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

How To Choose A Recurve Bow | Step By Step Buying Guide

If you are an explorer, you probably are always on the look for finding the best sports gears there are. On that note, if you are a beginner archer, you are probably on the look for archery equipment or tools in the market. 

If you have been wanting to buy a recurve bow, you must be scratching your head thinking ‘how to choose a recurve bow?’

Well, scratch no more!

Time is money and we want to make sure you are saving both. Here, we have put together the step-by-step detailed information that will give you all the answers you need when buying a recurve bow!

You are now probably thinking “What recurve bow should I buy?’’ smart question! We will answer it all.
The market of recurve bows out there these days are filled with endless options of recurve bows, be it traditional recurve bow or modern recurve bow. It can get pretty tricky to wrap your mind around the right-suited recurve bow for you.

However, we are here to solve your big confusion! Let's proceed as we walk you through the step-by-step process of this buying guide.

Step 1: Looking for a Reliable Brand

Now, the very first thing you would want to not have in your recurve bow is a bad riser with supposedly a low material quality overall. This is exactly where the importance of the company or brand of the bow comes in.

Make sure you consider more than one option of a manufacturer for buying a bow for the first time. Sometimes the hidden gems are none other than the most low-key brands which will give you a better experience than the big famous brands.

Step 2: Picking the Right Bow Size

This size is the gap of distance between the two limbs of the bow. The measurements range from 48 inches to 70 inches all the way.

For you to determine the size and overall weight of the bow you are wanting to buy, you must surely think of what purpose you will be using it for - are you going to be hunting mostly or just going to be target shooting?

While bow size would not matter much when target shooting, you might want to browse through bow sizes thoroughly if you aim to hunt some big animals!

Remember that the less heavy the bows are, the better it is to carry and shoot. Most bows are commonly around three pounds. On another note, do NOT confuse bow size with the draw weight. If you need further information to choose right recurve bow size for you go through this article.

Step 3: Selecting a Draw Weight that Suits Your Preference

The draw weight choosing of the bow depends on the archer’s strength level and physique. It will determine the degree of power you will need to exert when pulling the string arrow back to a maximum before shooting an aim.

Choosing too much of a lightweight bow will give you a bad experience while using a heavier one might give you pain. It is suggested that while using recurve bows, you find what draw weight would be most suitable for you and your body tolerance.

Whereas forty pounds of draw weight is perfect for casual small hunts, at least forty-five pounds should be good enough to shoot them big and wild animals. It is suggested that you start with a draw weight that is around 25 to 40lbs if it is your first time.

Step 4: The Riser Material and Quality

The quality of the riser is determined by its material and it is important to make sure that the vibrations are low when you are right about to let the string go and shoot.

Hardwood, laminated hardwood, as well as aluminum, are famous and good materials for a riser built.

Also, brass polishings can be considered if you are planning to add accessories to your bow sight.

Step 5: Picking the Riser Size

The length of the bow depends on the size of the riser. Risers are available in the market under three different variations of sizes are 27, 25 and 23 from high to low.

The type of limbs you plan to attach to the riser will also determine the overall size of your bow setup.

Step 6: Investigating Limb Quality

Fiberglass and carbon are the most common materials that limbs are mostly made of. Fiberglass limbs are the suggested and best material that would not break apart easily.

This material bends as well and will give you ease at shooting. However, price ranges vary depending on limb quality. While fiberglass and carbon limbs tend to be more expensive, wooden ones are more affordable.

Thus, you might have to come to a choice of a limb that fits both your taste and your budget.

Step 7: The Type of bow- One Piece or Takedown?

Do you wish to have a solid-assembled one-piece bow or are you fine with getting a takedown bow that you get to assemble or dissemble later according to convenience? There are pros and cons of both.

A one-piece bow will be perfect for beginners with only string work to carry out but on the other hand, a takedown bow comes with several adjustable parts that you can keep switching to suit yourself.

Takedown bows are more cost-effective because you can just keep buying other parts to assemble them with the bow while for a one-piece bow, you have to re-purchase a new one every time.

Step 8: The Accessories and Tools

In the huge market of recurve bow collections, some come with already-packed gears and accessories while you would have to buy accessories separately for others.

You might consider buying finger tabs and arm guards to safe keep your hand.

Yes, we believe in your archery skills, but, even the most professional archers use arm guards to make the experience safer and more fun and less risky.

Step 9: Giving Your Final Bow Choice a Trial

Now, let's be smart. You never fail to trial several dresses when you go clothes shopping, why not do the same when buying a recurve bow?

After you have finally picked your choice of a recurve bow, give it a trial run! Lift it, hold and release the strings, check how your arm and body feel when you use it.

We know that the best place to buy a recurve bow is from home through online shopping, but you can always visit the nearest store and try out models of the recurve bow you plan to buy.

Now Check The Following Articles To Get The Perfect Recurve Bow For You:

Wrap-Up

Are you still wondering ‘how to buy a recurve bow?’

We don’t think so, since we seem to have covered it all. We hope we provided all answers to your confusion about to choose a recurve bow.

Delay no more! Get up and browse through the internet to order your desired bow today. Remember that most bows are highly customizable. Good luck with all your archery endeavors!

Links Of Related Recurve Bow Guide: