The Traditional Recurve

There's been a lot of hype or debate if you will over the years as to which is better - the traditional recurve or the compound bow?

Of all the articles that I have read it basically boils down to personal preference. Those of you that started out with a Traditional bow and now shoot a Compound can make a fair comparison; you've had a taste of both. But for those just getting started in archery, whether it is hunting or target shooting, have some homework to do.

Now to honestly do them both justices, you should spend some time shooting them both.

When you've done this and have decided that a recurve is what you want, my tips below

will help narrow the search as to what Traditional Recuve you should buy.

There are few factors to consider when choosing a recurve bow, they are far simpler then

a compound. A primary contributing factor is that a recurve bow has no "let off" which

means the archer is not required to hold the full draw weight in the release position.

Draw weight of a recurve bow is rated at a 28 inch draw. So consequently a 30lb draw weight requires a 30lb pull to hold it back 28 inches. A good rule of thumb here is

2.5lb's is required to pull back each additional inch of draw. For example, to pull back 29 inches would require a 32.5 draw weight, 30 inch a 35lb draw weight and so on.

The same is true for a lesser draw weight, 2.5lb's less, ex: 27.5lb's will be required to pull back 27 inch.

When it comes to recurves most men prefer a 55lb bow and women a 30lb bow.

Another important factor is your draw length - again, not as critical as with a compound bow. But, important none the less. The thing to keep in mind is, the maximum draw weight a shooter can comfortably achieve is directly affected by the draw length.

Another rule of thumb, an archers draw length is typically 1 inch less then it is with a compound bow.

You can roughly figure your draw length for a recurve by making a fist with your bow hand and touching it against a wall out to the side of your body, while facing forward have someone measure the distance from the wall to the corner of your mouth.

Again, this is not exact but better then a guess.

Compound Bows have a much larger mass weight then recurves. Recurves only weight about 1 or 2 lbs, so if weight is a factor, then recurves win hands down. And when carrying through the woods, much more comfortable.

As a personal preference I am a fan of the recurve bow, It's how all seven of my brothers were taught and some of them still use today, keeping it traditional helps us remember where we've come from.