Invented in 1600 BC, the traditional recurve bow is one of the most popular types of bows in archery. The fact that it has recurve limbs translates to a shorter and lighter structure. This, in turn, makes the bow easier to maneuver.
But to a large extent, this traditional bow is still quite heavy; hence, difficult to carry around. This is what led to the invention of the best takedown recurve bows.
Unlike their traditional counterparts, the takedown varieties can be broken down into three individual pieces. This makes them much lighter, and easier to transport. Read on to learn more about the top recurve bows.
Reviews of the Best Takedown Bows
1. Southland Archery Supply SAS Sage Takedown Recurve Bow
Have you been searching for the best takedown recurve bow? If you have, you’ll be pleased with the Southland Archery Supply SAS model.
One of the biggest highlights of this bow is that it comes in right and left-handed versions. So whether you like to shoot with your left or right hand, this bow has got you covered.
Another thing you’ll love about this bow entails its size. The 62-inch full-size bow is a pretty decent offering for the price. This translates to a maximum draw length of 29 inches.
The Southland Archery bow is made solely from quality materials, so you can be sure it will serve you for a long time. The limbs are constructed from hard maple wood, which complements the black fiberglass nicely.
This takedown recurve bow offers a maximum draw length of 29 inches with a recommended brace height ranging from 7 ¼ to 8 ¼ inches.
Are you looking to buy the best takedown recurve bow for beginners? Then you can’t go wrong with Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow.
Designed by one of the most renowned brands in the archery field- Samick Sports, this bow offers a stellar performance that’s sure to impress beginner archers.
One thing that makes this an ideal bow for novice users is that it has reinforced limb tips and multiple draw weight options to pick from.
This way, you can pick an appropriate draw weight that’s fit for you right from the get-go. Plus, its bow length is about 62 inches, which translates to a reasonable draw length of 28 inches. To add to this, the bow weight is just 0.01 ounces, making it simple to wield and practice shooting.
Its riser arrives already drilled, giving you the freedom to either install an arrow rest. Or, you can shoot directly off the shelf.
The selection of materials used to make the Samick Sage Takedown Recurve Bow is also pretty impressive. The riser, for instance, is a mixture of imported maple wood and laminated olive dymondwood.
These materials are what make this bow so durable and resilient. They also make it possible to attach bows and limbs of different weights.
Another reason that makes this an excellent first bow is the fact that it lets you add more attachments or upgrades later. This is thanks to the pre-installed brass bushings onboard.
The Bear Archery is another great bow that's ideal for beginners. In fact, it's advertised as an entry-level model, meaning it has very user-friendly features.
Better yet, it comes in right- and left-handed options, making it suitable for any archer. The unit that we're reviewing here has a bow length of 62 inches, making it one of the longest takedown bow models. The advantage of such a generous bow length is that it draws more smoothly and offers greater stability.
Moreover, it's available in several draw weight options, which are directly related to the bow's hand orientation. If you're going for the left-handed unit, then the draw weight available is 45 lbs. However, right-handed archers have a wider range of draw weight choices, namely 40, 45, and 50 lbs.
You'll also be pleased to learn that it has a flipper-style arrow rest, providing a handy spot to rest your arrow when it's not in use. Also incorporated into this bow's design are mounting holes for the stabilizer and sight.
This is an upgrade of Martin Archery’s legendary bow, the Jaguar. The Martin Jaguar Elite Takedown sports a sleeker design, and lighter mass weight, making it much easier to wield.
The design of the limbs is one of the things that gives it a sleek look. They’re made of laminated wood with a gorgeous black fiberglass coating. The front of the limbs is engraved with the brand’s logo in white, contrasting beautifully against the black background.
With regards to weight, this can be attributed to the materials used in its build. It’s made from a combination of magnesium and aluminum that makes it durable without weighing it down.
Another reason why the Martin Jaguar Elite Takedown bow is top-rated entails its versatility. It can be used for both target practice and bow hunting. This bow weighs 2.6 pounds and touts a 60-inch length. This makes it a great starter bow for your hunting excursions.
The thermal V grip on this bow’s riser is another feature that sets it apart. It makes it super comfortable to hold the bow compared to holding bare metal. This is particularly useful if you use your bow for long hours at a time.
Like most recurves, the Martin Archery Jaguar Elite comes pre-drilled for accessories. This allows you to easily attach a stabilizer, bow sight, or quiver.
The Southwest Archery Tigershark Takedown is an invention from the same engineers who created the popular Samick Sage.
However, the Tigershark has the upper hand when it comes to durability. This is because its riser is made using four different types of quality wood, namely: tiger wood, dymondwood, padouk, and white oak.
The finish on this takedown recurve bow is also pretty good. Unfortunately, since it’s made purely from wood, it causes your palms to sweat easily. This can, in turn, cause the bow to slip.
The limbs on the Southwest Archery bow are interchangeable with those of the Spyder and Sage. We particularly like that the limbs have two holes. The first lets you screw the limb to the riser while the second secures it in place.
This takedown recurve bow also comes with one 14-strand Dacron string. Taking the price of the bow into account, the string is a decent offering. But for an advanced or intermediate archer, you may want to upgrade to a Fast Flight bowstring.
Have you been searching for a takedown recurve bow that’s all-inclusive? If you have, you will like this model by D&Q.
Usually, most recurve bows only come with limbs, a riser, and a bowstring. But D&Q has taken things up a notch by providing a complete set that's suitable for hunting and fishing!
The accessories included in the package are bow fishing reels, 6 arrows, an arrow rest, a bow stringer install rope, an arm guard, a fishing seat, a finger guard, and the bow.
The fact that all the essential accessories are provided makes D&Q the best takedown recurve bow for target shooting and other outdoor activities.
As you’ve probably come to expect, this bow also has pre-installed brass bushings for extra accessories. So depending on your needs, you can add a quiver, brass plunger, or stabilizer.
This takedown recurve bow is designed for beginners and veteran archers alike. This is because it comes with multiple draw weight options, ranging from 30 lbs. to 50lbs.
Lastly, you’ll never have to worry about the durability of your D&Q takedown recurve bow. This is because the manufacturer has used quality materials. For instance, the bow riser is made of aluminum alloy while the limbs are made of hard maple.
The only setback is that it's a right-handed bow. So if you're left-handed, you'll have to look for other bows.
Have you been searching for the best takedown recurve bow for hunting? If you have, the Black Hunter Takedown by Obert is a strong contender.
The first thing you’ll notice is that it’s a fairly big bow, about 60 inches in size. And while the model we’re reviewing here comes with a 60-pound draw weight, there are several low draw weight options. The available draw weights are 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 55 pounds.
Also important to note is that this is the original black hunter bow, long revered for its exceptional performance and durability. All of this bow’s parts- riser, bowstring, and limbs - are part of the Black Hunter brand. So you can be sure that you’re investing in a valuable and reliable bow.
The limbs constitute a bamboo core alongside the German laminate technology. This results in one of the strongest takedown bow models on the market.
This bow is also designed with ease of use in mind. Its handle is ergonomically designed and contains well-rounded edges making it very comfortable to hold. This handle also boasts a fine wooden finish, which makes for a visually appealing bow.
The only problem with this recurve takedown bow is that it’s designed solely for right-handed archers.
What is a Takedown Recurve Bow?
These bows have gained prominence so fast that they’re even preferred to ordinary recurve bows. This is not too surprising considering the benefits they offer.
If you’re not familiar with this tool, the distinguishing trait of a takedown recurve bow lies in its construction. Contrary to the traditional recurve bow that has a one-piece design, a takedown recurve has three distinct pieces - two limbs and a riser.
You can easily detach and reattach the limbs on the riser using screws. This makes for easy portability and replacement.
Benefits of a Takedown Recurve Bow
Here are a couple of benefits you stand to gain from buying this bow:
Easy Portability
The key selling point of this takedown model is in the name: it can be easily taken down. Once you unstring your bow, the limbs can be detached from the riser by way of unscrewing.
We do acknowledge that the conventional recurve bow is smaller than a traditional longbow. However, it's still almost as big as the archer and often needs a large storage case for transport.
In the event that you don’t have a case, carrying around such a recurve bow for hunting can be pretty taxing. Trust me, it’s way more difficult than the bow-wielding actors on TV make it seem. Besides, suspending the bow over your chest will likely stretch out your bow.
This is where a takedown recurve bow shines. The fact that it can be divided into three smaller parts, results in the lightest recurve bows you can find on the market.
Flexibility in Build
As already mentioned, the original design of a standard recurve bow is a single piece. While manufacturers have the freedom to use a blend of materials, they’re limited to using the same material combination throughout these traditional bows.
With a takedown recurve bow, there are three separate pieces. This gives manufacturers way more flexibility in the type of material that can be used for each part.
This freedom to use various kinds of materials is very helpful since the limbs and riser play entirely different functions.
The riser is positioned in the middle of the bow and provides a platform for gripping the bow when you’re shooting.
This is the same part where the arrow rests before being released. Due to these functions, a riser ought to be stiff and sturdy, not flex as the limbs do. To achieve this, the riser should be made of materials such as wood, carbon, and on some occasions, metals like aluminum.
When it comes to the limbs, the majority are made of multiple layers of fiberglass. This construction enables them to flex. This, in turn, produces the tension needed to release an arrow at high speeds.
Ease of Maintenance
The fact that a takedown recurve bow is made up of individual components also makes for easy maintenance.
For instance, if one of the bow limbs is broken or damaged, then you can isolate it and fix it on its own. Similarly, if the riser is wrecked, then you can replace or have it fixed without necessarily having to purchase the limbs too.
As an archer, you’ll also have the free will to experiment with different materials. You can choose to buy multiple sets of limbs made from various materials. You can then try shooting with each set till you figure out what you prefer.
Designed for Professional Use
Still on the fence about purchasing a takedown bow? Then consider this: recurve bows are the only ones accepted for use in Olympic Games.
Since archery was adopted into the Olympic Games in 1900, these types of bows are the only ones allowed for competitive play.
How to Choose the Right Takedown Recurve Bow
There are a couple of factors you should keep in mind before purchasing a takedown recurve bow. These include:
Purpose
The first thing you should consider is the intended application of the takedown recurve bow.
Do you plan to use it for target archery competitions or hunting? If you’re buying it for target shooting, then you’ll want a lighter bow weight. On the other hand, hunting bows ought to have much higher draw weights.
Skill Level
Although often neglected, it’s wise to consider just how much experience you have using sporting bows and arrows. If you have little to no experience, then go for a bow with as reasonably low of draw weight as possible.
As you gain more experience, you can start experimenting with more advanced takedown recurve bows that match your skill level.
Assembly
The next thing you should account for is the ease of assembling the takedown recurve bow.
Typically, takedown recurve bows aren’t that difficult to dismantle and piece back together. That said, you’ll quickly realize that some models are easier to assemble than others. And they may also require extra tools and apparatus for the assembly.
So the best way to approach this is to examine the design of a given bow before purchasing. Pay attention to its parts and the hardware included in the package.
Draw Weight
In traditional archery, draw weight has always been one of the most crucial factors to consider, and things aren't any different now.
This is because it determines exactly how much effort you need to put in when you’re drawing and shooting an arrow. As such, it’s important that you pick a weight that you feel comfortable with.
While you’re at it, be sure to account for your fitness level. If you’re a physically fit and strong individual, then you’ll have better competence at handling heavy-weighted takedown bows.
But if you’re just dipping your toes in the archery field, you’ll want to take it slow and start with a lighter bow. You can then work your way up and pick a heavier bow next time.
Grip
Usually, the grip is in the middle of the bow’s riser.
To ensure you’re able to shoot with your takedown recurve bow efficiently, examine the grip. You'll want to choose a bow that not offers a comfortable grip, but also one that feels natural.
Materials
The materials used to make a takedown bow play an important role in its durability.
On that note, check the material used to make the bow, especially the limbs. Traditionally, this part is made of wood. However, composite and fiber limbs have become an excellent alternative.
You may also find some limbs that are made of carbon fiber and PVC, but they’re quite rare.
Limb Replacement/Upgrading
The last thing you’ll want to consider is how difficult or easy it is to replace the limb on your takedown bow. Is it made from a material that you can access easily? Better yet, is there an option to upgrade to premium limbs?
FAQs
What is the most accurate recurve bow?
The Southland Archery Supply SAS model is one of the most accurate recurve bows.
It comes in a good size that works for most archers; enabling them to achieve a high level of precision when shooting with it.
Are takedown bows good for hunting?
In traditional archery, compound bows have always been the go-to hunting tools. But thanks to advancements in recurve takedown models, they're becoming a popular alternative.
One reason why a takedown is considered a good hunting bow is its versatility. This makes it well-suited for hunting over an array of distances.
What size takedown recurve bow do I need?
Takedown recurve bows come in a wide range of sizes.
Ultimately, this boils down to what you intend to do with your bow and your specific draw length. For instance, if you’re planning to use the bow for hunting, then you’ll have different size requirements than if you were to use the bow for target shooting.
What is the fastest shooting recurve bow?
If you’re searching for the fastest shooting recurve bow, consider buying the Samick Sage. It can shoot at a speed of up to 184 feet per second while using arrows of 8 grains per pound.
Conclusion
The best takedown recurve bows are not only easy to transport, but they also excel in the tasks they’re subjected to.
One particular bow that comes highly recommended is the Southland Archery Supply SAS model. It’s available in both left- and right-handed varieties, making it suitable for all types of archers.
It’s also fairly affordable, and it has a nice selection of features. For starters, it has a 62-inch bow that comprises the B-50 bow string and an arrow rest.
Secondly, it comes fitted with brass bushings, which make it easy to add any accessories of your choosing. Acceptable accessories include a stabilizer, plunger, quiver, and sight.
You will also love the durability offered by this bow. Its limbs are constructed using hard maple, providing unmatched durability.