Finding the best recurve bow is not just about looks or speed. It is about how the bow feels in your hand, how steady it holds, and how smooth it shoots. I have spent years trying out different recurve bows, some built for target shooting, some made for bow hunting, and others for those who love the feel of traditional archery.
In this guide, I share the bows that stood out the most. I looked at how each one handles, how clean the draw is, and how well it fits different types of archers. Whether you want a solid one-piece design or a flexible takedown recurve, you will find something here that fits your shooting style and your goals.
Why Choose Recurve Bows?
From personal experience, a recurve bow is a dependable choice for both hunting and target shooting. Its simple yet effective design makes it a great option for those who are new to archery while also serving as a powerful and precise tool for experienced archers. Whether you are just starting or refining your skills, using a recurve bow can help you improve your technique and enjoy the sport with ease.
Top-Rated Recurve Bows List
EDITOR’S CHOICE
9.7
- Exceptional for Beginners
- Cost-effective
- Ideal for novices
- Extremely durable
- Fantastic grip
PREMIUM PICK
9.3
- This one-piece is a top pick for experts.
- Very professional and heavy-duty for hunting
BUDGET PICK
9.5
- Affordable yet high quality
- Durable and sturdy build
- Sleek and traditional design
Samick Sage | Perfect Choice for Beginners
The Samick Sage is a widely recognized recurve bow manufactured by the Korean company Samick Sports, a trusted name in the industry since 1975. Known for their high-quality products and global reach, Samick Sports has consistently delivered reliable and durable archery equipment, and the Samick Sage is no exception.
- Affordable without compromising quality
- Comfortable grip for extended use
- Highly accurate in target shooting
- Elegant and durable design
- Quick and easy to assemble
Requires understanding of proper assembly techniques after disassembling
Why Samick Sage Stands Out for Beginners
This traditional recurve bow is an excellent choice for those new to archery. It is budget-friendly while offering the versatility and durability needed for both beginners and those advancing to higher skill levels. Its simple yet effective design makes it easy to use, earning its place as one of the best beginner recurve bows.
Build Quality
The Samick Sage is designed with durability and aesthetics in mind. Its riser is made from high-quality maple wood, giving it a sleek finish and long-lasting strength. The ergonomic grip ensures a comfortable hold, making it easy to use for extended shooting sessions.
A major advantage of the wooden riser is its resistance to heat, unlike thermal risers. Even in high temperatures, this bow remains cool to the touch, making it a reliable choice for all-weather archery.
Customization Options
A key feature of the Samick Sage is its ability to be customized. You can effortlessly adjust the limbs and riser to suit your personal shooting preferences. In addition, you can increase the draw weight as you gain more experience, which eliminates the need to purchase a new bow as your skills improve.
Performance
The Samick Sage is praised for its exceptional accuracy and balance, which helps ensure precise targeting. It is available in both right-hand and left-hand models, catering to a wide range of archers. The bow offers a flexible draw weight ranging from 30 to 55 pounds, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned archers.
Specifications
- Length: 62 inches
- System: Three-piece takedown
- Draw Weight: 30 to 55 pounds
This recurve bow is constructed using maple wood paired with black fiberglass, which enhances its durability and adds to its striking visual appeal. Whether you use it for target practice or hunting, the Samick Sage performs exceptionally well in any scenario. Learners must visit our Archery Guide for Beginners for additional insights.
Obert Black Hunter | Value Traditional Recurve Bow
The Obert Black Hunter is a budget-friendly recurve bow that delivers high performance without compromising on quality. Designed for archers who appreciate durability, smooth shooting, and a timeless traditional design, it stands out as a reliable option. If you are looking to refine your shooting technique, you might find our guide on how to shoot a recurve bow properly very helpful.
- Affordable yet high quality
- Durable and sturdy build
- Sleek and traditional design
- Smooth draw and release
- Quiet and vibration-free
Limbs require frequent tightening
- No pre-installed accessories like a bow stringer
Built Quality
The Obert Black Hunter features a hardwood riser paired with bamboo core limbs, laminated with fiberglass for added strength and flexibility. Its traditional takedown design not only improves portability but also makes storage easier. The riser is equipped with an ergonomic grip that ensures comfort during extended practice sessions or hunting trips.
Performance
With draw weights ranging from 30 to 60 pounds, this bow caters to both beginners and experienced archers. Its smooth draw cycle and vibration-free release make it a favorite among target shooters and hunters. The bow is impressively quiet, an added bonus for those using it for hunting.
Bear Archery Grizzly | Best for Hunting & Big Game
The Bear Archery Grizzly is a legendary one-piece recurve bow, renowned for its power, precision, and timeless design. A favorite among expert hunters, it excels in hunting, target shooting, and 3D archery, offering smooth performance with every shot.
- Affordable price
- Available in both Left Hand and Right Hand
- Lightweight aluminum alloy
- Olympic-style recurve bow
- USA Company
- One year warranty
It does not have a nock point!
Material and Build Quality
Crafted from Futurewood, a specially treated maple wood, the Bear Archery Grizzly offers unmatched durability and strength. Its glossy finish protects it from moisture, providing an ergonomic grip for long shooting sessions.
The bow features a bear hair-protected shelf for arrow stability, a riser protector, and Dacron strings for consistent, smooth performance. Its iconic black limbs with the “Grizzly” logo and the golden bear coin engraved on the riser add a touch of elegance and history.
Performance
The Bear Archery Grizzly ensures low vibration and smooth, accurate shots. Its customizable limbs and weather-resistant finish make it suitable for a range of archery activities, from hunting big game to precision target practice. The availability of both left- and right-hand models ensures accessibility for all shooters.
Martin Jaguar | Takedown Bow for Target Shooting
The Martin Jaguar is a versatile takedown recurve bow, designed to provide excellent performance for both target shooting and hunting. Known for its lightweight build, smooth draw, and customizable features, it is a top choice for beginners and seasoned archers alike.
Material and Build Quality
Crafted from Futurewood, a specially treated maple wood, the Martin Jaguar offers unmatched durability and strength. Its glossy finish protects it from moisture, providing an ergonomic grip for long shooting sessions.
The bow features a protective shelf for arrow stability, a riser protector, and Dacron strings for consistent, smooth performance. Its refined design and modern aesthetics add a touch of elegance and innovation to this takedown recurve bow.
Performance
The Martin Jaguar ensures low vibration and smooth, accurate shots. Its adjustable limbs and weather-resistant finish make it suitable for a range of archery activities—from precision target practice to recreational shooting. The availability of both left- and right-hand models ensures that it meets the needs of all shooters.
Martin Jaguar | Takedown Bow for Target Shooting
The Martin Jaguar is a versatile takedown recurve bow, designed to provide excellent performance for both target shooting and hunting. Known for its lightweight build, smooth draw, and customizable features, it is a top choice for beginners and seasoned archers alike.
- Durable and reliable for extended use
- Lightweight aluminum-magnesium riser
- Supports additional accessories like stabilizers and sights
- Smooth, fast shots with detachable limbs
- Affordable for its premium quality
Only available for right-handed users
- Limited availability of traditional looks for customization
Build Quality
The Martin Jaguar features a metallic riser made from aluminum and magnesium, offering a lightweight, durable structure that’s easy to carry and balance. The thermal grip ensures comfort during long practice sessions, reducing muscle strain. Its limbs are crafted from laminated wood and fiberglass, providing excellent durability and flexibility.
An outstanding feature of the Jaguar is its compatibility with ILF (International Limb Fitting) limbs, making it easier to upgrade or customize according to your preferences. Its takedown design ensures portability, making it travel-friendly and convenient for storage.
Performance
The Martin Jaguar is engineered for high-speed, smooth shots. Its short brace height boosts the speed and power of arrows, making it one of the fastest recurve bows available. The bow’s adaptability allows users to attach stabilizers, sights, and other accessories to enhance its performance, particularly in hunting scenarios.
Though the design exudes a traditional aesthetic, its modern functionality elevates the experience. The detachable limbs make it easy to transport and maintain, offering long-term value for archers at any skill level.
SAS Spirit 66” | Wooden Recurve Bow for Youth
The SAS Spirit 66” is a wooden recurve bow built for youth and beginners looking to get started in archery. Its durability, classic design, and affordable price make it a favorite among novice archers.
- Affordable and budget-friendly
- Extremely durable and shatterproof
- Available for both right- and left-handed shooters
- Easy to assemble and travel-friendly
- Ideal for long practice sessions
Not ideal for individuals with shorter arms
- Limited draw weight range
Build Quality
The SAS Spirit 66” is made with premium maple wood reinforced with fiberglass lamination, giving it remarkable flexibility and sturdiness. Its materials are sourced from Asia’s finest forests, and the bow is designed to remain durable and crack-resistant even with years of regular use.
This takedown bow is lightweight and easy to disassemble, making it a great option for young archers or those who need a travel-friendly choice. Its classic wooden design ensures a timeless aesthetic that stands out in a world of modern archery equipment.
Performance
With its detachable limbs, the SAS Spirit 66” is easy to set up and use. The bow is highly adaptable, with draw weights available to suit shooters at different skill levels. Its smooth draw and lightweight design make it an excellent choice for long practice sessions, especially for teens and beginners.
The bow performs well in both target shooting and hunting, delivering consistent and quiet shots without excessive vibration. Its sleek design is well-suited for shooters under 6 feet tall, and it is balanced enough to encourage precise aim during practice or competition.
Southwest Archery Spyder | Best Budget Recurve Bow
Looking for a quality recurve bow without breaking the bank? The Southwest Archery Spyder is a standout option in the budget category. Known for its connection to the Samick Sage family, many enthusiasts consider it a modern and improved version of the Sage. Its excellent performance, lightweight design, and affordability make it a favorite among both beginners and experienced archers. For more insights on budget-friendly options, please check our Budget Recurve Bows Guide.
- Affordable
- Comes with extra accessories
- Rounded edges for comfort
- Lightweight design
- Wide range of draw weights
Accessories included are not of premium quality
Built Quality
The Spyder introduces several design enhancements, including rounded edges and an improved pocket structure that make the bow significantly lighter. Its wooden riser adds a touch of elegance and sturdiness. Being a takedown bow, it is portable and easy to carry, making it a reliable companion for both hunting trips and practice sessions.
Performance
This bow delivers a smooth, precise draw with its premium, hand-knitted Dacron strings, offering a classic aesthetic. With a draw weight range of 20 to 60 pounds and options for both right- and left-handed users, it suits all skill levels. It also provides a quiet, low-vibration shot and includes a one-year warranty, ensuring high quality at an affordable price.
Buyer’s Guide
Before choosing your recurve bow, consider a few key factors. Let us dive in!
Recurve Bow Draw Weight
Draw weight is the force needed to pull the bowstring back. It plays a major role in your archery experience. Experienced hunters with strong arms should look for a draw weight of 40 lbs or more for effective hunting. Beginners and target shooters, on the other hand, benefit from a draw weight between 15 and 35 lbs, allowing for longer practice sessions without fatigue.
View our Draw Weight detailed guide for recommendations based on gender and body weight.
Recurve bow CHART for gender | Body Weight | Draw weight
Different Types of Recurve Bows
Recurve bows can be categorized into two main types: takedown and non-takedown (one-piece). Let’s break them down in detail.
Takedown Bow
A takedown recurve bow features detachable limbs and a riser. This design makes it highly portable and allows you to replace parts easily. It is especially useful for hunters on the move and for archers who want to adjust draw weight as they progress.
Non-Takedown Bow (One-Piece Bow)
A one-piece bow has fixed limbs and a riser. Its simplicity means no assembly is required before shooting. However, if it breaks, you must replace the entire bow.
What is Recurve Bow Length?
Bow length is the distance between the limbs, while draw length is how far you pull the string before releasing an arrow. With recurve bows typically ranging from 40 to over 70 inches, it is important to match these measurements to your body and intended use for a smooth shooting experience.
Recurve bow Draw length & Bow Length Chart
Final Verdict
Archery is a rewarding hobby, and selecting the right recurve bow is key to enjoying the sport. This guide has simplified the process by outlining the critical factors to consider. We recommend the Samick Sage for beginners and the Grizzly Bear for archers ready to advance their skills.
Enjoy archery with passion and have fun!