The recurve bow has become the most popular type of bow used by professional archers. The bow has limbs that are designed to effectively curve away from the person using it when you don't string it properly.
The primary purpose of this type of design is to store more kinetic energy – delivering a powerful shot compared to a traditional or straight-lined bow. Recurve bows provide the archer with an enhanced amount of energy – considerably increasing the speed of the arrow.
These types of bows were the top weapon of choice for people in ancient times, and the strongly preferred using a recurve bow in environments and terrains where carrying a large weapon was too daunting and cumbersome, for example, shooting from horseback or hunting prey in a forest, etc.
In this article you will find out...
A Short History Of The Recurve Bow
A bow that had a significant curve when unstrung were manufactured using a variety of composite materials and the Persians, Dacians, Magyars, Huns, Greeks, Mongols, Chinese, Egyptians, and Scythians use this bow.
The shape and design of the bow spread to ancient Egypt and slowly became a popular choice of weapon in the whole of Asia back in the 2nd millennium, BC. Moreover, the standard weapon of choice of the imperial archers of Rome was also a composite based recurve bow.
The recurved ends of the bow were made using stiffening laths, discovered in a variety of Roman sites in different regions of the Empire. You will be surprised to know that experts found a lot of the composite to manufacture the recurve bow as far north as the Antonine Wall, located in Scotland.
Upon the start of the middle ages, people used these bows in a handful of European regions, especially countries that had a drier climate compared to other regions. In the wetter parts of Europe, wooden straight bows and longbows were quite common and were the weapon of choice for trained archers.
If you take a look at the Great War Bow, you will notice that the recurve bows they used back then were designed using composite weapons. The ends of wooden bows undergo heat reinforcement and powerful force to keep curved, enhancing the tension of the string for a more effective shot.
The bow used in North American also had a recurved design. However, as time moved, these types of bow went out of fashion – replaced by firearms and long-range weapons for war.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and recurve bows are pretty much the tool of choice for Olympic archers and professionals. Amateur hunters, as well as avid bowyers, use these bows.
Different Parts Of The Recurve Bow You Should Know And Understand
By far, recurve bows have become the most recognized and preferred types of bows in modern and competitive archery. It is easy to recognize a recurved bow – both tips of the bow are curved.
The curved tips help the archer streamline his shot, resulting in a smoother and precise release of the arrow, considerably increasing the velocity of the arrow.
In the Olympics, archers are only permitted to use recurved bows – it is the only style allowed in the competition. Moreover, you can use this type of bow for many different archery applications such as 3D archery, bowhunting, and whatnot. However, a majority of people use the bow for hunting small prey and even deer.
It is common knowledge amongst archers that the recurve bow is designed to form one, single and incredibly strong piece – but its shape and design has significantly evolved since the ancient times.
For example, you can also opt for a new recurve bow, referred to s "Take-down bow." Take-down bows are what they sound like, i.e., you can take them apart for enhanced portability. These bows comprise three parts instead of two – for the express purposes of easy assembly.
Components That Make The Recurve Bow Whole
Here's the main parts:
Riser
This component is the heart of the bow. Understand that without the riser, there will be no bow. It is central to the design and manufacturing of different types of bows apart from recurve bows.
The riser lies between the backbone of the bow and its limbs, where you can see a lot of other components attached as well. The part features commercial-grade aluminum, but you can also select bows that have the riser made from carbon fiber.
In earlier times, wood was used to make the riser. However, wood was discontinued and was replaced by carbon fiber and aluminum because of humidity complications.
Riser Grip
The riser grip or simply, the handle of the bow is for holding and stabilizing your grip while you shoot. Nothing is more important than grip comfortability. Holding the bow nice and firm will increase the precision of your shot leading to enhanced performance and top scores.
You can easily order customized grips to replace the stock riser grip to enhance your skills. There are plenty of different types of products available. But it is important to give each after-market grip a test before buying one.
Limbs
The limbs of the bow are by far the most important components of the entire recurve bow. The limbs incorporate different types of materials, such as wood, fiberglass and carbon fiber. The limbs are fixed firmly at the two ends of the riser. Their movement is critical for the accuracy and precision of the recurve bow.
The primary function of the limbs is to effectively store a powerful burst of kinetic energy as the archer skillfully pulls the string back and holds it as he aims. Any twist or malfunction in the design and fitting of the limbs will twist the shot, making the arrow go sideways, missing the target by a large distance.
Sight
This additional component can enhance your aiming and to pull off consistent shots. You can easily attach this component to the top of the riser. They come with an adjustable pin that will significantly help you when you make 10 to 12 shots in a row.
Stabilizer Mechanism
The mechanism is designed to make the bow more balanced and give you a more comfortable feel whenever you shoot an arrow and after you have shot it. The stabilizing mechanism is very helpful when it comes to absorbing the shock and vibrations when you aim and shoot an arrow.
The mechanism is designed to minimize the noise made when you release the arrow considerably. The stabilizer on the bow is manufactured using three types of rods – long, short and an extension rod. Moreover, the mechanism also consists of a v-bar and added weights.
You can also purchase a dampener to reduce the vibration caused by the shot effectively. However, we recommend that you refrain from adding different types of after-market stabilizers on the bow. You will end up losing the natural control on the bow you have.
The Clicker
It is another important component that helps the archer create a more precise and reliable draw length. But it also ensures that when you take the shot the limbs of the recurve bow and the arrow will produce the same amount of force and velocity on a repetitive basis.
The clicker is attached directly to the riser and comprises stainless steel or strong string material. It produces a certain, audible clicking noise that allows the individual to know when exactly to release the arrow after he reaches the draw length of the bow he desires.
Plunger
The plunger is suitable for use as a pressure bottom, which can tweak the horizontal oscillation upon shooting the arrow. It helps enhance the precision of the shot, landing the arrow near the center of the bullseye.
Arrow Rest
This component is where the arrow rests when you pull the string back to take a shot. The part comprises plastic as well as metal and fixes on the riser.
The Bow String
This cord fixes tightly on both the tips of the limbs. Its primary function is to transform and store all that kinetic energy you make while pulling the string back to take the shot and transfer all that energy to the arrow.
The Bowstring Serving
This cord wraps over the strands to make an area where the arrow is attached, utilizing the nock.
The Nock
The nock is a dual-pronged end of the arrow and comprises plastic. The nock allows the arrow to be easily attached to the string of the recurve bow. You can attach on the bowstring using a nock pin.
As you can see, every single component described here is critical to making the best recurve bow. Selecting the right combination of parts to develop a customized bow is important. The riser, stabilizer mechanism, plunger, limbs, etc. are all component that adds power and stability to your recurve bow.
Archer Weight And Draw Weight
When it comes to selecting a recurve bow, one of the most important things to consider is your weight and your potential draw weight. The draw weight is the amount of force you can apply to pull the bowstring and release the arrow.
This factor can be a bit confusing with all the different numbers you can find online. However, we have simplified everything for you in the table below so that you can effectively select the right recurve bow.
Moreover, if you have never shot an arrow from a recurve bow or any bow for that matter, it is strongly recommended that you opt for a low-draw weight category mentioned in the table.
As you practice more, you will gain the skills, experience and the strength needed to withstand and handle increased draw weight of the recurve bow, which will be the point where you must completely neglect the figures given below and choose a recurve bow that suits your skill level and experience.
The numbers in the chart are basically for people that have never shot a bow before.
The Weight Of The Archer |
The Suggested Draw Weight Of The Bow |
|---|---|
Children Weighing (70lbs to 100lbs) | 10lbs to 15lbs |
Large Children Weighing (100lbs to 130lbs) | 15lbs to 25lbs |
Females Weighing (100lbs to 130lbs) | 25lbs to 35lbs |
Medium Framed Females Weighing (130lbs to 160lbs) | 25lbs to 35lbs |
Small Framed Male Weighing (120lbs to 150lbs) | 30lbs to 45lbs |
Medium Framed Male Weighing (150lbs to 180lbs) | 40lbs to 55lbs |
Large Females Weighing (160+lbs) | 30lbs to 45lbs |
Large Males Weighing (180+lbs) | 45lbs to 60lbs |
Understanding Different Specifications Of A Recurve Bow
There are many specifications that you need to understand before making your selection. In light of this, mentioned below are some important things:
- Speed Rating of the Bow – The speed of an arrow shows in the number of feet traveled per second - the higher the speed, the more powerful the bow. So, a bow that has a rating of 300 fps (feet per second) is way faster and powerful than a bow rated at 290 fps.
- Length of the Bow – The length of any compound bow measures from both its axles, the area connecting both its limbs, and the length for a recurved bow is measured calculating the area from string to string from the groove of the bow.
- Length of Draw – Draw length is the extent of your ability to pull the bowstring back. This number varies from person to person depending on strength, experience, and skill. You can adjust the draw length and have it customized as per your requirements from the bow shop.
- Draw Weight – The total force you need to pull the weight of the string back to make a shot is the draw weight. The measuring unit for the draw weight of any bow is pounds. It is quite common to refer to the lbs sign as ‘#' in archery. So, a recurve bow with a 45lb draw weight displays as 45#.
How To Effectively And Precisely Shoot A Recurve Bow
Here's some advices:
Positioning Yourself
To make a good shot, you need to position your legs the right way. Your legs should be shoulder width apart from one another when you aim and take the shot. It is important to ensure your torso and hips, and your entire body is perpendicular to the bullseye or the target.
Preparing To Make The Shot
Lift your recurve bow to shoulder height, which is the point where you have to be sure the arm you are shooting with is elbow-locked and lined straight. Remember to grip the bow firmly and do not clinch it hard.
Let the grip of the bow calmly rest in your palm as you take aim and pull the bowstring. In light of this, mentioned below are some additional tips:
- Your shoulders should be kept a bit hunched
- Do not rotate the elbow of the arm you are using to shoot the arrow. If you do, the string will end up hitting the arrow as you release the string.
- Keep your body perpendicular to the bullseye and only turn your head.
Bow Drawing
Use your strength to pull the bowstring all the way to one corner of your mouth and not halfway. As you pull it back, the string will directly be under your jawline. If it isn't so, you are doing it wrong. Try to pull the bowstring with the muscles in your back instead of your triceps or biceps, which will ensure you don't spoil your stance.
Aim And Release
Always aim for the target using your dominant eye. Close the other one. Once you lock the target, just release your finger to let go of the string. Refrain from jerking the string or opening your entire palm when releasing the arrow. It will always spoil the shot. Jerking it will result in the arrow flying way off target and will also decrease in velocity.
- Note – It is important that you remain as steady as you can after you let go of the bowstring. Remain like that until the arrow hits the target. Jerking your body right after releasing the arrow can have an adverse impact on the arrow, and you may miss the shot entirely. Take deep breaths and just calmly release your fingers.
Stringing The Recurved Bow In 5 Steps
While it is quite possible to use your hands to string the bow, but experts strongly suggest against it as it is dangerous and can lead to debilitating injuries. You should choose a stringer. Stringers comprise durable nylon. It is cost-effective and completely safe.
Stringing Your Bow
Your stringer and the bowstring feature two loops located just at the end, one loop is small, and the other one is big. Remember that the big loops on both stringer and the bowstring will always go right at on the top limb of the bow. Now let's discuss the five steps you can easily and efficiently string the bow:
- Step #1 - Grab hold of the bigger loop of your stringer and carefully slide the upper limb of the bow right through it. Next, remember to snap the gripper of the stringer onto the top limb and slide it right down with force.
- Step #2 - Hold the bigger loop of the bowstring and pull the string through the big loop of the stringer (this is the loop you used in the first step). Carefully place the larger loop and attach it right to the top limb of the bow and gently slide it down. It should be adequately flush in conjunction to the limb gripper of the stringer.
- Step #3 - Now move towards the smaller loop of the recurve bow and take the bowstring, sliding it right at the bottom of the stringer. Remember to ensure the loop perfectly fits into the grooves given in the top limb.
- Step #4 - Grab the small loop of the stringer and use it to slide the bottom bowstring of the recurve and just attach the gripper on the limb, it should make a snapping sound. Then just slide the string down the limb till it doesn’t go any further.
- Step #5 - Finally, clasp your bow, but not from its limbs but the riser and carefully put it down on the ground. Step on the limbs of the bow using both feet – you should be on the stringer here – and make sure to stand directly over the bowstring, or you will damage it. The next part is going to require a bit of strength. Pull the bowstring hard to attach it on the string groove given in the limbs and voila, you are good to go!
Recurve Vs. Compound Bow
Longbows or compound bows are a bit forgiving to use, which is the reason why many people start practicing with a compound bow. The major difference between traditional longbows and recurve bow is of shape.
Compound bows have that classic crescent shape and a straight grip. The bow is thin considering the width, but it has a thicker depth than a recurve bow.
The thickness of compounds bow is what makes it so hard to maintain the torque of your hands and feet, especially for beginner level archers. The recurve bow, on the other hand, has that modern 3-shape design. The curved shape of the limbs makes the arrow travel at seriously high velocities, with power and precision.
The recurve bow is a bit wider compared to a long bow, but it has a thinner depth – which means it is not so forgiving when you shoot it. The reduction in the level of thickness in a recurve makes it easy for the archer to control the torque of his limbs when pulling the bowstring.
This factor also helps when you're not in steady form – and is also the reason why recurve bows are so popular.
Bottom Line
All in all, recurve bows are the best way to improve your skills and practice a good form while hunting or competing. However, it is equally important to select a high-quality bow no matter what.
