10 Best Recurve Bow Reviews & Buyers Guide for 2023

If you are in the process of trying to discover the best recurve bow, there are a ton of details that are important to consider. When looking for the right recurve bow for sale, everything from the draw length, draw weight, and bow length are important to consider. Extra features are also worth spending time thinking about.

Today, we are going to share what we consider the best brands and give information about ten options that could be considered the best recurve bow in the world. We’ll also share some insight on how to pick the right bow for you, including what aspects of the bow you should put the most emphasis on.

Top Recurve Bows: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

1. Courage SAS Hunting Takedown Recurve Archery Bow

The Courage SAS is quite possibly the best out there for an archer who wants a sturdy and efficient bow. This bow is known for its stability, strength, precision, and comfort. This is a hunting bow that works well for beginners but also has the features needed to satisfy a professional.

This bow is easy to use hold and use. The riser uses an ergonomic design that will feel comfortable even in small hands. This ensures that using the bow won’t leave an you with hand cramps or fatigue. It’s also very sturdy and made of wood with a fiberglass face for durability. The riser is made of hard wood for the best efficiency possible.

Brass bushings are included and pre-installed for your convenience. The stabilizer adds additional stability when the bow is in use. This hunting recurve bow uses wood laminates for extra durability and the limbs are resistant to twisting. This ensures that the bow won’t give out on you and you can use it for a long time.

You can get this bow in several sizes including 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60. However, it only works for those who are right-handed. This bow has a drawn weight between 35 and 55 pounds and comes with a three-year limited warranty.

Pros

• Easy to assemble
• Durable, lightweight, and comfortable during use
• Designed and created of beautiful hardwoods

Cons

• Is not a dual-handed model
• Requires the use of a bow stringer

2. Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow – Right Handed

Those who are interested in getting started with recurve bow hunting will find that Samick Sage is a great option. However, this bow is more than just an inexpensive beginner’s bow. Some bows are great beginner bows but then require an upgrade. The Samick Sage isn’t that bow. It’s simple for a beginner to use, but even the intermediate archer will find that it offers effective use.

This modern recurve bow has a riser with a large amount of holes. These holes are perfect for adding accessories to the bow. You can add an elevated rest, a stabilizer, a bow sight, or a plunger button to add to the efficiency of this bow. This is something that is excellent for a beginner since it allows for experimentation with different items.

This is also a takedown bow, which means the limbs can be removed and replaced when desired. One of the reasons this is a plus is because you can start out with limbs with a low draw weight and then swap those out as you get stronger and can handle a heavier draw weight. There’s no need to replace the bow, all you need to do is replace the limbs.

Another feature of this bow that we love is that it is simple to set up. Of course, there is some assembly required with any new bow, but in this case, it takes very little time and effort.

Pros

• Super simple to setup and get ready for use
• Riser offers room for many accessories
• Manufactured in large range of poundages

Cons

• Included string may not be the best quality

3. Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow – Left Handed

We’ve taken a look at the Samick Sage for right-handed archers, but it also comes in a left-handed version. There’s no reason to rehash the things we already mentioned, but they apply to this version of the Samick Sage, as well. This recurve takedown bow is designed to work for hunting and target shooting. It has a high accuracy and can be used in competitions. If you are using a high poundage, it’s also fantastic for hunting purposes.

This bow is a high-quality option that is inexpensive, which is always a plus. It’s best for starting archers but it will easily keep up with you as you get stronger and more skilled with the bow. This is a popular bow that you will often see around if you head to an archery range. It is easily the best value recurve bow you could have in your arsenal.

Having fiberglass lamination means that the bow is going to be more flexible, which also means it is apt to last longer than other bows. The limbs are strong, and it has a super smooth draw. It’s also extremely quiet, which is what makes it great for those who plan to hunt with it. There’s very little not to like about the Samick Sage.

Pros

• High-quality and lightweight
• Comes with an arrow rest and a string included
• Great choice for beginners that works for more experienced users

Cons

• Some users note the string has a short serving

4. Southland Archery Supply SAS Explorer Metal Riser Takedown Recurve Bow

One of the top features of the Southland Archery Explorer is that it features fiberglass limbs. This creates a great target shooting experience and offers the chance to hunt with the bow. Fiberglass is quite strong and durable so there is no need to worry about bending or breaking. It also looks nice and comes in two different colors to match the style you enjoy the most. The inclusion of maple laminations offers a strong design.

The bow is strong throughout the body, which means it can handle whatever pressure is on it when being used. Those looking for a great but cheap recurve bow will appreciate this factor. The fiberglass add to the strength and durability of this model, while also adding a great look to the bow if you want to show it off. The Explorer is extremely accurate thanks to the aluminum riser. It makes shooting and aiming simple.

Left-handing archers will be left out, unfortunately, since this bow only comes in a right-handed design. However, for those who don’t have that problem, the bow is a dream to use. No matter how hard you use and abuse it, you aren’t going to break it, so you know it’s going to last a long time.

Pros

• Strong and compact body for easy transport and use
• Improved accuracy through the aluminum risers
• Fiberglass are durable for long life

Cons

• Bow is only available in right-handed version

5. Longbowmaker Hungarian Style Handmade Longbow Flagella Recurve Horsebow

While most target recurve bows are created in several pieces, the Longbowmaker Hungarian Style is made of a single piece. It is a handcrafted bow that is created to work for both left-handed and right-handed users. Part of the body of the bow is covered in leather to give it at truly unique look. The bow is made of quality materials with laminated wood covered with fiberglass. This ensures that the bow you get is strong and durable.

The bow has a grip that keeps it sturdy but also ensures you get a lot of speed when using it without any excessive hand shock. It has a slim build, which offers high performance and makes it a fantastic candidate for target practice and hunting. This bow has a draw weight ranging all the way from 20 to 100 pounds and a draw length of 28 inches. The length of the body is 57 inches with a string length of 51.5 inches.

When you’re out in the woods hunting, this bow weighs less than three pounds so it’s barely noticeable to carry around with you. When it comes to recurve bow reviews for this model, the majority are positive and the negative ones are largely related to not understanding how to string a bow. As long as you have that knowledge or research the method, you will be good to go with the Hungarian Style.

Pros

• Comes with a unique handmade classical design
• Offers ambidextrous orientation that anyone can use
• Lightweight and comes in a range of draw weights

Cons

• Some find it comes in under the specified draw weight

• Included string may not be the best quality

6. Southland Archery Supply SAS Spirit Take Down Recurve Bow

Those who are looking for a recurve takedown bow at a reasonable price will find just that in the Spirit Take Down Bow. With all the latest changes in terms of machinery and the dropping price for materials, it’s now possible to get a good recurve bow without emptying your entire bank account. The SAS Spirit has the styling and functionality of other Southland Archery bows, which are popular in the archer community.

Based on the low price of this unit. It accepts accessories as soon as you get it with predrilled holes and bushings. That means it’s a breeze to add a plunge, stabilizer, or sight – depending on your needs. These can easily be installed yourself if you have any experience or a bow technician can handle that for you. This allows beginners to try out different items and see what works best for them.

The Spirit SAS is created with limbs of maple and laminated fiberglass while the riser is made of three types of wood. One thing that some archers will want to know is that the bow comes unfinished so you will need to finish it on your own if you are not comfortable with a raw wood bow.

Pros

• Great quality riser is made of three wood types and fiberglass
• Cover adds extra flexibility
• Offers slight curves for support and comfort

Cons

• String can lead to a bit of hand shock

7. Toparchery Archery Takedown Hunting Recurve Bow Metal Riser Right Hand Black Longbow

Individuals who are in the market for a shorter bow for hunting will find the Toparchery Takedown Hunting Bow a good choice for their needs. The bow is 58” long and is created for both right and left-handed archers. It works well for those who prefer a draw length in the low 20” range. The available weights range from 30 to 50 pounds, which is more than enough to take down some large game on your hunting excursions.

There are several attachment points so adding accessories is possible. The bow is a take down bow, which mean you can remove the limbs and take it apart as needed. All you need is an Allen wrench to take it apart and put them back together. It even comes with a bow bag to make transport an easier process.

The biggest plus of this bow is the low price. It’s a nice bow that doesn’t cost a lot. It’s accurate when using it and makes a great choice for a beginner. The bow is created of fiberglass and aluminum for both durability and flexibility. Since the bow is fairly small, once it’s taken apart, it only takes up about 20” of space so it can be stuck in a back seat or other area without taking up a lot of room. Overall, this is a good option for someone who wants to get started with a value bow that will take them on through becoming more experienced as an archer.

Pros

• Various poundages are available
• Riser is created of a high-strength aluminum
• Made with a maple core and fiberglass coating

Cons

• Included string may not be the best quality

8. SinoArt Falcon Takedown Hunting Recurve Bow Metal Riser Right Hand

The SinoArt Falcon is a 60” recurve bow made with a metal handle and an aluminum and magnesium alloy bonded with hardwood. Any beginner will find the bow simple to carry around. It’s comfortable to use and won’t cause any strain on a beginner hunter. It’s lightweight to carry around but has the needed durability to handle falls. As a takedown bow, it can be disassembled when not in use for easier carrying.

This bow is very traditional in nature, which means it does what it sets out to do and can be extremely efficient when in the hands of someone who is skilled at archery. That means that even if someone gets it as a beginner bow, it will work long beyond that as your skills improve. The bow is made of high-quality materials to create good elasticity and provide a good surface.

If you are a beginner, the bow at a length of 60” is just right. Most people just starting off with recurve bows will want a length between 58 and 62” inches and of a lightweight. This bow is under three pounds, so it fits the bill there, as well. All in all, this is one of the best recurve hunting bows on the market and will be a great choice for most people looking to start out with archery.

Pros

• Easy to take down, carry with you, and transport
• Supports extra accessories at various attachment points
• Lightweight but sturdy with good elasticity

Cons

• Arrow rest can be a bit fragile

9. Mandarin Duck Block Hunter Take Down Recurve Bow

The takedown design on the Mandarin Duck Block is comfortable and easy, which is one of the reasons people love so much about it. It’s convenient to use so it can be carried for hunting excursions and stored without taking up space when not in use. Putting the bow back together is just as easy.

The bow is 56” inches and offers a draw length of 29” but allows a draw weight of between 30 and 50 pounds. If you are planning to use this as a recurve bow for hunting, you want to go with the higher draw weights to be successful. However, those who are practicing with targets or other items can easily use the lower draw weights to get used to a bow.

The Mandarin Duck comes with almost everything you need to get started. It has the bow itself including the wood and limbs, an arrow rest, a string, and a spanner. It also has an aluminum riser that is made of an aluminum alloy which is covered with rubber for comfort. If you do not own a stringer, that is one purchase that you will need to make on your own before using the bow

Pros

• Ideal for both hunting and indoor archery use
• Lightweight and easy to store and carry around
• Comes in multiple draw weights

Cons

• May be louder than some other recurve bows

10. Southwest Archery Spyder Takedown Recurve Bow

The Southwest Archery Spyder is a fantastic bow that is ideal for beginners but has the chops to keep up with those who are more skilled. The riser is made from two types of wood and has an aesthetically pleasing red stripe. The grip is comfortable and made to be ergonomic in the hands. There are pre-drilled holes for accessories so you can add whatever you like.

This Spyder comes with a large assortment of draw weights so you can choose the option that works best for your skill level. It’s made to be easy to take down and put back together, so that also won’t be a hassle while shooting. The string is a decent quality for beginners but might be a little underpowered for those who are more skilled with recurve bow shooting.

You can expect this bow to shoot smoothly and it doesn’t make much noise when doing so. There isn’t much vibration, so you won’t have to deal with numbness in your hands. This is another bow that works well as a low drag weight for beginners but can be adapted to have a higher weight for those who are skilled with a bow.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to assemble and disassemble
• Offers an accurate shot with a smooth draw
• Quiet with very little vibration

Cons

• Requires use of an Allen wrench to disassemble

Choosing the Right Recurve Bow for Your Needs

Now that you’ve had a chance to look over some of the top recurve bows on the market, we wanted to share some insight and tips on how to choose the one that works best for your needs. Things like choosing the right bow length, the appropriate draw length, and knowing what draw weight is right for you is important. We’ll share some tips to make sure the bow fits you and will work well for you once you get on the range or out in the woods.

Selecting a Bow to Fit Your Measurements 

If you are just getting started with archery, it can seem a little overwhelming to think about all the different measurements that you see when you look at a bow. The measurements that you need to consider are draw weight, draw length, and bow length.

Understanding Draw Length

Draw length measures exactly how far an archer pulls the string on the bow back before letting the arrow fly. To be clear, the length is a measurement from the back of the bow handle to the nock, where you put your arrow, when you are at full draw. The best way to get an accurate measurement, it’s best to visit an archery store and allow a technician to measure you.

This is the most crucial measurement to have so double-checking is a good idea. If you buy a bow with a draw length that is off, it can make it hard to use accurately.

Calculating Bow Length

Once you have your draw length, you can use the chart below to determine the bow length that will typically fit. This can vary but this gives a good place to start.

Which Draw Weight to Choose

Draw weight is the most complicated choice you will have to make and relates to the amount of force stored by a bow. What this means to you is that a lower draw weight is easier to pull while a higher draw weight is more difficult to pull. The problem is that there is no easy chart to use for this aspect of a recurve bow. However, there are a few tips you can use.

If you’re buying a bow for an older teenager, somewhere between 15 and 30 pounds of draw weight is a good choice. Going for 20 pounds to start can be an excellent option.

Those buying for a male over the age of 21 will probably do best with 25 to 40 pounds of draw weight. Starting at 30 pounds is often a good place to start.

For an adult woman over 21, the range is around 20 to 35 pounds and starting at 25 makes a good decision.

That said, there are many bows with larger draw weights and those are used by experienced archers. It’s best to go with a low draw weight to start and then work your way up.

The Parts of a Recurve Bow 

We talked about different parts that come on a recurve bow as you went through our suggested product list. This can be confusing if you don’t know what each of those things actually is. We want to give a bit more explanation about what the parts are and what to keep in mind when looking at those parts while shopping.

Bow String

When it comes to bow strings, the first thing to know is that the part you hold with your draw hand is known as the “center string serving” and the area where you put your arrow is the “nock.” The nock is typically a small piece of metal where you attach your string. This needs to be in a specific place and you should receive instructions about that with your bow.

Not all bows come with string but many do.

Limbs 

Limbs are something that are unique to recurve bows. When looking at limbs, you will see they bend forward a bit. That is why a recurve bow is called what it is. Recurved limbs let archers draw the bow string fully, so more energy is transferred to the arrow. That means you get more speed in your arrow.

Takedown Limbs 

Takedown limbs are unique to takedown recurve bows. These can be taken off of the riser. One of the reasons these are so excellent is because the limbs can be removed and swapped out with other limbs that have a higher poundage. What this means is that you can buy a single bow and keep it for years while just switching out the limbs when you want a higher or lower poundage.

The Riser 

The riser is the handle of the bow, which might seem simple but actually has a lot going on with it. It includes the handle where your hand goes, as well as a platform or shelf where your arrows go when you draw. There are also often places where you can attach a bow sight, stabilizer, and other accessories.

Choosing the Right Recurve Bow 

At this point, you should have a great understanding of what the parts of a recurve bow are and what they are used for. You know how to determine the right measurements for your bow, so you purchase one that fits your size and skill level.

Each of the bows in this list is a high-quality option that you really cannot go wrong with. However, take your time and look at the features and measurements to see which bow will fit your needs. Then you can enjoy heading out to the range or into the woods to work on your archery skills.