Archery Care is reader supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More.

Guide To Choosing The Right Recurve Bow Size For You

Recurve bows come in a wide range of sizes and other variations in draw length, weight etc. However, the recurve bow size is the most important feature to consider when bow shopping.

If you are wondering “What size recurve bow should I get?” then you are very much at the appropriate place where you will get your answers.

Finding out the right and accurate bow size according to your needs is very important and you must be well informed when choosing the bow size. Otherwise, you might feel discomfort while shooting the arrows and have low accuracy of shooting.

But this is exactly why we are here; we will make sure you get the best and well-suited bow size that will fulfill all your archery needs!

How To Choose the Right Recurve Bow Size

It is normal to get confused due to the wide collection and ranges of bow sizes available in the market.

Thus, we are here with our tips and suggestions that will help you and guide you to find the best sized recurve bow size for you!

There are two simple and easy ways you can determine the perfect size for your recurve bow. We have separately explained them in detail below!

1. Calculating and Understanding Recurve Bow Length Chart

Choosing the recurve bow length for hunting or other purposes comes along with choosing the bow size since they are related to one another.

You might now ask “What size recurve bow do I need for hunting?’’

Well, follow us through the insights given below and you will know it all!

The Draw Length of Your Recurve Bow

One of the first things to determine and analyze before choosing a bow for yourself is finding the draw length of the bow. Draw length refers to the space and distance you have to stretch when aiming the bow.

Most recurve bows come in sizes ranging from 48 to 72 inches, even though it is possible to adjust into whatever draw length, you must not settle for less, rather seek accuracy.

This brings us to the point of bow size, draw length and bow size are related and to find one, you have to be aware of the other.

The Size of Your Recurve Bow

The question is, how do you identify the calculated draw length and relate it to its specific bow size and what length recurve bow goes with it?

The calculation is simple- Calculated Draw Length = Bow Size

You can easily look up a recurve bow size chart to understand the numbers, but for your convenience, here is an example of information that a recurve bow length chart consists of.

For example,

  • A draw length of 14 to 16 inches is a bow size of 48 inches.
  • A draw length of 20 to 22 inches is a bow size of 58 inches.
  • A draw length of 26 t 28 inches is a bow size of 62 to 66 inches.
  • A draw length of 29 to 30 inches is a bow size of 68 to 70 inches and so on...

Now, to conclude, you must be now well aware that to determine the size of the recurve bow you want, you must take into consideration the draw length.

However, this sounded too direct and brief, right? Do not worry.

We will now take you into a tad bit of details and other specifications of a recurve bow that makes up the right size of the bow.

Draw Weight of the Bow

The way draw length puts pressure on your muscles depending on the distance, draw weight of the recurve bow is the force you would be able to take according to your physique, strength level and archery skills.

You must make sure that you aim from a level where the known draw weight equals your actual draw weight. If you exceed this point, you might face the consequences of over bowing.

This simple calculation is a lifesaver and is known to be the most accurate way of finding the most suitable bow size.

That’s all you need to know about the first way of choosing a bow size, lets hop on to the second way now!

2. Your Height and a Bow Size that Goes with It

Many archers prefer skipping the process of looking up charts to determine bow size and just stick to the usual comparison of height size and bow size to find a middle ground.

It is somewhat assumed that our arm span is equal to our height and a lot of people depend on this factor to choose a bow size. There are charts on the internet that compiles information about your height bracket and the aligned bow size that goes with it.

For example,

  • People who are more than 5ft 5 inches would be good to go with a bow size of about 62 to 64 inches.
  • People who are more than 6ft 2 inches would be good to go with a bow size of about 66 to 68 inches.
  • And those who are more than 6ft 2 inches, can naturally just get their hands on the biggest size a recurve bow comes in-70 inches!

However, we do not recommend this method to determine the draw length and the required bow size. The reason is that yes, many people got the same arm-span distance and overall height, but there are exceptions.

This is not an accurate procedure and people with different arm span and height will regret their purchase if they opt to this way.

It still is one of the ways you can determine bow size, thus, if you are sure about your arm span and height measures, you can give it a go!

That’s about all the details information you would need to choose the right bow size, however, we have something unique to tell you.

The Age Myth Concerning Bow Size

Many people have created this thought that the younger and elderly require different bow sizes, it is not correct. Even the youth can use recurve bows if it fits their choice of an ideal bow size by following the first way of choosing a recurve bow size as explained by us.

Just browse through safety precautions and bow size charts and decide a size manually as you go!

Final Thoughts

In this article, we have arranged and put together all the information you need to know while trying to find the right recurve bow size for yourself. We hope it was of help to you and get to purchase the chosen bow size soon!

You May Also Go Through: