Recurve Bow Tip Overlays? Best 173 Answer

This is a great question that is often confusing for beginners. It all has to do with something called “Brace Height” which is the distance between the bow and the bowstring. You usually measure this from the button (centerline hole near the arrow rest if there is no button already) to the string with a bow square. There will be general instructions for each individual riser – this is a starting point. From the starting point (usually around 8.5-9 inches for a 68 inch sheet.. can be slightly less for a shorter sheet and 9-9.5 inches for a 70 inch sheet) you then need to make some basic adjustments to determine the perfect orthotic height for your arch.

A few things :

1. They should always have the SAME corset height. If you lose ½ inch of prop height, you may lose 20 points on a Portsmouth (or more). Remember that archery is “the art of repetition” and it’s about reducing variation. Check your standing height at the beginning of each shoot.

2. Introducing twists will effectively make the string shorter (remember to untwist a piece of string), increasing the height of the brace; Taking out twists effectively gives you a longer string and therefore a smaller brace height.

To do the tuning – start with the lowest reasonable support height and shoot 3 arrows. Take off the string and give it a few twists (you’ll probably have to miss one end to do this). Measure support height again and shoot 3 arrows. Listen to the sound the string makes and note your grouping. If you have a bad ending and you know you shot badly, you might want to repeat another 3 arrows at the same stand height. Keep doing this until you’ve explored the entire area (8″ to 9.5″). You should find two “sweet spots” where the bow sounds the softest and shoots best – one is at the low end of the range and one is at the high end of the range. I’ve never had terrific success hearing that…but usually you can tell the bow just feels better. Choose the higher strut height of the two, not the lower. Remember that or write it down somewhere.

Store the line by tying a simple loop-through-loop knot (any experienced archer can quickly show you how to do this) to avoid losing turns and having to start over the next time you shoot.

Here’s a little YouTube video I found showing it: http://youtu.be/em_BP1uz2Gw?t=32s

Quick tip: you know the brace height is too low when the string touches your wrist. Since longbows require a much lower support height than recurves, the string ALWAYS hits your wrist. Because of this, longbowmen wear much thicker armguards, and they tend to be worn much further down the arm.

PS It’s also a good idea to check brace height on racquet arches. We try to check them as often as possible. But the more club members take charge, the better they will shoot. Just ask an instructor where the next arc square is.

Recurve Bowstrings – AN ESSENTIAL PART

BY GEORGE TEKMITCHOV, EASTON SR. ENGINEER & TARGET PRODUCT MANAGER

The string is one of the three basic components of any modern recurve bow. Limbs, risers and the string are explicitly mentioned in the World Archery rules as the main components of the bow. Without its string, even the most sophisticated modern bow is just a useless heap of parts.

Your bowstring can have a profound impact on many aspects of shooting and bow performance, from tuning, grouping, and rating to noise, vibration, and even the longevity of the rest of your equipment.

MATERIAL

Competitive archers have made more advances in the last 50 years than in the last hundred years when it comes to bowstring material technology. Waxed linen strings dominated our sport in the West for more than 600 years, well into the 1950’s. Other materials found around the world include horsehair, cotton, catgut, silk, and Chinese grass fibers, among others.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the explosion of synthetics quickly supplanted traditional linen and similar natural materials. One of the first of these, still in use today (mainly in beginner bows), was Dacron polyester.

In the 1970’s and early 80’s, non-stretch Kevlar strings supplanted Dacron in high-level archery.

These materials had many advantages over natural materials. Resistant to moisture, more forgiving of large temperature swings, and more durable (in the case of Dacron).

However, some of them also had serious disadvantages compared to modern string materials based on Spectra or Dyneema. Dacron will constantly stretch and change over time, while Kevlar will always break unexpectedly at some point, often seemingly in the course of a competition.

A NEW BREAKTHROUGH IN MATERIALS

Spectra/Dyneema based materials have changed all that. When the Hoyt Archery Company introduced fiber-based Allied Signal Spectra string material to the archery industry in the early 1980’s, it proved to be one of the greatest single leaps in performance in recurve archery in the last 40 years.

Spectra and Dyneema are both technically UHMPE fibers (Ultra High Modulus Polyethylene). There are some small differences between the two materials, particularly in the way the fibers are spun, but they are mostly identical. Virtually impervious to many solvents, normal environmental conditions and moisture, the weak point of these materials comes into play at elevated temperatures, typically in excess of what can be expected over the course of a competition. Under stress and at high temperatures, these materials will “creep” and stretch.

VECTRAN BLENDS

In the mid-1990s, the “creep” property of some composite UHMPE bowstrings and cables led to the development of blended fibers of UHMPE and Vectran, a liquid crystal polymer related to Kevlar. The blend helped stop creep, a permanent stretch condition common to composite rigging made from Dacron or UHMPE cable until, over time, the gradual and inevitable failure of the Vectran component in the tendon or cable manifested. These problems can be managed through the use of good maintenance practices and improved string waxes – waxes that lubricate the strands in the string and slow the degradation of the Vectran component.

For a connection, this lack of creep creates a more durable melody state. Finally, re-twisting a composite cable or string is a relatively complicated matter, often requiring specialized equipment.

Some recurve shooters also like the idea of ​​a non-creep string, although you can flip a recurve string in seconds.

However, many recurve shooters find that these materials are harsh in terms of shot response, and more importantly, major recurve manufacturers such as Hoyt and Win & Win specifically discourage their use as it has been shown to shorten the life of recurve -Shorten limbs in tests. The lack of resiliency and the resulting high peak loads that occur each time the bow is shot with these materials can cause severe stress on limbs and other components.

Most accomplished shooters who choose these materials despite manufacturer recommendations typically use very high string twists and strand counts to offset the “abrupt” feel of these materials. As the mixing processes for these materials have improved to counteract harshness, a slightly larger number of shooters have been drawn to these materials. But the vast majority of top shooters use straight UHMPE strings.

BUILD THE PERFECT ANIMAL…um, STRING.

Even the finest string materials can be wasted if certain elements of string construction are overlooked. Well constructed bowstrings all share a number of key characteristics that improve performance and durability and reduce variability over time. One of the most important of these is the consistency of strand tension during construction. Incorrect or uneven single strand tension can cause the string to change in unpredictable ways, especially when changing from cool to warm conditions. Incorrectly tensioned strands can even cause an imbalance, causing the string to be stressed at different rates from beat to beat. This is partly because strings are subjected to peak loads of many hundreds of pounds for brief moments as the limbs recover.

A trick to ensuring a well-made string has good strand tension distribution in use is to take all twists out of the string, strung your bow (yes, brace height will be low) and let it rest overnight. You can also take a few untwisted shots with an arrow at a relatively close target. This will help force the tighter strands to stretch a bit and allow the looser strands to take their share of the load.

COME BABY LET’S DO THE TWIST

When re-rotating to achieve the correct strut height, be sure to rotate in the direction that the center wrap is tightened. You can find this out instantly on a loose string by simply grasping each end of the operated area between your thumb and forefinger and twisting. One direction will be more difficult than the other. Turn in that direction.

Twist rate (twists per unit length) can also have a significant impact on string performance. Under-twisting often results in a louder, harder-to-tune string, as any slight variability in strand tension is amplified and the string “gives” less to reduce post-strike noise and vibration.

On the other hand, too many twists can reduce performance and make the string more likely to stretch with use or tangle when unstrung. That being said, strings with a fairly wide range of twists can work well, for example for a 68 inch string, 20 to 60 twists will give acceptable results as long as the brace (chord) height of the bow is correct. Some shooters using Vectran blend strings or even straight HMPE strings like the feel of more twists. It seems that on a well-made string, the total number of turns doesn’t have much of an impact on scoring potential if the rest of the system is in tune properly – Simon Fairweather, for example, had over 80 turns in the string he used around the Olympic Play 2000 to win, and Brady Ellison usually runs 50-70 spins.

In general, more spins will slow the bow slightly and potentially create a lot less noise, while fewer spins will add a tiny bit of speed but potentially more post-shot noise and vibration.

YOU HAVE TO SERVE SOMEONE

Serving materials are another important and integral part of the bowstring. However, envelopes on the bowstring have two very different functions. The end loop wraps must be abrasion resistant but not themselves abrasive to avoid damaging the extremity tips and underlying cords.

The end loop should have low mass and must firmly grip the underlying string strands to prevent separation, loosening, or fraying.

On the other hand, the central cladding has several functions with possibly different requirements than those of the end loop materials. Center serves must provide a smooth and consistent release from the surface of the shooting strap and also resist separation and loosening to prevent the nock point from changing. They must also often be challenged to withstand the wear and tear of armguard brushing after the shot. Finally, they must maintain their diameter over a long period of time to prevent cam seat change.

Certainly there are a number of materials that work well as recurve serves, with the original braided Angel material (and the similar BCY Halo) still being an excellent choice for center serves, and Spectra/Dyneema and polyester material blends like BCY Polygrip are popular material choices for the end loop. Interestingly, however, extensive testing shows that Angel Majesty Serving Material is actually one of the best materials for both of these applications, due to a unique combination of smoothness and persistent locking ability on the underlying string strands.

EFFECT OF STRAND COUNT ON TUNING

It’s easy to say that strings with “more strands are slower and fewer strands are faster,” but the fact of the matter is that when we change the number of strands in a string, we’re changing more than one variable. For example, a smaller diameter string (less strand count) generally also has a looser nock fit (if not compensated). This can result in large changes in tuning, even beyond the effect of changing the strand count. Obviously, increasing the strand count can have the opposite effect. Experienced shooters take care to accommodate this by using larger or smaller neck nocks, or using a larger or smaller center turn-up diameter to achieve predictable and correct nock tension.

In general, nock tension should be adjusted so that an arrow can hang from a strung bow with the string hanging parallel to the ground, but not so tight that a strong blow to the string cannot dislodge the arrow.

NOCKING POINTS AND (MWAAAH!) KISSER BUTTONS

It’s not always obvious, but a small change in string mass weight in the middle can have a lot more impact than a larger change spread throughout the string. In fact, adding 10 grains in the middle of the string has about 5x the effect of adding 10 grains to the overall string. As such, we need to take a little care in choosing accessories like nock points and kisser buttons – and at least making sure they are present when proceeding with the tuning, as adding them after the fact can make a significant change.

MAINTENANCE

“Wax is to an archer what tar is to a sailor; use it often and always have two strings on the bow.” – Excerpted from: Saxton Pope, “Hunting with the Bow and Arrow”, 1922.

dr Pope was right – you really need two strings. (“Two is one and one is none”…) But just as we don’t use quite as much tar in today’s boat designs as we did in Saxton Pope’s day, the need to regularly wax strings has decreased dramatically in the last few decades . However, modern strings are well served with at least some care. In a way, especially with more traditional bows, it’s hard to beat one of my favorites, natural beeswax. However, with more modern string materials, particularly the Vectran blended materials, string life can be significantly increased by the use of more modern synthetic waxes. Unlike paraffin-based waxes, modern synthetic waxes add little weight to the string and keep the string weight more consistent, especially when wet.

Nowadays you can even get a complete string care kit consisting of cleaners, conditioners and waxes. A number of manufacturers offer these total maintenance kits, including Easton.

CONCLUSION

If you’ve gotten into archery in the last 30 years, you might not remember the “bad old days” of Kevlar and Dacron. But the truth is, very few archery-related items have progressed as much in modern times as sinew materials.

No matter how good modern materials are, accidents can happen. And as we mentioned before, any bow is useless without a good bowstring. As such, it’s a good idea to always have at least two well-used strings on hand, ready to use and interchangeable with each bow. For a competitive shooter, this is really cheap insurance for competitive performance.

Deer hunting with a recurve bow

Deer hunting with a recurve bow is a very rewarding and extremely challenging sport. It requires not only skill with a traditional bow and stealth from the hunter, but also in-depth knowledge of the animal being hunted. Of all the big game animals hunted, the white-tailed deer is the most popular for several simple reasons. White-tailed deer are widespread throughout the country and can be found in abundance on both public and private lands. Depending on where a bowhunter lives, they can usually find excellent deer hunts within a short drive or, in many cases, a short walk out the back door.

But just because deer are found in abundance doesn’t mean they’re easy to harvest. Many experienced hunters will tell you that the whitetail, when hunted with a recurve bow, is one of the most challenging trophies known, whether it’s a bookbuck or a full grown deer. Deer have adapted to human activities and can quickly eye up an unwary hunter. Their hearing and sight are second only to their sense of smell. Bow hunting for deer is a close range game and means the hunter must get close to get a good shot, making a difficult task at times seemingly impossible. Let’s look at some of the key gear and hunting considerations that will help the recurve hunter tip the odds in their favor.

Traditional deer hunting gear required

A traditional bow or hunting recurve is more than sufficient to take down a whitetail deer or much larger game. Elephant, Cape buffalo and most African big game trophies, as well as elk, elk, Alaskan brown bear and more have been captured using traditional bowing equipment. In any case, the chosen equipment must match the game you are looking for and in our case we are focusing on the white-tailed deer.

Recurve draw weight for deer

Excessive weight is not necessary when it comes to whitetail draw weights, but the more weight you can comfortably and accurately shoot, the better. As a general rule, 45 pounds is a good starting point. Lighter bows will also kill deer, but they may lack the extra boost needed for maximum penetration when the arrow hits a heavy mass of muscle or bone. Bows with draw weights of 45 to 55 pounds easily provide enough power to reach the guts of a whitetail on a typical bowshot of 20 yards or less.

What is the maximum distance you can shoot a deer with a recurve bow?

While bow weight is a normal consideration, the other component is accuracy. Bowhunting is a hand-to-hand combat sport and the average successful shot at a whitetail deer is around 15 to 17 yards. A bowhunter should never fire outside of his effective range, which is defined as the range at which he can consistently keep his shots within a 6 inch circle. The distance at which each bowhunter can do this varies, for some it may be 15 meters while for others it may be 25 or 30 meters. It all depends on experience, practice and skill. It is important for any bowhunter to establish that distance and strive to increase it by a meter or two at times. Hard work, consistent shot form, and practice will help increase your effective range. Regardless of your shooting ability, it’s always a good idea to set up your hunting area to get as close as possible to your game. Decreasing the distance increases the likelihood of correct shot placement. Practicing hitting a target at longer range doesn’t mean you should try long shots when hunting. However, as you improve your shooting ability at longer distances, you greatly increase your chances of getting a decisive hit when you have a closer opportunity.

Hunting arrows for recurve bows

Make sure your hunting arrows are matched for your draw weight and length, as well as for weight and backbone or stiffness to ensure consistency and better groups. Hunting arrows should be cut slightly longer to ensure the broadhead has adequate play when retracted and does not touch the bow or your bowhand. Heavy spiral fletching works best with traditional gear. It helps to quickly stabilize the arrow, which is especially important when shooting at close range. Heavy hunting arrows don’t fly as fast as a lighter shaft, but as mentioned, our bowhunting shots are close range so speed isn’t as critical. However, the added weight increases penetration, and this is very important to ensure the dart reaches vital organs and/or creates as long a wound channel as possible.

Broadhead selection

When it comes to broadhead selection, traditional shooters are best suited to two or three fixed blade heads as opposed to mechanical shooters, which are better suited to faster, high-energy compounds. Pay special attention to the lace design. Pyramid-style tips, cut-on-contact, or bone-busting style tips are much better than tapered tips. The Broadhead point creates an entry hole for the blades and the aim is to do this with the least amount of force required to ensure maximum penetration. Always sight your bow with broadheads, whether shooting instinctively or with a bow sight. Broadheads and field tips rarely fly the same even if they are the same weight, due to different aerodynamic characteristics. Arrows kill by causing bleeding. The greater the bleeding, the quicker the animal succumbs to the wound and the more humane the shot. Always shoot with a sharp broadhead. When using broadheads that can be sharpened, always make sure they are razor sharp before leaving the field. Broadheads with replaceable blades should have fresh new blades installed.

Shooting a deer with a recurve bow

Take the time to learn the whitetail’s physical structure and the placement of vital organs. Information is available both online and in the library. A bow is not a gun, it has no power of impact, and an arrow can be deflected by bone or heavy muscle. The target of a traditional bow hunter should always be the deer’s heart and lungs. This area contains the greatest concentration of blood vessels, and a razor-sharp arrow striking this area will inflict a mortal wound.

Study photos and videos of deer to determine the right place to aim for the cardiopulmonary area, and remember that the path to this area will change depending on the angle at which the deer is stands when the shot is made. Avoid firing frontal or rear shots at an animal, as these usually just result in a wounded animal. A broadside shot is desirable, but wait until the stag’s leg is in the forward position before releasing the arrow, as this provides easier access to the chest cavity. A shot with the stag’s leg in the rear position can result in the arrow hitting the leg bone or shoulder blade, either of which can stop or severely limit the arrow’s penetration. Each of these hits usually results in a lost wounded stag. The ideal shot with a recurve bow at deer is an away shot. This allows the dart to enter the animal through the softer flesh and ribs behind the chest cavity and enter the heart-lung area with minimal resistance. If you’re hunting from an elevated position, this angle is even better, as the arrow tends to penetrate high into the animal and protrude down through the chest cavity, with an exit hole on the animal’s underside for an easy to track get blood trail.

The best opportunity for shots when hunting with a traditional bow is setting up an ambush along trails leading to and from litter and feeding areas or along the edges of feeding areas. Plan ahead when choosing a spot for your stand or blind. While nothing is positive, always anticipate the direction of travel of the deer and prepare accordingly. Standing facing the stag’s expected approach will result in a frontal shot that should not be attempted with a bow. Take cover along the trail or feeding ground so the deer can pass you at a slight angle to present a broadside shot or the more desirable away shot.

Always pick a spot when taking a shot. Never just shoot the deer. Be specific and focus on where your arrow will lead to the center of the chest cavity. Always assume you have a hit. If you don’t definitely see your arrow missing the animal, or if you find your arrow with no bloodstains, you must assume you’ve hit and react accordingly. Depending on the shot placement, a deer can be mortally wounded and leave no trail of blood. Even if you find blood, never assume that a little blood means a minor hit. Each blood deserves a thorough search for the animal.

A deer hit by an arrow can be recovered within 50 to 70 yards if proper shot placement is achieved. However, deer can also travel long distances if vital organs are not hit before being recovered. In any case, tracking the animal is required. There are a number of books and videos on tracking wounded deer. All bow hunters are encouraged to learn as much as possible about the art of tracking to ensure game is recovered. Also, team up with an experienced hunter to learn this art in the field when the opportunity arises!

Every ethical bowhunter must make every effort to recover wounded game. It is an exciting part of the hunt and one for which we must all take responsibility to ensure we are making maximum recovery effort.

Shooting at maximum distance – simple and uncomplicated.

This type of archery requires a lot of space and flat space to do so. The furthest distance shot with a bow is 2,047 yards (1,871.84 m). This was shot with a crossbow by the late Harry Drake in 1988. The farthest with a handheld – and drawn – bow is 1,222.01 m (1,336 yds 1′ 3″), shot by Don Brown with an indefinite conventional flying bow in 1987. (compared to Jeremy’s indefinite longbow world record Spencer from Great Britain 379.51m) Airfields or airfields or the salt deserts of the USA are ideal.

As with other types of archery, there are different classes for different types of bows – longbow, recurve, compound and specialty flight bows. Flying bows and arrows are at the cutting edge of archery technology as flying archers strive to get the most out of them. It’s like Formula 1 motorsport, where improvements to cars and engines (like ABS or computerized engine management) can eventually be adopted by mainstream automakers. Metal risers, carbon arrows, faster strings and much more come from flying archery.

3 arrows at the end are shot, and then the archers go in search of their arrows. If they find them, the farthest arrow of the end is marked and another 3 ends are shot (only one end is shot in competition in the US). The furthest distance wins!

If you’re looking to re-string your old recurve bow, or perhaps you’ve just bought a newer recurve bow (have you seen our selection of top recurve bows?) that didn’t come with a string, then you might need some advice. There are many different types of bowstrings on the market. From materials like Dacron and Fast Flight to Flemish Twist and endless loop bowstring types, it can be a bit confusing.

When selecting a new bowstring for your recurve bow, you need to know the draw weight of your bow and what type of string it is compatible with. For example, some older wooden and more traditional bows may not withstand the shock delivered by a Fast Flight bowstring. Or your youth bow may not be able to handle a 14-strand B-55 Dracon bowstring. If you’re just a little lost, don’t worry. In this article we explain everything you need to know about bowstrings before buying them.

Not only do we explain everything you need to know about bowstrings, we also introduce you to our best recurve bowstrings on the market today. So sit back and get ready to learn all about bowstrings.

Our top recurve bow strings Deerseeker Dacron – Optimal for traditional bows

Legend Propel Recurve Bowstring – Quietest release

SAS Fast Flight – Best for arrow speed

First String Recurve Bowstring – Best grip

Milaem Dyneema Raw Material – Best raw material to make your own bowstrings Note: Our individual reviews are below, but you can also click on any of the links above to check current prices on Amazon and other retailers

Main string, center serving, loop and end servings

Mainstring: The mainstring or bowstring connects the two ends of the bow together and shoots the arrow. Traditional main strings were made from linen, hemp, silk, and rawhide. Modern bowstrings are made from Dacron, Kevlar, Spectra and Dyneema. We’ll explore our favorite string materials later in this article. As for the main types of bowstrings, we have plain strings, reverse twisted strings and looped strings.

Center Serving: Center serving on a bowstring is the use of extra thread wrapped around the mainstring at the nocking points where abrasion is likely to occur. You can buy pre-served bowstrings or tie your own center portion.

Before you can tie your center serve, make sure you have the correct string and nock combination. Getting the combination right not only adds some forgiveness to your shots, it’s also a safety issue. Click here for a full chart of safe and recommended string and nock combinations from our friends at Online Archery Academy.

To tie a medium portion, first prepare the bowstring by twisting it 15-20 times, apply a light coat of wax and buff the bowstring with some leather. Next, remove any excess wax that may have clumped during application and mark on the string where you want the center portion to start and end. Now you can start tying your middle portion. For detailed step-by-step instructions on how to tie your middle serve, visit our friends at the Online Archery Academy.

Loop and End Wraps: The loop and butt wraps are again made up of extra thread that serves to protect the string from wear and tear at the ends where the string connects to the limbs. You can buy bowstrings canned at the ends, or you can tie your own. If you want to tie your own see below.

Here is an instructional video brought to you by the friendly staff at Baker Archery

Materials for bowstrings

Bows have traditionally been strung from animal skin, linen, silk and hemp, but today we have a plethora of modern materials available. Of all the materials available today, our three favorites are Dacron, 652 Fast Flight and Dyneema. Here’s a breakdown of each string material.

dacron

Dacron is a durable and stretchable polyester material. Dacron is available in a 50 and 55 pound option with an elongation of 2.6%. This polyester-based material is used for beginner gear, wooden bows, and older bows because Dacron’s stretchability causes less shock to the bow when shooting. Dacron strings require little maintenance and will last for several years before needing to be replaced.

652 Fast Flight

652 Fast Flight bowstring stock is measured at 100 pounds of tension and is generally available in sizes from 45 inches to 70 inches. Recurve 652 Fast Flight bowstrings have a 1-3/4″ top loop and a 1-1/4″ bottom loop. These strings are durable and come in dozens of different colors.

Dyneema

Dyneema is an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. Dyneema strings come in a 100 pound option with 1% stretch. These strings are lightweight and have an incredibly long lifespan. It is recommended not to use Dyneema on wood bows, instead using fiberglass and composite bows. The low stretch of these strings creates more impact on the bow when shot.

AMO and Actual Lengths – What String Length Do I Need?

The acronym AMO stands for Archery Manufacturers Organization. This organization created a set of bowmaking standards, including the AMO bow length. This helps maintain consistency between bow makers and bowstring makers. Each AMO arc length has a corresponding chord length. AMO bow lengths are their correct string and serve settings, shown in this graphic below.

AMO lengths and their “true lengths” for replacement bowstrings

How many strands should I choose?

Before deciding how many strands your bowstring should have, make sure you know what pound draw weight your recurve bow holds. The number of strands depends on the type of string material and the draw weight of your bow. Let’s take a standard B50 Dacron string as an example.

If your recurve bow has a draw weight of less than 30lbs, typically a beginner or youth bow, then a 10-strand string is required.

A 12-strand B50 Dacron string is sufficient for recurve bows with a draw weight of up to 40lbs. This is also the most common strand size, used by everyone from beginners to avid hunters and sport shooters.

For bows with a draw weight over 40 lbs, a 14-strand B50 Dacron will suffice. A 14-strand bowstring offers less distance, but makes the shooting smoother and acts as a kind of dampener during the shot.

What is a Fast Flight string?

Fast Flight bowstrings have the lowest stretch available for a recurve bow. Less stretch means more energy is transferred to the arrow when released. This causes more shock to the bow and Fast Flight bowstrings should not be used with older bows and all-wood bows.

The worst that can happen is the tip of your bow snaps off or the wood snaps. The least bad thing could be that you have a broken cam. In any case, make sure your bow manufacturer specifically states that your bow is compatible with Fast Flight bowstrings.

What is a Flemish twist bowstring?

A Flemish Twist bowstring is a beautiful and traditional form of bowstring. A Flemish Twist has braided loops at each end of the bowstring. You can buy bowstrings with a pre-made Flemish Twist in the string, or you can make your own. If you want to make your own, watch this interesting video.

Can you make your own bowstring?

The short answer is yes! You can certainly make your own bowstrings. It’s not that difficult if you follow the instructions carefully, but it does require the purchase of some equipment to aid in the string making process.

The two pieces of equipment you must purchase to craft your own bowstrings are a Bowstring Jig and a String Serving Jig. You can find this gear at most pro shops and retailers. You can also build your own bowstring jig if you’re really motivated.

In addition to the jigs, you will need the tendon material and the serving material. Make sure the bowstring material you choose is compatible with your recurve bow.

Once you have all the equipment and materials you need, you can start making your own bowstrings. A step-by-step guide to making your own bowstrings, brought to you by Moorabbin Archery Club, is available on this website.

Recurve String Reviews

Deer seeker Dacron

Check price on Amazon » The Deerseeker Dacron bowstring is a B-55 string available in 12, 14 and 16 strands. This Dacron string is strong, flexible and absorbs shock well when shooting. This is an endless loop style string that comes preserving with mid and loop layups. This string also has 2 nock points and is available in different lengths from 48″ to 70″. Dacron is excellent for beginner bows, longbows and recurve bows. What we liked: Quieter than Fast Flight.

Available in multiple strand counts and bowstring lengths.

Including 2 nocking points.

More suitable for older and wooden recurve bows.

Payable. What we didn’t like: Arrows fly slower than Fast Flight.

Legend Propel recurve bowstring

Check price on Amazon » The Legend Propel Recurve Bow String is a Dacron B-55 bowstring with an abrasion-resistant surface. This bowstring includes endless loops for easy installation and is available in 12, 14, and 16 strand strings. Lengths range from 48″ to 66″ and Propel guarantees a 100% money back guarantee on all of their gear if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase. What we liked: Available in 12, 14, and 16 strand bowstrings.

Lengths range from 48″ to 66″.

Treated with an abrasion resistant finish.

Backed by a 100% Money Back Guarantee. What we didn’t like: Slow firing compared to Fast Flight bowstrings. https://youtu.be/bbl51d8EVd8

SAS-B55

Check price on Amazon » The Southland Archery Supply B-55 Dacron bowstring is ideal for traditional long and recurve bows. These strings are made in the United States and are available in 12, 14, and 16 strand bowstrings. Lengths range from 48″ to 64″. The end type of the SAS B-55 is an infinite loop. Fits most traditional bows, recurve bows and takedown bows. What we liked: Made in the USA.

Various strand counts and lengths available.

Fits most traditional bows.

Ideal for recurve bows. What we didn’t like: Not intended for youth bows with a draw weight under 30 pounds.

SAS fast flight

Check Price on Amazon » The Southland Archery Supply Branded Fast Flight Replacement String is constructed with premium quality and includes 18 stands. This string comes with a Flemish twist ending and is black and brown. These strings are affordable and made in the United States. Available for any bow length from 44″ to 66″. What we liked: Arrows fly faster than Dacron string.

Includes stylish Flemish Twist endings.

Available in various lengths in increments from 44″ to 66″. What we didn’t like: Not intended for older bows.

First string recurve bow string

Check price on Cabelas » The First String Recurve Bowstring is your staple Dacron string. Includes a Spectra/Polyester blend middle wrap for amazing support. Available for recurve bows with an AMO length of 52″ to 66″. Includes triple twisted Dyneema ends. What we liked: Includes middle and end portions.

Available in multiple lengths. What we didn’t notice: Strand count not listed and only one available.

Milaem Dyneema raw material

Here are the best recurve bows for hunting. I’ve made sure to diversify the price ranges of these bows so that whatever your budget, you’ll find one that’s right for your specific needs.

I would really appreciate it if you would read all the information on this page to better understand why I chose these particular hunting recurves to list here. This will help you make a better decision that will give you many years of pleasure from your bow.

Please also note that all of the models listed below can be used equally well for target practice; basically every hunting recurve is also suitable for target shooting, although the opposite is not true. This has to do with draw weight: a hunting bow needs to be at least 40#, while target shooting even with a 15# bow can be rewarding when shooting from a small enough range.

Top Recurve Bows for Hunting (2021)

Bear Grizzly – the best traditional hunting bow ever

Deerseeker – best hunting bow on a budget

Top Hunting Bows (2013-2020) – Legacy Rankings

The list below compares recurve bows that received top rankings between 2013 and 2020. Many of these sheets are no longer available or temporarily out of stock due to issues related to COVID-19, but I decided to leave the table here for the record.

What makes a recurve bow ideal for hunting?

I don’t want to just “force” certain slurs down your throat; I really want you to understand why I chose the bows listed above. With that in mind, here are the things that make a recurve great for a hunter.

1. It must be quiet

This is probably the most important thing to keep in mind. Nothing is more annoying than preparing for the perfect shot after an hour or two of stalking or luring your prey, only to have them run away at the sound of the string pulling on your bow. So how do you solve this?

By choosing a bow specifically designed to minimize this type of noise. These include limbs made of special, “silent” material. You will be well matched. They contain dampers or other elements designed to silence the string.

All of the recurve bows in the list above meet these criteria – they are quiet and reliable. Obviously, however, being “quiet” is not enough.

As a side note, smell elimination is also an important aspect of recurve hunting since you’re shooting in relatively close quarters (unlike a rifle hunter, for example). You should therefore consider getting an odor eliminator to give yourself a better chance. Many of them come in spray form and are very cheap to get. For those of you who hunt blind, an electronic odor killer – one of the newer marvels of hunting technology – may be a better choice. I recommend reading this Ozonics HR-200 review by John McAdams and then deciding if it’s a suitable purchase for you.

2. The draw weight must be just right

This is a bit of a variable, but nothing we can’t handle.

I strongly recommend never using a recurve bow for hunting unless it has a draw power of 40 pounds or more. The reason for this is that while hunting you want your arrow to pierce your prey and penetrate deep enough into the body. If your recurve doesn’t have a draw weight of 40 pounds or more, and especially if you’re shooting from 50+ yards, chances are you’re just injuring the animal without actually killing it. It will then run away, suffering unnecessarily and you will even lose your arrow. But that’s not all.

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You must choose a bow with a draw weight you can handle. When hunting, you often have to draw your bow and then hold it for a minute or more before actually shooting. If the draw weight is too much for your muscles, you will begin to tremble and your aim will suffer greatly. So how do you know what draw weight is right for you?

Simple: If you’ve never shot a recurve bow, just go for a maximum draw weight of 40-45 pounds. The vast majority of males handle this quite well and I guarantee you will only get stronger over time making it easier for you to handle significantly more draw weight. So to sum it up:

If you are new/unsure choose a draw weight of 40-45 pounds.

If you are experienced/have strong back muscles, choose a pull weight over 45 pounds.

If you are a teenager / have a small frame go for £40 at most. You will improve soon enough.

3. It must be long

This is simple: the longer the overall length of the bow (tip to tip), the more accurate your shots will be. How long exactly?

The best hunting recurve bow has a minimum length of 58 inches. The longer the better. You’ll find that almost all of the recurves in the list above are 60 inches or more in length – you now understand why.

4. Ease of transportation should be considered

This may not be a problem for you now, especially if you’ve never used a bow, but trust me – transporting a 60″ bow safely (you don’t want the limbs to get bent or worse – broken, you?) can be a real hassle. Well, if you have a car big enough to easily transport your bow while avoiding damage to it along the way, great. Otherwise…

For hunting you need a collapsible recurve bow. In case you didn’t know, on a takedown bow, you can quickly detach the limbs from the riser by loosening a few screws. This makes storing and transporting your bow much easier.

That’s why I did the “Takedown?” column in the table above.

Hunting recurve bows outside of the United States

When it comes to recurve bow hunting outside of North America, the vast majority turn their attention to South Africa. It abounds with a wide variety of wildlife, including some of the world’s largest game, making it an ideal destination for the most ambitious trophy hunter. Beginners should note, however, that hunting lion, rhino or Cape buffalo is strictly regulated in the country and it is illegal for foreigners to pursue or shoot without close supervision from certified specialists. Additionally, taking down the largest game in South Africa requires some heavy draws (draw weights no less than 50 pounds) and exceptional dexterity and precision; and even then, it’s just too dangerous to capture certain species with anything other than a long-range firearm. So if you decide to visit this beautiful country you should definitely ask for assistance and we are happy to recommend our friends at Big Game Hunting Adventures who offer one of the best safari services; Your South Africa hunting page has all the details.

You must know your prey

Do you plan to hunt rabbits? Turkey? Deer? bears? Moose?

For example, a bow with a draw weight of 40lbs is enough to kill rabbits, turkeys and deer even at a distance of 30 yards (provided you aim correctly, of course!). However, the same bow may not be as effective at the same distance when hunting larger game like black bear or moose. With that in mind, here are some guidelines on how to make a decision:

If you don’t want any restrictions at all, choose 50 lbs. pull weight bow.

If you are only after smaller game (rabbit, turkey, deer), 40 lbs. will be more than enough.

If you are unsure what to hunt for and/or have no experience, a 45 lbs. Arch is the “sweet spot” you should aim for.

However, you shouldn’t worry about it too much. Even a 40-pounder is quite capable of bringing down a bear, for example, provided you shoot from a long enough distance. However, you have to keep in mind that it is often not possible for you to get too close to your prey and you must keep at least 20 meters away in order not to scare the game away. The above advice takes this into account: it assumes you’re shooting from 20-30 meters away.

Where to from here?

I’d like to think I’ve done all the work for you in the hunting bow table above. Basically all you have to do is:

Decide on a budget. Consider my advice above and include what draw weight you need for your bow.

Now simply use the table above and select the bow that suits your needs.

After checking out the manufacturers below, you might want to take a look at our most popular lists:

Top manufacturers list

bear archery

Bear is considered a pioneer of modern archery. Most of the recurve bows they make are a bit pricey, but you definitely get your money’s worth if you buy them. An example of their flagship product is the Bear® Grizzly, one of the best recurves you can get on the market.

Martin archery

Martin was founded over 60 years ago in 1951 by a group of passionate archers – the Martin family. Gail Martin, one of the co-founders, was inducted into Archery’s prestigious Hall of Fame. Their business has always been international and their recurve bows are available in dozens of different countries. The company acquired another bow manufacturer, Damon Howat Archery, in 1976, allowing them to expand their traditional bow product line. Their most popular recurve bows include the Martin Jaguar and the Martin Saber – both very popular with beginner and intermediate archers thanks to the very affordable price and extremely durable construction and shooting accuracy.

hoyt

I am sure you have heard this name before. They have been in the market for an impressive 80 years and their staff are known to have a wonderful fondness for all things archery – they don’t just sell bows; they also love what they sell. Their recurve line is divided into hunting bows and competition bows (target bows). The Buffalo and the GameMaster II are some of their most well-known recurve bows.

PSE archery

Founded in 1970 by Pete Shepley and currently based in Tuscon, Arizona, the company specializes in manufacturing compound bows, but also has some great offerings in the traditional recurve department. One of their most reliable models is the PSE Blackhawk, a 60-inch beautiful bow that’s great for both hunting and shooting. The price of $259 makes it accessible to everyone.

Samick Sports

Maybe not as popular as the other bow makers, but they definitely shouldn’t be underestimated. Of particular note here is the Samick Sage recurve bow, which is the first choice for many aspiring archers, and not without reason.

The Great Plains

Founded by Bill Forman, The Great Plains Traditional Bow Company is based in Pampa, Texas. It’s all about recurve bows and other traditional crafts. Bill himself was born in a town once owned by the Comanche and Apache – a fact that definitely influenced his love of traditional archery. Bill is known for his intense personal involvement in all company matters – he never sends representatives to trade fairs and meetings, preferring to go himself. It goes without saying that their recurve bows are made with love and dedication.

Bows of the Black Widow

This company is perhaps best known for their high quality custom made traditional bows. Their customer service is absolutely outstanding, and in some cases you can even “try” a particular bow before you buy it. All of their bows come with high quality strings, very durable risers and have some of the most beautiful designs in the world of traditional archery in my opinion. To give you an idea of ​​the level of detail that goes into the creation of each individual bow, you should know that it takes up to 10 weeks for your custom recurve bow to be completed and delivered.

Predator Bows

The company was founded by Ron Pittsley and Mike Hoadley in the late 1980s. Their initial focus was on bow replacement parts, but over time the company expanded and began manufacturing full traditional bows as well. They are best known for quality take down recurve bows.

Are you looking for the best recurve bow? Hunting can be overwhelming with so many different options to choose from. After all, there is no holy grail of recurve bows, and this article will in no way attempt to provide a one-size-fits-all solution. However, you will see 10 of the best recurve bows for hunting, shooting and beginners to help you separate the wheat from the chaff.

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We know that the best bow can vary from person to person based on their needs and preferences. But really, some bows are better than others. Just like with throwing knives, the quality of a bow can make all the difference when aiming at a target.

Little time? Here are the best recurve bows in brief:

Otherwise stuck. We’ll tell you what makes a good recurve bow and introduce you to the best recurve bows you can buy today.

Top 10 recurve bows for hunting and archery

Aside from a good bushcraft knife, few things are more synonymous with hunting than a good bow and arrow. The recurve bow in particular is an excellent choice for accuracy, stealth and maneuverability in the bush.

Whether you’re buying your first bow or looking to replace your current one, it’s important to get the right one. To help you with your comparison shopping, below we review the best recurve bows for a variety of needs and price points.

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The Samick Sage recurve bow is an absolute favorite for many people and is probably the best recurve bow for beginners.

There’s no turning back once you hold this in your hands because it feels and looks good. You’re treated to a blend of maple and dymondwood that gives the riser a comfortable grip. Plus, there’s something heartwarming about holding natural wood.

While not as cheap as the Martin Jaguar, which is another worthy contender, the Sage is one of the best recurve bows for the money.

But what really matters is that the Samick lets you limb upgrade. From 25lbs all the way up to 60lbs, you can increase your draw weight as you become more experienced. And that’s not all. It has a good weight and balance that allows for accuracy.

You can also upgrade the string for a faster shot if you wish. It’s not as quiet as we’d like, but it’s a reliable bow that won’t be easily outgrown.

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The Martin Jaguar doesn’t get as much hype as the Samick Sage recurve bow, but it will be a delightful purchase for the avid shooter who is price conscious. You get a riser made of aluminum and magnesium.

That means two things. First, the Martin Jaguar won’t tire you as quickly on a full hit. Second, it is strong and durable. You will undoubtedly get more life out of it than out of a wooden one.

There’s nothing glorious about holding a bare metal riser, and Martin knows it. That’s why they included a Thermal V grip that feels great in hand. And thanks to a strong pull and well-made limbs, it shoots straight without hesitation.

Weighing in at just 2.7 pounds, the Jaguar is nice and light – not to mention it’s easy to transport since it’s a takedown recurve bow. Unfortunately, the arrow rest is a bit flimsy (although it can be replaced easily enough) and is not suitable for left-handers. Just remember that putting it together is a task that takes some getting used to (plus a few good tools).

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If you’re looking for a practical recurve hunting bow, choose the Bear Grizzly without hesitation. Sure, you can get more bells and whistles in its price range, but this is a recurve bow that means business.

Right away you will notice its stunning craftsmanship. This iconic design was introduced in 1964 and the company hasn’t looked back since. Their manufacturing process has not changed either.

With an AMO length of just 58 inches, it’s undoubtedly a short recurve bow, but that’s where its strength lies. It’s easier to move with it and allows for more accurate recordings with less noise. And don’t worry about durability because you’re backed by a three-year warranty. (This is a testament to Bear Archery’s confidence in making some of the best recurve bows for the buck.)

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If you intend to try your hand at archery, you need to get your hands on the Southwest Archery Spyder. This is a good beginner’s bow that is built to last, with the manufacturer combining four different types of wood for a sturdier finish.

The rounded edges on pockets and risers are a smart choice from Southwest Archery. It not only serves to emphasize the bow’s streamlined and sleek look, but also makes it lighter than other previous models. The redwood finish on the riser will also draw your attention.

There’s a Southwest Spyder recurve bow for everyone. There are several draw weight options to choose from ranging from 20lbs to 60lbs. The model also allows you to add accessories like sights, butts, quivers, and stabilizers, making it one of the most versatile bows on this list.

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If you notice any similarities between the Samick Sage, the Spyder and now this bow – the Tigershark – it is because they are from the same manufacturer.

If you love the first two, you’ll love this one too. The Tigershark is made from four of the finest recurve bowwood species (White Oak, Tigerwood, Padauk and Dymond wood) making it durable and long lasting.

Just like its counterparts, its limbs are made from laminated hard maple with a black fiberglass finish. It features rounded edges, a handcrafted design, and a red line that runs across the arrow rest, giving it that sleek, polished look.

You can do almost anything with this bow, including bow fishing, target practice and game hunting. It’s lightweight, very quiet, and has no hand shock, allowing for a smooth hunting experience.

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The Buffalo Hunting recurve bow is 100% handcrafted by a master bowmaker who has been in the game for over 30 years and the results speak for themselves.

It combines individual styling, revolutionary design and superior performance. This beautiful traditional recurve bow features attractiveness, excellent balance and durability. It comes in a red cobra snake skin that gives it an elegant look.

If you like playing rough, this is the perfect bow for you. Its sturdy construction means it can withstand a little abuse in traditional bowhunting. The handle and siyahs are made of wood while the limbs are made of fiberglass. Surprisingly for a fiberglass bow, it still feels light and easy to handle, allowing for a smooth draw and natural release.

With a draw weight of 30 to 65 pounds, the Buffalo Hunt is ideal for hunting medium-sized game. It will be the perfect companion when hunting deer, wild turkey and even larger targets like moose. It’s also incredibly quiet, making it one of the best traditional recurve hunting bows available overall.

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If you are looking for a bow to teach your son or daughter to shoot, consider purchasing the SAS Spirit. For starters, it won’t break the bank due to its pocket-friendly price. Weighing in at just 3 pounds, this is one of the best recurve bows for young archers – or anyone under six feet tall.

This versatile and adaptable archery bow and arrow is available in a variety of draw weight versions from 22lb to 34lb. It’s a good option for target practice and recreational shooting, but can also come in handy when hunting small game.

Don’t let the price fool you; The bow is strong and durable. The limbs are made of strong fiberglass with maple lamination, while the riser is made of trio wood (beech, chuglam, gmelina arborea and beech). But in case you’re in doubt, there’s a three-year warranty that should tell you something.

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You probably won’t find another bow as impressive as the SinoArt in the same price range. Despite its pocket-friendly price, the bow comes equipped with everything you need to shoot, so you don’t have to pay extra. It’s also specifically designed for comfort, so you can shoot all day without breaking a sweat.

Though easy on your pockets, the loop doesn’t compromise on quality; Expect it to be by your side for a very long time. The riser is made of hardwood while the limbs are made of strong fiberglass with maple lamination for that sleek look. The rounded edges on the handle and legs emphasize the simple look.

With a maximum draw weight of 36 pounds, this bow is great for training and target practice. It’s perfect for beginners who aren’t willing to spend a ton of money on their first bow, or for hunters who want to experiment before purchasing more expensive gear.

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The PSE Pro Max Takedown arc is nothing fancy, but it will get the job done. It comes with everything you need to start shooting in the box and performs better than many bows that can cost you an arm and a leg.

It’s super easy to assemble and makes very little noise. The reduced draw weight will serve you well in target training. In addition, the bow comes with finger guards if you’re not a big fan of mechanical triggers, shooting gloves or finger tabs.

Typically, a PSE recurve bow is well constructed and the Pro Max is no exception. It comes with composite limbs and a wooden riser, and you can upgrade the limbs if you outgrow them. This is an affordable bow for adults and children over 11 years old.

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If you’re a instinct hunter looking for a reliable bow, you won’t go wrong with the SAS Courage. It is available in various hunting draw weights ranging from 35lb to 65lb.

The design is simple but attractive, and its laminated wooden top not only looks good, but feels great in your hands.

You will find that the limbs are sturdy. They are made of maple and macore and laminated with black fiberglass. These will be expected to serve you for a long time before showing any signs of wear and tear. But the low price is the icing on the cake.

Whether you are shooting at targets in your garden or hunting game in the forest, this bow will serve you in all seasons. While there is some vibration, it’s barely noticeable and it comes with a three-year warranty.

How to buy the best recurve bow

You need to know what to look for when buying a recurve bow in order to choose the right one for you. Here’s what to consider before you buy.

Draw weight for recurve bows

Draw weight is the force you need to fully draw the bow. When choosing the right draw weight, you need to consider your age, gender, and physical ability.

Although there is no universally accepted standard, young adults should choose between 15 and 20 pounds. For adult women, 20 to 35 pounds is a good place to start. Adult males can pull between 40 and 50 pounds.

Purpose of the recurve bow

If you’re buying a target practice bow, any recurve bow will do. However, since the draw weight determines the strength and speed of the arrow, only high draw weights are suitable for hunting large game such as deer and elk. A draw weight less than 40 pounds can only injure the animal.

draw length

Bow length is how far you pull the bowstring back before releasing the arrow. Your ability to properly measure your draw length can mean the difference between success and failure at archery.

To ensure you get the correct draw length, keep your head and neck relaxed when measuring. Also, be careful not to strain the wrist of your drawing hand. If you are a beginner, get someone who can properly measure your draw length.

length of the recurve bow

Once you have identified your draw length, it will be easier to choose the appropriate bow length. Each individual bow has a list of draw lengths appropriate for its specific length. Make sure you buy one that can accommodate your draw length.

your budget

The most expensive recurve bow isn’t necessarily the best, and cheap doesn’t necessarily mean poor quality. Some of the best bows are very pocket-friendly. Find something that suits your needs and budget.

Recurve Bow: Final Thoughts

Archery is fun, but without the right equipment it can quickly become frustrating. It doesn’t help that bows can be expensive. And frankly, some expensive bows just can’t justify their high price. However, our list of the 10 best recurve bows has proven itself in terms of accuracy, ergonomics, durability and value for money. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s a bow for you, whatever your needs or budget.

If you’re not sure where to start, choose the Samick Sage recurve bow. It will serve you well while being quite affordable. But it’s the Bear Grizzly that takes home the trophy for best hunting recurve bow. Whatever you settle for, they are a good way to improve your archery skills and strength.