As a novice, it can be daunting to select the appropriate bow. This is especially true for recurves, where there are so many sizes and types available on the market.
Recurve bows can be an excellent entry into archery, but there are some things to consider when selecting one.
The Basics
The Definitive Guide to Recurve Bows
A recurve bow is a bow designed with an unusual curve that allows users to deliver more energy than other bows. This makes recurve bows more powerful and accurate than other types of bows, making them ideal for hunters who need to dispatch prey quickly.
Another advantage of a recurve bow is its compact size compared to longbows, which tend to be much longer and heavier. This makes the bow easier for hunters on hunting trips to transport around, increasing its convenience level.
Recurve bows consist of a riser (metal or wooden handle), an upper and lower part that attach to the bow string, as well as several limbs made out of wood, fiberglass or carbon that screw into place on top of the riser.
Once the limbs are attached to the riser, it’s time to adjust them so they are level. This adjustment will have an impact on how your arrows fly, so take time to ensure they are perfectly straight.
Adjusting the limbs is the most fundamental component in fine-tuning your recurve bow for accuracy. If not done correctly, it could potentially compromise accuracy.
Once all your limbs are in place, you can begin installing any necessary accessories such as sights, stabilizers and dampers. These devices help balance your bow and reduce vibration when shooting arrows.
Length
Recurve bows come in all shapes and sizes to meet the archer’s individual needs and preferences. When selecting a recurve bow, length is key as this determines its power output.
The length of a bow can significantly impact accuracy, as it’s difficult to consistently draw a recurve bow with the same amount of force each time. This could cause an angle deviation in the string upon release that sends an arrow far away from its intended target.
Archers typically favor shorter recurve bows due to their maneuverability; these make it easier to shoot through bushes or other obstacles, potentially increasing their chances of hitting a target.
Another factor to consider is brace height, which determines how long an arrow remains in contact with the bowstring at full draw. If it’s low, the arrow will stay in contact with the string for a longer period of time and accelerate more rapidly; however, this also magnifies any minor flaws in its design.
Modern recurve bows often use carbon fiber limbs, which reduce noise during shots. Many archers also add arrow-rests to the shelf of their recurve, softening its natural flexing during a shot.
A rest is an essential accessory for any bow, especially recurve bows as they lack the same support that compound bows have. Stick-on rests are simple to install and suitable for most recurve bows; these have an arm that extends to hold up the arrow and are typically made out of plastic or metal. Other types of rests include spring-loaded or magnetic flip rests.
Weight
When selecting a recurve bow, weight is an essential factor to take into account. Make sure the bow fits comfortably on your body and is easy to handle while shooting.
Recurves are typically lightweight and portable, making them perfect for hunting. They come in various lengths and draw weights so you can find one that works best for you.
If you’re new to archery, opt for a recurve bow that weighs between 15 and 20 pounds. This will enable you to comfortably draw the bow and shoot accurately without feeling excessive strain on your muscles.
When selecting a draw weight for your recurve bow, it is important to take into account your age, gender and physical capabilities. Avoid overdrawing or shooting too hard as this will be difficult to control and likely result in more mistakes than necessary.
When selecting your bow, the type of target you intend to shoot at should be taken into consideration. If target archery is your main focus, a lighter weight bow might be suitable; on the other hand, hunting with a heavier recurve bow provides better accuracy and penetration.
To determine your draw weight, use a digital scale and measure how much force is necessary to pull back the bow. Alternatively, you could test with a bow string tester to see how much pressure you should release when drawing back your bow. If unsure, ask someone experienced or knowledgeable about archery for assistance.
Accessories
Enhance your hunting experience with recurve bows with these accessories:
Arm-guards – these are designed to safeguard your arms from arrow shearing injuries. These can be made of hard plastic or leather and worn around the upper arm and wrist.
Finger Tabs – these are designed to protect your index, middle, and ring fingers from shredding injuries. They come in either hard plastic or leather and can be worn around your fingers for extra protection.
String release aids – these are designed to make it easier to release your bow string precisely. They may be constructed of hard plastic or feature a thumb-operated mechanism.
Bow sights – designed to improve your archery experience and enable greater precision and accuracy when shooting, bow sights can either be fixed or adjustable depending on what type of hunter you are and how much time is spent fine-tuning them.
Vibration dampeners – These devices are used to reduce vibration of a recurve bow during shooting. They come in various materials and can reduce vibration by 20% to 30%.
Brush buttons – designed to keep debris out of the string and bow limb on recurve bows, brush buttons can be made out of various materials and used with a variety of recurve bows.
Calf-hair string groove silencers – These adhesive-backed calf hair strips that attach to recurve bows at brace height where the string meets the bow can be an invaluable accessory, helping reduce noise created by Flemish strings during draw and being especially helpful when shooting a recurve bow with lots of string wax on it.
Safety
Bows can be dangerous if used incorrectly, and they could result in serious injury or even death to people or animals. That is why it is essential to take all safety measures when using recurve bows as well as keep them in excellent condition.
Before each practice session or hunting trip, it is wise to inspect your recurve bow for cracks or damage. This should take only a few seconds but can drastically reduce the chance of an accident.
Additionally, ensure the string is not damaged or frayed before shooting. Doing so could result in injuries or other issues and should be repaired as soon as possible.
Another critical safety tip for recurve bows is never overdraw the arrow. Doing so could cause the bow to snap, which can be much more hazardous than you might imagine.
If you are new to bow hunting, it is wise to consult an expert before beginning any shooting activities. They can assist in selecting the ideal bow and arrows for your needs.
Additionally, it’s wise to store your bow and accessories in a hard case that has not been strung, as this will protect them from moisture or other external factors. This is especially crucial if you have children living in the house.
One last tip when shooting a recurve bow is to ensure that you do not point the bow at anyone or anything. This is often how people get injured while shooting these types of bows, and can be prevented by following a few basic guidelines.
