Recurve bows are a popular type of bow in archery and can be used for multiple purposes including target shooting, competitions and hunting. One might ask, “Won’t any recurve bow work for any of those activities?” and the answer would be a resounding “No”!
Each activity should require its own bow for maximum results. This is not saying you can’t use one bow for all activities, this just means that particular bows work well in target practice, however aren’t as efficient while hunting. That being said, it’s important to know the different types of bows and determine the best one for your needs.
Hunting:
Features: The bow needs to be quiet. This is crucial when hunting. Other needs are ensuring the draw weight and length are appropriate. Last is to preferably have easy transportation for it. This one is a suggestion, but not necessarily a requirement. Takedowns are ideal for this. Takedown recurve bows allow you to quickly detach the limbs, that way you can store it in a case.
Best Recurve Bow: Bear Grizzly, Bear Archery Super Kodiak and Martin Saber
Target Shooting:
Features: The bow should have a smooth draw to have the most accurate shooting possible. It should also be full of power. That being said, having a heavier bow does not equate to a more powerful shot. If the bow is too heavy for your build, then your hands will shake and your aim will be off. Be sure to determine the correct draw weight for your body type.
Best Recurve Bow: Martin Jaguar Takedown
Competition:
Features: Definitely needs tons of power; however it also needs minimal vibration. Having grips is also key to ensuring the bow is stable in your hands. Last would be to have an ultra-accurate arrow rest.
Best Recurve Bow: Hoyt Competition
Of course, not only do you need to look at the activity use of the bow, but you also need to look at your experience. If you are a beginner archer, you may want to start off with a target shooting bow. Even if your end goal is to start hunting, it may be easier for you to start off with something a little easier to handle and then work your way up to a more advanced bow. If you want to start off with a hunting recurve bow, the next item to review is pricing. There are several hunting recurve bows that you can look at and you can either decide to buy the more expensive bow, therefore only buying once, or you can choose to start with a more inexpensive bow, practice with that, and then later buy a more expensive bow.
Other areas to look at when choosing the best recurve bow are:
• Draw weight
• Draw length
• Eye dominance
These are all key to your success as an archer. It’s like choosing a running shoe if you’re a runner. Choosing one that is too small, big, wide or narrow can hurt your foot or interfere with your success as a runner. There are many different methods to do all three of the above areas, but we won’t go into detail here. Just know that you need to look at these first, and then look at actual recurve bows.