If you, like me, are interested in a hobby in archery, you need to know which is the best recurve bow for beginners. I think a recurve bow is a thing of beauty. It’s elegant and sleek but powerful as well. Archery is ancient, as is this style of bow. A recurve bow is the perfect bow for any beginning archer.
Best Recurve Bow For Beginners Roundup
- Best Overall: Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow
- Best For Youth and Woman: SAS Courage
- Best Bargain Recurve Bow: TIDEWE Recurve Bow and Arrow Set
WHAT IS A RECURVE BOW?
According the the definition form World Archery “The recurve bow is the modern evolution of traditional bows that have existed for 1000s of years. The limbs positioned at the top and bottom of the bow curve back away from the archer at each tip. This is what gives the ‘re-curve’ its name.”
This style of bow is the style used in the Olympics since it was reintroduced as an Olympic sport in 1972.
Today, recurve bows are made with technologically advance in material included laminated carbon fiber as well as carbon foam for the limbs of the bow. It’s also common to find bows that are made with all natural material like bamboo.
We’ll give you all the information you need to purchaser the best recurve bow for beginners and not worry about getting it wrong!
Just a heads up: ZenQuestLife.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs. That means that you should assume all links to products or services for sale are affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, you won’t pay one penny more but I may earn a commission.
THE PARTS OF A RECURVE BOW
RISER:
This is the main part of the bow. It is where you grip the bow as well as where you attach the limbs. It is where you position the arrows when you shoot. This is also where you can attach additional accessories
LIMBS:
The name recurve actually refers to the fact that the limbs curve back toward whoever is holding the bow and the top and bottom of the limbs curve away from the archer. Limbs can be removable, a take down bow, or your bow can be one piece. Take down bows are a great option for most due to two main reason:
- The ability to remove the limbs makes the bow really easy to store and transports
- Many takedown style bows allow you the option of upgrading the limbs in the future so you can increase the draw weight for more power.
STRING:
Without the string, your arrow wouldn’t get very far!
WHAT FEATURES TO CONSIDER IN A RECRUVE BOW
The Draw Weight
This term, draw weight, refers to the level of difficulty pulling the bowstring. The higher the draw weight the harder it will be to pull back the string. The draw weight is the same as a lift weight. For example, a 25lb. draw weight is equivalent to picking up a 25 lb weight.
As I said, the higher the draw weight the harder the pull, but the higher amount of power too. Higher draw weights will be harder to pull back but it will give your arrow further distance at greater velocity.
The average draw weight for most recurve bows is between 15lbs. and 70 lbs. As a beginner, it’s advisable to choose a draw weight that is comfortable for you. Too high a draw weight and it’s a struggle to pull back the bowstring. That can make your arms shake. It’s extremely difficult to properly line up your target, not to mention hit your target, if your arms are shaking!
This is like any other type of exercise. Overtime you will get stronger and have better form and you can up your draw weight to achieve more power.
If you are planning on using your bow for hunting, as opposed to just target shooting, you will need a minimum of a 40 lb. draw for hunting deer.
The Draw Length
The draw length, as you probably figured out already, is how far you pull back the bowstring. If you get an incorrect draw length you won’t be able to fully draw back the bow. This will affect the velocity, distance and aim of the arrow.
There are two ways to figure out the proper draw length for your arm length:
1 Go to your local archery store and let them measure it for you.
- With the help of a friend, outstretch your arms as far as you can and measure for the tip of the middle finger on your left hand to the tip of your middle finger on your right hand, all the way across. Take that number and divide it by 2.5 and you should have a really good idea of the best draw length for you.
Size Of The bow
The overall size of the bow has a direct bearing on the draw length. If your bow is longer, you will have a longer draw length. When choosing your recurve bow, makes sure to take note of the listed draw length on the model you’re considering.
The Weight of the Bow
As a beginner, the lighter the bow the better your experience in many ways. The lighter weight will make it easier for you to hold while pulling the drawstring and aiming your arrow. If using a bow to hunt, you will need to draw the bow and hold it until you spot a deer, this is also easier if the bow is lightweight.
One Piece or Takedown Bow?
A take down bow has limbs that are attached with a knob – you can “take them down”. This makes any type of travel much easier since the bow can be stored and it won’t be it’s normal full length. A one piece bow is just that – one piece. Storage can be a bit more challenging with these types of bows.
With a takedown style bow you have the option to upgrade the limbs in the future. This may be a great option, as your strength and ability improves, to increase the draw weight of your bow. Different limbs can provide more draw weight and thus more power.
Since limbs aren’t universal, make sure the model of bow you get does have upgrades available.
Right or Left Hand
You draw with your dominant hand. This enables more strength for the draw and generally better coordination overall. So, if you’re right handed, you hold the bow with your left hand and draw with your right. That means you’ll want a right handed bow. Conversely, if you’re left handed, you’ll hold the bow with your right hand and draw with your left. You’d want a left handed bow.
Choosing the best handed bow for you is important. You will have increased strength and control and that will help you train yourself with better form.
Metal vs. Wood Riser, Which IS Best?
Many people prefer a wood riser in a recurve bow due to more than overall aesthetics – they like the look better. In some cases though, wood rises may also be lighter which may provide a more practical reason for preferring wood! Another consideration if you’re going to use your bow for hunting is that metal risers get cold.
What Accessories To Look For
Depending on where you buy your bow, you may be able to buy a whole package which can be easier than buying accessories separately.
Here are some accessories you’ll need when you get your recurve bow:
- An arm guard, trust me this will save you lots of pain!
- A shooting glove
- A case
- A quiver for your arrows
- Arrows, of course!
Buying a package is a great way to buy a recurve bow for beginners. You’ll have everything you need and since you’re new, you don’t want to spend time to sift through all the options trying to figure out which brand or style is best.
Bow String
A string made with dacron thread lasts longer than most other types. Eventually, though, you’ll have to replace your string. A better quality string will cost a little more but will make your shotting more enjoyable. A high quality string will decrease the vibration and will be a better energy transfer to the arrow meaning you’ll get higher accuracy.
Your Budget
Starting a new archery hobby can be extremely rewarding. But getting properly outfitted will require some money at the start. Determining how much you want to allocate to your new hobby is up to you. There is a huge range of pricing for recurve bows for beginners. I would recommend you pay as much as you can afford. Generally recurve bows are like most anything else: you get what you pay for.
But, having said that, archery is a rewarding hobby so if you’re budget is really tight, I wouldn’t let that hold you back. Get what you can afford and as your skills improve you may be able to upgrade down the road.
Also, looking for recurve bows for beginners packages can be a cost effective way to get everything you need for less.
The Warranty
Warranties can vary quite a bit from one manufacturer to the next. The most common is a 1 year warranty. More expensive and higher quality bows may have a warranty period of up to 3 years. Just check the warranty specifics for the bow you choose to purchase.
Our Review Of The Best Recurve Bows For Beginners
Now that you have a good idea of the features to look for, here is our review of our top picks.
Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow and Arrow Ready To Use Archery Set
There are many reasons why the Samick Sage bows are so popular with archers and hunting enthusiasts. One of those reasons is that it’s one of the top production bows in terms of power, with a draw weight of up to 60lbs. Whether you are using your bow for target shooting or hunting, you will get the power and accuracy you need. Another nice thing is that if a 60lb draw weight is too much, you can go all the way down to 25 lbs. if needed.
This is a takedown bow and as we discussed above, you can upgrade the limbs in the future. As you get more skilled you may want more tension for more power, you can accomplish that by replacing the limbs. The riser is easy to hold and lightweight making it perfect for beginners. It looks great too!
We consider this bow to be a really great option for anyone, but when you consider all the accessories that come with it, this bow becomes the best recurve for beginners!
Samick Sage Takedown Bow Features:
- 25 lbs. – 60 lbs. draw weight options
- Takedown
- Easy to grip, lightweight riser
- Full accessories package included
- 6 arrows included
The Good
- Upgradable limbs for increasing draw weight in the future
- Increased accuracy with lightweight, easy to hold riser
- Protective arm guards and shooting glove included
- 6 arrows to get you started. No need to figure out the best type of arrow right away.
- Brass bushings makes adding more accessories possible
The Not So Good
- Not much really. The bow doesn’t come with string silencers, but that’s about all we found lacking.
The Bottom Line For The Samick Sage Takedown
For pretty much anyone we can think of, this is a great beginners bow. The full accessory package makes it so easy to get started with your archery hobby right away. As your skill lever increases you don’t need to buy a brand new bow, just upgrade the limbs and you’re good to go. That is a huge money saver right there!
Great Hunting Bow Option For Smaller People: SAS Courage Hunting Takedown Recurve Archery Bow
This bow is going to be a good option for beginners, especially women and youth. That’s because it is lightweight, I mean really lightweight like just 2.2 lbs. A newer bow hunter will be better able to hold the bow steady while waiting for the prey. The bow is only 60″ which is why it’s so light. You can still a 60lb. draw weight so you have plenty of power.
This bow can also be updated with new limbs, however the process is a little more cumbersome than some of the other models. But, the ability to takedown limbs makes it easy to transport and upgrade.
This bows small size makes it a good choice for shorter people. People over 5’7″ will likely find it too small for them. This is a great bow for women or teens who are just starting out with archery!
SAS Courage Features:
- Wide range of draw weights from 29lbs. – 60 lbs.
- 2.2 lbs.
- Takedown bow
- 60″
- Laminated hardwood riser
The Good
- Even though it’s small in stature it still is powerful enough for larger game such as deer or elk.
- It’s lightweight makes it a breeze to aim and to hold.
- Smaller size is perfect for smaller people
The Not So Good:
l. Most men will find it too small
- The bow doesn’t come with hunting accessories
- The takedown is awkward
The Bottom Line For The SAS Courage
We think this is a perfect beginner hunting bow for women, youth and possibly even shorter men. The smaller overall size and the light weight make it easy for beginners to hold and aim but not at the cost of power. The ability to takedown the bow, even though it’s a little awkward, makes transporting the bow much more convenient.
Best Budget Complete Package: TIDEWE Recurve Bow and Arrow Set
Top of the list for our review is the the great feel this bow has. Weighing in at just 2.4 lbs. it’s light and the riser grip is ergonomic, more than other bows we’ve tested. A good grip is essential for a beginner, this will establish proper form right from the very start. For a budget friendly starter package, this is the best recurve bow for beginners!
The range of the draw weight is from 20 lbs. to 50 lbs. The lower draw weight option is perfect for beginners, but again, it can still be powerful enough to hunt with. Unlike the bow above, the takedown of the Tidewe is very smooth and easy. Nothing awkward here! You can upgrade the limbs as you progress in skill making it a bow you can use long-term.
Even though this is a lower priced bow that doesn’t mean they cheaped out on accessories. You get a lot of accessories such as a finger tab and a sight. One of the best recurve bows for beginners.
You don’t get a write guard in this package, which I personally think is dumb since this is one of the most important accessories a beginner can have, but you do get 6 arrows. Make sure you pick up an arm guard before you start!
TIDEWE Recurve Bow Top Features
- Range of draw weights
- 2.45 Lbs.
- Takedown
- Very good, ergonomic grip
- Most accessories included
- Comes with 6 arrows
The Good
- Comes with quite a few accessories for it’s price
- Great grip design, perfect for beginners
- Beginner level draw weight is easily upgraded in the future
- Brass bushings make it easy to add more accessories
The Not So Good
- No arm guard
The Bottom Line For The Tidewe Recurve Bow
Except the fact there is no arm guard, this is a pretty good package for it’s price. You have everything you need to get started with your archery hobby. In addition to the arm guard, you may want to get a few more arrows if you’re practicing outside, you will lose some. I still have an arrow trapped on my roof!
Common FAQ’s
What is the best recurve bow for a beginner?
All the bows listed in this article could be considered the best recurve bow for beginners.. Each has their pros and cons. For strictly a budget consideration you can’t really beat the Tidewe.
For smaller people the SAS Courage provides a lot of bang for your buck. And of course our top overall pick is the Samick Sage. But ultimately, the price, weight, draw weight and ability for future upgrades are what you need to consider. Are you going to be hunting, target practices, or both? That will factor in as well.
How Much Will I Spend For A Recurve Bow?
Beginner entry level bows will range from around $100 – $200. OF course, this will vary depending on the exact model, package and accessories you pick. You can spend a lot more than that!
What is The Proper Size For Me?
Most recurve bows are 62″. The draw length commonly is around 28″ to 29″.
For most archers around the 5’10” height this will work well. Of course, if you’re shorter (or taller) you will want a deferent size. We’ve included that information above.
Is a Recurve Better To Start With Than A Compound Bow?
Actually, if you’re primarily interested in target shooting, it’s up to you. Many people love the elegant old world look of a recurve. Still, others think the styling of a compound bow is really cool. If you’re interested in hunting, on the other hand, a compound bow may be the better option for you.
What Are The Main Limitations of a Recurve Bow?
The biggest drawback of a recurve bow is that they lack the power of a compound bow. That’s not to say that they aren’t powerful enough for hunting, they are. It just means that depending on what you hunt you may find the added power and ability to shoot longer distances with greater penetration of a compound bow to be better.
Recurve Bow Maintenance
To maximize the life of your bow and to ensure safe use, it’s important to conduct periodic inspections and maintenance when needed.
Here are some things to look for:
- A general once over for any signs of stress and wear on the limbs.
- Look over the strings. Look for signs of wear or fraying
- Always use a bow stringer to ensure proper technique when stringing your bow
- Do not store you bow strung. Always take it down before putting it away.
- Never dry fire your bow.
- Don’t store your bow on it’s limbs. Over time this can lead to damage.
- Always thoroughly dry your bow if it’s exposed to water.
- Inspect arrows for cracks. Also make sure tip is inserted tightly.
Best Recurve Bows for Beginners – THE BOTTOM LINE
Whether you’re interested in archery for target practice or hunting, this can be a very fun and challenging sport. There are many choices, though, when it comes to choosing the best equipment for you. Here are other things to consider when looking for the best recurve bow for beginners:
Price is the most obvious, but it’s not the only one. The overall size and weight of the bow, whether or not the bow comes in a package, what is included in the package, etc. are just some of the decisions you’ll need to make.
Hopefully the information in this article will provide you with the options you need to get started.
We’ve spent the time and found great options for you to consider.
Here is a recap of our findings:
Best Overall: Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow
It’s a great beginners bow and will work for pretty much anyone
Best For Youth and Woman: SAS Courage
Small but mighty this bow provides plenty of power in a lightweight size that is easier for smaller people to handle.
Best Bargain Recurve Bow: TIDEWE Recurve Bow and Arrow Set
A great package (except for the lack of an arm guard) for a great price. For anyone who wants to take up archery but has a limited budget, you can’t go wrong!