If you’re in search of a durable and cost-effective archery bow that can withstand tough use, fiberglass recurve bows might be worth considering. Though they may appear strange at first glance, these archery bows have become quite popular over the years due to their many benefits – some having been around since 1950!
Fiberglass recurves can be constructed from one of three primary materials: wood, fiberglass or carbon fiber. They may come as single-piece or take-down models and come in both right- and left-handed options.
These bows come in a range of weights and draw lengths, as well as with or without rests, stabilizer bars, and sights. Most target and Olympic style recurves have spots to add these components for customizing your bow to meet individual needs.
Setting Up Your Bow
To maximize the performance of your new recurve or longbow, it is essential to set it up correctly. This includes setting the brace height and nocking point – where the string touches the bow limb – as well as aligning all four limbs properly; otherwise, energy may not be transferred correctly into each arrow, leading to poor accuracy.
Beginners are advised to begin with a lightweight bow, gradually progressing up in strength and skill as you gain experience. This is especially true if shooting a self-bow or longbow which require additional hand strength in order to hold the bow while releasing an arrow.
When setting up a new bow, be sure to measure its brace height with a measuring tape or other convenient tool. As your bow strings stretch, this height may change too, so be sure to keep an eye on this when making adjustments.
Once you know your size, ensure the nocking point is set correctly for you. This measurement indicates how far back the bowstring should be pulled to reach the nock and can make all the difference when shooting successfully.
A nocking point that’s too low can cause your arrow to go off center or miss the target entirely, leading to an unpleasant experience and wasted energy.
Be sure to practice shooting several times before trying it in the field, so you can learn how to maximize your bow’s potential. Additionally, having a target to shoot at will improve accuracy and boost confidence when shooting arrows.
Proper Grip
As you pull back the bowstring, place your hand under your jawbone as an anchor point. This helps maintain proper shooting form when the arrow strikes its target. Although this may be difficult at first, practice makes perfect.
Be mindful not to twist your torso when drawing back, as this makes it more challenging to hold the bow and arrow correctly. This is particularly true if you use a self bow or longbow, which often have handles shaped differently from modern recurves.
