Best Beginner Recurve Bows: Top 5 Reviewed

If you’re thinking of dipping your toes into the world of archery, one challenge you’ll face is what kind of bow to pick. Do you go with a compound bow, longbow, or recurve bow?

Well, recurve bows are highly recommended for beginners, and rightly so. For one, these bows are light; hence, easier to handle and transport. They’re also cheaper and have fewer parts to maintain. Plus, they offer the good old traditional archery experience. 

That said, finding the best beginner recurve bows can be a bit intimidating. There are so many bows available, each touting unique qualities. To make your selection a bit easier, listed and reviewed below are five top-rated recurve bows for beginners.

Let’s get started.

The 5 Best Recurve Bows for Beginners

1. Southwest Archery Spyder Takedown Recurve Bow

Want to invest in the best beginner recurve bow? If you do, the Spyder Bow comes in among the best for newbie archers. 

This bow has multiple features that make it a great starter bow. First off, it’s very easy to assemble. All you’re required to do is hold the limbs in position over the riser, screw them in with the provided bolts, and you’re all set.

The bow comes in a ready-to-shoot package that includes most, if not all of the tools you need to start shooting. These include 1 pair of interchangeable limbs, a 14-strand Dacron string, and an arrow rest. 

We also love that it includes pre-drilled threaded bushings for several accessories such as plungers, quivers, sights, stabilizers, and even fishing reels. 

The individual components of this bow also render it durable and functional. For instance, the riser comprises a dual-wood laminated build that gives it a beautiful 2-tone sem-gloss finish. While it doesn’t have any material additions, it provides a secure grip and feels comfortable to hold. 

And even though the recurve bow that we’re reviewing here is for left-handed archers, it’s available in a right-hand model too. It also comes in different draw weights, ranging from 20 to 60 lbs.

2. Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow

If you’re looking for the best beginner recurve bow for adults, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better model than the Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow. And the good news is that it comes at a very pocket-friendly price. 

Affordability aside, another thing that makes the Samick Sage ideal for beginners is the minimalist design of the riser. Since it doesn’t have any bells or whistles, there’s not much that can go wrong when shooting with this bow. 

Also crucial to note is the array of materials used for the bow’s construction. The riser, for instance, is made of hard maple and Olive Dymondwood providing exceptional resilience and longevity. 

The limbs are also pretty well-constructed. They’re made of hard maple and then laminated with fiberglass. This laminated wood design renders the limbs lighter but more durable and resistant to bending.

That said, the limbs of this Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow are longer than standard recurve bows. The silver lining to this is that it’s a takedown bow. This allows you to very easily detach the limbs, making storage and portability easier. 

Samick Sage has catered to the needs of every beginner archer. They achieved this by designing the bow in different draw weights and hand orientations. So whether you prefer a left-handed bow or a right bow, the Samick Sage bow has got you covered. 

Finally, this starter recurve bow includes several accessories to provide a smooth learning experience. These include an arrow rest and 14 Dacron bowstrings. 

3. Martin Archery 35075420L Alder 54 Archery Bow

Yet another recurve bow that’s perfect for beginners is the Alder 54 by the Martin Archery brand. 

There are many features that make this a great beginner bow, starting with its ease of assembly. Being a takedown, you’ll need to attach the limbs to the riser with the provided bolts. And even though it doesn’t come with any instructions, putting it together is a fairly straightforward process. 

One thing you might not fancy is that it’s only available in two draw weights: 20 or 25 lbs. Compared to the Samick Sage that comes in eight draw weights, this is a massive let-down for some archers. 

On a more positive note, you’ll be very impressed by its fully wooden body. We like that it never loses its shape regardless of how many times the bow is used. 

Its 54-inch AMO length creates a decent amount of strength. This makes the bow suitable for occasional hunting and the capacity to push the limits if needed. Better yet, you can opt for the right- or left-handed version so you can get one that meets your needs.  

4. Barnett Blackcat Recurve Crossbow Hunting Package

Have you been searching for the best beginner recurve bow set? If you have, the Barnett Blackcat Hunting Package fits the bill. 

What makes this a great starter beginner bow is the fact that it includes everything you need to get started in archery. In addition to the bow, you also get a red dot sight that improves your shooting precision significantly. You also get two 18-inch crossbow bolts, lubrication wax, and a lightweight quiver. 

Another reason why we consider the Blackcat the best recurve bow for beginners is its speed. It can shoot an arrow at speeds of about 250 to 260 fps, which is a fairly reasonable pace for a beginner.

You’ll also love the trigger system on this crossbow. It’s fitted with an auto-safety as well as an anti-dry-fire mechanism to keep you from misfiring the crossbow. It also features a finger safety reminder that constantly reminds you to place your finger below the flight deck. 

5. SAS Explorer Takedown Recurve Bow

The SAS Explorer is yet another product that’s considered the best recurve bow for beginners. 

One reason why a recurve is recommended for beginners is the fact that it’s a lightweight bow, and the SAS Explorer isn’t any different. It weighs just 2.2 pounds, which makes it very easy to wield and carry around.

Another feature that sets this tool from different recurve bows is its design. While the majority of recurve bows come in black color, the SAS comes in more fancy shades. Choose from black marble, camo, blue, and red. 

With regards to performance, this recurve bow is incredibly easy to use. Though it doesn’t come in different draw lengths, it’s available in lower draw weights. The draw weight range starts from 22 lbs to 34 lbs. This ensures that you’re able to find a good draw weight that works for you.

Durability is another reason why we consider this an excellent first bow. The riser is made of high-strength aluminum. Similarly, the limbs are constructed from a combination of fiberglass and maple. 

Important to note though is that this is a right recurve bow. So if you’re left-handed, the SAS Explorer is not the best option for you. 

Overview of Recurve Bows

Before you start shopping for a brand new recurve bow, it’s good to familiarize yourself with its different parts. Here’s a breakdown of the main components that make up this bow:

Riser

This is one of the most essential parts of a recurve bow. This is the surface on which you place your fingers when you’re aiming. 

This is also the element that connects the upper limb and lower limb on either end. And, it’s notched and molded into a particular shape so that it can hold the bow string. 

The riser also provides a platform for mounting other accessories like a stabilizer, arrow rest, and bow sight. 

Limbs

The limb is another key component of a recurve bow. It’s the flexible plank that’s connected to either end of the riser. 

A recurve bow typically contains two limbs, that is, top and bottom limbs. This is contrary to a compound bow, which can have a one-piece limb design. 

The purpose of these limbs is to preserve and release the kinetic energy required to propel an arrow into the atmosphere. 

Some manufacturers equip their recurve bows with reinforced limb tips for upgrades. If you’d like to add accessories like dampeners, you’ll want to ensure that your bow has such limbs.

How to Choose the Right Beginner Recurve Bow

Anytime you’re looking for the best recurve bow for beginners, there are a few points you should keep in mind, namely:

Purpose

The first thing you should think about is the specific application you’re planning to use the recurve bow for. Would you like to use it for your target shooting or hunting expeditions?

If you want a beginner recurve bow for target practice:

In this case, pretty much any traditional recurve bow will work just fine. So all you need to do is find one that’s within your budget. While you’re at it, be sure to weigh each bow’s pros against its cons.

If you want a beginner recurve bow for hunting:

Although any recurve bow works well for target practice, not all of them will be fit for hunting.

To find the ideal bow for hunting, pay attention to the draw weight. As you’ll come to learn, the draw weight refers to the amount of force that you need to apply when drawing your bow string all the way back. 

Generally, the greater the bow’s draw weight, the more powerful it is. This then means that it can allow an arrow to travel much further. 

When you’re target shooting, the draw weight isn’t a very important factor. You just need to apply enough force that causes the arrow to go through the foam or bag target. 

But, when you’re hunting or bow fishing, you’ll want the arrow to penetrate through the thick skin of the animal. This then makes draw weight a crucial parameter to consider. 

So what’s the ideal draw weight for a beginner recurve bow that will be used for hunting? Well, the minimum draw weight recommended is 40 pounds. 

If you’re hunting smaller game like turkey or rabbit, then a 30 to 35-pound draw weight will suffice. But for larger game like deer or elk, 40 lbs. Is the most suitable draw weight. 

Intended User

Another question you’ll want to ask yourself is, “is the bow designed for youth or an adult beginner?”

Though recurve bows for beginners have a lot of similarities, they also have several distinctions depending on the intended user. Here are a few guidelines:

Best recurve bows for juniors/ youth

If the recurve bow is intended for a younger player, then it should have a smaller riser and lightweight limbs. The majority of bows for youth range from 48” to about 62”. The shorter the limbs and the riser, the smaller the bow will be. 

Best recurve bows for adult beginners

Here, the most ideal bow will typically have a 25” riser. This riser blends with one of three lengths of limbs to create a 66”, 68” or 70”. If you’re on the shorter side, you can go for a 21” riser instead. And if you’re taller, consider a 27” riser.

Draw Length

The draw length is a measure of how far back you’re able to comfortably pull the bowstring before you make a shot. In other words, it’s the distance between the riser and the string on a full draw. 

Question is, how do you measure your draw length? For starters, you’ll need a tape measure and an individual to help you estimate it. 

Once you get a helping hand, stand up straight with your back against a wall. You’ll then need to stretch out your arms wide on either side.

Maintain that position while your helper estimates the wingspan, starting from the fingertip of your left-hand middle finger to the fingertip on your right-hand middle finger. Lastly, take this measurement and divide it by 2.5. The result you get is your draw length. 

Whenever possible, choose recurve bows that come in different draw lengths. This way, you have the freedom to experiment with different models and determine what suits you. 

Weight

Another crucial element that you should account for is the actual weight of the bow. Whether you’re using it for target shooting or hunting, you’ll likely need to hold your bow for an extended period. 

The good news is that most recurve bows have a weight ranging between 2 and 3.5 pounds. And this is a reasonably manageable weight for a beginner. 

If you aren’t very sure of just how much weight you can handle, visit your local archery shop to get a feel of the different bows. 

Draw Weight 

When you pull your recurve bow all the way back, ready to shoot, you need to apply a certain amount of strength to aim accurately. Just how much strength you need to exert, depends on the draw weight.

The draw weight you pick relies on two aspects. One has to do with your physical capability/ weight and the second is gender. Use the following chart to guide on the draw weight to use:

If you want to know the precise draw weight that works for you, here’s how to determine this:

1. Look for a measuring device (like a bow scale) and attach it to your bow. This bow scale is what you’ll need to grasp when drawing your bow. 
2. The next step involves drawing your bow. Given that the hook of the scale will likely be in between your fingers and the bowstring, it’s good to draw further back than usual to get an accurate estimate.
3. Maintain the bow at your anchor point and request a friend or family member t read the resulting weight on the scale.
4. Note down this measurement then repeat the entire process 3 or 4 more times. 
5. Calculate the average of all the measurements you’ve taken to determine your exact draw weight.

Oftentimes, archers estimate their draw weight at the 28-inch draw length. However, keep in mind that your draw weight will vary depending on your draw length. For instance, let’s say that you have a 40-pound recurve bow.

This means that the amount of force needed to pull your recurve bow to 28 inches is 40 pounds. However, if you estimated the draw weight at 25 inches, you’d realize that it’s a couple of pounds less. Similarly, if you checked the draw weight at 30 inches, the draw weight would be slightly higher. 

By following the steps above, you can figure out what draw weight works for you at your preferred draw length. Generally, though, it’s advisable to start with low draw weight and upgrade later on. 

Bow Size/ Length

Determining the length of your bow can be somewhat confusing, more so for beginners. While some people base this decision on their height, others are guided by their draw length. 

Question is, what’s the correct approach? Well, the right technique is to base this on your draw length. 

Yes, your draw length is directly related to your height. For instance, the taller you are, the higher the likelihood that you’ll have a long draw length. However, you should choose your bow length based solely on the draw length that works for you. Here’s a simple chart to guide you:

Materials

Another feature you’ll want to pay attention to is the material used to make the recurve bow, especially the riser. 

On that note, most risers are made of either wood or metal. A wooden riser is cheaper, lighter, and more aesthetically appealing. 

However, the fact this material is light can also be regarded as a disadvantage. This is because it can cause unstableness and inaccuracy in your shots.

Conversely, a riser made of metal results in a heavier bow. This, in turn, provides better stability. However, you’ll want to pay attention to just how heavy the riser is. If it’s too heavy, then it can cause more strain for you when handling your bow. 

Brace Height

One other measurement you should account for is the brace height. Put simply, this is the distance between the bowstring and the grip’s deepest part when the string is drawn. 

The best beginner bows include a specific range of brace height. So all you’ll need to do is to experiment in that range and identify the spot that works best for you.

Once you figure out your preferred brace height, check it regularly to ensure it’s not been altered. This is because the brace height changes each time you remove, restring or stretch the bowstrings. 

Takedown

When searching for recurve bows for beginners, you’ll also need to figure out whether to go for a takedown or not. 

In case you’ve never heard of this term, takedown bows are those that contain removable limbs. They arrive with their limbs detached from the riser, requiring you to piece them together. In our opinion, takedown recurve bows are very ideal for beginners. Here’s why:

More portable

A takedown recurve bow is much easier to transport. The fact that you can detach the limbs from the riser, makes it easier to store and transport. So much so that you can fit all the components into a compact carrying case. 

Easier maintenance and replacement

Another thing you’ll love about a takedown bow is that it’s easier to service. If any of its elements break accidentally, all you have to do is remove the damaged part and replace it. This prevents you from having to buy a whole bow. 

Easy adjustment of the draw weight

Furthermore, takedown bows make it easy to upgrade your bow weight. Beginner archers can start with a low draw weight of about 30 lbs. Once they’ve mastered the basics, they can then upgrade to high draw weight.

This way, you don’t have to start searching for an entirely new bow. Instead, just buy a new set of limbs with your preferred draw weight. 

Left/ Right-Handed

Lastly, consider the hand variation that the recurve bow is designed for. Some manufacturers make recurve bows that can only be used by the left-handed while others cater to right-handed archers. 

To choose between the two, determine your dominant hand. If you use your left hand to draw the bow back, then you’ll want to choose a left-hand bow. Similarly, if you use your right hand to draw, then be sure to pick a right-hand bow. 

For the majority of archers, choosing the recurve bow that corresponds to their dominant hand works perfectly. 

But there are a few instances where an archer’s hand dominance differs from their eye dominance. This concept is referred to as cross dominance. 

If you’re a cross-dominant target archer, we recommend choosing the best recurve bow that matches your eye dominance. This is because it’s way easier to retrain your hand than it is to retrain your eye. 

Must-have Bow Accessories When Starting Out

As we mentioned earlier, the recurve is a great first bow. But there are a couple more accessories you should invest in to have an easier learning curve. These include:

A Bow Stringer

Regardless of whether you’re buying recurve or compound bows, a bow stringer is a must-have. It’s the one thing that enables you to safely and accurately string your bow. 

With a stringer, you can leverage your body weight to safely flex the recurve bow and slip the string over the limbs. 

In the past, archers used what’s known as a step-through stringing method. But this not only endangers the operator but also makes the bow susceptible to damage. Thankfully, a bow stringer eliminates both of these risks. 

We recommend the Selway Limbsaver Recurve Bow Stringer.

Nocking Points

Another feature that beginner archers find indispensable is a nocking point. 

Made of either plastic or metal, a nocking point helps to keep your arrow in one position on the bow string. This then guarantees that the arrow is always propelled from a constant spot and with consistent force. 

Check out the Gejoy Nock Points for Recurve Bow.

Quiver

This is a compartment used to store and transport arrows and other archery tools. A quiver can either be permanently-mounted on your bow or detachable. 

If you choose the detachable one, you can carry it on your back (popularly known as a back quiver) or hip (also known as a hip quiver).

We like the KESHES Back Arrow Quiver Holder.

Arrow Rests

Another must-have accessory when buying a recurve bow for beginners is an arrow rest. 

Once it’s tuned correctly, this feature helps you achieve consistency in arrow flights. It also allows you to stack tight groups into your archery target. 

One other benefit of installing an arrow rest is the fact that it keeps your arrow in position when you’re drawing back the bow. This is particularly crucial for beginners who are still getting acquainted with their equipment. 

We like the Truglo EZ-Rest Lightweight Arrow Rest.

Also check out some of the best drop away arrow rests here.

Bow Sight

Finally, you may want to add an adjustable sight to your recurve bow. 

A sight is a round housing meant to hold fiberoptic pins that correlate with a specific range. The idea is to help you estimate the distance to your target; hence, take more accurate shots. 

Check out the Trophy Ridge Joker Bow Sight.

FAQs

What recurve bow should I buy for a beginner?

The best beginner recurve bow will vary from one archer to another. Essentially, it should be tailored specifically for an individual archer. This means that it should have the correct draw length, draw weight, bow length, and brace height. 

What is the best draw weight for a recurve bow for beginners?

There’s no one particular draw weight that is ideal for all beginners. This decision depends on the archer’s weight and gender. 

In general, the best draw weight for a beginner adult is one ranging between 20 and 50 lbs. But if you’re buying one for kids, you can go as low as 15 lbs. It’s good to start with smaller draw weight and work your way up as you learn the intricacies of archery.  

How much should I spend on my first recurve bow?

Recurve bows aren’t as sophisticated as other types of bows. As such, most of them come at fairly affordable prices. 

But, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you should go for the cheapest option available. Rather, check the specifications and determine if they suit your skill level. You can expect to spend anything between $100 and $250

What kind of bow is best for beginners?

If you’re a beginner, you have the freedom to choose between longbows, recurve, and compound bows. However, the type that’s most recommended for beginners is the recurve. Its design makes it easier to learn the ins and outs of archery at a cost-effective price. 

Conclusion

When you’re buying a recurve bow for the first time, there are several features you should pay attention to. These include draw length, draw weight, bow length, bow weight, brace height among others.

Based on our research, one of the best beginner recurve bows is the Spyder Takedown by Southland Archery. With a 62" bow length, the Spyder comes in a wide range of draw weights. This makes it easier to find one that suits your physical capability and skill level. 

Transporting this recurve to your shooting ground will be a cinch thanks to its takedown design. This means that you can easily detach the limbs from the riser for easier portability. 

And if you’re planning to add attachments to make your archery learning experience easier, you’ll appreciate the pre-installed threaded bushings. Finally, this bow is backed by a 1-year warranty. So if you’re not impressed with the bow, you can always send it back.