Hunting has been with us for centuries and has evolved over the years. During medieval times, for example, people used much taller bows than the shooters. Today, you can get a bow of any size. The world of marketing also makes it difficult for hunters to find the right bow. Thankfully, we are here to help you make an informed decision. In this article, we share with you practical pointers that will help you find the best recurve bow for hunting.
We explore 6 recurve bows you can choose from. Before we came up with these six products, we did an extensive research that involved talking to professional hunters from many parts of the world where hunting is allowed. Southwest Archery Spyder, our editor’s choice for instance is a recurve bow you can count on. The bow has an expansive draw weight of 60 lbs, allows you to use both hands, and comes with bolted limbs for stability.
Some of the features we give interest to include the bow’s ability to draw a reasonable amount of weight, draw length, limb and overall bow length, and information on manufacturer warranty. The review starts with a comparison table that gives you a chance to compare all the products. After the table, there is an in-depth review of each bow with a clear view of the features, pros, and cons. The final part is a buyer’s guide that highlights important features you need to look at before spending a dime on a recurve bow.
More features: flush mounted limb bolts, pre-installed threaded bushing, reinforced limb tips, right and left-hand options
Southwest Archery Spyder tops our list of the six best recurve bows for hunting for good reasons. The foremost reason is the bow comes with a draw length of up to 28 inches. You will love the bow because among other reasons, it is made from exotic wood.
Thanks to the type of wood that is used to make this bow, you will not feel tired even if you are forced to carry the pack for many hours. Besides, with the right hand orientation, you can learn how to shoot easily.
Although many may say the bow is inclined to the right hand orientation, you can use Southwest Archery Spyder on both hands. Draw weight range from 20 lbs to 60 lbs with the prospect of the bow pulling even more than that.
If you have registered to buy Southwest Archery Spyder online, you will get a 12-month warranty. The warranty is an assurance from the manufacturer of any compensation in case of any manufacturer default.
In 2018, Southwest Archery Spyder was voted the best recurve bow. Today, a year later, the manufacturer has added many features to the bows, making them even better. You will be assured of the best quality because now, than any other time, Southwest Archery Spyder has refined features.
Among other things, the pack contains a pair of limbs, Dacron string (14-strand), handcrafted riser, and an adhesive arrow rest stick.
More features: ergonomic design, fiberglass lamination, pre-installed threaded brass bushings, hard maple limbs, right and left-hand options
It doesn’t make sense to invest a lot of money into an item when you don’t know if you will enjoy archery. This is no longer a problem, the Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow is a great entry point and it’s suitable for intermediate archers too. This recurve bow measures 62” long with a maximum draw of around 28” for accurate shooting.
The Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow has maple limbs which are reinforced with fiberglass lamination. The limbs are interchangeable, the limb bolts are easy to remove and this makes this bow a versatile choice. There are pre-installed brass brushes for upgrades and various attachments to enhance your archery experience. The riser construction can accommodate a wide variety of limb and bow weights. The grip is ergonomically designed and it has a crowned arrow shelf for an easier release.
Samick products are well regarded by archery champions and this bow offers a lot for a modest investment. The maple construction gives the user a sturdy core that’s easy to use and durable. The Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow can be assembled quickly out of the box without any need for specialized tools. The four accessory holes allow you to add accessories, including: bow sights, a cushion plunger, a fishing reel and many more when you feel the need to expand your archery options. If you’re thinking about taking up archery and you want a recurve bow that will grow with your skills this is an excellent choice.
More features: 7.75’’ brace height, pre-installed threaded brass bushing, left and right-handed options, wooden limbs with fiberglass, eye sight included
Here is a bow that is perfect for families. For those families who like doing activities like shooting together, the KESHES bow is a good fit for them. Its bow and draw length comes in different sizes. These sizes include your children’s size. This makes it the best bow for families.
This is also a takedown bow. this feature allows you to either increase or decrease the weight. It also saves you the expense of having to buy a full size bow anytime you need an upgrade. It has options for the drawback weight ranging from 15-55 pounds. It allows you to choose the weight that won’t tire you out.
The bow has also been designed in a way that can withstand any kind of poundage, low or high. It is also lightweight which makes it easy for you to use it for a long time. It also has a comfortable bow and it is also beautiful to look at and to hold.
Enjoying archery with your family has been made a lot easier. The KESHES bow was designed to fit all kinds of people. It is also lightweight which fits children better. It also comes with detailed instructions. This makes it easy to assemble even for people who have no knowledge.
More features: right and left-handed options, hard wood riser, laminated wooden limbs with fiberglass
One of the benefits of most bows is the different sizes that are available. This choice allows you to get the size that is easy for you to use. It also comes with different hand orientation choices.
This makes it perfect for all people. Left-handed people aren’t left out so they can also feel included.
It is also a sturdy bow. This allows you to take your shots with complete confidence. It is good for professional archers. The bow is very efficient which makes it easy for you to use. It also offers a great deal of comfort when using which isn’t normally something associated with archery.
The materials of the bow are also something to be envied. Its limbs are of maple and Makore laminations. It also has fiberglass, which makes it not only beautiful to look at but also comfortable and stable to use.
This here is a comfortable and sturdy bow for anyone. It is especially preferred by those who are serious about archery. It is also good for use by beginners. It is also comfortable for use and allows you to make precise shots. No lie, this is a great buy, you should consider it.
More features: right-handed, riser and string included, 3.4 lb weight
A bow that is good for both archery and hunting, now that sounds like a dream. The Mandarin Duck Phantom bow is a dream comes true. It is good for use whether it is for indoor archery or whether you want to use it for hunting. It can also withstand long usage without being damaged.
This bow is also a takedown bow. This design makes it easy to be carried around. It comes with a case that allows you to move around with it for hunting. The bow is also easy to put together.
This means you won’t have to waste any time in assembling it. There is a video on how to assemble it in case you can’t figure it out on your own.
The Phantom is also a durable bow. It is mostly made out of aluminum alloy, which allows it to last longer. The limbs are made from laminated wood and high-grade fiberglass. These materials make it one of the long-lasting bows you can find.
Durable and long-lasting bows are not easy to find. But the Phantom is exactly that. It can withstand long use. It is also good for both indoor and outdoor sports. The Phantom is also versatile in its use so you won’t be disappointed.
To give you the assurance of getting things done in case there is a manufacturer fault, the maker gives you a 12-month warranty.
More features: maple laminated limbs, aluminum riser, right-handed option, 7.4’’ brace height
Are you looking for a great hunting bow that is comfortable to use? Well turn to the TopArchery bow. It is made from aluminum alloy. This makes it long lasting and durable. The material also allows you to use the bow in heavy work without breaking apart.
You can purchase limbs from a different supplier. This is because this is a takedown bow. It allows you to get the weight of the limbs that can either increase or decrease the weight.
This important feature allows you to function even better with the weight that suits you. You can also share this with friends and/or family.
The bow is also great for use with beginners. This is made possible with the removable limbs. Beginners can start with lighter weight limbs and graduate from there. The bow shoots fast so you can take it out hunting, or even bow fishing.
Good bows are hard to come by, let alone inexpensive ones. The TopArchery bow comes at a good price for anyone on a budget. The low price doesn’t make it any less effective. This bow will give you top grade performance, good for hunting and for beginners. You should get this bow regardless of whether you are a beginner or experienced. It also comes at a good price.
Like buying any item for personal or commercial use, you need to look at many features before you spend your money on a recurve bow. One of the reasons why it is prudent to do a thorough research on the features is that all bows are not the same. Some recurve bows have exceptional features that help making hunting easier while others maintain a traditional and basic aspect. This section delves into the specific features you need to look at before you buy a recurve bow. However, before you look at the features, here is something important – how to hunt using a recurve bow.
Regardless of your interest in hunting, you were not born with the mastery of shooting. You learnt it along the way. Learning is a process. After making your initial step of holding the arrow and the bow, you need to continue practicing towards becoming a pro.
Traditional hunting has its benefits. Some of the benefits include:
Watch this video to see how to hunt and reap benefits using the best recurve bow:
Is this your first time to purchase a recurve bow? You know checking the price tag is important. Those that have bought recurve bows before know there is a difference in prices between several brands.
Start with an affordable recurve bow as you master your shooting skills then go up if you need to purchase anything expensive. As you have seen from our list of 6 best recurve bows, Toparchery Takedown Hunting Recurve Bow is the best budget bow. You may want to try it especially if you are on budget.
What is bow draw weight? Why should you measure bow draw weight? These two questions are crucial because they determine the length which you will project your arrow.
The ideal draw weight for small game hunting should not go below 40 lbs. For large games, you need a bow with a draw weight of at least 45 lbs. The numbers 40 lbs and 45 lbs represent the amount of pressure you are expected to put when you pull back the string.
Pulling back a string by 40 or 45 lbs means the arrow will go far when released. SAS Courage, our choice for beginners is a good recurve bow you can bet on. It has a draw length that ranges between 35 lbs and 60 lbs.
However, having a bow with a good draw weight is one thing but quite another to master the art of drawing back the string. You must learn on how to pull the string effectively, by building your hand and chest muscles.
P.S. If the animal is large, you are going to need a bow with a bigger draw weight.
If you are used to short bows and small games, you might not appreciate long bows. However, long bows tend to pull much of the string. The result is projecting far the arrow. One of the advantages of using a long bow is it tends to help you shoot accurately.
In the 16th to the 17th century, the longbow, used by many European hunters was a few inches longer that most of the bows we use today. In addition, the bow was slightly taller that the shooter.
Expert hunters recommend going for a bow that has more than 60” long. The longer the bow, the easy to hit the target and the more likely you will hunt down bigger animals. Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow, KESHES Takedown Hunting Recurve Bow, and Southwest Archery Spyder are the longest bows on our list with 62 inches.
The question as to whether you go for a takedown bow or a traditional is personal. However, with the knowledge on what makes the two types of bows different, you will be able to make an informed decision.
The main different between a traditional bow and its takedown counterpart is the inability to detach the limbs from the riser. It is a one-piece bow. On the other hand, a takedown bow has three pieces, which you can easily attach and detach the limbs using a bolt or a screw.
It is easy to transport a takedown bow. In addition, in the event a part of the bow breaks, you are going to purchase the faulty part not the whole bow. For instance, you can consider KESHES Takedown Hunting Recurve Bow that has a draw weight ranging from 15 lbs to 55 lbs.
Draw length and draw weight work hand in hand. The two features determine the length at which the arrow will run. Besides, if the draw length is small, let’s say 14” to 16”, it means the arrow will only travel a few yards away.
However, if you want a bow that can release an arrow to 200+ yards, you might want to consider a recurve bow with a draw length of 31 and above inches. Such bows project an arrow to hit targets that are as far as over 200 yards.
Mandarin Duck Phantom is one of the best recurve bows with a big draw length.
Nobody will be happy and comfortable to use a weighty and perhaps lengthy bow. Remember, when hunting, you are not sure when your prey will show up. You might set your target but you are not going to dictate how things work.
If you carry a weighty bow for a long time inside the bush, you are definitely going to be tired. A lightweight recurve bow, on the other hand will be ideal even if you are going to wait for many hours before you spot your target.
Are you a type of a shooter who uses a recurve bow several hours each day or you only carry your bow once in a long time? If you are the former type, you need to consider a lightweight bow such as Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow. With a draw length of 28 inches and a fiberglass lamination, Samick Sage stands out as the best survival recurve bow.
A bow that you pull but does not let off easily the arrow is a bad bow. The aim of using a bow and an arrow is to spot, target, and hit an animal that is far from you. If the bow is not going to let the arrow leave for its target easily and quickly, you are not to succeed in your hunting.
For a bow to let off easily and fast, the frame and the string should be of good quality. The distance between the center of the string and the center frame of bow should be wide. It is easy to pull the arrow away from the frame before you release it thus hit the target easily.
You don’t want to buy a recurve bow whose string quality will detach or tear into pieces in the middle of hunting. A quality bowstring should last for many days even if you use it daily. The string should also maintain high level of elasticity.
A bow limb will be either short or long, thin or thick. Depending on your preference, you need a bow with strong limbs. Remember you will need to pull the arrow against the limbs. If they are long, thin, and feeble, chance is the bow will not release the arrow. Even if the bow releases the arrow, the arrow will not go far.
It is important to go for a bow with long and sturdy limbs. The longer and the strong the limbs, the far the arrow will project.
A good recurve manufacturer will try to entice the client. You should be guaranteed of a performing recurve bow. While the manufacturer may not tell 100% how the product will work, it is important to go through the customer reviews section to see what view they hold about the type of bow you want to buy.
Otherwise, it is important to look for recurve bow brands that come with a 2-year+ warranty. SAS Courage is one of the best recurve bows today with a warranty of 3 years. With such a staggering warranty, you can be guaranteed that in the event there is a default, the manufacturer will chip in.
If the bow has more than two limbs, you need to know how to adjust it. A good bow should also allow you to carry it with easy, add a few more things you may want to carry, and come with additional accessories.
KESHES Takedown is a perfect example. The recurve bow, has among other things, brace height, pre-installed threaded brass bushing; left and right-handed options, wooden limbs with fiberglass, and an eyesight.
Which is the best recurve bow? After trying out the 6 recurve bows, we can conclude that three of the recurve bows stand out. Southwest Archery Spyder, our editor’s choice is one of the best recurve bows to look for. The bow measures 62”, has a draw length of 28” and is easy to assemble and assemble.
Our second pick for the best recurve bow for hunting is Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow that comes with a maximum draw weight of 60 lbs, a draw length of 28” and a 6-month limited warranty. We loved the fiberglass, ease of use and quality finish of this recurve bow.
Lastly, there is Toparchery Takedown Hunting Recurve Bow that features as our budget pick. This recurve bow has the largest draw length of 30”, a generous draw weight of 50 lbs and has maple laminated limbs. You will not go wrong with your money because the bow sells at a pocket-friendly price.
