Recurve Vs Compound: Which Bow Is Best?

Choosing between a recurve bow and a compound bow can be a difficult decision. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on your experience level, budget, and personal preferences.

Recurve bows are traditional bows that date back thousands of years. They are simple in design, typically made from laminated layers of wood, and rely entirely on the archer's strength. They are generally cheaper, lighter, and easier to transport than compound bows, but they require more practice and upper body strength to use effectively.

Compound bows, on the other hand, utilise modern technology, including extra strings, cables, and cams, to provide mechanical advantages. They are easier to shoot accurately and generate faster arrow velocity. However, they tend to be more expensive, heavier, and bulkier than recurve bows.

If you are new to archery, most people recommend starting with a recurve bow. They are more affordable, easier to learn, and provide a good foundation for developing proper form and technique. However, if you are looking for something more modern, with greater accuracy and power, a compound bow may be the better choice.

Recurve bows are lighter and easier to carry

Recurve bows are also more compact and can be disassembled for storage and transport. A takedown recurve bow can be broken down into three pieces: the riser, and the top and bottom limbs. This makes it easier to store and transport.

The compact size and lighter weight of recurve bows can be advantageous in certain hunting situations. For example, recurve bows are typically longer than compound bows, which can make them tougher to handle in a pop-up ground blind. However, their lighter weight and lack of bulky accessories make them easier to manage if you are a ground-pounder.

Compound bows are more powerful

When it comes to choosing a bow, there are two main options: recurve or compound bows. While both have their strengths and weaknesses, compound bows are generally more powerful. Here's why:

Draw Weight and Let-Off

Compound bows have a higher draw weight than recurve bows due to their unique design. They utilise a system of pulleys and cables that reduce the force needed to hold the bowstring at full draw. This makes it easier for archers to shoot with greater accuracy and for longer periods without fatigue. Recurve bows, on the other hand, have a simpler design without this mechanical advantage, requiring more physical strength from the archer.

The let-off feature of compound bows further enhances their power. Let-off refers to the weight reduction provided once the bowstring is pulled back fully. The pulley system in compound bows reduces the force required to hold the string, making aiming and shooting more accurate. The let-off percentage can be as high as 65-90%, significantly easing the burden on the archer. Recurve bows, with their lack of mechanical parts, have no let-off, demanding more strength and skill.

Arrow Speed and Kinetic Energy

Compound bows tend to launch arrows at higher speeds due to their design. The pulley system enables a higher draw weight with less effort, resulting in faster arrow velocity. While this doesn't always equate to more power, it is a contributing factor. Additionally, compound bows store more energy in their limbs, further enhancing their potential for power.

Hunting and Competitive Archery

When it comes to hunting, the power of the bow, or kinetic energy, is a crucial consideration. Both recurve and compound bows can be effective, but the setup and specifications will determine their power. Hunters need to ensure their chosen bow has sufficient power to take down their prey. Local hunting laws and regulations, including minimum draw weight requirements, should also be considered.

In competitive archery, while power is advantageous, other factors like accuracy, speed, and technique play an equally important role. Both recurve and compound bows are used in competitions, each presenting unique advantages and disadvantages. Recurve bows are simpler, lighter, and easier to handle for beginners, while compound bows offer greater power and speed. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and comfort.

Recurve bows require more upper body strength

The lack of mechanical parts means that recurve bows have no "let-off". This is when the archer draws the bowstring back and the pulley system reduces the amount of force required to hold the string in place. A compound bow with an 80% let-off means that an archer pulling back a 70-pound draw weight will only need to hold 14 pounds of force at full draw.

Recurve bows are often preferred by traditional archers who value simplicity and a closer connection with nature. They are also a good option for those looking to develop their upper body strength and overall fitness.

While recurve bows require more upper body strength, they also have some advantages over compound bows. They are generally cheaper, easier to transport, and are a good option for beginners as they allow for the development of good form.

Compound bows are more accurate

While both types of bows have their pros and cons, compound bows have several features that make them more accurate than recurve bows.

Let-off

Compound bows have a "let-off" feature, which reduces the weight that the archer has to hold at full draw. This makes it easier to aim accurately and for longer. For example, an 80% let-off on a 70 lb draw weight means that the archer only has to hold back 14 lbs of weight. In contrast, a recurve bow requires the archer to hold back the full draw weight, which can be very challenging.

Arrow Velocity

The design of compound bows, with their cams, cables, and strings, allows for faster arrow velocity. This makes the arrow less susceptible to flinching or wind drift, increasing accuracy. Typical arrow velocity for a compound bow is around 310 fps or faster, while a recurve bow averages around 180 fps.

Adjustability

Compound bows have adjustable draw weight and draw length, which can be customised to the archer's needs. This means that the same bow can be used for multiple tasks, such as practicing form with a lower draw weight and then increasing the weight for hunting season. It also allows for adjustability as the archer grows in skill and strength. In contrast, a recurve bow has a set draw weight that cannot be changed, unless you purchase a takedown recurve bow with interchangeable limbs.

Ease of Use

Compound bows are generally easier to shoot than recurve bows, especially for beginners. Recurve bows require more strength and technique to shoot accurately, and mastering this type of bow can take a lot of practice. Compound bows, on the other hand, are more forgiving and allow for more accurate shooting with less effort.

Recurve bows are harder to learn

More Upper Body Strength Needed

Recurve bows rely entirely on the user's strength to draw and hold. The closer you get to full draw, the more difficult it becomes to pull. At full draw, you need to hold the bow in position with nothing but your own strength. This means that greater upper body strength is required to use a recurve bow effectively.

More Practice Needed

Recurve bows require a lot of practice to master. They demand a high level of technique and skill, and it can take years to become proficient. The lack of modern technology means that the user must rely on their natural strength and ability to shoot a recurve bow well. This is why many recurve archers choose to shoot at closer distances, as it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain accuracy at longer ranges.

More Challenging for Beginners

Recurve bows are more challenging for beginners to learn than compound bows. While recurve bows are simpler in design, this does not make them easier to shoot accurately. Beginners need to develop the necessary muscles, strength, form, and technique through dedicated practice. This makes the learning curve for recurve bows steeper than for compound bows.

Frequently asked questions