Best Recurve Bow For Beginners (Top Archery Bows in 2023)

New archers just getting into traditional archery can face several issues. Finding the best recurve bow for beginners can be a real challenge for you.

So I’m here to help with the ultimate 2022 guide, where we’ll discuss:

After weeks-long research, continue reading to see my top recommendations for beginner recurve bow.

Best Recurve Bows On The Market Today:

Best Recurve Bow For Beginners Reviews:

1. Bear Archery Grizzly Recurve Bow (Best one piece recurve bow)

The Grizzly recurve bow is the best one-piece bow you will likely ever come across - and its exceptional performance only proves my point.

Awesome Design

The first thing that comes to mind about this bow is the fantastic design - considering it’s from 1950, and the company never changed it.

It’s a gorgeous 1 piece bow, with the riser made out of rock maple, making it very comfortable to hold.

The recurve bow is made of maple and fiberglass limbs, with a Bear hair rest. It’s durable and can last for many years without damage. Oh, and it’s amusing to shoot, too!

Grizzly is also relatively stable and quiet, with no shocks after shots, making it a suitable choice for hunting without spooking the prey.

It delivers a fun and smooth experience and is ideal for instinctive shooting.

Lots of Pulling Options

I liked the wide range of draw weight, which allows you to choose between 30 and 60 pounds of draw weight. 

Note that this is a one-piece bow, so you cannot change the limbs as you would on a takedown bow.

I advise you to pick lighter poundage (about 40 pounds) if you’re new to traditional archery.

Pre-Drilled Holes

Another advantage is that the pre-drilled holes make it relatively easy to mount the quiver. 

The bow is also great for target shooting, 3D archery, or hunting. 

In my experience, Bear Archery bows retain resale value better than other recurve bows, which is good to know. 

The downside

I didn’t like the downside because the limbs are not interchangeable, so you’ll have to buy multiple bows for different needs.

Additionally, you must use a Dacron string to handle the bow with a fast light string.

Another downside is that you’ll need to invest more. 

And on top of it, a bowstring is not included - but if you string the bow manually, you could void the warranty. 

Oh, and note that the product you receive may be off-colored from what you have purchased. 

Pros:

Cons:

2. Samick Sage Takedown Recurve (Best Recurve Bow for Beginners)

Thanks to the ease of use, Samick Sage is the best beginner recurve bow.

Best Takedown Recurve Bow For Beginners

The original idea of this recurve bow was to be used by a beginner or intermediate bow hunter. This bow is relatively easy to use - even when still learning about bowhunting.

On that note, the bow is perfect for hunting, bow fishing, and target shooting. So it will serve you well while you figure out the best course of action for you. 

Wide Range of Options

The bow comes with a wide range of draw weights, from 25 to 60 pounds accommodating many ages - from children to adults.

It’s also suitable for hunting small and large games - from turkey to whitetail deer and elk.

User-Friendly

The Samick Sage bow is relatively user-friendly for beginner archers.

The limbs are effortless to attach without a screw. They’re medium-sized, measuring 62 inches.

I should add that the limbs are made of maple and fiberglass, ensuring that the draw is smooth, stable, and durable.

Solid Bow

The recurve bow is high-quality, with a very durable riser. The riser can easily withstand heavy bow weight and draw weight thanks to the excellent craftsmanship that went into it. 

It’s a three-piece takedown recurve bow consisting of two limbs and one riser. You can fit it in a bow case for travel without a problem. Handy, right?

It is very well built and can work for years without any issues - and it’s somewhat accurate.

The holes for accessories can hold lots of extra stuff, such as stabilizers, bow fishing reels, and an arrow rest.

Nice to Shoot

Samick Sage recurve bow has one of the best grips out there, period.

The ergonomic design allows you to place your hands from the belly of the grip and prevent your fingers from squeezing too hard.

It also provides a good and comfortable feeling in your hands.

The aluminum tray keeps the limbs and the string center. The more affordable options even take away some weight, which is a plus. 

Easy to Assemble

The bow is simple to assemble, provided that you follow the instructions. However, it can be a challenge for beginners without a bow stringer. 

In my experience, you should order a 35 lbs draw weight for training. You can buy higher pound limbs as I gain more strength and correct form.

As for hunting, you should pick a 45-pound draw weight.

Also, keep in mind that you should buy additional gear, such as an arm guard, feather arrows, and a bow stringer.

Downside

The first thing I didn’t like is that the parts of this bow are made in South Korea and China.

The bow is also pretty heavy, and the string is somewhat creepy, so you should upgrade it later and keep it waxed after every use. 

Another con is that the bow stringer and arm guard are not included. 

Pros:

Cons:

3. Hoyt Satori Takedown Recurve (Most Accurate Recurve Bow):

Sometimes, you’re looking for exceptional accuracy. Hoyt Satori's takedown recurve bow is here to serve the accuracy you’ve been looking for in other models.

Professional Archery Bow

What I liked about this bow is that it’s suitable for hunting and 3D practice. It’s the most expensive recurve bow, but it offers an extraordinary experience.

Versatile recurve bow

The limb bolts allow for a 10% adjustment from your peak weight. So, for example, if you get a 40-pound pulling weight, you can adjust it to 36 pounds. 

You can easily tune your bow to fit your shooting style.

Flawless wood design

The ILF limbs are easy to install. You're done by sliding them in. The bow is customizable, too, with a wide range of options for tall and short archers:

You can switch to longer or shorter limbs - along with the possibility of using longbow limbs. 

The best part?

The bow is constructed out of a maple core, laminated with carbon.

It’s not made of maple and fiberglass like other recurve bows, and the design adds stability and speed to your shot. 

The draw is smooth as silk, which is a nice touch, too.

Stiff riser

The stiff riser is 19 inches long, and it comes with a mounting port for an additional sight and quiver. 

All Satori limbs are scaled on a 21-inch riser, though. So, if you choose a smaller size - like a 19 or 17-inch riser - add two pounds to your draw weight for every 2 inches below that.

Exp:

Stable grip

The grip has a ridge at the back to stick to your hand when shooting and feels stable. The shelf is tunable, and it features three plates to center any arrow shot. 

The texture has many different - but still great - options. This recurve bow also features additional ports for attaching bow fishing reels, a stabilizer, or a wrist sling. 

Downside

I prefer wood better than plastic material. But that’s a preference.

The bow is also quite heavy, and it’s not good at absorbing vibration, so you should add a string silencer to reduce the noise.

The balance isn’t outstanding, and the bow may tip back because it’s top-heavy. You should add a wrist sling to the riser hole to improve the balance. 

Pros:

Cons:

4. Black Hunter Takedown Recurves (most compact recurve bow):

The Black Hunter’s takedown recurve bow is one of the top and the most compact bow out there, might I add. 

It’s been famous for ages and was sold a million times, all thanks to the affordable price tag - allowing newbies to get into archery. It’s suitable for indoor and outdoor hunting, too.

Simple Set up

The bow is easy to install - even if you’ve just got into traditional archery. All you need is your bow and an Allen key to assemble it.

If you come across some issues, the company’s helpful customer service will respond almost immediately to any question you may have.

The bow consists of 3 pieces, which you can disassemble to be more compact for traveling. 

The craftsmanship is so attractive, too. I’m sure you’ll make the Black Hunter your primary bow in no time.

Rough Feeling

Thanks to the short riser's natural shape, the bow feels rough with a comfortable handle.

The limbs have good quality, and you can easily swap for a heavier weight or longbow limbs. They are made out of wood and fiberglass, by the way. 

The bow is very durable; it’s been made to last for years. 

It’s enjoyable to use, too. It brought me great joy, and I’m sure you’ll feel the same using it.

Comfortable and Accurate to shoot

The bow fits perfectly in your hands and you can shoot all day without strain.

As your hands are relaxed, you’ll be:

Downside

What I didn’t like is that it’s pretty heavy because of the wood material.

Another con is that there are plenty of replicas. So, be careful when purchasing your bow online. 

Pros:

Cons:

5. PSE Archery Razorback (best youth recurve bow)

If you’re looking for a bow for your kid, the PSE Archery is here to deliver the Razorback - the best recurve bow for starters and youth.

It is a basic recurve bow for practicing shooting in the club.

Perfect for Beginners

With the maximum draw weight of 35 pounds, it’s more than enough for shooting 3D.

If you want to hunt, you should upgrade to higher draw weight limbs.

For youth, you should stick to the 15l lbs draw weight - and for adults, the 20 lbs weight.

Best entry level takedown recurve bow for target shooting

It’s a basic bow featuring a plastic limb bolt, wooden riser, and bushing for mounting stabilizer.

However, I liked this bow because it’s easily broken down into 3 pieces and stored in a bow case for traveling. 

I have to add that the pistol-shaped grip is excellent, and it fits well in your hands.

The limbs are made of fiberglass, and they add smoothness to shooting.

Quiet

The bow is whisper-quiet when shooting - which is especially important when practicing.

The built-in stabilizer absorbs shocks and vibration with ease, allowing you to shoot successfully.

Easy to Assemble

The Razorback is incredibly easy to assemble, even if you’re a novice and have never built a bow before.

You can completely set up the bow in 2 - 3 minutes - and you don’t even need an Allen key.

Downside

The cons of this otherwise great bow is the appearance, which isn’t too appealing.

And to add to that, the bow is intended for target shooting only, without the possibility of hunting, since many states require a 45-pound draw weight for hunting.

Another downside is that there’s no arrow rest, so you’ll have to shoot it off the shelf. Oh, and the stringer isn’t included, either. 

Pros:

Cons:

6. Bear Archery Super Kodiak (best recurve bow for hunting whitetail deer):

This is the best shooting recurve bow for hunting. It was released in 1967, and Fred Bear chose it for many hunts in the past.

Powerful Bow

With the draw weight range of 35 to 60 pounds, it was designed to hunt any game in North America.

It features a longer AMO length than Grizzly - 60 inches - which is excellent if you prefer a more extended size. 

Single Piece Traditional Recurve Bow

The riser features two pieces with brown and black hard-rock maple.

The dogleg shape and the tournament-style handle make holding the bow very comfortable and stable.

The grip is also comfortable, and it provides astonishing accuracy.

The limbs are made of maple and fiberglass, making the draw silky-smooth.

Beautiful crafted design

I found that the wide shelf is excellent for gap shooting. I liked that every bow is hand-crafted - and it’s compatible with most strings. 

Without any issues, you can use Dacron or fast-flight string on your Super Kodiak.

Because of the quality craftsmanship, this bow has proven to be very durable. You can use this recurve bow for many years without replacing it.

Thanks to the hand-crafted design, the bow is beautiful. 

I’m beyond impressed by the craftsmanship that went into it, making it an even better buy. 

Plus, the bow is easy to resell if you find it’s not the right fit for you.

Downside

The downside is that you can’t change the limbs and the weight as you would on an ILF.

That means you’ll have to own several bows for different purposes.

The bow stringer is also not included, and there are no holes for additional accessories.

It is also quite expensive, but it’s worth every penny thanks to the performance it delivers.

Pros:

Cons:

7. Striker Takedown Classic Deluxe Recurve Bow Package (best takedown recurve bow for hunting):

If you’re looking for the best takedown recurve bow, Striker’s takedown Classic Deluxe Bow!

Recurve bow package

With the combo pack from Striker, you are ready to shoot as soon as it arrives in the mail. The package includes:

You’re essentially all set to start your new adventure!

Nicely built

The design features a short riser, which is 14 inches high. However, it can easily fit your hands and give a comfortable and quiet performance.

It’s worth mentioning that this bow is also super smooth to pull back.

The handle’s pistol grip style keeps your fingers and thumbs separate. 

Great Looking

The bow has a classic yellow coat made from Cody wood, which gives it an elegant look. 

The limbs are constructed out of fiberglass and are interchangeable with higher-weight limbs.

The bow is also reinforced in the back to support high-performance strings, such as the fast-flight string. 

Variety of Options

An advantage of this bow would be the variety of draw weight options you can choose from here.

You can select a draw weight according to your goals, training, or hunting needs.

Oh, and I’m sure that many will appreciate it hand-crafted in Ohio, USA.

Downside

I didn’t like the short sight window of this recurve bow.

That can make it challenging for newbie archers to shoot accurately.

Pros:

Cons:

How To Select The Best Beginner Recurve Bow:

Choosing the suitable recurve bow for yourself can be a real challenge, especially if you have never done it before.

If you are new to traditional archery, choosing one that suits you - and your needs - ideally can be challenging. 

Because of that, I’ve compiled a buying guide that covers everything you must consider when choosing the best recurve bows for beginners. So, scroll on to discover what goes into buying a recurve bow!

What’s The Right Size For You?

You will need to keep an eye on the draw length to figure out the right bow size for you.

You have 3 essential categories of draw length here:

• Short: under 26-27 inches

• Mid-range/medium: 27 inches and 30 inches

• Long: over 30 inches. 

I advise you to choose limb length first and then choose the overall bow length later.

You should follow the Bow-Length Recommendations to determine the best bow length for your body type.

Goals

3 main uses for a recurve bow are:

Preferences

Preferences also come down to how you want to use your recurves. Do you want one for hunting, target shooting, or 3D archery? 

If you’re looking for a hunting bow and want to hunt from a ground blind or treestand, you should pick a short hunting style bow.

They work best for target shooting and 3D tournaments if you want a long hunting bow.

Extra long bows work best for field archery competitions and 3D archery.

Draw Weight

Here’s some advice for beginners:

You should buy a takedown bow, as it allows you to practice with a lower draw weight while still learning. Once you get a better grasp of it, you can upgrade to a higher draw weight

What is the best draw weight for recurve bow practice?

If you still have plenty to learn, you should pick a 30-pound draw weight, as they help you avoid bad habits and poor shooting form.

Lower draw weight allows you to concentrate on maintaining proper posture and learning how to shoot accurately.

What is the best draw weight for recurve bow hunting?

You should pick a 40-pound draw weight. A draw weight table can help you choose the best poundage according to your preference.

Source: https://www.minnehaha-archers.com/files/How%20to%20Choose%20a%20Recurve_%20Bow.pdf 

That is a significant step, so don’t skip referring to this table to identify the optimal draw weight range.

Besides that...

You should buy an ILF riser and lightweight limbs. You can go all-in if you get hooked on hunting with your recurve bow. You can invest in high-quality limbs and upgrade your bow. 

And even if you decide bowhunting is unsuitable for you, quality ILF setups are easy to sell.

Consistent form

Getting the hang of the proper shooting form is principal when using a recurve bow.

A recurve bow is much different than a compound bow form-wise. The consistency is harder to achieve, as well - and that’s best achieved with the right, lightweight limbs.

ILF Standard

What is ILF standard?

ILF stands for international limb fitting, and it's a standard that allows archers to find the suitable ILF rise for the ILF limbs. 

Do keep in mind that all ILF limbs aren’t interchangeable, meaning it’s not guaranteed that all manufacturers completely meet the ILF standard.

Some brands measure differently - but most ILF risers will match the ILF limbs.

ILF setup

Riser

Risers can either be made out of wood or aluminum and carbon.

Aluminum and carbon work best for newbies, as they are more stout. So, for inexperienced hunters, I’d recommend metal risers as the optimal choice.

ILF limbs

ILF limbs for newbies should be limbs with carbon laminates.

Carbon laminates tend to perform better than limbs limited to fiberglass and wood, and they are more lightweight and much easier to handle. 

Other Accessories

When you purchase a recurve bow, you will get a bare bow with the riser, limbs, and string. There won’t be much else to it. 

So, you’ll still need to buy the bow stringer and a nocking point.

Without the nocking point, you won’t be able to use your recurves - and they aren’t included with the bow in most cases.

The only scenario where the nocking point might be included is if you purchase the whole recurve bow set. 

One-Piece Vs. Takedown Recurve Bow – What’s The Difference?

What is a Takedown Bow?

A takedown bow is a recurve bow consisting of one riser and two limbs.

Many hunters use takedown recurve bows compared to others because they are easier to assemble and disassemble, so they are more compact for transport. 

Another point to takedown bows is that Olympic archers use takedown bows, meaning they are a prevalent choice. 

Today, takedown bows are the standard for bow hunting and target shooting.

What is A One-Piece Recurve Bow?

As the name says, one-piece recurve bows boast a one-piece construction. The limbs and the riser are all made out of one piece of wood rather than connected. 

Also, one-piece recurve bows are much larger than other types of bows out there.

It is smaller than long bow, sure, but they are still heftier than any other bow. Plus, they feature a set draw weight you can’t change. 

One-piece bows also stand out because they’re carefully made, and they generally look more aesthetically pleasing than a regular takedown bow.

Because of that, a one-piece bow usually comes with a relatively high price tag, though.

What are the Differences?

Setup time 

One-piece recurves generally don’t come disassembled, making them more time-saving than takedown bows. You just need to put the string on, ready to start shooting.

Interchangeable limbs

As for the interchangeable limbs, that’s where the takedown bow excels.

The takedown bow is more versatile regarding the limbs, as you can change the weight and length according to your preferences. 

It also allows for more choices from many different manufacturers. 

On top of that, takedown bows are more accessible tuning-wise, making them a generally better choice for beginners than one-piece bows.

Convenience

As for the convenience, takedown bows take the cake here, too, as they’re generally more convenient for storage and travel.

Weight

One piece bows are usually lighter and, therefore, easier to carry around in the woods, which can be especially important if you are going on long-distance hunting trips.

Takedown bows are heavier, so that’s something to keep in mind if you carry your bow for spot and stalk hunting.

What many bowhunters and bow enthusiasts will point out about a takedown is that it feels more stable in your hands, thanks to the heavier riser. 

On the other hand, one-piece bows are lighter and, therefore, might be easier to shoot with; you won’t get as tired when using a one-piece as you would with a takedown.

What Are The Best Recurve Bow Brands for Beginners?

Hunting Style Bows:

Bear Archery

Bear Archery is a company producing bows, archery equipment, and various other accessories. It was founded in 1993 and initially did silk-screening and advertising but began making recurves and longbows in 1947.  

Initially founded in Detroit, Bear Archery moved its headquarters to Grayling, Michigan - until it finally settled in Gainesville, Florida, in 1978. 

Bear Archery is now a part of a group called Escalade Sports.

Martin Archery

Martin Archery was founded in 1951 by Gail Martin and his wife, Eva Martin. The couple started the company from their home, where they would make bows and fletching arrows in their dining room in Walla Walla, Washington. 

The company now produces compound, takedown, traditional bows, and various accessories. Martin Archery was recently acquired by ELM, LLC from Nashville, a sister company of Big Jon Sports. 

Hoyt

Hoyt Archery is another example of a brand with a long tradition in making bows. The company was initially founded in 1931, producing draw knives and wooden billets - in short, the essential tools. 

Founded in St. Louis, Missouri, the company now has a vast production factory in Salt Lake City and is one of the best bow manufacturers in the world. 

Hoyt’s focus is on the quality craftsmanship of traditional bows - but it makes various archery accessories, as well.

PSE Archery

Short for Precision Shooting Equipment, PSE Archery is an archery company well-known in the hunting world. They single-handedly design and produce bows, crossbows, bolts, arrows, and hunting equipment.

The company was founded in 1971 in Mahomet, Illinois, and moved its headquarters to Tucson, Arizona, in the more recent years. It was one of the first brands to start the mass production of compound bows. 

Samick Sports

Samick Sports is one of the best archery companies in the world. It was founded in South Korea in 1975 - and the headquarters are still located in the Asian country. 

The company produces bows, arrows, and other hunting equipment for archers. Their range of products accommodates novice archers and professional archers. 

Samick Sports has the highest standard for producing bows, so many Olympic gold medalists have used its models for the competition.

Great Plains Traditional Bow

The Great Plains company is somewhat new to the market. Its pride lies in the small business mindset. 

The owners carefully handcraft each item, producing mainly traditional bows. 

The company focuses on customizable woods, allowing archers to choose the weight and length. Now, the company is located in western Kansas, having moved from Texas.

Black Widow Bows was founded in 1957 by Wilson Brothers. Now, it’s operated by three former employees who have an immense passion for producing bows, arrows - and a range of other archery accessories. 

The company's primary focus is on recurves with the highest performance. It’s worth noting that the company only does custom work. Every customer has to put the order in; there are no off-the-shelf items.

Predator Archery

Predator Bows was founded in 1993 in Gilroy, California. The company aims to provide the best bows with the highest performance to improve the archery experience.

The company also has professional archery shops - where every archer can come for help and receive quality service. The in-house technicians can help you assemble or fix your bow or other equipment without issues.

Olympic Archery Style:

Hoyt

As we mentioned before, Hoyt is an all-American company from Salt Lake City. The company produces exclusively high-quality bows and archery equipment, which is somewhat expected, considering their products are made in the USA.

The company's primary focus is making great compound bows and the famous Hoyt Carbon risers. The equipment is made using only the latest technology in this craft.

Win & Win

Win & Win, a well-known archery company, is held under the wing of Urban Archery Pty, LTD. The company was founded in Incheon, South Korea - and now, the manufacturing process is widespread over Korea and China. 

Win & Win produces top-tier bows and arrows and various arching equipment. Their quality is incredibly high; they even make Olympic-style bows. 

Fivics

Fivics USA is a relatively new archery company founded in early 2020. It started as a branch of FIvics Korea, with the ultimate goal of bringing good recurve bows to the American market. 

The company produces bows and equipment for all archers - from newbies to experienced and professional archers. 

Spigarelli

Arco Sport Spigarelli was initially founded in 1974 and has since been known for its exceptional quality. The company produces bows and arrows for indoor and outdoor use.

They make recurve and compound bows for archers of all levels, from newbies to Olympic gold medalists. 

Gillo

Michele Frangili, called Gillo, was the inspiration for the name - being the most titled archer of all time. Now, the company manufactures equipment for several Olympians - and takes great pride in the quality they deliver.

The company produces bows, arrows, and other equipment, keeping up with the latest trends and manufacturing technologies.

Uukha

Uukha is a French company that makes high-end bows and archery accessories. The company produces equipment for beginners and professional archers, tending to everyone’s needs. 

Uukha is known all around the globe for its quality, keeping in mind that they make some of the best limbs and bows in the world.

FAQs:

Bottom Line:

There are plenty of great recurve bows out there.

I had tons of fun trying them out and picking out Samick Sage Recurve Bow is the best recurve bow for beginners.

It doesn’t get much better than that.