Entering the world of archery can be daunting for a beginner, with so many different options available, it can be challenging to know where to start. If you have recently begun archery as a hobby and are looking to make your first purchase, we have compiled this comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you.

Below you will learn about the parts that make up a takedown recurve bow, and the key factors you should consider before making a new purchase.

Takedown recurve bow parts

Riser

Probably the most essential thing to take into consideration when buying a new takedown recurve bow is the riser. The riser is the centermost portion of the bow and is where your lead hand will come into contact with it.

Traditionally made of wood, aluminum, and fiber risers are becoming more common thanks to their high tensile strength and durability. Aluminum and fiber risers tend to reduce the vibrations of the bow when loosing your shot, making the operation of the bow quieter.

The grip is in the center of the riser, and this is where you will hold the bow. Grips can typically be replaced and swapped, but you will want to ensure the grip feels natural and comfortable in hand.

When on a budget, it is worth noting that it is better to buy a pricier, higher-quality riser with lower quality limbs, than expensive limbs and a cheap riser. This is because risers typically don’t become worn and can be used for life, whereas limbs can be replaced and upgraded.

Limbs

Attached to the riser at either end are the limbs. Again, limbs are traditionally constructed from wood, but fiber and composite limbs are becoming more commonplace.

It is the limbs that transfer the potential energy created by drawing the bow, into kinetic energy to fire an arrow. Limbs are usually interchangeable between brands as most follow a standard manufacturing procedure.

Typically, beginners will use limbs that have lower draw poundage and upgrade as they become stronger and more competent.

Arrow rest

In traditional bows, the archer would have had to rest the arrow on the gripping lead hand when aiming. These days recurve bows may have an arrow rest, generally made of plastic or metal.

Bowstring

Bowstrings are attached to the tip of each limb, when an arrow is nocked, they are drawn back to create the potential energy required to propel the arrow forward.

When the bowstring is released, the potential energy is transferred into the arrow as kinetic energy, the further back the bowstring is pulled, the higher the level of energy transfer.

Recurve bow advantages

Speed

Typically, the arrows fired from recurve bows travel faster than arrows fired from other models of bow. Because the limbs of a recurve bow curve back on themselves (recurve) more tension is created as the bow is drawn, the limbs tact as a fling resulting in more speed.

Portable

Unlike complete recurve bows (one-piece recurve bows), takedown recurve bows can be disassembled. Once disassembled, takedown recurve bows can be placed in a bag or box for transport or storage.

Cheap

Takedown recurve bows are generally cheaper than compound bows or longbows. Add to this that budget can be spread between the riser and limbs to customize your bow, resulting in prices to suit all budgets.

Modular

Since takedown recurve bows are constructed of many different pieces, they can all be replaced and upgraded over time. Whether this is because you are becoming a more competent archer and require higher draw weight, or due to damage.

If you invest in a high-quality riser, it will also feature pre-installed bushings to attach additional accessories such as a stabilizer or sight.

Draw weight

If you are new to archery, you will likely be confused by the term draw weight. Draw weight doesn’t refer to the physical weight of the bow; instead, it is the amount of force required to pull back the bowstring.

For newer archers, lower draw weight is recommended. As your strength increases, you can upgrade the limbs to reflect this, but if you go too heavy too soon, your technique will suffer as a result.

The other consideration for draw weight is what you intend to use your bow for. For target shooting lower draw weight will suffice, but if you plan on hunting, you will need a higher draw weight to hunt humanely.

Draw length

The draw length of a bow is the distance between the nock point and the grip with an additional 1¾’’. To find your draw length, you can outstretch your arms and measure from fingertip to fingertip; if you divide this measurement by 2.5, you will have an estimation of your draw length.

Assembly

When you’re looking to purchase a new takedown recurve bow, the ease of assembly and disassembly should be considered. Most bows are pretty straightforward, but some require additional tools to breakdown and put back together.

Bow Size

Bow length is typically measured in inches, the string’s length determines this. If a bow is 62’’ that is the length of string you will require.

Weight of the bow

Bows are generally lightweight, especially takedown recurve bows, but it is worth remembering that when used for extended periods, the weight of a bow can become fatiguing. The ideal weight will depend on age, gender, and physical strength, as well as your competency with a bow.