Are you looking for the best recurve bow? The hunt can be overwhelming, with so many varying options to choose from. After all, there is no holy grail of recurve bows, and this article will in no way attempt to give a one-size-fits-all solution. That said, you will see 10 of the top recurve bows for hunting, for shooting, and for beginners to help you separate the wheat from the chaff.
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We recognize that the best bow may vary from one person to the next, depending on needs and preferences. But really, some bows are better than others. Just like with throwing knives, the quality of a bow can make all the difference when aiming at a target.
Short on time? Here are the best recurve bows in brief:
- Samick Sage Recurve Bow
- Martin Jaguar Budget Recurve Bow
- Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve Bow for Hunting
- Southwest Archery Spyder Beginner Recurve Bow
- Southwest Tigershark Takedown Recurve Bow
- Buffalo Traditional Hunting Recurve Bow
- SAS Spirit Compact Recurve Bow
- SinoArt Recurve Bow
- PSE Recurve Bow Pro Max
- SAS Courage Hunting Bow and Arrow
Otherwise, sit tight. We’re about to let you in on what makes a good recurve bow and present you with the best recurve bows you can buy today.
Top 10 Recurve Bows for Hunting and Archery
Other than a good bushcraft knife, there are few things more synonymous with hunting than a good bow and arrow. The recurve bow, in particular, is an excellent choice for accuracy, stealth, and maneuverability in the bush.
Whether you want to buy your first bow or are looking to replace your current one, it’s important to get the right one. To help you in your comparison shopping, we’re reviewing the best recurve bows across a variety of needs and price points below.
1. Samick Sage Recurve Bow
The Samick Sage recurve bow is an all-time favorite for many people, and is probably the best recurve bow for beginner archers.
There is no going back if you get this one in your hands because it feels and looks good. You will be treated to a blend of Maple and Dymondwood, which gives the riser a comfortable grip. Plus, there’s something heartwarming about holding natural wood.
While not as cheap as the Martin Jaguar, which is another worthy contender, the Sage is one of the best recurve bows for the money.
But what really matters is that the Samick allows you to upgrade the limbs. Right from 25-lbs all the way to 60-lbs, you can increase your draw weight as you become more experienced. And that’s not all. It has a good weight and balance, allowing for accuracy.
If you want to, you could also upgrade the string for a faster shot. It isn’t as quiet as we would like it to be, but it’s a reliable bow that you won’t quickly outgrow.
2. Martin Jaguar Budget Recurve Bow
The Martin Jaguar doesn’t get as much hype as the Samick Sage recurve bow, but it will be a delightful buy for the avid shooter who is budget-conscious. You will be getting a riser made of aluminum and magnesium here.
This means two things. One, the Martin Jaguar won’t tire you quickly at a full draw. Two, it is strong and durable. You will get more life out of it than you would from a wooden one, no doubt.
There’s nothing glorious about holding a naked metallic riser, and Martin knows this. That’s why they fitted a Thermal V grip that feels good to the hand. And it shoots straight without hesitation thanks to a powerful draw and well-crafted limbs.
Weighing only 2.7 pounds, the Jaguar is nice and light–not to mention easy to carry around since it is a takedown recurve bow. Unfortunately, the arrow rest is a little flimsy (though it can be replaced easily enough), and it is not suited to left-handed archery. Just keep in mind, reassembly is a task that takes getting used to (plus a few good tools).
3. Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve Bow for Hunting
If what you are looking for is a practical hunting recurve bow, pick the Bear Grizzly without a second thought. Sure, you can get more bells and whistles at its price range, but this is a recurve bow that means business.
Right off the bat, you will notice its stunning craftsmanship. This iconic design was adopted in 1964, and the company has not looked back since. Their manufacturing process hasn’t changed either.
With an AMO length of only 58 inches, it is undeniably a short recurve bow, but this is where its strength lies. It is easier to move around with and allows for more accurate shots while making little noise. And don’t worry about durability because you will be getting a three-year warranty. (This is evidence of Bear Archery’s confidence that they make some of the best recurve bows for the money.)
4. Southwest Archery Spyder Beginner Recurve Bow
If you intend to try your hand at archery, you must get your hands on the Southwest Archery Spyder. This is a good beginner bow built to last, with the manufacturer combining four different types of wood for a more sturdy finish.
The rounded edges on the pockets and riser is a clever choice by Southwest Archery. It not only serves to accentuate the bow’s streamlined and sleek look but also makes it lighter than other models that preceded it. The redwood finish on the riser is also bound to catch your eye.
There is a Southwest Spyder recurve bow for everyone. There are varying draw weight options to choose from, ranging from 20 pounds to 60 pounds. The model also allows you to add accessories such as sights, plungers, quivers, stabilizers, making it one of the most versatile bows on this list.
5. Southwest Tigershark Takedown Recurve Bow
If you notice any similarities between the Samick Sage, the Sypder, and now this bow — the Tigershark — it’s because they come from the same manufacturer.
If you love the first two, you will love this one too. The Tigershark is made with four of the best recurve bow wood types (white oak, Tigerwood, Padouk, and Dymond wood), making it durable and long-lasting.
Just like its counterparts, its limbs are made with laminated hard maple with a black fiberglass finish. It features rounded edges, a handcrafted design, and a red line cutting above the arrow rest, giving it that elegant polish look.
You can do almost anything with this bow, including bow fishing, target practice, and game hunting. It is light, very quiet, and has no hand shock allowing for a smooth hunting experience.
6. Buffalo Traditional Hunting Recurve Bow
The Buffalo Hunting Recurve Bow is 100% handmade by a master bowyer who has been in the game for over 30 years, and the results speak for themselves.
It combines customized styling, revolutionary design, and superior performance. This handsome traditional recurve bow boasts of appeal, great balance, and durability. It comes in a red cobra snakeskin cover giving it an elegant look.
If you like to play rough, this is the perfect bow for you. Its tough construction means it can withstand a bit of abuse during traditional bow hunting. The handle and Siyahs are made of wood, while its limbs are made of fiberglass. Surprisingly, it still feels light and easy to handle for a fiberglass bow, allowing for a smooth draw and natural release.
With a draw weight of 30 to 65 pounds, the buffalo hunting is ideal for hunting medium-sized game animals. It will be the perfect companion when you’re hunting deer, wild turkey, and even larger targets like elk. It is also incredibly silent, making it overall one of the best traditional hunting recurve bows commercially available.
7. SAS Spirit Compact Recurve Bow
If you want a bow to teach your son or daughter how to shoot, you should consider buying the SAS Spirit. For starters, it won’t break the bank owing to its pocket-friendly price. Weighing just three pounds, this is one of the best recurve bows for young archers–or anyone under six feet tall for that matter.
This versatile and adaptable archery bow and arrow comes in various draw weight versions ranging from 22 lb. to 34 lb. It is a good option for target practice and recreational shooting, but it can also come in handy when hunting small game.
Don’t let the price fool you; the bow is strong and durable. The limbs are made with strong fiberglass with maple lamination, while the riser is made with trio wood (Beech, Chuglam, Gmelina Arborea, and Beech). But in case you have doubts, it comes with a three-year warranty, which should tell you something.
8. SinoArt Recurve Bow
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You are not likely to find another bow as impressive as the SinoArt at the same price range. Despite its pocket-friendly price, the bow comes with everything you require to start shooting so you won’t incur any additional costs. It is also specially crafted for comfort, allowing you to shoot all day long without breaking a sweat.
Although lenient on your pockets, the bow does not compromise on quality; expect it to be by your side for a very long time. The riser is made from hardwood, while the limbs are made from strong fiberglass with maple lamination for that elegant look. Its rounded edges on the handle and limbs serve to accentuate its sleek look.
With a maximum draw weight of 36 pounds, this bow is fit for training and target practice. It is perfect for a beginner who is not willing to fork over piles of cash for their first bow or hunters looking to experiment before buying more expensive gear.
9. PSE Recurve Bow Pro Max
The PSE Pro Max takedown bow is nothing fancy, but will get the job done. It comes with everything you need to start shooting inside the box and performs better than many bows that may cost you an arm and a leg.
It is super easy to assemble and makes very little noise. The reduced draw weight will serve you well during target practice. What’s more, the bow comes with finger savers if you’re not a big fan of mechanical release, shooting glove, or finger tab.
As a rule, a PSE recurve bow is well designed, and the Pro Max is no exception. It comes with composite limbs and a wooden riser, and you can upgrade the limbs in case you outgrow them. This is a favorable bow for adults and kids above the age of 11.
10. SAS Courage Hunting Bow and Arrow
If you are an instinctual hunter looking for a reliable bow, you won’t go wrong with the SAS Courage. It comes in a variety of hunting draw weights ranging from 35 lb. to 65lb.
The design is simple but attractive, and its laminated wood riser not only looks but also feels good in your hands.
You will find the limbs to be sturdy. They are made from Maple and Makore and laminated with black fiberglass. As you can expect, these will serve you for a long time before you can see any signs of wear and tear. But the low price tag is the icing on the cake.
Whether you’re target shooting in your backyard or forest hunting for game, this bow will serve you for all seasons. Although there is some vibration, it is hardly noticeable, and it comes with a three-year warranty.
How to Buy the Best Recurve Bow
You need to know what to look out for when shopping for a recurve bow to be able to choose the right one for you. Here is what you need to consider before making a purchase.
Recurve Bows Draw Weight
Draw weight is the amount of force you need to fully draw the bow. You must consider your age, gender, and physical ability when choosing the right draw weight.
Although there is no universally agreed standard, young adults should pick between 15 to 20 pounds. For adult women, 20 to 35 pounds is a great place to start. Adult males can draw anywhere from 40 to 50 pounds.
Purpose of the Recurve Bow
If you’re buying a bow for target practice, any recurve bow will do the trick. But since the draw weight will determine the strength and speed of the arrow, only high draw weights are appropriate for hunting big game such as deer and elks. A draw weight of fewer than 40 pounds may just wound the animal.
Draw Length
The bow length is how far back you pull the bowstring before you let the arrow loose. Your ability to correctly measure your draw length can be the difference between your success and failure at archery.
To ensure you get the correct draw length, keep your head and neck relaxed when measuring. Ensure you’re not straining the wrist of your drawing hand, either. If you’re a beginner, get someone who can measure your draw length correctly.
Recurve Bow Length
Once you identify your draw length, it will be easier to choose the corresponding bow length. Each particular bow will have a list of draw lengths that are appropriate for its specific length. Ensure you purchase one that can accommodate your draw length.
Your Budget
The most expensive recurve bow is not necessarily the best, and cheap doesn’t exactly mean poor quality. Some of the best bows are very pocket friendly. Find something that suits your needs and fits your budget.
Recurve Bow: Final Thoughts
Archery is fun but without the right gear, it can quickly become frustrating. It doesn’t help matters that bows can be expensive. And truthfully, some expensive bows cannot justify their high price tags. However, our list of the 10 best recurve bows are all tried and true in terms of accuracy, ergonomics, durability, and value for money. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, there’s a bow for you, no matter your needs or budget.
If you aren’t sure where to start, pick the Samick Sage recurve bow. It will serve you well while being quite affordable. But it is the Bear Grizzly that takes the trophy home as the best recurve bow for hunting. Whatever you settle for, you’ll be well-suited to improve your skills and strength as an archer.
What is your favorite recurve bow on the market? Do you have any bow hunting stories you’d like to share? Drop us a line in the comments below!