Traditional vs Modern Recurve: Two Very Different Bows
The word "recurve" describes a bow whose limb tips curve away from the archer, storing more energy per limb length than a straight-limb longbow. But modern recurve bows and traditional one-piece recurves share little beyond that basic shape.
Traditional one-piece recurve: A single piece of wood (or wood laminate) shaped into riser and limbs. No standardized fitting system. Used for traditional archery, instinctive shooting, and hunting. Cannot be broken down for transport. Examples: Bear Grizzly, Black Hunter.
Modern takedown recurve: Separate aluminum or carbon riser with interchangeable limbs attached via a standard fitting system (ILF or Formula). Can be broken down for transport, limbs can be swapped to change draw weight, and accessories (sights, stabilizers, arrow rests, clickers) can be mounted. This is what Olympic and barebow competitors shoot.
For 95% of new archers, a modern takedown recurve is the right choice — even if your long-term goal is traditional instinctive shooting. The ability to adjust limb weight as you build strength is invaluable, and resale value is much better.
Olympic Recurve vs Barebow: What's the Difference?
| Feature | Olympic Recurve | Barebow | Traditional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bow sight | Yes (adjustable) | No | No |
| Stabilizers | Long rod + V-bars | No (or very limited) | No |
| Arrow rest | Cushion plunger | Cushion plunger | Shelf or finger |
| Clicker | Yes | Optional | No |
| Aiming method | Sight pin | String walking / face walking | Instinctive / gap |
| Competitions | Olympics, World Archery | World Archery barebow | Traditional tournaments |
Barebow is a growing discipline that sits between Olympic and traditional. You shoot the same style of takedown bow but with no sights — instead aiming by aligning your arrow tip with the target and moving your finger position on the string (string walking) to adjust elevation. It's highly technical and increasingly popular at World Archery events.
Riser and Limb Anatomy: What You're Actually Buying
A modern takedown recurve has two major components you buy separately (or together as a set):
The Riser
The central handle section. Made from aluminum (entry-level), aluminum alloy (mid-range), or carbon (high-end). Risers come in standard lengths — 25" is the most common for adults. The riser determines what limb fitting system you use (ILF vs Formula) and what accessories it supports.
The Limbs
The flexible arms that store energy. Come in short (short), medium, and long lengths. Your total bow length = riser length + limb length designation. A 25" riser with medium limbs = approximately 68" total bow. Limbs are rated in draw weight at 28" draw — if your draw is longer or shorter, your actual draw weight changes.
Draw Weight Guide for Recurve
Recurve draw weight is much more demanding than compound bow draw weight because there is zero let-off — you hold the full weight at full draw with no mechanical assistance. What feels easy at 28 lbs quickly becomes very heavy after 100 arrows.
| Draw Weight | Who It's For | Sessions per Day |
|---|---|---|
| 14–20 lbs | Children, absolute beginners | Long (low fatigue) |
| 20–28 lbs | Adult beginners (recommended start) | Moderate |
| 28–36 lbs | Intermediate archers 6+ months in | Moderate |
| 36–42 lbs | Experienced archers, hunting (some states) | Shorter intensive |
| 42–50 lbs | Competition, hunting (all states), long range | Short/technique focused |
Limb Selection: Materials and Fitting Systems
ILF (International Limb Fitting): The most widely used system. Limbs click into a standardized pocket on the riser. ILF limbs from one brand typically fit ILF risers from another. This is the standard for competitive archery.
Formula (Hoyt): Hoyt's proprietary system used on their Olympic risers. Formula limbs are not cross-compatible with ILF. Marginally more secure attachment; preferred by some Olympic archers.
Limb Materials
- Fiberglass laminate: Entry-level, durable, affordable. Best for beginners who may change draw weight frequently.
- Wood core + fiberglass: Better energy transfer, warmer feel. Mid-range.
- Carbon foam core: Lightest, fastest, most vibration-dampened. High-end competition limbs (Uukha, Win&Win, Hoyt).
Bow Length and Draw Length Matching
A recurve bow that is too short for your draw length will have an acute string angle at full draw, causing finger pinch and inconsistent releases. General rule: bow length should be at least 2× your draw length. So a 28" draw = 56" minimum bow, but 64–68" is strongly recommended for comfort.
Top Recurve Bow Picks
Common Recurve Buying Mistakes
Frequently Asked Questions
What draw weight should a beginner recurve archer start with?
24–26 lbs is ideal for adult beginners. You can shoot longer sessions, maintain good form, and build muscle correctly. Strong adults can start at 28–30 lbs but form errors are more costly at higher weights. Resist the urge to go heavy early.
What is the difference between Olympic recurve and barebow?
Olympic recurve uses a sight, clicker, stabilizers, and a precision arrow rest. Barebow is shot with the same bow design but no sights or stabilizers — archers use string walking and gap shooting to aim. Barebow is technically demanding and increasingly popular at World Archery events.
What riser length should I choose for a recurve bow?
25 inches is the most common riser length for target archery. Paired with medium limbs this gives a 68-inch bow — the most popular Olympic recurve configuration. Taller archers with draw lengths over 29" may prefer long limbs for a 70-inch total bow.
Can I use a recurve bow for hunting?
Yes. Many traditionalists hunt with recurve bows, typically at 40–50 lbs. There is no let-off, so you hold the full draw weight — which requires significantly more practice than compound hunting. Traditional bowhunting is a separate skill that demands serious commitment to master at hunting-ethical accuracy levels.
Sources & Further Reading
- World Archery Federation. "Equipment Rules and Specifications." worldarchery.sport
- Lancaster Archery Supply. "Recurve Bow Size Guide." lancasterarchery.com
- Archery 360. "How to Choose a Recurve Bow for Beginners." archery360.com
- National Field Archery Association. "Barebow Division Rules." nfaa-archery.org
- USA Archery. "Olympic Recurve Program Guidelines." usaarchery.org
