The archery practice has been part of our culture for centuries. In fact, multiple media platforms have begun featuring this art, its benefits, and tips for being successful at it. As such, the use of bows has also gained significant attention. When the word bow is mentioned, most people think of the traditional design that was used for hunting. Nevertheless, many are not aware that there are numerous types of bows, which all have merits and drawbacks. Among the many designs, one familiar type is the recurve bow, which is used in target shooting. The overview below highlights some of the best recurve bows. For individuals passionate about archery, investing in recurve bows is one of the best choices they will ever make. These handy tools, which were first used by Mongolians, can be used in hunting or target practice. Some of the best models include the Martin Jaguar, Samick Sage, Super Kodiak, the Martin Saber and Bear Grizzly.
Before looking at the finest recurve bows, it is ideal that you understand what they are. A recurve bow has one distinct feature: curves that reverse towards the end of the limbs. This particular design makes the bow powerful, fast and efficient. If you are new to archery, you can learn a great deal from this discussion. Besides outlining the top recurve bows, you will learn the history of these beneficial tools and their different uses in the modern world.
The 5 Best Recurve Bows
Here are the top recurve bows and best recurve bow brands currently.
Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve Bow
The Grizzly by Bear Archery is a legendary bow and it has been used in archery for over fifty years. Bear Archery also makes some of the best youth recurve bows for youngins’ if you want to check out their website. Throughout it its lifetime, several modifications have been made to this recurve. Nonetheless, the superior quality and design of the archery bow have remained unchanged. Beyond the reward of durability, the recurve bow offers accuracy and flexibility. It can be used by both right-handed and left-handed shooters. The only drawback is that Bear Grizzly is not a takedown. Therefore, it is advisable to test it out so as to make sure that the draw weight is right for you and your needs.
Bear Grizzly is a one-piece recurve bow, with painstaking efforts spent on every detail of crafting it. It weighs 2.2 lbs and has a total length of 58″. Many archers prefer this recurve because it enables them to strike a balance between the accuracy needed for distant shooting and compactness for hunting expeditions. The Grizzly riser has a well-crafted shelf covered in bear hair. This aspect helps to reduce friction as well as improve the grip on the arrow. The majority of archers who have had an experience with this recurve report progress in arrow grouping. Put simply, arrow grouping describes the proximity in which arrows land after being shot.
Bear Archery Super Kodiak Recurve Bow
The Super Kodiak is regarded by many as the Rolls Royce of recurve bows. Arguably the best recurve bow on the market right now. This gorgeous bow has been in use since 1987. Over its lifetime, it has garnered a loyal following due to its unparalleled quality and exquisite design. It is the best recurve bow for hunting and is available on both the right and left-handed versions. With the right-handed, it allows a drawing weight of between 30 and 60lbs, while the left-handed permits 45 to 55lbs.
The Super Kodiak is perfect for target practice, although game hunting is the field in which its functionality stands out. It has remarkable limb power and action with its bow being easy to transport and shoot quietly. It also has an excellent speed, as you can rest assured that your target will not have the time to duck away. The best arrows to use with a Super Kodiak recurve are the Easton XX75 Jazz Arrows. You can determine the length and weight of the arrows based on the draw weight of your bow. The riser is crafted from black Dymondwood. This riser is well-polished and easy to hold. It also comes with the Dynaflight 97 Flemish string, which is not well-suited for most of the other recurve bows. The boon of this Flemish string is that it further boosts your arrow speed.
Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow
In the four decades, it has been in operation, Samick Sage has had a good reputation for making high-end products. The Samick Sage recurve is considered one of the best, especially for individuals just getting started in the archery practice. Based on research, three out of five experts will always recommend the Samick Sage for new archers.
It has an ideal length of 62″, which enables beginners to develop their stance and boost their shooting aptitude. If you have a limited budget, Samick Sage is your ultimate solution. It has an average price of $ 150. The best feature about it is that it can be upgraded using new limbs once you develop your strength. Typically, the Samick Sage is a type of takedown bow, which means that an archer can increase weight just by substituting the limbs, instead of purchasing an entirely new draw weight.
When it comes to versatility, this bow ranks number one. It offers versatile enough to be used in your backyard for target practice. You can also use it to hunt larger game. Hunters prefer this equipment because it’s quiet. This characteristic can be enhanced by installing whisker silencers. Moreover, it can be used alongside an array of accessories ranging from sights to stabilizers and Berger buttons.
Martin Saber Takedown Recurve Bow
Most archery fans are familiar with Martin Archery, which is one of the best bow manufacturing companies. The Martin Saber is a classic example of their high-end products. Compared to Samick Sage, this recurve bow is slightly heavier and longer with a total length of 64ˮ. Although many spend a considerable amount of time getting accustomed to this length, it has the advantage of consistent shooting. Besides, the long variants allow for only minor flaws in your form and stance, meaning you can perfect on accuracy with this recurve. One rule of thumb is that the long Martin Saber recurve bows provide better shots compared to the small ones. This advantage is attributable to the vibration vortex V.E.M. Coupled with the thermal V protective damp grip, these features generate shots with no vibration.
It is also a takedown bow, which facilitates easy detachment of the limbs from the riser. Its riser is made using aluminum, which has two prime advantages. First off, the aluminum construction guarantees years of durability. Secondly, it makes the recurve bow lightweight, making it user-friendly even for amateur archers. The Martin Saber comes in different weights and ideal for use by intermediate archers.
Martin Jaguar Recurve Bow
Another bow that you will find in multiple recurve bow reviews is the Martin Jaguar. The key highlight of this recurve is its magnificent design, coupled with the superb functionality. Contrary to the other takedown recurves, the Martin Jaguar is easy to disassemble. You just need to unfasten the two screws on the limbs. The riser is constructed using aluminum that is lightweight and provides sturdiness. Nonetheless, if you have been using only wooden bows, the Martin Jaguar may feel slightly heavy at first. It has an adjustable arrow rest, which you can reposition by fastening the screws.
With a length of 62″ and a weight of 2.7lbs, the Martin Jaguar makes an excellent hunting bow. In addition to its compactness, it is easy to maneuver, regardless of your shooting ability. Many also love this recurve because it provides accuracy and outstanding performance that can only be achieved with the more expensive models. You can get good arrow grouping even on first attempts. When you use the Martin Jaguar recurve, be rest assured of getting a firm grip. There is no chance of slipping because of the Thermal V protective dampening feature that prevents such problems. Its performance is also enhanced by the limbs made from wood and laminated fiberglass, which boost resiliency.
History of the Recurve Bow Design
The first archery bow to be used in history dates back to 10,000 BCE. Bows originated in Europe where archers used them for shooting arrows with tips constructed from flint. In those ancient days, bows served as potent, deadly weaponry. Before the advent of modern firearms, these bows were widely used in battles.
The recurve bow, which is noticeable from its curved tips at the end, is credited to the Mongolians. They utilized it during the conquest of Asia and its adjacent areas. Due to the bow’s small size, the Mongols found the recurve user-friendly since they could shoot down their adversaries even while riding on horses. Armies like the Mongolian army that used recurve bows as their weapon were considered very powerful. A soldier who had mastered bowmanship on horseback was a powerful weapon in any battle. Although the recurve substituted the longbow as the favored weapon, it was not long before it too got replaced by sophisticated firearms and missiles.
Typically, the use of bows and arrows in war is a long outdated practice. However, recurve bows are still being manufactured for use in target archery and the Olympics. In fact, the recurve is the only style of bow that is permitted in competitions, though the compound bow is allowed in a few categories such as the Paralympics games. The modern Olympic-style recurve, is an iteration of the America flat bow. The former has rectangular-shaped limbs that taper towards the limb tips. Presently, the majority of recurves are take-down bows, which implies that the limbs can be detached. The detachment makes it easy to transport and store any recurve bow. You can just stash it away in your backpack.
Besides easy portability, many archers use the recurve bow in hunting because it is economical. You can get the best takedown recurve bow without spending a fortune. What’s more, the ammunition (arrows) is equally cost-effective. After perfecting your shooting skills, it becomes pie easy to retrieve the arrows, and reuse them over and over again. The use of recurve bows is becoming widespread and this can be attributed to their versatility. First off, the bow string can be used as a bow drill for fire and to make snares and traps. This equipment is also handy for making cordage, to act as a shelter building. Secondly, the arrows used alongside a bow serve as spears to catch small game and fish.
How to Pick Out the Right Recurve Bow for You
One undeniable fact is that having the best recurve bow makes plenty of difference between hitting your target and missing it. Even so, with the large selection of recurve bows in the market, you may feel overwhelmed when shopping for just one. Advisably, you should familiarize yourself with the top features and the best recurve bows available in the market. Whether you’re looking for a series best hunting recurve bow or something for playing around in the yard doing some target practice, it still makes sense to find the right model. You should also take the following considerations into account.
Purpose
When picking a recurve bow, you need first to determine the activities that you will use it for. Nearly every recurve bow is ideal for target practice. However, not all designs are well-suited for hunting. This activity requires that you choose a recurve bow with high draw weight; preferably no less than 40 pounds. A heavy draw weight makes the bow more powerful; hence, the arrow can travel distant areas.
Draw Weight
Draw weight describes the total amount of force that you should exert so as to pull the bow. Experts recommend that this factor should be the first you consider when purchasing a bow. The draw weight should permit you to hold it with ease and have control of it. Novice archers ought to go for draw weights in the range of 24-30 lbs, which are relatively easier to practice with. Choosing the right draw weight is imperative as it helps prevent physical strain and injuries.
Bow Length and Draw Length
For you to optimize the speed of the arrow, you need to ensure that your bow distance is aligned to the draw length. Bow limbs are tailored to be utilized at specific ranges. With insufficient draw length, you will find it difficult to flex the bow limbs enough for you to draw.
Quality and Price
The quality and cost of the recurve bow are other vital aspects to be considered. Often, the expensive models employ the newest technology. As a result, you should invest in high-quality recurve bows as they guarantee you efficiency and durability.