with every shot. Upon shooting, the arrow flies with greater velocity and strength. If you’re seeking to venture into archery, we will take you through various recurve bows.
We have independently researched and analyzed hundreds of recurve bows in the market that are compatible with any type of archery completions including Olympic and world archery championships.
So, our Best Olympic Recurve Bows don't mean they are official Olympic bows. We just reviewed and recommended the top-notch bows you can use in Olympic archery or any other tournaments. Let's check our list of top 5 Olympic-style recurve bows.
Table of Contents
- What Are The Best Olympic Recurve Bows?
- 5 Best Olympic Style Recurve Bows - Comprehensive Reviews
- Facrors To Consider While Buying An Olympic Recurve Bow
- FAQs
- How Do I Determine My Bow Size?
- Do Heavier Bows Have Greater Efficiency?
- What Is The Right Draw Weight For Beginners?
- How Can I Match My Arrow With The Bow?
- What brand of bows do Olympic archers use?
- What pound recurve bow do Olympic athletes use?
- What are the best competition bows?
- What is the best recurve bow in the world?
- What bow does Ted Nugent use?
- What distance do Olympic archers shoot?
- What is the average draw weight for an Olympic bow?
- How far can a 25 pound recurve bow shoot?
- What is the difference between Olympic bow and recurve bow?
- Which bow is the hardest to shoot?
- What bow does Joe Rogan shoot?
- How much does a competition archery bow cost?
- Who makes the best bow in the world?
- What is the best recurve length?
- What is the most famous bow in the world?
- Final Verdict
What Are The Best Olympic Recurve Bows?
Before getting to the comprehensive review, we’ll give you a quick synopsis of what we have. It will keep you clued up about what to expect. Quickly, here we go.
1. Best Overall: HYF Archery ILF Recurve Bow
"This is our best pick overall because of its huge accessory set. The bow limbs are also highly elastic and sturdy."
2. Best for Beginners: BOSEN Foam Core Competition Bow
"BOSEN Foam Core comes with premium quality and favors beginners. It has room for customization depending on the need."
3. Best Premium: Sanlida Miracle X10 Recurve Bow
"Are you looking for the best recurve bow for competition? This one produces the highest torque."
4. Best Moisture Resistant: TBOW ILF Archery Competition Recurve Bow
"This bow is ideal for cold weather because it comes with a Gordon sheet for moisture protection."
5. Best Wood: SinoArt 68-Inch Competition Recurve Bow
"If you’re seeking to improve your shooting, you must attain a good grip, and this bow’s handle gives you just that."
5 Best Olympic Style Recurve Bows - Comprehensive Reviews
1. Best Overall: HYF Archery ILF Olympic Recurve Bow
- Designed for right-handed archers
- 1-year warranty
- Weighs 2.36 pounds
- Availed in 8 different colors
- Comes with 3 sizes (66, 68, & 70 inches)
- Comes with a draw weight of between 20 & 44 Lbs
- Employs the International Limb Fitting pocket system
- Comes with beautifully finished limbs and a riser
If you’re looking for a lasting Olympic style recurve bow with strong material, HYF Archery Recurve Bow is the right recurve bow for you. It comes with an adjustable draw weight depending on the need. To change the weight, you only need to remove or change the limbs and riser in a straightforward process.
We haven’t told you that its bow is made of aluminum alloy, which is famous for its versatility. It has high abrasion resistance, making it a perfect fit for all-weather use. Its material is also quite light, thus accommodating a broad range of archers.
Each component comes with a different material for added strength. The bow grip is wooden, while the limbs come with a fiberglass maple veneer. The package is beautiful and sturdy.
Coming with a full-year warranty means you can trust the bow’s quality. But, the manufacturer insists that you must observe the measures of use. Be cautious in your use and storage.
Exposing your bow and its elements to extreme wetness or heat may trigger damage. It is also advisable that you always evaluate all the elements for damage before going for shooting. Also, the package can be destructive, so novices and kids should never handle it without supervision.
Goods Sides We Found:
- It comes with a good grip for enhanced shoulder movement
- It is the easiest to carry around because the limbs are removable
- It is designed such that you can safely assemble and disassemble all the components
- All its features are a good deal for the price offered
The Downsides:
- It has fewer options for customization compared to other fits in the market
- Not suitable for novice archers
2. Best for Beginners: BOSEN Foam Core Competition Recurve Bow
- Has a right-hand orientation
- Available in the color black
- The bow measures 62 inches
- The brace height is 8 inches and the riser 19 inches
- The draw weight goes between 25 and 50 pounds
The BOSEN BOWS Foam core is the best beginner Olympic recurve bow you can find in the market today. It is highly resilient and affordable, not to mention its high customization abilities.
Like, it has room for weight adjustment, depending on the user. Also, its ILF limbs are not only durable but also easy to adjust.
Nearly every beginner will enjoy using this 62-inch long recurve bow for their practice. The limbs are reasonably resilient and will last the longest with proper care and maintenance.
The manufacturer gives you a 1-year warranty within which you can return the package if damaged. This is enough proof that the unit is high-quality.
Have we mentioned to you about the flexible and light limbs? Carrying them around will never be a problem whatsoever.
Again, a draw length ranging between 25 and 30 inches is not bad for intermediate archers. The draw weight also adjusts between 25 and 55 pounds. You only need to alter the bowstring tension to alter the weight.
Goods Sides We Found:
- It is highly durable as it comes with wooden limbs and a fiberglass veneer
- It comes with a perfect material that makes the riser ideal for all-weather use
- It has a comfortable grip that ensures an overly smooth draw
The Downsides:
- It is designed to suit the right-handers, leaving left-handers disadvantaged
3. Best Premium: Sanlida Miracle X10 Olympic Recurve Bow
- Available in color gold
- Comes with a 25-inch ILF riser
- Weighs around 2.9 pounds
- The bow length adjusts to 66, 68, and 70 inches
- The riser weight runs between 25 to 48 pounds
Sanlida is one of the best archery elements manufacturers known today. Sanlida Miracle X10 Olympic Recurve Bow, in particular, holds a special place in the industry. We consider it a far better option than a hoyt competition recurve bow, but that’s our opinion based on the research we did.
We’ve rated it our premium pick based on the reviews by buyers and the satisfaction they expressed. Sanlida is a high-end bow that every pro in archery will love. It comes with premium-quality material and components, guaranteeing value for money.
If you’re worried about breakage and having to replace your package soon, this should be the least of your worries. The bow is CNC-machined, a process that adds to its sturdiness. You can enjoy its durability for the longest time.
This pick may be expensive compared to others on our list, but it is for a reason. The amount of torque you experience when you draw plus the flexing is everything you would ask for in a recurve bow.
But, this may not be the best fit for beginners. First, the bow may feel heavy because you’re not used, which is not viable considering its cost.
But, for an experienced archer seeking to ace it, you cannot afford to overlook this package. It comes with many, yet specific items that you’ll find useful in your gaming.
Goods Sides We Found:
- The riser weight is highly adjustable for maximal convenience depending on the occasion
- The entire package is ready-to-use, meaning you assemble it and start shooting without incurring extra costs
- Highly durable as it is made from carbon layers and foam core
- Comes with an adjustable wooden handle to allow users to challenge themselves
The Downsides:
- Beginners may find the bow a bit heavy
4. Best Moisture Resistant: TBOW ILF Archery Competition Recurve Bow
- Comes in color black
- The riser is 19 inches long
- The bow weighs 3.3 pounds
- Brace has a height adjustment of 7.08 to 7.87 inches
- Right-handed orientation
- 3.3 lbs Bow Weight
- 19" riser length
Accuracy and speed are the two primary traits that TBOW competition recurve bow are known for. It is highly rated as one of the easiest to use bows, especially because of its pre-installed riser.
Disassembling it is very easy, and the parts are also light to transport. We are certain you will love this package that allows the users to adjust the draw weight significantly. This aspect makes it an ideal fit for people at different levels.
The draw weight adjustment ranges between 30 and 60 pounds, which is good enough for pro archers. Having an aluminum alloy bow is another aspect that ensures you get full value for your money.
The handlebar, on the other hand, has wooden material. Wood is not only good for an enhanced grip but also offers greater stability and control. That is everything an archer or even a hunter wishes for in a bow.
The attractive limbs that come in a variety of colors are something you will fall in love with. They are made of a synthesized material that will not bend even under the greatest pressure.
To make the string sharper and better for shooting, it comes waxed. You can unpack it from the box and head for your shoots right away. Not even a moist climate will expose them to the wear effect.
Goods Sides We Found:
- Comes with sturdy construction for durability
- Has a moisture-resistant Gordon linen covering
- Comes in several colors for users to select from
- The string comes with waxing for flexibility and high moisture-resistance
The Downsides:
- The limbs vibrate a little, so you may have to install limbsavers on the bow limbs if you’re uncomfortable
- Not suitable for left handy
5. Best Wooden: SinoArt 68-Inch Competition Recurve Bow
- Has a draw weight of between 18 and 36 pounds
- Comes with both right and left-hand orientation
- The bow measures 68 inches
- Has a maximum draw length of 32 inches
- Available in black
- 8.3-9.5" brace height
If you are a tall, ambitious archer seeking to perfect your archery skills, look no further. The Sinoart 68-inch recurve is reliably strong and affordable. It also comes with the best for added resilience.
Picking it for your practice is the best decision you can ever make. Sadly, the bow is not very accommodative of short people or kids despite being a wonderful pick. It favors people who are over six feet tall.
It may also not be the best competition recurve bow, but all beginners love its performance. At the same time, the bow can be effectively used for small game hunting.
Its draw weight cannot go past 36 pounds, meaning it is not ideal for medium and large animals hunting. An attempt to use it will only injure the animals and not kill them, which is cruel.
We realized that most people loved the fact that the bow comes as a complete package. As if that is not enough, all the elements are pre-drilled, making assembling a breeze.
We cannot overlook the bright riser and useful parts like the finger tab and arm guard. They all make this pick the best Olympic recurve bow for beginner.
Goods Sides We Found:
- It has a smooth, beautiful appearance that makes it unique
- It comes with a 2-pound increment to allow the users to improve focus and accuracy
- Assembling is easy because the manufacturer drills all the necessary holes
- All the required components are included in the package, no extras to buy
- Powerful yet affordable, making it ideal for all archery enthusiasts
The Downsides:
- The draw weight range is quite limited, disqualifying the pick for professional hunting.
Facrors To Consider While Buying An Olympic Recurve Bow
The biggest challenge for beginner archers is finding the right recurve bow. While choosing a Olympic recurve bow you should consider consider the below features.
1. Recurve Draw Weights
You should determine the ideal draw weight based on your sex and strength. In this case, an adjustable recurve bow will come in handy. Should the weight exceed your strength, you can adjust it to avoid getting overpowered.
2. Bow Size
Having the right bow size ensures you get a longer draw length. Basically, this is the string length that a bow can take. It’s also called the Archery Manufacturers Association (AMO) size.
3. Bow Weight
Archers have different weight requirements. Although these recurve bows are normally lightweight, some are heavier than others. If you intend to carry the bow around for a longer time, go for the lightest pick.
4. Material
Always consider the right material based on your preference. Some find wooden bows beautiful, while others prefer metallic ones. Also, those that come pre-drilled are the best because you won’t risk invalidating your warranty.
5. ILF Compatibility
It's one of the major factors to choose a competition recurve bow. When your ultimate goal is to be an olympic archer you should get a bow which has ILF compatible Limbs and Riser.
FAQs
If you’re an aspiring archer, you’ve to avoid getting the wrong choice of a to recurve bow. You may find these questions useful.
How Do I Determine My Bow Size?
If you know your draw length, this is easy. Your bow size should be at least double the draw length. Also, longer bows produce more accurate results, although your competence matters. For more about to choose proper bow size you may go through this article: https://archerycare.com/guide-to-choosing-the-right-recurve-bow-size/
Do Heavier Bows Have Greater Efficiency?
Heavier bows are firmer than their extra light counterparts. Light bows are known to experience an imbalance, especially when using sights and quivers.
What Is The Right Draw Weight For Beginners?
The draw weight is the energy you need to pull the bow fully. For beginners, a draw weight of 25 pounds will do, assuming you will not use it for hunting. Ideally, the minimum draw weight for game hunting should be 40 pounds. To get in-depth draw weight guide, read this article: https://archerycare.com/recurve-bow-draw-weight/
How Can I Match My Arrow With The Bow?
The first thing you do should be to determine your draw length. If you already have it, simply add 0.5 or 1 inch to that figure. The answer you get should be your maximum arrow length.
What brand of bows do Olympic archers use?
Olympic archers in the recent Tokyo games were seen competing with bows made by renowned manufacturers such as PSE, Hoyt, and Samick, but it's worth noting that Hoyt bows have been the favored choice in terms of winning the most Olympic medals. The most prevalent combination used by these elite athletes is the Hoyt Formula XI riser and Velos limbs, with the Hoyt Formula XI being the go-to riser. Having personally followed the Olympic archery scene for years, I've seen how Hoyt's technology and craftsmanship have stood the test of time and competition, cementing their place as a favorite among athletes. It's an exciting blend of tradition and innovation that sets them apart. (Jul 23, 2021)
What pound recurve bow do Olympic athletes use?
Olympic archers demonstrate tremendous skill and precision with their equipment, including the draw weight of their bows. The average draw weights are roughly 48.5 pounds for the men and 33 pounds for the women. These numbers can vary based on individual preferences and strengths, but they reflect a careful balance between power and control. In my own experience in archery, the choice of draw weight is a deeply personal one that takes into consideration many factors like body strength and shooting style. The pros seem to have perfected this balance, as seen in their awe-inspiring performances. (Mar 10, 2021)
What are the best competition bows?
For those looking to improve accuracy and gain a competitive edge, certain compound target bows have risen above the rest. Some of the top-notch bows include Mathews – TRX 38, Xpedition – Perfexion XL, Martin – Axxon 36, Elite – Victory X, Bowtech – Reckoning, and Hoyt – Prevail Series. Having tried some of these models myself, I can testify to their quality and performance. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or aspiring to get there, investing in one of these bows could be the key to unlocking your potential.
What is the best recurve bow in the world?
When considering the best recurve bows, various factors come into play such as purpose, experience level, and budget. A selection of the best might include Best Overall: Bear Archery Grizzly, Best for Beginners: Western Archery The Edge, Best Takedown: Hoyt Satori, Best for Deer Hunting: Bear Archery Fred Bear Takedown, Best Budget: Samick Sage, Best For Target Shooting: PSE Pro Max, Best for Bowfishing: AMS Bowfishing Water Moc. Having had the privilege to shoot with a Bear Archery Grizzly myself, I can vouch for its extraordinary performance. Whether you're a seasoned archer or a beginner, there's a recurve bow that fits your needs perfectly. (Jun 7, 2023)
What bow does Ted Nugent use?
Ted Nugent, the renowned musician and outdoorsman, is well-equipped in the field of archery. He uses a Mathews Triax bow at 50#, along with Nuge Gold Tip 400 arrows with a DeadRinger Butcher broadhead, weighing roughly around 400 grains. His chosen target is Morrell. As someone who has also tried Mathews bows, I can say they offer fantastic performance, which surely aligns with Nugent's passionate pursuit of archery and hunting. (Sep 24, 2018)
What distance do Olympic archers shoot?
In the realm of Olympic archery, the standard shooting distance is 70 m (77 yards). Indoor competitions may see distances of either 18 or 25 m (20 or 27 yards). Competitions are divided into ends, and an archer shoots 3 or 6 arrows per end, depending on the round type. As an archery enthusiast, watching Olympic archers perform at this range is nothing short of mesmerizing. Their ability to consistently hit targets at such distances is a testament to their skill, training, and equipment.
What is the average draw weight for an Olympic bow?
Based on surveys and measurements, the average draw weight for an Olympic male recurve archer is 49.5lb, and for women, it's 40.7lb. Among men, the range varies from 44.5-54lb, and amongst women, it's 35-45lb. Having observed various professional competitions and even experimented with different draw weights myself, I can affirm that these figures reflect a balance of power, control, and comfort that professionals seek in their gear. (Mar 27, 2018)
How far can a 25 pound recurve bow shoot?
A 25 to 30-pound draw weight on a recurve bow is often seen as minimal, but it's more than sufficient for recreational target practice. If properly aimed and with the right form, you can hit targets from 60 or even 70 yards away with this draw weight. Having once tried a 30-pound recurve bow, I was pleasantly surprised by its effectiveness at longer distances. It’s a great example of how skill can sometimes outweigh raw power.
What is the difference between Olympic bow and recurve bow?
The recurve bow is steeped in history, being used for thousands of years globally, including the UK. In contrast, the Olympic bow refers specifically to the type of recurve bow used in Olympic archery. The recurve bow is the only kind of bow used in Olympic archery, and drawing the bow stores energy in the limbs, transferring it to the arrow upon release. The elegance of this design and its significance in the history of archery always fascinates me.
Which bow is the hardest to shoot?
Among various types of bows, the longbow stands out as particularly challenging to handle and shoot accurately. This difficulty stems from its lack of technological advancements, and as it gets longer, the draw weight increases. I remember the first time I attempted to shoot a longbow; the learning curve was steep. It was a humbling experience that offered a glimpse into the skill and technique required by the archers of yesteryears. (Sep 30, 2020)
What bow does Joe Rogan shoot?
Joe Rogan, the famous comedian, and podcaster, uses a specially designed PSE EVO NTN 33 bow, complete with a Spot Hogg Fast Eddy Sight, Carter Target 4 release aid, and a Bee Stinger stabilizer. The bow was customized for Joe by John Dudley, down to the fine details like tying the nock points and mounting the bow sight. As a fellow archery enthusiast, Joe's dedication to the sport and his choice of equipment reflect a genuine passion for precision and excellence.
How much does a competition archery bow cost?
Investing in a recurve bow can range anywhere from $50 to $1,200, with the average price hovering around $350. Olympic-level standard bows often cost above $1000, and you may want to budget additional $100-$250 for accessories. I remember investing in my first competition-grade bow; it was an exciting yet daunting process. Choosing the right bow can be a significant investment but one that can greatly enhance your performance.
Who makes the best bow in the world?
Identifying the best bow manufacturer can be subjective, as it often depends on personal preferences and specific needs. However, some of the top names in the industry are Mathews Archery, Hoyt Archery, Bowtech Archery, PSE Archery, Bear Archery, Elite Archery, Diamond Archery, and Mission Archery. These brands are celebrated for their quality and innovation. My experience with several of these manufacturers has affirmed their reputation in the archery community. (Jan 6, 2023)
What is the best recurve length?
Recurve bows typically come in lengths of 58, 60, and 62 inches. The old guideline suggests that those with a draw length under 28 inches should opt for a 56 or 58-inch bow, those with 28 to 29½-inch draw lengths should go for a 60-inch bow, and for draw lengths over 29½ inches, a 62-inch bow is the best choice. In my journey through archery, finding the perfect bow length was a critical step in honing my skills and comfort. These guidelines are a great starting point for any archer.
What is the most famous bow in the world?
Probably the most recognized and iconic bow globally is the English Longbow. This traditional archery bow has become synonymous with historical figures like Robin Hood, far more than contemporary champions in the sport. I recall visiting a museum that housed a preserved English Longbow, and the sense of history and legacy it carried was palpable. Traditional archery has a charm that transcends mere sport, linking us with our collective past.
Final Verdict
The above recurve bows are among the best you can buy today. You will not regret investing your money in any of them. But, you should first determine what you want based on your prowess and needs. It’s the only way you will take home a befitting bow.
Once you buy, remember to take good care of your package. All sets come with a manual. Take caution and preserve all the elements well, limiting their exposure to the sun and moisture, and you’ll get full value for your money.