Best Recurve Bows of 2025

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

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Recurve bows are a popular choice among archers due to their efficient design and versatility. They are named after their distinct shape, which features limbs that curve away from the archer when unstrung. This design allows for a smoother and more powerful shot, making them ideal for hunting, target shooting, and even Olympic competition. Recurve bows are also often used in traditional archery, as they are reminiscent of the bows used by ancient civilizations. They come in a variety of materials, from wood to carbon fiber, and can be customized with different grips, sights, and accessories to suit the archer's preferences.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Samick Sage 62-inch Recurve Bow Cover #TOP 1
Samick Sage 62-inch Recurve Bow
ftb score rating icon 9.9
TIDEWE Recurve Bow 62" (30lbs) Cover #TOP 2
TIDEWE Recurve Bow 62" (30lbs)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Sanlida Eagle X9 Recurve Bow Set Cover #TOP 3
Sanlida Eagle X9 Recurve Bow Set
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Recurve Bows

#TOP 1

Samick Sage 62-inch Recurve Bow

3880109
Brown
30 LB.
Samick Sage 62-inch Recurve Bow Cover
Samick Sage Archery Takedown Recurve Bow 62-inch - Right & Left Handed - 25-60lb - Archery Recurve Bows for Teens & Adults - Beginners to Advanced, Hunting & Target Practice

The Samick Sage Bow is a versatile archery tool designed for both beginners and experienced users. With a length of 62 inches and customizable draw weights between 25 and 60 pounds, you can adjust it to match your strength and skill level, enhancing your archery experience. This complete set includes essential accessories, such as a manual and a stick-on arrow rest, ensuring you have everything you need to get started. The bow also features pre-installed brass bushings, allowing for easy modifications and upgrades. Plus, its ergonomic grip design minimizes hand fatigue, making it comfortable to use for extended periods.

What We Like
Great price to performance ratio
Easy to set up and transport
Good for beginners and small-framed users
Attractive design and finish
What We Don't Like
Inconsistent wood finish
One arm fit issue

TIDEWE Recurve Bow 62" (30lbs)

RB001-R30
Wood
30lbs
TIDEWE Recurve Bow 62" (30lbs) Cover
TIDEWE Recurve Bow and Arrow Set for Adult & Youth Beginner, Wooden Takedown Recurve Bow 62" Right Handed with Ergonomic Design for Outdoor Training Practice (30lbs)

TIDEWE Recurve Bow is a high-performance recurve bow designed for both adults and youth beginners. It features a reliable wooden core, strong fiberglass & wooden limbs, and a powerful bow string, allowing you to focus more on hitting your targets. The ergonomic and unique design of the riser with rounded edges and a comfortable handle ensures a great shooting experience. The bow is easy to assemble and offers versatility with pre-installed brass bushings for various attachments. It is user-friendly, providing multiple accessories such as an arrow rest, finger guard, target, and carbon arrows. With its removable limbs and easy storage options, this recurve bow is perfect for beginners as well as professionals.

What We Like
Great for beginners
Good quality for price
Easy assembly and setup
Well-balanced and powerful
Includes helpful accessories
What We Don't Like
Basic quality of accessories
Some arrows may unscrew
#TOP 3

Sanlida Eagle X9 Recurve Bow Set

Black
45 Lbs
Sanlida Eagle X9 Recurve Bow Set Cover
Sanlida Eagle X9 New 58” RTH Standard Hunting Recurve Bow and Arrow Set for Adults and Hunters, Wooden Takedown Hunting Recurve Bows Package for Outdoor, Hunting and Practice (45 Lbs, Right Hand)

The Sanlida Eagle X9 Bow is designed for archers seeking a complete hunting experience. As the world's leading archery kit brand, Sanlida ensures that you have everything needed for accurate shooting. This standard intermediate recurve bow kit is perfect for hunting and comes directly from the manufacturer, guaranteeing you the best quality at a great price. Made from premium materials, it features a beautiful wooden riser and durable limbs, providing a stable shooting experience. With its comfortable design and easy portability, you can enjoy archery practice or outdoor hunting without hassle.

What We Like
Great price and quality
Easy to handle and string
Good target accuracy
Includes nice accessories
Sturdy and well-made
What We Don't Like
Minor cosmetic finish issues
String quality could be improved
#TOP 4

Sanlida Noble Beginner Recurve Bow Kit

Black
32lbs
Sanlida Noble Beginner Recurve Bow Kit Cover
Sanlida Noble Standard Beginner & Intermediate Recurve Bow and Arrows Kit for Adult and Youth, Wooden Takedown Recurve Bow Package for Training, Practice & Competition RH Only (66", 32lbs)

The Sanlida Beginner Recurve Bow is designed for both novice and intermediate archers. This comprehensive kit ensures you receive high-quality accessories that improve your accuracy and performance. With its focus on target archery, this bow is perfect for training and competition, allowing you to hone your skills effectively. Plus, as a product from the world's leading archery brand, you can expect top-notch materials and craftsmanship, making it a reliable choice for your archery journey.

What We Like
Consistent shooting performance
High-quality accessories
Easy setup and takedown
Attractive design
Great for beginners and instructors
What We Don't Like
Basic quality of some accessories
Arrow rest could be better
#TOP 5

Sanlida Hermit X8 Recurve Bow

Black
40Lbs
Sanlida Hermit X8 Recurve Bow Cover
New Sanlida Hermit X8 Standard ILF Takedown Hunting Recurve Bow for Adults and Hunters, 60 Inch Wooden Recurve Bows Package for Outdoor, Hunting and Practice 25-60Lbs RH Only (40Lbs)

The Sanlida Hermit X8 is a top-notch takedown hunting recurve bow, perfect for both beginners and experienced archers. Its take-down design makes it easy to store and transport, so you can enjoy archery anywhere. With a sturdy grip and an international ILF plug-in system, you can expect smooth shooting and enhanced stability. Additionally, this bow is crafted from premium materials like Dymond wood and aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring durability and reliability. Whether you're practicing or hunting, the Hermit X8 provides an exceptional shooting experience.

What We Like
Great quality
Fast shooting
Smooth draw
Excellent customer support
Accurate performance
What We Don't Like
Limited weight options
Manufactured in China
#TOP 6

NorthSpoor Takedown Recurve Bow Set

BLACK
NorthSpoor Takedown Recurve Bow Set Cover
NorthSpoor Recurve Bow and Arrow Set,Takedown Recurve Bows Archery for Adults Left and Right Hands 30lbs Archery Set

The NorthSpoor Recurve Bow Set is designed for easy assembly, allowing you to set it up without hassle. Simply follow the instructions to correctly position the bow limbs, making it convenient for beginners and seasoned archers alike. The durable construction features a strong fiberglass limb and a sturdy riser, ensuring it can handle your archery activities, whether you're practicing at home or competing with friends. This versatile set is perfect for outdoor adventures, camping, or target practice, making it a great choice for any archery enthusiast.

What We Like
Durable for price
Easy to transport
Great for beginners
Fun for casual use
What We Don't Like
Material not as described
May bend after use
#TOP 7

TOPARCHERY 60" Takedown Hunting Recurve Bow Set

03HFHFQG50TZ01-NEW/FBA
Red and Black
50lbs
TOPARCHERY 60" Takedown Hunting Recurve Bow Set Cover
TOPARCHERY Archery 60" Takedown Hunting Recurve Bow and Arrow Set for Adults Practice Competition Longbow Kit with 6pcs Fiberglass Arrows Right Hand Black (50.00)

Upgrade your hunting game with TOPARCHERY's 60" Takedown Hunting Recurve Bow Set. The riser is made from naturally sourced woods using lamination technology, making it an extremely powerful bow. It has a length of 60" and a brace height of 7-8". The draw weight ranges from 30-50lbs. The bow is designed for right-handed shooters and includes 6pcs fiberglass arrows, string silencer, arm guard, hand guard, bowstringer tool, and arrow case. This bow offers outstanding performance with its accurate shot and smooth arrow release, making it suitable for both beginner and professional archers.

What We Like
Well-made bow
Comfortable to shoot
Easy setup and takedown
Great quality accessories
Beautiful design
What We Don't Like
Finger guard not very effective
Arrows quality could be better
#TOP 8

Obert Black Hunter Takedown Bow

Black
Obert Black Hunter Takedown Bow Cover
Obert Original Black Hunter Takedown Recurve Bow 60inch with Bamboo Core Limbs Archery Hunting Target Practice

The Obert Takedown Bow is an impressive 60-inch recurve bow designed for both hunting and target practice. Its limbs feature a bamboo core, utilizing advanced German laminate technology to enhance durability and power. You will appreciate the ergonomically designed handle, which boasts rounded edges for a comfortable grip during extended use. Available in a range of draw weights from 30 to 60 pounds, this bow caters to various skill levels and preferences. Plus, it comes complete with a bowstring for your convenience.

What We Like
Excellent price point
High-quality construction
Easy assembly and takedown
Great for beginners and intermediates
Good performance and precision
What We Don't Like
Stringing tool durability issues
Some may find grip bulky
#TOP 9

TOPARCHERY 53'' Traditional Recurve Bow

003GL3037
Black
50lbs
TOPARCHERY 53'' Traditional Recurve Bow Cover
TOPARCHERY Traditional Recurve Bow 53'' Archery Hunting Handmade Horse Bow Longbow 50 lbs

The TOPARCHERY Recurve Bow is beautifully crafted and ideal for archers under 200 pounds, making it perfect for couples and beginners. Its construction from durable locust wood and high-strength epoxy ensures it can handle significant force while enhancing safety. The bow measures 53 inches in length and has a stretch length of 28 inches, making it a comfortable option for various users. Additionally, it has been designed with customer feedback in mind, ensuring improved quality without a price increase. This bow is a fantastic gift for anyone looking to start their archery journey.

What We Like
Beautiful design
Lightweight and smooth shooting
Good quality string
Sturdy construction
Great for beginners
What We Don't Like
Stringing can be tricky
Occasional string slipping
#TOP 10

SPG Archery Takedown Recurve Bow

SPG
40 LBS
Black
SPG Archery Takedown Recurve Bow Cover
SPG Archery Adult Recurve Bow - Takedown Recurve Bows for Adults Beginner Youth 20lb 30 lb 40lb Ambidextrous Bows for Right and Left Handed Adults Teenagers Beginners (40 LBS)

The SPG Recurve Bow is an excellent choice for archery beginners of all ages. It's a versatile bow designed for both left and right-handed users, making it easy for anyone to pick up and start shooting. The bow's durable materials ensure long-lasting use, enhancing your overall experience in the sport. With adjustable draw weights of 20, 30, or 40 lbs, you can select the weight that best suits your skill level, helping you to improve your technique and enjoy every shot. Plus, the easy assembly means you can set it up quickly for practice or fun outings with friends and family.

What We Like
Affordable pricing
Easy to assemble
Durable for beginners
Suitable for left/right-handed users
Compact and portable
What We Don't Like
Not aesthetically pleasing
Basic design
Buying Guide Image

Learn More About Purchasing the Recurve Bows

Understanding Archery Recurve Bows

If you're new to the world of archery, you may be overwhelmed by the array of options available when it comes to choosing a recurve bow. To help you make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key factors that determine the quality and suitability of a recurve bow.

Draw Weight

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a recurve bow is the draw weight. This is the amount of force required to draw the bowstring back to its full length. A bow with a higher draw weight will be more powerful, but it will also be more difficult to draw. As a general rule, beginners should start with a bow that has a lower draw weight, around 20-25 pounds. More experienced archers may prefer a bow with a higher draw weight, typically ranging from 25-45 pounds.

Bow Length

Another important factor to consider is the length of the bow. A longer bow will be more stable and accurate, but it will also be more difficult to maneuver. A shorter bow will be easier to handle, but it will also be less powerful and less accurate. As a general rule, beginners should start with a shorter bow, around 48-54 inches. More experienced archers may prefer a longer bow, typically ranging from 54-62 inches.

Bow Material

Recurve bows are typically made from one of three materials: wood, fiberglass, or carbon fiber. Wooden bows are the most traditional and are generally considered to be the most attractive, but they are also the heaviest and least durable. Fiberglass bows are lighter and more durable, but they are also more flexible and less accurate. Carbon fiber bows are the lightest and most durable, but they are also the most expensive. As a general rule, beginners should start with a fiberglass bow, which offers a good balance of performance and value.

Accessories

Once you've chosen a recurve bow, you'll also need to consider the accessories that you'll need to go with it. These may include arrows, a quiver, a sight, a stabilizer, and a release aid. You'll also need to consider the type of arrows that you want to use. Wooden arrows are the most traditional, but they are also the heaviest and least durable. Carbon arrows are lighter and more durable, but they are also more expensive. As a general rule, beginners should start with wooden arrows, which offer a good balance of performance and value.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right recurve bow can be a daunting task for beginners. By understanding the key factors that determine the quality and suitability of a recurve bow, you can make an informed decision that will help you to enjoy the sport of archery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the disadvantages of a recurve bow?

Some disadvantages of a recurve bow include the need for more upper body strength to draw and hold, the requirement to be closer to the target for effective shooting, and the need for more practice to become proficient with the bow.

2. Are recurve bows the best?

Recurve bows are considered to be one of the best types of bows. They shoot faster and more powerfully compared to longbows due to their unique shape. The draw length on a recurve bow is also more important. However, the best type of bow ultimately depends on the individual's preferences and shooting style.

3. How long can a recurve bow be left strung?

Modern recurve bows made from synthetic materials can be left strung for up to 3 weeks without issues, but it is recommended to unstring them for long-term storage. On the other hand, compound bows can be left strung indefinitely. It is important to properly care for all bows to ensure their longevity.

4. Is dry firing a recurve bow bad?

Dry firing a recurve bow, which means releasing the string without an arrow, is not recommended. When this happens, all the energy from the release is absorbed solely by the bow, which can cause the limbs to bend or potentially snap, rendering the bow unusable. It is important to always have an arrow on the bowstring when shooting.

5. Is it bad to keep a recurve bow strung?

It is generally best practice to unstring a wooden recurve bow or longbow after shooting. However, modern recurve bows made from synthetic materials can be left strung for up to 3 weeks without issues. Compound bows, on the other hand, can be left strung indefinitely. It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and properly care for the bow.

6. How far do you shoot a deer with a recurve bow?

In bowhunting, the average successful shot distance at a whitetail deer with a recurve bow is approximately 15 to 17 yards. However, the effective shooting distance may vary depending on factors such as the individual's shooting ability, bow weight, and accuracy.

Editor's Notes

During our recurve bow research, we found 24 recurve bow products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 26,842 customer reviews through our big data system to write the recurve bows list. We found that most customers choose recurve bows with an average price of $99.55.

The recurve bows are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of recurve bows, including Samick Sage, TIDEWE, sanlida, NorthSpoor, TOPARCHERY. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 155 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Paul Tilton Avatar

Paul Tilton is a fitness enthusiast. He doesn't like to work in front of a computer screen so he quit his job and runs a gym in Washington. He spent a lot of time on the road and has been a contributing writer for a well-known travel guide website. He is now happy to share his travel experience and professional knowledge of travel gear and fitness here.

Recurve Bows Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Samick Sage TIDEWE sanlida sanlida sanlida NorthSpoor TOPARCHERY Obert TOPARCHERY SPG
Color Brown Wood Black Black Black BLACK Red and Black Black, Green Black Black
Material Wood, Fiberglass, Maple Wood, Metal carbon, Wood, Fiberglass Wood Wood Wood Aluminum Wood, Fiberglass, Maple Wood bamboo, Wood Wood Fiberglass
Model Name Samick Sage Recurve Bow - Eagle X9 66" 60" OUTDOORS HFH - - Archery Recurve Bows
Item Weight 1.5 Pounds 2.45 Pounds 2.2 Pounds - 2.2 Pounds - - 2.78 Pounds 1 Kilograms -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.6
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