Recurve Bows

Recurve bows are a cornerstone of modern archery, celebrated for their versatility, performance, and timeless design. Whether you’re a beginner stepping onto the range for the first time or an experienced competitor aiming for gold, choosing the right recurve bow involves understanding its materials and how they affect your shooting experience. This guide will help you navigate the options and make informed decisions.

The distinctive shape of a recurve bow—with limbs that curve away from the archer at the tips—enhances energy efficiency, delivering faster, more powerful shots. Used widely in Olympic archery and traditional shooting, recurve bows strike a balance between power and precision. They can be shot barebow (without accessories) or equipped with stabilisers, sights, and other enhancements.


Materials Used in Recurve Bows

A recurve bow’s performance depends significantly on the materials used in its construction. Each component—from the limbs to the riser and string—plays a critical role in the bow’s functionality, feel, and durability.

Limb Fitting Systems

The way limbs attach to the riser significantly impacts a bow's versatility and adjustability. There are two primary fitting systems for recurve bows, along with a few proprietary formats.

Screw Fit

Limbs are attached to the riser using screws or bolts, forming a secure and straightforward connection. Screw-fit systems are often specific to the bow model, which means limbs and risers from different manufacturers are typically not interchangeable.

  • Pros: Simple to use, affordable, and reliable.
  • Cons: Limited compatibility and minimal adjustability for alignment or draw weight.
  • Best For: Traditional setups or those looking for simplicity.

ILF (International Limb Fitting)

ILF is a standardised system allowing limbs and risers from various manufacturers to be interchanged. ILF risers offer more customisation, including adjustments for draw weight and limb alignment, making them a great choice for most archers, including beginners who may wish to upgrade as they improve.

  • Pros: Highly versatile, compatible with a wide range of equipment, and allows for precise fine-tuning.
  • Cons: Higher initial cost and requires proper setup for optimal performance.
  • Best For: Archers seeking flexibility, growth potential, and precision.

Proprietary Formats (e.g., Formula)

Some manufacturers, such as Hoyt, produce proprietary limb fitting systems like the Formula series. These systems offer unique features and performance benefits but limit compatibility to specific risers and limbs from the same brand.

  • Pros: Engineered for high performance and innovative features.
  • Cons: Proprietary nature restricts options and can be more expensive.
  • Best For: Archers loyal to a specific brand or those seeking specialized equipment.

Choosing between these systems depends on your goals, budget, and preferences. While ILF systems are highly recommended for their flexibility and growth potential, proprietary systems may appeal to those prioritizing brand-specific features.


Limbs

The limbs store and release energy, making them the engine of the bow. Different materials cater to various needs and skill levels:

Wood

Wooden limbs, typically crafted from laminated hardwoods, are favourited for their traditional feel and aesthetic. They’re lightweight, flexible, and provide a smooth draw. However, they are susceptible to changes in humidity and temperature, which can affect performance.

  • Pros: Lightweight, visually appealing, cost-effective.
  • Cons: Less durable than modern materials; performance varies with environmental factors.
  • Ideal For: Beginners and traditional archers seeking a classic experience.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is often layered over wood cores to enhance durability and reliability. It provides consistent performance and is widely used in entry-level bows.

  • Pros: Durable, low maintenance, budget-friendly.
  • Cons: Heavier than carbon; less efficient energy transfer.
  • Ideal For: Reliable beginner setups.

Carbon

Carbon limbs are engineered for speed, lightness, and vibration reduction. They provide exceptional energy transfer, making them a favorite among competitive archers.

  • Pros: Lightweight, fast, smooth, and highly durable.
  • Cons: More expensive.
  • Ideal For: Intermediate to advanced archers aiming for performance.

Foam Cores

Foam core limbs excel in consistency and vibration dampening. They perform well in varying environmental conditions, ensuring smooth shots every time.

  • Pros: Lightweight, stable, and vibration-dampening.
  • Cons: Higher cost.
  • Ideal For: High-performance and precision-focused setups.

Risers

The riser is the central hub of the bow, connecting the limbs and providing a grip. A high-quality riser is a long-term investment, as it’s rarely upgraded compared to limbs. Selecting a riser that feels right in your hand is crucial.

Wood

Wooden risers are visually stunning and provide a warm, natural feel. While heavier than modern materials, they’re ideal for traditional archery enthusiasts.

  • Pros: Classic aesthetic, affordable.
  • Cons: Less durable, heavier.
  • Ideal For: Traditional setups.

Aluminium

Aluminium risers dominate the modern market for their strength, durability, and precise machining. They offer excellent balance and are widely accessible.

  • Pros: Lightweight, strong, affordable.
  • Cons: Limited vibration reduction compared to carbon.
  • Ideal For: All skill levels, from beginners to competitors.

Carbon

Lightweight and vibration-absorbing, carbon risers provide unparalleled smoothness and comfort during shooting.

  • Pros: Extremely light, sleek, high performance.
  • Cons: Expensive.
  • Ideal For: Archers prioritizing performance and comfort.

Strings

The bowstring plays a vital role in transferring energy from the limbs to the arrow, making it a critical component of your recurve bow. Choosing the right string can have a significant impact on performance, durability, and personalization. While many bows come with standard strings, upgrading to a higher-quality option is a popular choice. Custom-colour strings are also widely available, allowing you to add a personal touch to your setup.

Dacron

Known for its forgiving nature, Dacron strings stretch slightly under tension, reducing stress on limbs and providing a softer, smoother shot. This makes them ideal for older or traditional bows that may not be compatible with high-tension strings.

  • Pros: Durable, affordable, and easy on limbs.
  • Cons: Slower arrow speeds compared to modern materials.
  • Best Used For: Traditional setups or older bows requiring a gentler string.

FastFlight/Dyneema

Made from advanced low-stretch materials, FastFlight and Dyneema strings offer superior energy transfer for faster, more accurate shots. These strings are highly efficient and are available in a variety of custom colours, making them a great choice for archers looking to enhance performance or personalize their bow.

  • Pros: High-performance, minimal stretch, and lightweight.
  • Cons: Requires modern limbs designed to handle higher tension.
  • Best Used For: Bows where speed, accuracy, and efficiency are priorities.

Vectran Blends

Vectran-based strings combine exceptional durability with minimal stretch, making them a staple for high-performance competitive bows. These strings excel under intense conditions and provide consistent performance over time.

  • Pros: Reliable, durable, and built for precision.
  • Cons: Higher cost and specialized use.
  • Best Used For: Archers seeking top-tier consistency and performance in demanding environments.

When selecting a string, consider your bow's compatibility, your shooting style, and whether you want to experiment with custom colours or materials for enhanced performance.


Bow Size

Choosing the right bow size is critical for comfort and performance. Consulting an experienced coach can be invaluable when deciding on bow lengths and setups. Coaches can assess your draw length, shooting style, and goals to recommend the ideal combination of limb and riser lengths tailored to you. The combination of limb and riser length determines the overall bow length, directly influencing its performance and feel.

Riser Length Short Limbs Medium Limbs Long Limbs
23 inches 64 inches 66 inches 68 inches
25 inches 66 inches 68 inches 70 inches
27 inches 68 inches 70 inches 72 inches

(For reference: 66 inches ≈ 168 cm, 68 inches ≈ 173 cm, 70 inches ≈ 178 cm)

Longer bows are celebrated for their smooth draw cycles and enhanced stability, particularly in target archery. They distribute draw weight more evenly, reducing the sensation of heaviness at full draw—often described as feeling "lighter." This makes them ideal for taller archers or those prioritizing precision over long distances. Shorter bows, by contrast, offer exceptional manoeuvrability, making them excellent for field archery, or confined shooting environments. However, they can "stack" (increase sharply in draw weight) as the draw length extends, making them less forgiving for those with longer draws.


Maintenance

Proper maintenance is essential to ensure your recurve bow performs at its best and lasts for years to come. Here are some key tips:

  • Storage: Store your bow in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Avoid damp areas, as moisture can cause wooden limbs to warp, adhesives to weaken, and metal components to rust, compromising the bow’s integrity. Keeping your bow in a cool environment prevents the materials from overheating, which could weaken adhesives or cause warping in wooden components. After outdoor use, wipe down your bow to remove any moisture or dirt that could lead to long-term damage.
  • String Care: Regularly wax your string to prevent fraying and protect it from moisture and dirt. Waxing involves applying a specialized string wax to the fibers, which helps to keep them tightly bound, extend the string's lifespan, and create a barrier against environmental damage. Waxing also enhances performance by maintaining consistent tension and reducing wear. After outdoor use, ensure your string is dry before waxing to avoid trapping moisture. Replace strings when they show significant signs of wear to maintain performance and safety.
  • Inspection Routine: Check your bow every time before you shoot for any signs of damage. Pay close attention to limb bolts, alignment, and string nocks to ensure they are secure and free of cracks or wear. Address any issues promptly to avoid further damage and ensure safe use. Prolonged exposure to heat can warp wooden limbs or degrade adhesives in laminated components.
Investing in a well-matched, high-quality recurve bow ensures a rewarding archery experience. Visit your local shop to feel the difference and start your journey with confidence.