Compound vs Recurve Bow: What's the Big Difference?

Though our ancestors' primitive longbows may be seen as crude by modern standards, today's archery equipment still holds onto the essence of the original bowhunters –– hunting with sticks and string.

Most modern hunters today hunt with one of two types of bows: the recurve and the compound bow. Let's discuss the differences between the compound vs. recurve bow: these two descendants of our archery forefathers.

A woman draws a recurve bow.	A hunter with a compound bow.

Compound vs Recurve Bow: Design and Structure 

First, let's talk about the structural differences between compound and recurve bows.

Compound bows feature a complex system of cables and cams. These cams work in tandem as a pulley system and reduce the amount of energy an archer must use to pull the string back by over half.

This obviously provides a mechanical advantage, making it easier to hold the bow at full draw. When the cams roll over, the archer holds significantly less weight at full draw than the peak draw weight.

This is what is referred to as "let-off." If your bow's draw weight is seventy pounds, with an eighty percent let-off, you would feel like you only hold roughly twenty-three pounds at full draw.

Recurve bows are much simpler in design featuring a curved limb structure that stores energy more efficiently than straight-limbed long bows. Because there are no pulleys to help shoulder the burden of the peak draw weight, recurve bows require more physical strength to hold at full draw. 

Ease of Use  

Your choice of bow can also impact how easy it is for you to use it accurately during a hunt.

Compound bows are easier to aim and hold at full draw due to the earlier-mentioned let-off. This makes it more forgiving for beginners or children wanting to make the jump up from toy bows.

Recurve bows require a bit more skill and practice to master. There is no let-off, so a fair amount of upper body strength is required to hold the bow at full draw.

Power and Speed  

Compound bows are generally more powerful and faster due to their superior mechanical advantage. This makes this style of bow ideal for hunting larger game and at longer distances. 

Recurve bows can still be powerful, but they usually generate far less speed and kinetic energy compared to compound bows, making them more suitable for traditional or close-range hunting. 

Maintenance and Durability

Compound bows require regular maintenance of the cams, cables, and strings. This added complexity renders it more susceptible to mechanical issues. 

Recurve bows, by their nature, are simpler and more durable. They work with fewer parts that can break, need adjusting, or need to be replaced, making it easier to maintain in the field or out on the range.

However, recurves made with natural materials must be stored unstrung in a climate and humidity-controlled environment. With the string on, the belly of the bow is compressed, which can weaken the bow over time and cause it to set. If stored in a humid or too-cold environment, the bow may be at risk of warping.

Portability  

Compound bows are heavier and bulkier due to the additional components, though advancements in riser design and material have made a lot of headway over the years. This heavier weight could be a consideration when hiking over long distances or moving through dense brush and uneven terrain. 

Recurve bows are lighter and more compact, especially with takedown models, which are easier to carry and transport.

I once knew an outfitter who highly recommended only bringing a takedown recurve on mule-supported backcountry black bear hunts, as he said compound bows could be a real pain when on horseback in a rugged, brushy country.

Shooting Experience  

Compound bows provide a more modern shooting experience with the assistance of added fiber optic pin sights, stabilizers, and other noise and vibration-dampening accessories. These accessories offer greater precision and a more forgiving shot.

However, recurve bows offer a more traditional and instinctive shooting experience. These bows are often preferred by purists and traditional archers for their simplicity and primitive experience. 

Customization  

Compound bows are highly customizable with adjustable draw weights and lengths and just about every bell and whistle imaginable.

These upgrades can include but are in no way limited to:

• Front sights
• Peep sights
• Various release aids
• Front stabilizers
• Rear stabilizers

These elements can all be tailored to the individual archer's preferences and performance. Some compound bows even allow you to adjust your draw weight or length with just the turn of a hex wrench.

Recurve bows are much less customizable and are typically used with minimal accessories, emphasizing skill and technique.

I have an old Herter's International Match Hunter, and the only accessories I have on it are a felt arrow rest and Navajo-Churro wool bowstring silencers.

Unless using an ILF (international limb fitting), it is not possible to adjust the draw weight of a traditional recurve bow. 

Cost Considerations  

Compound bows are generally more expensive due to the advanced technology, added accessories, and modern materials involved.

Recurve bows are usually on the more affordable side, making it a good entry point for beginners or those on a budget.

But with all things, you can spend as much as you want on a hobby. There are recurves that can cost well over a mortgage payment once you get into hand-carved exotic materials.

Applications in Hunting  

Compound bows are great for hunting due to their superior power, accuracy, and range. This can make it the preferred choice for big game hunters, where speed and penetrating power are key.

Recurve bows are better suited for those who prefer a more traditional approach to archery hunting. They are often used in small game hunting or areas where durability and maneuverability are important. 

Choose Your Bow and HuntWise for the Best Hunting Combination

Whether you prefer the more traditional way of hunting with a recurve bow or the more modern compound, download HuntWise to have the most technologically advanced hunting tool in your hand.

With 3D mapping — including LiDAR — and high-definition satellite imagery, you'll know exactly where you want to be with HuntWise.

HuntWise helps you find the ideal location and distance to set up within range of your bow, whether you prefer a compound vs recurve bow. As you prepare for your next hunt, make sure you've got the HuntWise hunting app to help you tag out!

First-time users can enjoy a free trial of our best features!

Do you have the gear you need for an early season bow hunt? Check out what our HuntWise team member and hunting expert Quinn Badder recommends! HuntWise helps you gear up with the best stuff for better hunts.