The 11 Best Recurve Bow for Hunting – (Buying Guide in 2025)

If you are into archery for long enough, you will know that it is possible to shoot faster and more accurately with a recurve bow. They are compact, lightweight, easier to carry, and support lots of add-ons to support the champions.

However, there is one catch. Not all brands and models can give you all of those benefits. That is why I have done the research and got the best recurve bow for hunting.

With hundreds of options and lots of marketing jargon, it is difficult to find the right product. So, read my detailed review, short-list the models that match your requirements, and place an order right now.

See the full product review below.

How I Picked

Picking the right Recurve bows for hunting is not an easy job; not impossible either. So, I looked for the features and aspects that an archer should keep in mind while choosing a model. You can read them right after this part.

After going through hundreds of models, I narrowed down the list to a few. The credit goes to the filter that I made based on the guide. In my review list, you will find various models with different features and benefits.

Some are for the beginners, some for professionals, some for a teenager, and so on. Without further ado, let’s get some hunting recurve bows that you can use in all weather conditions.

Just in case if you’re in a hurry….

Buying Guide for Hunting Recurve Bow

Still, confused about finding the best recurve bow for beginners? Here are some guidelines for you. Hope they’ll help!

1. Weight of the Recurve Bow

This is an important factor because it will determine whether you have fun in archery or not. According to common knowledge, lighter bows are desirable because they are easier to carry.

The fact is that too light recurve bows are not helpful for correct maneuver. For proper aiming, the bow has to slightly weigh down on your shoulder without making you uncomfortable. Try to look for crossbows that weigh below 3 pounds.

2. Draw Weight

This property determines the amount of force you need to apply to pull the string back. The more weight you can pull, the faster your bolt will shoot. So, don’t look for the smallest draw weight. Rather, look for a middle ground mentioned in the previous point.

If you are a beginner, you can start with a draw weight as low as 40 pounds to go deer hunting crossbow. The larger and further the animal, the more should be the draw weight.

3. Bow Length

Longbows can shoot further distances than short bows. However, they are also more difficult to manage. The average length for recurve bows is about 60 inches. You can go below that for your starter bow if you are a beginner, but do not go above that weight if you want to improve your skills fast.

Hold the bow down to the ground while standing, and see if it is a good fit. It’s a good length for you if the tip of the bow gets very close to the ground without touching it.

4. Riser

The job of the riser is to give you stability and to absorb the vibrations caused by the tension that occurs right before the shot. Look for risers that have pre-installed brass bushings.

Because you can use the bushings to install add-ons that will help you to stabilize the arrow. A good riser feels very comfortable, light, and sturdy. Materials like laminate, aluminum, and hardwood make good quality risers.

5. Limbs

The limbs are very important in correcting the flow of wind. Check that the limb has a little curve. This will help them to resist the force of the wind from affecting the direction of the bolt.

Also, the material with which the limbs are important. Wood is a good option, but the ideal limb material is fiberglass. Because it is sturdy and resistant yet very smooth and inexpensive.

6. Style and Design

A lot of things depend on your bow’s style and design. As we know that all bows aren’t hunting bows. Some are just for target shooting, and some are for archery purposes. A very few of them are designed and structured to be used in hunting.

The structure of a hunting bow should be strong and powerful that it can provide service for several years. The design should be standard and eye-catching. Also, make sure that the design is easy to assemble and disassemble.

7. Gripping

The comfort of the hunter is vital to hit the bull’s eye every time. There is no point in buying a bow that is pretty excellent in hunting but does not provide flexibility to the user. In the field, bowhunters may have to hold the bow for a long time.

If the gripping of the bow is not standard, then the hunter may not be able to hold it for a long time. The hunting recurve bows are faster and more accurate than compound bows or target bows.

Also, look out for the brace height. Because brace height indicates how loud it would sound. Get to play a little bit with the bow and arrow to see how the brace height plays for you. One more thing is that adjust the anchor point for more accuracy.

The 11 Best Hunting Recurve Bow Reviews

I hope that the lack of cables and cams on these bows will help you to have a refreshing hunting experience. This list also mentions the best recurve bow for deer hunting. So, if you have any particular interest in that, then please keep reading.

1. Best Overall – Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow

Reasons I, along with thousands of archers, love Samick Sage more than other models are its user-friendly design, good draw length and weight, premium strands, and durable construction.

Also, the price range considering all those features, build-quality, and performance make it one of the best recurve bow in the world. Reading the full Samick Sage takedown bow review, you will agree with me.

A Bow for All

It comes with both left-handed and right-handed models. As this is a takedown bow, the benefits are a lot compared to the old-model ones. You can easily change the strength of the bow. As a result, beginners can start practicing with the starter bow right away and slowly move towards being an expert without buying another product.

Furthermore, the bow is easy to assemble and maintain. For experts, that is not very concerning. However, the Samick Sage hunting bow offers something to the professionals.

Quality and Versatility

It has 4 times more accessory holes so that you can get any add-ons. Stabilizer, bow fishing reel, screwing-style bow rest, cushion plunger, or bow sight; you name it.

When it comes to the build quality, Samick Sage also aces the list with its durable limbs and fiberglass lamination on both sides. The ergonomic design of the grip makes Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow more convenient and preferable for tournaments.

While you are considering this one, I should mention another model. It is the best recurve bow for a tall person from HYF in case you need one. furthermore, another one from the same brand is the best Olympic recurve bow. It is for those who are serious about getting into competitions.

The Good

You can grow with Samick Sage due to the adjustable draw weight feature. Lots of holes so that you can install the add-on you want while doing 3D archery, bow hunting, recreational archery, field tournaments, bow fishing, and more.

The Bad

Despite all those good sides, Samick Sage has some not-so-likable characteristics that you should know. It would be better if it had more draw length. Also, you shouldn’t use it for bow hunting unless you already are a pro.

2. Runner Up- Southwest Archery Spyder Takedown Recurve Bow

You are going to feel excitement anew when you look at the beautiful curve and polish of this incredible wooden bow. One of the things that you will appreciate the most is how this weapon seems to hold itself at a perfect balance.

Herein lies the skill and the craftsmanship of the maker, and I am sure that you will greatly enjoy practicing archery with this.

Archer-Friendly Features

It has a draw weight of 20 pounds in the beginning. But other versions have more draw weight. The series runs in increments of 5 pounds and goes up to a total of 60 pounds at the maximum limit.

It will be very easy to update the weapon by the merit of the bushings. You can add a lot to this tool, everything starting with small mechanical plungers to stabilizers, extra bow reels, and so on.

Also, notice that the tips of the limbs are reinforced with small rubber caps that add to the speed of the bolt as it is thrown towards the target practice. This is the perfect wooden weapon for catching fast prey like deer.

The Good

A great thing about the bow getting from Amazon is that the package includes arrow rest, dacron string, and the necessary Allen wrench. Also, this version has got the limb risers and pockets improved. The lightweight construction will help you hunt or target practice without any problem.

The Bad

According to some users, the bow does not have longevity similar to the top pick, which is a bit disappointing.

3. Best Budget: DOSTYLE Archery Takedown Recurve Bow for Hunting

Well, it doesn’t look much simple in the pictures, but it is indeed quite a simple bow to work with. If you are a beginner, you could benefit by trying out your hand in archery with this.

High-Quality Material and Construction

Only the riser is made of hardwood. This is the part that will hold the limbs together and keep the arrow in place. The wood helps to deliver the arrows with more speed and consistency than any other material.

The limbs are made of fiberglass. A material that is hard as steel, but with more tensile strength packed in. Fiberglass is very resistant to changes in shape, and it is also very inexpensive.

In terms of comfort, you will find this to be a very lightweight bow. The wood and the fiberglass together make it a strong weapon while keeping it light. It’s very comfortable to hold and the bow increases confidence.

The package includes a riser, a bowstring, a quiver, one arm guard, a finger guard, five arrows, and many more. The set is quite the all-rounder kit for archery making it a good starting point.

The Good

It has durable risers and limbs that I like considering the price point. Another good thing is that this version is available in three different package options on Amazon. Moreover, it is very easy to set up.

The Bad

For left-handed beginner archers, it is not the right model because it only comes for right-handed people.

4. Great for Youth –  KESHES Takedown Hunting Recurve Bow and Arrow

If you ever happen to have anyone take a picture of you while you’re aiming with this bow, then it will surely look like a scene from a movie. And if you happen to be new at archery practice, then let me warn you by saying that you are going to fall in love with it.

Lightweight and Fast

These are two words that you can use to describe the functionality of this bow. A block of dense but airy wood has been used in the making, as a result of which, this tool is strong enough to resist expansion in both high and low levels of moisture.

The recurve bow comes dissembled in the package, but you will find everything you need inside. Construction is easy to work due to the clear instructions from the guidebook.

This is the best takedown recurve bow because all of its parts can be found separately in stores. So, if anything gets damaged, you can find a replacement quite easily.

Like the previous bow, this one also comes in different measures in draw weight. It starts at 15 pounds and goes up to about 55 pounds. And since this is a takedown bow, you can add weight to it to suit your growing skills in archery as well. Remember, more draw weight means more accurate shots.

The Good

Its design, construction, and features fit all ages and genders. Also, it is easy and simple to assemble, store, and carry. The accessories that come with the package are essential to start hunting or target practicing right out of the box making it a right starting point.

The Bad

For some archers, having a full wooden design can be troublesome as it requires regular maintenance.

5. Good Quality and Affordable – Toparchery Takedown Hunting Recurve Bow

Look at this bow if you haven’t. If you don’t want it immediately, then all I have to say to you is, get it! The bow does not only look cool; it is indeed very cool by performance as well. It has a sleek all-black shiny finish that makes it stand out among the other recurve bows in the market.

Combination of Sturdy Materials

Ever heard of fiberglass and maple merging into each other? Well, that is exactly what makes up this bow. The core is made of wood of the highest quality maple. And the outer layering is done with fiberglass.

The bow length is 53 inches, whereas, the riser is about 17 inches. You will get a great span width. These long limbs have been curved to the degree that helps them to cut around the wind.

Thus, making your bolt fly with the highest speed even when it’s windy outside. Another thing that makes this recurve bow worth the money is that all its parts are replaceable.

So, if any of the parts gives up on you with use, you can easily detach it and replace it with a new one. That is what makes this weapon a cost-effective purchase.

The Good

Its reinforced limbs, adjustable weight mechanism, and sturdy build quality come within a reasonable price range. Also, it can support both new archers and professionals.

The Bad

Besides those good aspects, the bad thing is that the package doesn’t include a bow stringer.

6. Compact Handmade Bow- AF 20-55LBS Handmade Traditional Crimea Tartar

One look at this bow and you will feel yourself become a fan. The previous recurve bow I discussed pales in comparison when this one is in the picture. In the outer rims of the bow, you will notice a thin strip of orange. That is the redwood bamboo peeking through.

The rest of it is fiberglass. There are patches over the limbs themselves. This is a laminated recurve bow. If you have never used such a bow before, it’s time to get one now.

Long-lasting Laminated Finish

Many people doubt the lamination, but it brings the advantage of keeping the frame firm. Another advantage with these is that the gaps between the panels allow air to flow through, and this makes that the limbs stay strong against the stubborn wind.

Going into the measurements, you will see that the total length of this thing is 125 cm. You have to use strings that are equal to the total length. Fortunately, it comes with a fast flight string, so you won’t have to make a separate purchase.

The bow is very short compared to its competitors. That is one point that doesn’t take away from the appeal of this recurve bow, but rather adds to its value. These short bows are faster at sending bolts to the target shooting. You will get a smooth draw till about 30 inches.

The Good

Good build material that makes the bow last longer than most of its competitions. Compact and lightweight design with a long draw length makes it an instant hit.

The Bad

There are no reviews on Amazon which leave us no way to know about its real-life performance.

7. Convenient and Complete Set – Spyder XL Takedown Recurve Bow

Besides the Southwest Archery Spyder in 2^nd place, I also like this one from the same manufacturer. However, let’s talk about what went into the making of this bow in the beginning. To make this weapon spun out the most desirable features, four different types of wood of quality were used.

Lightweight, Yet Firm and Sturdy

The bow should feel light, but at the same time, it should feel sturdy and firm. You can already tell that this will be a comfortable weapon to work with, right? Well, to add to that, there are reinforcers installed to the tips of this bow.

These rubber tips will absorb shock and help the bolts to snap through the air faster. This is a takedown bow, which means you will have to assemble it yourself.

You will get a whole box full of supplies with this bow. The bow itself is quite simple to make, as is the specialty of recurve bows. A very short limb set comes dissembled in the box. Putting it all together is not at all a difficult task.

Also, notice the bushings that would help you to customize the bow by installing accessories. Both right-handed and left-handed users can work with this weapon.

It draws weights from 20 pounds to about 60 pounds in small increments of 5 pounds. This is an all-encompassing tool, and it will suit both beginners and veterans. Feel free to take this with you for some good old deer hunting with recurve bow and also for some target shooting as well.

The Good

The biggest benefit of the bows and the contents in the package is their versatile usability. Whether it is for bow hunting, recreational, practicing, or getting to know archery as a beginner, you can rely on it. the reinforced limb tips are there to let help you throughout the journey.

The Bad

The manufacturer should check the quality of the string they send with the bow. Besides that, archers may need to replace the arrow rest for better performance in the field.

8. Preferred by Adults – D&Q Archery 56″ Recurve Bow and Arrow Set

When you are looking for a bow, one of the factors that you should consider weighing upon, is how it feels in hand. Now, this one is made from hard maple wood and aluminum.

Only the riser is made with Aluminum which is very durable. The limbs, on the other hand, are made with high-quality maple that has a smooth texture and a non-abrasive surface.

Better Control and Accuracy

It is important to note that recurve bows have been designed differently. On this one, you will find that the joints are fixed with screws. As a result, you won’t be able to rely on the durability of the frame as much as you could have with a laminated bow hunting recurve.

However, for this same reason, you will find this recurve bow to be a bit cheaper than the laminated ones. So, if you are a beginner, then you should give this a try.

There are many draw weights to choose from. The options range from 30 to 50 pounds. Another attractive feature here is the level of customization that can be done to this. There are built-in bushings in the frame in which you will be able to install add-ons as you see fit.

The Good

The bow is easy to assemble, operate, carry, and store. The parts including limb tips and arrow rest are upgradable. It is a well-balanced bow that can shoot long distances without introducing fatigue.

The Bad

The fact that it comes with no instruction manual or left-handed model makes me look at other models from SAS Courage, Bear Grizzly, or Bear Archery Grizzly.

9. Popular Handmade Bow – longbowmaker Hungarian Style Longbow 

If you want to start with small draw weights and take your time to gradually move up the scale, then this handmade recurve bow will be really good for that. It starts from 20 pound draw weight, and maximizes at 110 pounds.

Reliable and Powerful

So, for starters’ target practice, this is a good starting beginner recurve bow. And it will be as much for experienced practitioners as well due to the long body and the curvature of the limbs.

There is the core of beech wood in the frame, covered with a coating of thick cow leather on top. This combination ensures strength and durability as the main physical characteristics of the weapon.

They also give a nice smooth feel to the texture. The body of the bow has a length of 54 inches, while the string length is 51 inches.

This small difference in the sizes will keep the bowstring taut and will also enhance the speed of the shots. The package has a nylon string, but fast flight strings can also be used with this bow for better performance overall.

The Good

From experienced users, this is a serious bow with lots of power. You can even customize it according to your needs. Such draw weight range can’t be found on other models in this list. Professionals who want to level up their game should get this one.

The Bad

You may see some bad reviews about the bow on Amazon. If you look at their complaints carefully, you will know that those are the mistakes by the users.

10. Durable and Accurate – KAINOKAI Traditional Handmade Archery Bow

KAINOKAI makes such a traditionally neat-looking bow and arrow set that you will want to buy it to keep at your house even if you are not planning to start archery. The main body of the bow shines due to the smooth polish it had been given in the finishing process.

Features Preferred by Beginners

Made of locust wood, this bow is very hard and strong in quality. The wood adds stability to the bow and makes it light and comfortable to carry around. A coat of paint has been put on top of it to give that extra layer of protection against air and moisture.

The arm of the bow is made with clear epoxy, which is a material known for being less privy to shrinkage due to environmental pressures. And even that has been coated on top with leather, to make it even more durable in quality and strength.

Whether you are a beginner or a regular practitioner, you are going to have your hands full-on with this bow. Due to the range of draw weights available to this bow, you will gradually be able to gain a good set of archery skills.

Everything you need will be provided to you in the package. On another note, do you have kids who are into archery? You can check out the best youth recurve bow from Bear Archery.

The Good

Beautiful recurve bows from Kainokai are an impressive piece for beginner archers. The arrow rest and other features of it are very useful in real life. For the price considering specs and other things, it is a good deal.

The Bad

The quality is not the highest like the top pick. So, don’t expect the same longevity.

11. Best for Beginner – Gonex Takedown Recurve Bow for Beginner

The inside of the bow is maple wood and on top of that lie layers of fiberwood that seal the bow up against moisture and wind. Multiple layers of fiberglass give the bow a very smooth feel to the touch. It has a very nice curve to its body that helps it to work nicely with passing wind.

Great Specs and Features for A Hunter

The length of the bow is 56 inches, whereas the limbs are 53 inches, and the maximum draw length is 30 inches. You will be able to take out to shoot in the forests or jungle, but owing to the massive lengths.

Twenty pieces of Dacron strings, along with all other required accessories will all be given to you in the package for assembly. In case anything gets damaged in the long run, you will be able to quickly get a replacement for that part.

Furthermore, this weighs about 40 pounds and is the perfect weight for beginners to use with the low-pound draw weight. With this in your hand, you will be able to learn the art of target shooting and measuring force for the shots in no time at all.

The Good

The package comes with detailed instructions that would help you set up the bow easily and quickly. A durable arrow rest along with durable build quality and Dacton stings are appreciable. One can practice or hunt with it for years with minimal maintenance.

The Bad

The features and specs don’t support kids. You can check out other models for youngsters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

If you have any further questions about these recurve bows, please feel free to ask us.

What is the Difference Between a Traditional Bow and a Takedown Bow?

Traditional ones look more elegant than takedowns, but they are all just one piece. So, they might break apart easily. Takedown has to be assembled by parts.

Why Do the Strings Need to be Waxed?

To keep the strings last long, you need to wax them to decrease the fraying and damage by moisture.

Why is My Bow Getting so Noisy During the Shots?

They get noisy as they get used more. To prevent this, you can add silencers to your recurve bow around the risers.

Is it Not Normal for The Limb Bolts to Make Cracking Sounds During Assembly?

Yes, it’s normal, and it should only happen with takedown bows as the joints get merged into each other.

What is the Best  Material for an Arrow to be Made of?

Carbon and graphite are the toughest, the most expensive, and the most reliable. The second is aluminum, and in the third-place are wooden arrows. Those are the best arrows for recurve bow that you should consider.

How I Choose the Right to Recurve Bow?

With curved away limb from the archer when unstrung, a recurve bow can store a greater amount of energy and is thus able to utilize that energy more efficiently compared to a bow with straight limbs. The arrow flies faster and with more energy and you become fans in no time.

Why Measure Your Draw Length at All?

No matter how your archery instructor tells you that there is just one position animal stance, all archers have to accept that every one of them is unique. While some people have longer or shorter arms than average to their chest, others have smaller forearms and slightly longer fingers as well.

How Will I Find the Perfect Recurve Bow for an Archer?

You should follow the right requirements. You have to manage your requirements. You have to follow the proper guideline of the criteria option.

How to Choose the Proper Size for Your Recurve Bow?

Getting the proper bow size for your bow shouldn’t be like learning rocket science. Recurve bows come in various lengths and you should not choose a weapon that is extremely long or too short for you, as it will affect your shooting accuracy. You want a properly sized bow to prevent physical pain, costly loss when you miss your target shooting and an altogether frustrating experience during use.

What is the Best Recurve Bow Under 200 Dollars?

Samick Sage recurve bow is the one you should check out as it is the Best recurve takedown bow. Among the top recurve bow brands Samick Sage, Southwest Archery, and Keshes are some notable ones.

Conclusion

So that’s the end of my journey of finding these recurve bows. I hope that you have found the right hunting recurve bow from the article.

You may disagree with me but Samick Sage is the best recurve bow on amazon. And thousands of people rate it highly.

Or, if you did, then go out immediately and start practicing or hunting. Otherwise, follow the guide and keep looking, you’ll find yours soon. Best of luck!

• Read also: The 8 GPS for Hunting [Reviews & Guide In 2021]