What Is a Recurve Bow?

These bows, with their distinctive double curvature, can be made of a variety of materials, including layered wood, fiberglass, carbon, or other synthetic polymer materials. The design of a recurve bow — where the wide, thin limbs arch away from the archer and then bend back toward themselves near the tips — enables it to store and release energy more efficiently than its predecessor, the longbow.

You may be more familiar with a compound bow. However, whether you've seen hunters use a recurve bow or not, bowhunters can benefit from learning more about these bows, including how they work and when it might be worthwhile to try one for a hunt. That's what we're covering today!

The Recurve Bow's Simplicity

Part of the draw of recurves is their simplicity.

Only on a recurve bow will you find the string will rest up against the belly of the limb. 

Recurve bows do not use cams or cables like a compound bow. Instead, all of the energy is stored in the limbs. This absence of any mechanical components means there is no abrupt transition or "hitting the wall" when coming to full draw.

Instead, archers experience a smooth and progressive increase in resistance, which can feel more intuitive and natural. This smooth draw cycle allows for a more fluid shot execution.

"Simplicity" Doesn't Mean Lack of Style

Recurve bows come in various styles and configurations, each tailored to different preferences and hunting or target shooting applications.

While modern options include drilled holes and bushings to mount accessories, many traditional archers forgo sights, stabilizers, or release aids for a more traditional and minimalist shooting experience. This also lends this bow style well to the ancient art of shooting instinctively and makes the bow somewhat lighter overall compared to other bow styles.

Choose Your Limb Styles

Recurve bows come in various limb styles, each offering different advantages.

Some models, called takedowns, allow for the limbs to be removed from the riser, allowing for compact transportation or storage. This feature is particularly useful for archers who travel frequently or have limited storage space.

International limb fitting (ILF) recurves allow archers to interchange limbs and risers. This universal fit allows for a mix-and-match style and lets the individual archer customize a bow to their ideal length, weight, and fit preferences.

For bows without interchangeable limbs, the draw weight is fixed, limiting customization but simplifying the bow's construction.

Transportation is Easier

One advantage of the recurve is its portability. A recurve bow's simplicity makes it one of the easiest types to transport.

Since the limbs of a recurve bow bend back on themselves, the bow stores more energy in a shorter limb length, making a recurve more maneuverable and agile than a traditional longbow of the same draw weight. The lack of cams and cables also means there are fewer parts that could snag while walking through dense brush or make noise when accidentally bumping into trees or rocks while hunting.

This feature is especially useful for hunters who need to move quickly and quietly in the woods. 

Stringing and Maintenance

Stringing a recurve bow is another area where its simplicity shines. Unlike compound bows, which usually require a bow press for stringing and unstringing, recurve bows can be easily strung or unstrung with a bow stringer.

This tool is compact and portable, often folding small enough to fit in a pocket or hunting pack, making it a convenient tool for field use. For those who prefer a more minimalist approach, stringing a recurve bow without a stringer is also possible.

My preferred method is to step into the bow between the belly side and string with the bow standing vertically while simultaneously pulling the top tip back using my leg as a brace against the bottom limb. Use caution if choosing not to use a bowstringer, though, as this method may cause limb twists and could affect accuracy if not done properly.

Store It Without the Strings

Unlike a compound bow, you should not store a recurve strung when not in use.

Recurves made with natural materials must be stored unstrung in a climate and humidity-controlled environment. When strung, the belly of the bow is compressed, which can weaken the bow over time and cause it to set.

If stored in a humid environment or a spot that's too cold, the bow can warp.

Drawbacks of the Recurve Bow

While recurve bows offer numerous benefits, they are rather sensitive to shooting form and technique than modern compounds.

Recurves do not have the let-off found in compound bows, so archers must hold the full draw weight throughout the draw cycle and shot. This requirement requires more upper body strength and control, making practice and skill development essential for accurate shooting.

Arrow selection can be another critical factor. Although recurve bows can shoot arrows at relatively high speeds, the choice of arrow material, weight, and design can impact performance.

Modern archers often use carbon or aluminum arrows, while traditionalists may prefer wooden shafts of natural materials such as cedar, bamboo, or ash. The type of fletching — whether traditional feathers or synthetic vanes — can also impact the arrow's sight dynamics and accuracy.

You'll Need Some Skill

The recurve bow's demand for skill and technique is one of the reasons it has been the official bow style in the Olympic Games since its reintroduction in 1972.

The bow's lack of mechanical aids and sensitivity to technique require a fair amount of precision and control, making it a true test of an archer's skill.

However, don't let this challenge keep you from trying one of these bows for your next hunt. Many hunters enjoy recurve bow hunting and take down plenty of animals with some practice!

Take Your Bow and HuntWise Into the Field for Success

While recurves may be the more traditional and old-fashioned approach to archery, HuntWise is anything but. With cutting-edge technology, including everything from 3-D topographic map layers, real-time algorithm outputs for animal behavior and weather, and markers, plus the ability to share maps with hunting buddies, your time in the field is more productive with the HuntWise hunting app.

Download HuntWise and use it free for your first week to discover hundreds of map layering options available to help you tag out this season. Use the app to plan the perfect approach and shot, whether you hunt with a recurve bow, compound bow, or firearm!