Recurve bow components play a significant role in how well you shoot it, from Olympic archers to casual shooters. Understanding what each part does will enable you to choose the ideal bow for your needs and objectives.
Recurves consist of three primary elements: the riser, limbs and string. Usually metal, but can also be wood or carbon fiber, the riser is made from various materials like wood, fiberglass or carbon fiber while the limbs may be constructed out of various materials like wood, fiberglass or carbon fiber as well.
The Limbs
Limbs are the two bent sides of a bow that attach to its riser and help generate and release its energy. They play an essential role in determining shooting accuracy when using a bow.
Legs can be constructed out of wood, fiberglass, carbon and other materials and laminated or solid for maximum performance. In order to fit the riser curve perfectly, these limbs should be set up and attached correctly for optimal performance.
At the draw, the limbs bend together in unison and store energy to propel the arrow to its target. As soon as they snap forward, that stored power is released to propel the arrow further towards its intended mark.
Though often disregarded, the limbs of a recurve bow are vitally important to an archer’s shooting performance and accuracy. A misaligned limb angle can drastically impact your accuracy when shooting with this tool and lead to inaccurate arrows.
When measuring limb angle, precision is key. Use a protractor or other suitable tool to get the most accurate readings possible.
Misaligned recurve bow limbs can affect accuracy of shots and even cause damage to them. Fortunately, this issue is easily fixable by simply tightening screws that hold the limbs in place. Once adjusted, test out your bow by shooting some arrows to verify everything works as intended.
The Riser
The riser is an integral component of any bow, whether it is a recurve or compound bow. Crafted out of various materials, it has several key features that can significantly impact your shooting experience.
Aside from keeping the limbs securely attached to the bow, the riser plays an integral role in maintaining an even draw weight and aligning them correctly. This ensures that your bow reacts correctly, draws and shoots in a straight line, is quieter and more forgiving, and can be adjusted to your desired center shot.
When purchasing a new bow, it is essential to select a riser that accommodates your personal preferences and shooting style. Furthermore, consider the material of construction as this will affect its weight and performance.
Some risers are constructed with aluminum, while others utilize carbon fiber. Selecting the appropriate material will guarantee your bow is as lightweight as possible while still offering exceptional strength and longevity.
When shopping for a riser bow, be sure to inspect its limb fitting system. Many basic recurve bows use proprietary systems while higher-grade models typically utilize an ILF fitting that is compatible with most limbs on the market.
Limbs are an integral component of your recurve bow, helping to secure the arrow to its riser and improve shooting accuracy. When selecting a bow, make sure it has high-quality limbs closest to your target draw weight.
The Bowstring
The Bowstring is an essential element of your recurve bow. It holds the arrows securely before they’re fired, giving your bow power. Under normal use, the string should be replaced every 2-3 years for optimal performance.
According to your personal preferences, there are various bow strings available that meet your requirements. Many recurve shooters opt for synthetic materials like Dacron as these are durable and economical but tend to stretch over time.
Another type of bowstring is a natural fiber string. These tend to be less expensive and more eco-friendly than modern synthetic strings, though they may be more vulnerable to damage from nicks and cuts.
Recurve bows require tremendous upper body strength to hold and shoot accurately, placing a great deal of strain on your shoulder, deltoid, and latissimus dorsi muscles.
Therefore, be prepared to put in extra effort while shooting a recurve bow. Doing so will not only help you create better shooting habits but also enhance your accuracy.
When shooting a recurve bow, you should also wear an arm guard since the string often slaps against your wrist after release. This can sting deeply and potentially bruise or break skin, so having one on hand is highly recommended. There are various types of arm guards available but all serve the same purpose: to absorb string shock so as not to cause any pain.
The Arrow Rest
The Arrow Rest is essential in ensuring your arrow flies straight. This is because the rest holds the arrow until it leaves your bowstring.
Recurve bows offer several different arrow rest options, such as shelf rests, stick-on rests and fall away rests.
Shelf rests are the most basic type of arrow rest and usually made from felt or rug material. They offer a classic aesthetic while making shots quieter.
Stick-On Rests are a popular option for recurve bows due to their ease of installation. These rests feature an adhesive backing that can easily be peeled off from the arrow rest and stuck onto the riser above the shelf.
Drop away arrow rests are a popular choice as they secure the arrow until it leaves the bowstring, making them suitable for both horizontal and vertical flexes.
When hunting, it is essential to find an arrow rest that can withstand a lot of abuse. This means finding one that can withstand being hit by sticks, rocks or branches while you are out hunting.
The Arm Guard
Recurve bow arm guards are pieces of protective gear that you strap onto your arm, protecting it from the recoil of a bowstring. Traditionally used with recurve bows, but can also be useful with modern compound bows.
Arm guards are beneficial for all archers, but especially so for novices or those who haven’t mastered their form yet. They help prevent accidental string slaps – when the bowstring hits your forearm during a shot and causes painful bruising.
Many times, bow slaps are caused by shooting with low brace height or using poor form. An arm guard can keep loose clothing out of the way, keeping it from catching on your bowstring and throwing off your shot.
KRATARC offers one of the top arm guards available for archers, protecting your inner forearm completely with three clip-in adjustable straps. It’s lightweight, well ventilated and long-lasting.
Another excellent option is the Nachvorn shooting archery arm guard, made of brown leather with elastic laces to secure it in place. It’s comfortable and convenient; however, some archers have reported that over time their laces may loosen due to constant use.
In the end, it’s your personal decision whether or not to wear an arm guard. The ideal solution is finding one that fits comfortably and that works for you.
The Sight
A properly adjusted bow sight can make a world of difference in your shooting experience. Not only will it make aiming easier, but it will also allow you to get the most out of your recurve bow.
Bow sights come in all shapes and sizes, serving a variety of shooting needs. The type of bow sight you select depends on your preferences, skill level, and the intended purpose for which you plan to use your bow.
The open ring sight is the most commonly used recurve bow sight. This inexpensive and reliable type of sight works well at close range shooting ranges.
Recurve bow sights can also be equipped with pin sights, which are commonly used for competitions and available in either single pin or multi-pin varieties.
A reliable sight should be easy to adjust and feature features that ensure it remains solid when set, so it doesn’t rattle around or fall off after some time. Furthermore, make sure the sight is constructed with strong material so it can withstand the impact of an arrow.
Sighting in your bow sight takes time and patience, so be methodical. Additionally, do it gradually over several days rather than all at once; this will give you a better idea of how your bow and sight are set up and what changes need to be made.
